Naraka Chaturdashi Story

Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is celebrated with enthusiasm and has a mythological connection to Lord Krishna and the demon Narakasur. According to the story, Bhudevi (Earth Goddess) nourished all beings. However, her son Narakasur caused terror and chaos across the world. His tyranny troubled even the gods, prompting Lord Indra to seek Lord Krishna’s help. Indra approached Krishna and explained that Narakasur had insulted their divine mother Aditi by stealing her earrings. Due to a boon from Lord Brahma, no god could kill Narakasur. Indra sought Krishna’s intervention, and Krishna assured his support. Krishna’s wife, Satyabhama, insisted on joining him in the battle, asserting that women are not weak. Krishna, mounted on his Garuda, reached Narakasur’s kingdom and began attacking his army. Narakasur, enraged, confronted Krishna, claiming his actions were righteous. Krishna explained Narakasur’s endless list of sins, including tormenting gods and humans, misusing Brahma’s boon, abducting royals, and disrespecting sages. As the fierce battle began, both sides exchanged powerful weapons. When Krishna’s bowstring broke, Narakasur seized the opportunity to attack. Satyabhama stepped in, shielding Krishna from the blow. Krishna then used his Sudarshan Chakra to defeat Narakasur, splitting him in two. The Earth cracked open, swallowing Narakasur’s remains. Bhudevi appeared, expressing no sorrow for her son’s death, as his sins had become unbearable. She returned Aditi’s earrings to Krishna and disappeared. Krishna liberated the gods and freed the 16,100 princesses imprisoned by Narakasur, restoring their honor. Krishna’s victory over Narakasur occurred on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, which is now celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi.