The festival of Kali Chaudas is celebrated on the day before Diwali i.e. on the Chaturdashi tithi in Krishna Paksha during the month of Kartik. It is commonly called as Choti Diwali in the language of common language. Narak Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas etc. are some of its popular names. According to Hindu mythology, it is a provision to worship Lord Yamaraj on this day after performing the Abhyang Snan. By doing this, one eliminates the fear of untimely death. On this day, diyas or lamps are lit at the time of dusk.
Kali Chaudas Puja Muhurat
Abhyang Snan Auspicious Muhurat
Note: This muhurat is for New Delhi, India. Click here to know for your city - Abhyang Snan Muhurat & Puja Rituals
Why Kali Chaudas Is Celebrated
According to the beliefs, the festival of Kali Chaudas is celebrated to commemorate Lord Vishnu's victory over a demon named Narakasura. This festival is also associated with worshipping Maa Kali. This day signifies the importance of Tantric learning and carrying out Tantric acts. Also, Maa Kali is considered the goddess of Tantric teachings. It is said that if a devotee pleases Mother Kali on this day, then s/he attains Ashta Siddhi. Worshiping Goddess Kali on the day of Kali Chaudas eliminates physical and mental troubles from the lives of the devotees.
Significance of Abhyang Snan on Kali Chaudas
Abhyang Snan or Bath holds great importance on the day of Narak Chaturdashi. It is believed that if a devotee performs the bathing ritual during the auspicious time, s/he gets rid of her/his fear of death and Hell (Narak). Before taking a bath, massage your body with sesame seed oil, then put Apamarga (Chirchira) leaves in the water and then perform the Abhyang Snan. One appeases the Yamraj by following the steps and gets rid of the sins and fear of untimely death.
Kali Chaudas Puja Rituals
- Take a bath before sunrise in the morning.
- During this while, massage the body with sesame oil.
- After that, circle the Apamarga i.e. Chirchira (medicinal plant) leaves around your head three times.
- Before this, keep a water-filled urn or pot on the day of Ahoi Ashtami in Kartik Krishna Paksha.
- On the day of Kali Chaudas, mix this water before bathing.
- After bathing, pray to Lord Yamraj with folded hands while facing towards the South.
- On this day, place an oil lamp or diya outside the main door of the house in regard with Lord Yamraj.
- After worshipping all the deities in the evening, light oil lamps and place them on both sides of the door frame, outside the house and at the entrance of the workplace.
- Worship Lord Shri Krishna on this day.
- On this day during the Nishith Kaal (at the time of midnight), one should throw away useless things from home. This tradition is called Daridraya Nih Saaran.
Mythological Legend Related To Kali Chaudas (Narak Chaturdashi)
According to the legend, a demon named Narakasura had terrorized the Gods and Sages with his powers and took sixteen thousand women as his hostage. Troubled by the terror, all the Gods and Saints approached the divine Lord Krishna and asked for his help. Listening to their plight, the Lord assured everyone regarding the elimination of the demon.
According to a curse, Narkasur would die at the hands of a woman. Therefore, Shri Krishna, with the help of his wife Satyabhama; killed Narakasura on Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month and freed sixteen thousand women from his captivity. Later on, these women were hailed as the “Patraniyan” of the Lord. After Narkasur was killed, natives celebrated the occasion by lighting diyas in their homes on the Amavasya during the month of Kartik.
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