When is Kali Chaudas, Timings & Muhurta?
As per the Hindu calendar, in 2023, Narak Chaturdasi will fall on Saturday, November 11, 2023 .
Narak Chaturdashi/Kali Chaudas Date, Timing, Tithi & Muhurat
- Kali Chaudas Puja Muhurat Time - 11:57 PM to 12:48 AM, Nov 12
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins on 01:57 PM on Nov 11, 2023
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends on 02:44 PM on Nov 12, 2023
Abhyang Snan Muhurat, Tithi & Timing
- Abhyang Snan Muhurat - 05:35 AM to 06:44 AM
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 01:57 PM on Nov 11, 2023
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 02:44 PM on Nov 12, 2023
What is Naraka Chaturdashi ? Meaning of Kali Chaudas
Narak Chaturdasi is observed a day before the main Diwali (Deepavali) festive day which is the 3rd day of Diwali and a day after Dhanteras, or in other words, the 2nd day of Diwali. It befalls on the 14th day of the month of Ashwin (October or November). It is commemorated in order to free our lives of idleness and evil and wickedness.
It is known by many names in several regions, including Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, Narak Puja, Naraka Nivaran Chaturdasi and Bhoot Chaturdashi. However, since it occurs a day before Diwali, the most well-known term for this event is Chhoti Diwali (little Diwali).
In this article you will learn about Kali Chaudas meaning and the importance of Kali Chaudas. Also, how to celebrate Narak Chaturdashi and how to do Narak Chaturdashi pooja. And also, what to do on Naraka Chaturdashi and why Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated.
Importance & Significance of Kali Chaudas (Story of Narak Chaturdasi)
The day is celebrated as a day of victory-over-evil because Lord Krishna killed the ferocious demon Narakasura on this day. The story narrates that Narakasura, an Asura (demon), was plundering both earth and the world of Gods (Devalok). Even Lord Indra, the King of Gods, failed to stop Narakasura. The Gods requested Lord Vishnu to intervene and save the earth and heavens. Lord Vishnu, the preserver, promised that the slaying of Narakasura will be done through Lord Krishna, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. True to His words, Lord Krishna put an end to Narakasura. Lord Krishna, requested his wife Satyabhama, who is the incarnation of Bhumi Devi to come along with him to the battlefield. Narakasura had been given a boon by Lord Brahma that no male will be able to kill him and that only a woman would be the cause of his death. This led the cruel Narakasura to imprison all women who were anywhere in the kingdom. Lord Krishna, with Satyabhama by His side engaged in a fierce battle with the demon. It is said the Lord had a slight injury inflicted by Narakasura. An enraged Satyabhama made the final assault with Her arrow which killed the demon. Lord Krishna set free all the women whom Narakasura had captivated. Therefore, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated to commemorate this victory against Narakasura.
Goddess Kali or Maha Kali or Shakti is worshipped on this day and so the name Kali Chaudas. Among the many versions of the Narak Chaturdashi stories, it is said that Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna together killed Narakasura. Hence, this day is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and some places of Rajasthan. Goddess Kali is powerful and compassionate, and She protects her followers from all evil. On this day, people pray to Her to cure chronic sicknesses, protect them from evil spirits, and help them get out of debt.
Another version of the Kali Chaudas/ Narak Chaturdashi Story says that Goddess Kali decimated the powerful and wicked asura Raktabija on this day and drank his blood. The demon Raktabija along with Shumbha and Nishumbha fought Goddess Parvati and Goddess Kali. Raktabija had been granted a boon that if a drop of his blood fell on the ground it would reproduce a clone or duplicate of him. When Goddess Kali saw this during the onslaught, she took her daunting fierce form. Goddess Kali opened her mouth wide and devoured all the clones of Raktabija, slaughtered the original Raktabija and drank his blood. This triumphant incident is said to have occurred on this day of Kali Chaudas.
Lord Hanuman is also worshipped on this day for protection. A Narak Chaturdashi Story is that when Lord Hanuman was a mere child, He had gobbled the Sun thinking it's a fruit, plunging the world into darkness. On the day of Narak Chaturdashi, all Gods tried to plead and cajole little Hanuman to release the Sun from His mouth but Lord Hanuman would not listen to anyone. Not finding any other way, Lord Indra used His thunderbolt to hit Lord Hanuman's mouth which released the Sun and brought the light back to the world.
On Dhantrayodashi On Dhantrayodashi and Narak Chaturdashi, Yama/Yamraj/Yamdev is worshipped by some people. Yamraj is the deity of death. By worshipping Him on this day liberates one from untimely or sudden death and to avoid going to hell (narak). The puja rituals include lighting 13 wheat flour oil lamps outside the house, facing the flame to the South.
