Kali Chaudas, falling on the fourteenth day of Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the Kartika month of Vikram Samvat, is more than a precursor to Diwali; it is a celebration steeped in rich tradition and symbolism. Also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, this day holds the essence of abolishing lethargy and dispelling evils that may disrupt one’s life. Often referred to as Choti Diwali, Roop Chaudas, Naraka Nivaran Chaudas, or Bhoot Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is a significant part of the Diwali festivities.
Kali Chaudas Date and Puja Timing 2023
- Kali Chaudas Date – Saturday 11 November
- Kali Chaudas muhurat timing – , 11.39 pm to 12.32 am nov 12.
- Chaturdashi tithi begins – November 11, 1.57 pm
- Chaturdashi tithi end – November 12, 2.44 pm.
The Mythical Story of Kali Chaudas
The word Kali Chaudas, Kali means dark or eternal, which is also referred to goddess Mahakali. Who kills the demon Narkasura on this day and Chaudas refers to fourteenth day. Thus the meaning of Kali Chaudas means the killing of the demon by Maha Kali on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon of the Kartik month. Narka Chaudas referred to Narka as the demon Narkasura and chaudashi means fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight paksha the day he was slaughtered by Goddesses Kali.
Story: the festival of Kali Chaudas or Narka Chaturdashi has many stories which was some known and unknown fact and myth related to this day.
According to the Puranas Narkasura the son of Mother Earth was granted a boon by Lord Brahma of being killed only by the hand of his mother. The vain and wicked demon started dictating the three world. The God and Goddesses were easy prey to his assault and atrocities. At the behest of god Lord Vishnu incarnated himself as Lord Krishna on the day of Kali Chaudas to save them from disaster. Unfortunately, Lord Krishna fell unconscious by a power-packed arrow released by Narkasura during the war. Stayambha the wife of Lord Krishna, who was then his charioteer pickeup her weapon and killed Narakasura. Stayambha said to be an embodiment of goddess earth. After that Lord Brahma’s boon was testified as Narkasura was killed by his mother.
According to the other legends, Narkasura wants to marry goddess Kamakhya. But the Goddess was ready only after the fulfillment of her condition. She directed him to build down steps at the foothill of Nilachal hill which was situated in Guwahati Assam. Then task was completed before dawn. The excited demon start working on the mammoth mission with great enthusiasm. Growing aware of his intention, goddess Kamakhya was created the illusion of dawn by the crowing of rooster. A foolish Narkasura immediately left the task unfinished in dismal and was intentionally killed by the Goddesses. This story is believed on the day of Kali Chaudas.
Puja Vidhi and Rituals of Kali Chaudas
- On the day of Kali Chaudas, devotees wake up early to anoint there bodies with scented oil. They have hair bath. The application of kajal is believed towards of evil eyes.
- Abhyanga Snan before sunrise on Kali Chaudas. The day help to get over poverty, unforeseen event, misforeseen events, misfourtune, etc.
- Lighting diya on this day, it says that bring good luck and prosperity on there life.
- The puja vidhi performed at night is followed by meals that devotees take to break there fast.
- The day is also dedicated to appeasing decreased soul who are believed to visit earth to accept special offering made by their family.
- Coconut,oil flowers and chandan and sindur are offered to Hanuman Ji. A special prashad is made out of til or sesame seeds,and jaggery and poha and ghee.
- The rituals of Kali Chaudas has suggested that origin of diwali as a harvest festival. On this day ruler areas people cooked traditional food like semi cooked rice extracted from the fresh harvest available at the time. This custom is prevelent both in rural and urban areas of western India.
- In some place people burn paper made Narkasura filled with grass and cracker, which symbolizes the significance of destruction of evil.
- A bitter berry called Kareet crushed under the feet is signify the evil and remove ignorance.
Kali Chaudas imporatance!
On the night of Kali Chaudas evoke voodoo and a sense of occult. It is the most dangerous night of the year which holds great significance for exorcists and tantrik who perform evil or black magic practice. This day is symbolized reawakening the concept of the dark and secreative world of the unknown. Also known as Halloween day in India. The night of Kali Chaudas Day belongs to appeasing unhappy souls.
The Significance of Kali Chaudas
Kali Chaudas holds an air of voodoo and occult practices, making it a night with significance for exorcists and tantriks. Often regarded as the Halloween of India, it is considered the most spiritually charged night. Symbolizing the awakening of the dark and secretive realms, Kali Chaudas is a night dedicated to appeasing unhappy souls.
The name itself holds profound significance: Kali, representing darkness, and Chaudas, the fourteenth day. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narkasura, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This festival serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal battle between righteousness and wickedness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the festival of Kali Chaudas is deeply rooted in Hindu scriptures, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the removal of negativity. Beyond the rituals, it unites people, promoting a sense of collective celebration and fostering a spirit of prosperity, happiness, and protection from negativity.