Choti Diwali 2010 ~ NarakChaturdashi 2010

Source adapted from Hindupad

Image from  Google

Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is the most auspicious day during Diwali festival as it is the day during which demon Narakasura was demolished by Lord Krishna. As per the Puranas, those who perform bath ritual before sunrise would get rid of Yam lok darshan. They will not get Narak praptthi. ‘Apamarga Prokshana’ is the main ritual to perform on Naraka Chaturdashi as per the Holy Scriptures. Naraka Chaturdashi 2010 date is 4 November 2010.

Before sunrise, oil is applied on the head and apamarga prokshana is performed. It means rubbing the stem or flowers or leaves of Calotropis gigantean on the head while reciting the following mantra:

Sithaloshta samayoktham sakantaka dalaanvitham
Hara papa mapaamaarga bhramyamanah punah punah 

After performing ritual bath, Jala Tharpana is observed for three times. It is known as Yama Tharpan. Deep Daan (donating diyas) is performed after Yama Tharpanam and Devata puja.

Devotees to light Diyas or Deepa for three days – Dhanvantari Trayodashi, Naraka Chaturdashi, and Deepavali Amavasya to get the benefits or merits of the vrata. Some devotees observe ‘Eka bhuktham’ (single meal fasting).

King Maha Bali worshipped Lord Vamana to bless those devotees with happiness who light lamps for Yama Dharma Raja during Dhan Trayodashi, Narak Chaturdasi, and Diwali. And he also prayed to him to give endless wealth to those who observe Lakshmi Puja during these days.

It is to note that Calotropis gigantean is known as Jilledu in Telugu, Mudar in Hindi, Ekkamale in Kannada, Erukkalai in Tamil, and Aka in Marathi.

 This festival is considered as Small Diwali as on this day crackers are burst in small scale. All preparations for Diwali are done on Choti Diwali day. Devotees clean their houses and Rangoli designs are drawn in front of the house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. In the evening on Choti Diwali, Sri Rama Puja is also performed along with Shri Lakshmi Puja. Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdasi is the second day of Diwali festival.

On Narak Chaturdasi day, demon Narakasur was demolished by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama. They fought very aggressively and beheaded the demon on this day. Narak Chaturdashi marks the destruction of evil in the world and arrival of new lights. So, the diyas are lamps are kept burning for several days after beginning from Naraka Chaturdashi.

Narak Chaturdashi falls on Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi as per the calendars followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It falls on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi as per the North Indian calendars.

During this day,In India, Images of Narakasur is made by papers,hay, and other materials and fired by small kids and elders as if demon was demolished by Lord Krishna & Satyabhama.I enjoyed this day firing of the Narakasur with many papers and Crackers attached to it.Today being in U.S,no chance to participate and Celebrate the Festival with Family members and being enjoyed with my kid and going to fire fhe Narakasur made with paper.

You can have a look towards Paper Narakasur Image below.

Note:

• Naraka Chaturdhasi Mantras  & Slokas to chant during Narakachaturdhasi snan.