Narak Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated a day prior to Diwali, i.e. on Choti Diwali. It celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over demon Narakasura. This festival is also known as Kali Chaudas or Roop Chaudas.
In some Indian regions and cultures, it is believed that it was Goddess Kali who killed the Rakshasa Narakasura. Thus it is celebrated as Kali Chaudas.
The Story of Kali Chaudas
Once there was a demon named Narakasur who was the son of Bhumi Mata (Mother Earth). Due to his several superhuman powers, he grew arrogant and troubled all the three worlds. The helpless gods sought the help of Lord Krishna. Sri Krishna ascended the divine vehicle Garuda along with his wife Satyabhama and reached the fort of Narakasur. He destroyed the demon Mura who was guarding the fort. Later Satyabhama killed Narakasur since he had the boon that he could only be killed by a woman. The day of Kali Chaudas marks the victory of good over evil. On this day it is believed that Ma Durga takes the form of Kalratri and vanquishes all the demons and evil forces.
Kali Chaudas Puja Procedure
Narak Chaturdashi is one of the prominent festivals that is celebrated on the 2nd day Of Diwali. The process of Narak Chaturdashi Pooja is as follows:-
Take wooden chowki and place a red cloth at the place of the Pooja.
Place the picture of Lord Ganesh & Goddess Laxmi on the Chowki.
Take a plate and put a red cloth first over it and then place a few silver coins on the same.
Now, take a big plate, make swastika in the middle, put 11 diyas around and place a Diya with 4 faces in the middle of the plate.
Now add sugar in the 11 diyas, or you can add makhana, kheel or murmura as well.
Next important step is to light the 4 faced Diya first and then light other 11 diyas.
Now take roli and place tilak on Goddess Laxmi & Saraswati and Lord Ganesha with the combination of red colour and rice.
Now put a combination of roli and rice in all diyas and then perform Ganesh Laxmi Panchopchar Puja.
The next step is to light another diya and put it in the front of Goddess Laxmi’s picture.
Light agarbatti & dhoop and place flowers & sweets in front of the Goddess Laxmi’s picture.
Now barring the 7 diyas and one main 4 faced diya, take rest of the diyas and place them on the main entrance of the house.
Recite Laxmi Mantra “Shreem Swaha” for bare minimum 108 times and thank Lord Ganesh & Goddess Laxmi for their blessings.
Take wooden chowki and place a red cloth at the place of the Pooja.
Place the picture of Lord Ganesh & Goddess Laxmi on the Chowki.
Take a plate and put a red cloth first over it and then place a few silver coins on the same.
Now, take a big plate, make swastika in the middle, put 11 diyas around and place a Diya with 4 faces in the middle of the plate.
Now add sugar in the 11 diyas, or you can add makhana, kheel or murmura as well.
Next important step is to light the 4 faced Diya first and then light other 11 diyas.
Now take roli and place tilak on Goddess Laxmi & Saraswati and Lord Ganesha with the combination of red colour and rice.
Now put a combination of roli and rice in all diyas and then perform Ganesh Laxmi Panchopchar Puja.
The next step is to light another diya and put it in the front of Goddess Laxmi’s picture.
Light agarbatti & dhoop and place flowers & sweets in front of the Goddess Laxmi’s picture.
Now barring the 7 diyas and one main 4 faced diya, take rest of the diyas and place them on the main entrance of the house.
Recite Laxmi Mantra “Shreem Swaha” for bare minimum 108 times and thank Lord Ganesh & Goddess Laxmi for their blessings.