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Significance of Narak Chaturdasi in Occult
For Tantriks and Aghoris, Narak Chaturdashi is a very important day because it is a very powerful day and one of the best days of the year to perform special rituals, penance and sadhana for special attainments. Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi is also a perfect day for exorcism of evil spirits. It is said offering puja and sacrifices at crematoriums on the night of Kali Chaudas wards off any ill effects of black magic. Also, for people interested in occult science, esoteric knowledge, the day of Kali Chaudas has major importance. Kali Chaudas Black Magic is an issue to deal with on this auspicious occasion.
Astrological Significance of Narak Chaturdasi
In Vedic astrology, Rahu is a shadow entity; it casts darkness in various aspects of life bringing dissatisfaction, fears, mental distortion, negative thinking and living in fantasy. Those suffering from ill effects of planet Rahu can effectively utilize the day of Narak Chaturdashi / Kali Chaudas to perform remedial processes and worship Goddess Kali to appease Her and get relief from the malefic effects of Rahu.
Rituals of Narak Chaturdasi
The most significant ritual of the Naraka Chaturdasi is that people get up early in the morning (before dawn or before moonrise), apply ubtan (a mixture of sesame oil, herbs, flowers, wheat flour, and turmeric powder) on their bodies, and then take a holy bath or Abhyang Snan. The oil bath represents the rite performed by Lord Krishna after slaying Narakasura. This is meticulously followed in the Southern states of India with elaborate preparations for the bath, the previous night.
The Abhyanga Snan with the ubtan protects one from poverty, unforeseen events, misfortune, etc. In West Bengal it is believed that 14 deceased ancestors visit their loved ones, here on earth. So,14 Diyas are lit outside the house in their honor. Narak Chaturdashi is also called Roop Chaturdashi and it is said that a head bath and application of Kajal is a must on this day to shield oneself from evil eye (buri naazar).
Every family does puja. On this day, Lord Krishna is mostly adored. As prasad, sweets are given to family members and others who attended the puja after the puja. Snacks such as chaklis and other savory foods are also made. People go to their friends and family's homes in the evening. Lamps are also put inside and outside the homes. Fireworks are an important element of the evening festivities. All of these festivities prepare the stage for the grander Diwali celebration the next day.
Narak Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali & Kali Chaudas Puja Vidhi
The rituals of Narak Chaturdashi puja are done with offerings of oil, flowers, and sandalwood. Lord Hanuman is offered Coconuts and prasad of sesame seed, jaggery and rice flakes (poha) with ghee and sugar.
In the states of West Bengal, Assam, Orissa and some other states, on Narak Chaturdashi, Kali puja or worship of Goddess Kali is performed with devotion and faith. Some devotees keep a day long fast till the puja is done at mid-night. Maa Kali's favorite Red Hibiscus garlands preferably of 108 Hibiscus and flowers are offered to the idol of Divine mother along with other Naivedyam.
The ritual of offering Lemon garlands, of 11 or 108 Lemons, to the Goddess on the occasion of Kali Chaudas / Narak Chaturdashi is prevalent. Many devotees wear black clothes and visit Kali temples to offer flowers and coconuts to the Deity. Powerful mantras are chanted by the pujaris, devotees offer 'Pushpanjali' while repeating the mantras as per direction from the pujari. It is considered that meditating and praying throughout the night is beneficial for attainments of the spiritual kind.
Kali Chaudas Mantra
People take a special bath before dawn or sunrise on this day (Abyangasnan) which is a must-to-do on Narak Chaturdashi day. Before beginning Abyanga take Sankalp with the following Mantra:
यमलोक दर्शनाभावकामो अहम्भ्यङ्ग्स्नानां करिष्ये ||
“Yamlok darshanabhavokamoabyangam karisye”
Benefits of Narak Chaturdashi
Rituals performed on this day serve to protect you against spiritual, mental, and physical difficulties and dangers. Kali Chaudas puja not only provides you with a protective shield from all negative energies, but it also has a rebounding effect on anybody who conducts any kind of kiya karaya on the individual. The Kali Chaudas rituals purge bad energy that impede one’s spiritual growth and financial success.
Goddess Kali is revered as the Goddess of time, creation, destruction and power. The fierce yet compassionate Divine Maa Kali is the protector of Her devotees and protects from evil eye and all things evil including black magic, financial debts, hurdles faced in job or business.
Worshipping the powerful Maa Kali on Narak Chaturdashi pacifies malefic effects of the planet Rahu and Saturn. Her blessings heal chronic, terminal illnesses. She helps to face all fear and makes Her devotees fearless by proving courage. Goddess Kali kills our ego to be reborn as new. Her name is Kali which means black or dark, but She dispels darkness from our lives.
Narak Chaturdashi is apparently a dark night but with tremendous potential to see the light of the Divine.