Narakasura ruled the
kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Puranas have it
that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by
Lord Brahma after a severe penance. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a
lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be
imprisoned in his palace with his invincible might.
Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings
pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture. But Naraka had a boon
that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna
asks his wife Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi,
to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.
When Krishna fell unconscious after
being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Sathyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow
at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon
she had sought as Bhudevi. The Narakasura Vadh by Sathyabhama could also be
taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children
when they step in to the wrong path.
The message of Naraka
Chaturdashi Parva is that the
good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds. It is
interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain demon Naraka, declared
that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and
rejoice. It is said Lord Krishna had an oil bath to rid himself off the blood
spattered on his body when Naraka was killed.
The tradition is followed and people
offer prayers on the previous day of the Naraka Chaturdashi to the vessel in
which water is being heated for having bath. Hindus light fireworks, which are
regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day.
Naraka Chaturdashi Regional Variance
- Naraka Chaturdashi in North India
Naraka Chaturdashi is observed as Choti Deepavali in North India. The day is also known as Roop Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi. - Naraka Chaturdashi in Tamil Nadu
Naraka Chaturdashi is observed as Deepavali in South Indian states especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. - Naraka Chaturdashi in Maharashtra
The day of Naraka Chaturdashi is popularly known as Abhyang Snan in Maharashtra.