585. The Significance of Naraka Chaturdashi ……

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Varaha, the third Avatar of Maha Vishnu defeated Hiranyaksha, the demon who had captured Bhudevi (Earth) and had hid her in a dark place away from sun rays falling on her. While restoring her back to her place in the solar system His tusk accidentally touched her body and she conceived. She gave birth to an Asura as the union was at the time when the Lord was very fierce. The Lord knew that this child would cause harm to mankind so He did not want him alive. But as a mother Bhudevi requested the Lord to spare the child and promised parenting the child well. Then the Lord told Bhudevi that the child would die only if she wishes for and only she can kill him. Bhudevi named him Bauma.

Bhudevi took the child to Pragjyotishyapura, the “Light of the East” (modern day Guwahati). As the time passed, Bauma because of his Asuric instincts took over all the kingdoms on the earth plane and led his mighty army to Devaloka (Heaven). Indra along with the demi-gods made a hasty retreat from the heaven. The Asura took 16,000 women from the palaces as prisoners killing every male who resisted his venture.  He was called Narakasura from then on; which meant the one who takes one to hell.  As he was leaving he happened to notice a pair of glowing earrings adorning the ears of Aditi, the mother of Indra. Fascinated, he grabbed them from her. He was called Narakasura from then on; it means the one who takes one to hell.

Disturbed Aditi went to Satyabhama, the consort of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna knew that the Asura was son of Bhumidevi who had incarnated as Satyabhama in the Lords Krishnavatara. “Do not worry, Mother, we’ll set things right at once!” He said to Aditi kindly. After all she was His mother in Vamanavatara and as a son He had to do His duty.

He turned to Satyabhama. “Come on, Satya! You’ve always wanted to join me in battle. Here’s your chance! Gather the weapons and Garuda will take us there.” Together, they mounted on Garuda, who transported them to Narakasura’s Pragjyotishyapura.

Narakasura saw Krishna’s arrival flung a mace at Krishna but Garuda swooped low and it missed its target. Krishna sent down arrows which killed all the Asuras and their mounts. Garuda with his great wings could strike down the horses and elephants. Satyabhama too rained arrow after arrow on the army and soon Narakasura was only one left on the battle field.

He took his powerful trident and hurled it at Krishna. The trident hit the Lord on his chest and became unconscious. For a moment, Satyabhama couldn't believe her eyes. This can’t be true, she told herself and aimed an arrow at the Asura. It pierced Narakasura right in his chest and he fell with an agonizing cry.

As an anxious Satyabhama turned to her fallen Lord, Krishna got up with a mischievous smile! He was only playing a part, for it was the arrow from Satyabhama that was destined to kill the Asura. The slaying of Narakasura by Satyabhama could also be interpreted as that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds. It is said that before dying Narakasura realized his mistakes and requested for a festival in his name from his parents which will remind people what will happen when they are overtook by inflated egos. Naraka Chaturdasi thus indicates that good and evil rises from the same root. 

The 16000 women were freed and the earrings of Aditi retrieved. Bhagadatha, the son of Narakasura was crowned the king of Pragjyotishyapura. Krishna and Satyabhama returned to Dwaraka from battle victorious. And it is to celebrate this victory of good over evil, that Deepawali, the festival of lights is celebrated.

As for why one has to have a traditional oil bath? Well, when Krishna and Satyabhama returned from battle before daybreak, it is said that they both were smeared with blood and grime; they needed a cleanup with sandal paste and scented oils.  So we too take that oil bath on this auspicious day like them and celebrate the LIGHTS of JOY!