Narak Chaturdashi

The second day of the five day festive carnival of Diwaliis called as Narak Chaturdashi. Since, Narak  Chaturdashi is associated with grand festival of Diwali; it definitely has a special significance for the Hindus. Popularly known as Chhoti Diwali in North India, Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated in the month of October-November.
Narak Chaturdashi falls on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival of Narak Chaturdashi is known by various names like Kali Chaudas (in Gujarat), Chhoti Diwali (in North India and West India), Roop Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi.
Abhyang Snan Muhurta is a significant tradition on the day of Narak Chaturdashi. It is believed that if a person takes bath at the appropriate timing (Abhyang Snan Muhurta) on Narak Chaturdashi, one can avoid the fate of going to Naraka (hell).
Legends of Narak Chaturdashi
The Story of King Bali:
According to the ancient Hindu texts, Mahabali had achieved enormous popularity due to his judicious and benevolent nature towards his subjects.
His power soon extended to the heavens. It was presumed by Aditi, the mother goddess that Mahabali would soon be dominating both the heavens and the earth. Aditi requested Lord Vishnu to stop his dominance. In response, Lord Vishnu decided to teach him lesson in the guise of a Vamana or dwarf. When Vishnu visited Mahabali’s kingdom as a Vamana, Mahabali was performing a ritual.
Being courteous, he asked Vamana Vishnu about a wish that he would desire. Vishnu asked for three parts of land parallel to his three footsteps. His wish was granted.
As part of his granted wish, Vamana Vishnu grew up in gigantic size. He claimed the earth with his first step and his second step claimed the heavens. Still the third step was left to be fulfilled, but there was no other pieceof land left that owed to Vishnu. Mahabali asked him to place his third step upon his head. With Vishnu’s third step upon Mahabali’s head, Mahabali was sent down to Sutala (a heavenly underworld).
Since then, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated in honor of King Bali.
Story of Narakasura:
The victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura is believed to be another legend associated with Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas.
As per Hindu mythology, Narakasura (ruler of Pragjyotishpur) had defeated Lord Indra and captured sixteen thousand daughters of lords and saints in his harem. Adding to his sins, he also insulted Aditi (mother goddess) by snatching away her magnificent earrings. Ironic to his acts, he was predicted to die in the hands of a female power.
To bring Narakasura’s demise, Sathyabama (Lord Krishna’s wife) indulged in a battle with him, while Lord Krishna was the charioteer. Naraka was beheaded with this divine intervention and the sixteen thousand daughters were freed from the prison.
Naraka Chaturdashi is the perfect day that precedes the Badi Diwali (main day for Diwali celebrations). Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas depicts the destruction of evil; thereby, helping in the sustenance of mankind on earth. So, adorn yourselves to burn into ashes the negativities around you.