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As per the Hindu calendar, the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month will start on October 30 at 01:15 pm.
As per the mythology, Lord Krishna, who resided in Dwarka with his wives, was visited by Devraj Indra. He approached Lord Krishna to ask for his help in saving the Gods from the atrocities of the demon king, Bhaumasur, also known as Narakasur. The demon king had kidnapped the daughters of many kings and common people from the earth and had imprisoned them. Devraj Indra pleaded with Lord Krishna to save the world.
Lord Krishna and his wife, Satyabhama rode on Garuda and reached Pragjyotashpur, the residence of the demon king. The Lord killed a demon named Mur with the help of his sons and wife. Upon hearing this, Bhaumasur joined the war with his army. It is interesting to note that Bhaumasur was cursed that a woman would kill him. Hence, Satyabhama became the charioteer to Lord Krishna and he was killed. This day came to be known as Chaturdashi. Lord Krishna not only killed Narakasur but also freed about 16,000 women from his captivity. To mark this day, lamps were lit and Deepdaan was done.
As per the Hindu calendar, the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month will start on October 30 at 01:15 pm. It will end on October 31 at 03:52 pm. Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated a day before Diwali and a day after Dhanteras. In some places of the country, it is called Roop Chaudas, Narak Chaudas or even Kali Chaudas.
As per scriptures, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi arrives in the house and hence, every part of the house is cleaned properly to welcome her. People also take special measures to avoid negativity by lighting a lamp in the name of the God of Death, Yamraj. There is a tradition of lighting a diya in the name of Yamraj on Narak Chaturdashi. It is believed that worshipping Yam Dev on this day will end the fear of untimely death.
Oil Massages: On the day of Narak Chaturdashi, wake up in the morning and massage your entire body with oil, then take a bath. It is believed that on Chaturdashi, Goddess Lakshmi resides in oil and Goddess Ganga resides in all waters. Therefore, doing these will bring the blessings of the goddesses.
Worshipping Goddess Kali: On Narak Chaturdashi, Goddess Kali is worshipped. She is believed to remove all sorrows. On the same day, Lord Krishna is also worshipped.
On Narak Chaturdashi, 14 diyas are lit in the house. Here are the places where you should place the diyas-
- The first diya should be placed outside the house at night facing south near the garbage heap.
- Place a ghee lamp right in front of the temple of the house.
- Another diya should be placed in front of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Put one diya in front of the Holy Tulsi.
- Place a lit diya outside the door of the house.
- Light a diya under a Peepal tree.
- Place another lamp in the deserted and darkest corner of your house.
- Make sure to place a lamp in the washroom of the house as well.
- Light a lamp on the parapet of the roof of the house.
- Place a lit lamp near the window.
- Light up a lamp and place it on the balcony.
- Add a diya to the entrance of your rooms.
- Place a diya in the kitchen.
- Add a diya at the entrance of the kitchen as well.