Narak Chaturdashi 2025: Date, Legends and Complete Rituals
By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Sacred Festival of Dharma and Triumph of Light
Table of Contents
Narak Chaturdashi is a highly revered festival observed on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi Tithi) of the dark fortnight of Kartik month, one day before Diwali. Popularly known as Chhoti Diwali, Kali Chaudas and Roop Chaudas, this day holds deep spiritual significance. It is not merely a prelude to Diwali but signifies purification of the body and soul, liberation from sins and the destruction of evil. The day is devoted to the worship of Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali and Yamraj. Lighting lamps in the southern direction symbolizes reverence to Yamraj, lord of death, which protects devotees from untimely demise and grants longevity. The ritualistic Abhyanga Snan performed at dawn is considered essential for spiritual cleansing and renewal.
Date and Auspicious Muhurat of Narak Chaturdashi 2025
- Festival Date: Narak Chaturdashi in 2025 falls on Monday, October 20.
- Abhyanga Snan Timing: From 05:16 AM to 06:27 AM. This duration is not merely for physical purification but deeply signifies spiritual cleansing.
- Commencement of Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins on October 19 at 01:51 PM.
- Conclusion of Tithi: Ends on October 20 at 03:44 PM. All rituals and observances are performed within this period.
Importance and Elaborated Procedure of Abhyanga Snan
The Abhyanga Snan ritual is not an ordinary bath but a divine practice of purification.
- Before sunrise, devotees prepare a paste called Ubtan consisting of mustard oil, flour, turmeric, sandalwood, flowers and medicinal herbs. When applied and followed by bathing, it removes impurities and wards off ailments while simultaneously calming the mind.
- After the ritual, wearing new attire and engaging in worship symbolize a new beginning marked by purity.
- The scriptures mention that this sacred bath not only ensures health and prosperity but also liberates devotees from sin and protects them from the sufferings of Naraka (hell). It is regarded as a process of spiritual rebirth.
Mythological Legends and Stories
Lord Krishna and the Slaying of Narakasura
According to the scriptures, the demon Narakasura wreaked havoc in all three worlds. He forcefully seized sacred jewels like Varuna’s umbrella and Aditi’s earrings and imprisoned thousands of maidens. Answering the plea of the gods, Lord Krishna accompanied by his wife Satyabhama mounted on Garuda and attacked Pragjyotishpur. Due to a boon, only a woman could slay Narakasura. Hence, Satyabhama valiantly stepped forward and in battle killed the demon. Sixteen thousand imprisoned maidens were liberated. Lighting lamps henceforth commemorates this glorious victory of righteousness and courage over tyranny and evil.
Goddess Kali and the Annihilation of Raktabija
The fierce demon Raktabija threatened cosmic balance by multiplying endlessly , every drop of his blood reproduced a clone. Goddess Kali, invoking her terrifying form, consumed all the blood before it touched the earth and ultimately killed him. This event demonstrates the destruction of recurring negativity through divine power. Thus, this day is also celebrated as Kali Chaudas, with Kali’s worship to eradicate evil and dispel darkness.
Hanuman and the Sun
In an alternate story, young Hanuman once mistook the Sun as a ripe fruit and swallowed it, creating darkness everywhere. The gods begged him to release the Sun but he refused. Finally, Indra struck Hanuman with a Vajra (thunderbolt), restoring light. This conveys that even in the dominance of darkness, divine intervention restores cosmic order and dispels ignorance.
Worship of Yamraj and the Lamp Offering
On this day Yamraj, the lord of death, is venerated by lighting thirteen lamps made of wheat flour facing south. Scriptures identify the southern direction as sacred to Yamraj. This lamp offering symbolizes reverence for death’s inevitability, prayers for long life and protection from premature passing. It is considered a gesture of cosmic surrender and divine safeguarding.
Elaborated Rituals and Observances on Narak Chaturdashi
- Abhyanga Snan - Ritualistic oil bath before sunrise with Ubtan to cleanse the body, soul and mind.
- Wearing New Clothes - Symbolic of spiritual renewal, removing all negativity from the past and stepping into a lattice of purity.
- Applying Kajal - Applied to shield against the evil eye (Kali Nazar), it is understood to form a metaphysical defense system for emotional and spiritual safety.
- Lighting Diyas - Homes and temples illuminate numerous lamps, signifying removal of inner and outer darkness, invoking wisdom and positive energy.
- Special Worship - Devotees revere Krishna for slaying Narakasura, Kali for cleansing negativity and Yamraj for safety from untimely death.
- Offerings and Prasad - Foods like flattened rice, sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut and rice-based sweets are offered, embodying gratitude and divine connection.
- Firecrackers and Festivity - The bursting sound is symbolic of victory, scattering away malevolent forces and inviting collective joy.
- Ancestor Worship and Temple Visits - Devotees visit family deity temples and offer respects to ancestors, linking family heritage with cosmic energy.
Spiritual Message of Narak Chaturdashi
Narak Chaturdashi teaches that the human mind also houses negativities akin to demons like Narakasura and Raktabija. These internal adversaries multiply unless quelled by divine strength and spiritual practice. The rituals remind devotees to cleanse themselves not just externally but to also extinguish ignorance, anger and greed from within.
Inspiring Thought
The essence of Narak Chaturdashi lies in its comprehensive philosophy of renewal. The Abhyanga Snan cleanses body and spirit, the lamps inspire knowledge and faith, while the worship deepens devotion and divine proximity. Ancestor remembrance connects us to roots and cosmic continuity. Altogether, this day conveys the eternal truth that where dharma and light exist, no darkness or evil can prevail.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.When is Narak Chaturdashi in 2025?
- On Monday, October 20, 2025.
2.What is the correct muhurat for Abhyanga Snan?
- The auspicious time is from 05:16 AM to 06:27 AM.
3.Which deities are worshipped on this day?
- Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali and Yamraj.
4.What is the purpose of lighting lamps?
- It symbolizes offering to Yamraj for freedom from premature death and illuminates the triumph of light over darkness.
5.What is the core spiritual message of this festival?
- Righteousness, courage and divine light will always annihilate ignorance, sin and evil.
