The Legend of Narakasura: A Diwali Tale

Deepavali or Diwali is the festival of lights. It is more than just crackers, diyas, and sweets. The legendary tales behind this auspicious day are the true virtue of Diwali, as they speak of the triumph over evil and darkness. While the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya is a well-known tale, the legend of Narakasura is an intriguing one as well.

The tale of  Narakasura, Source: The Indian Express

It is the time of the year when the whole of India is ready to light up like the stars in the galaxy. The pleasant noise in the house where the kids are playing whilst enjoying the tales narrated by their grandparents, the parents making laddoos and lighting up the diyas, and much more. All across the country, Diwali is celebrated as per age-old traditions, customs, and beliefs. Several legendary tales define the significance of Diwali. While in the northern part of India, the tale of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya with his beloved wife Sita marked the beginning of this festival, in the southern part of the country, the triumph of Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama over the demon King Narakasura holds a prominent significance.

But who was Narakasura*,* and how is he related to Diwali? Narakasura, as the name suggests was an asura, but he was no ordinary one. According to the Kalika Purana and other sacred texts, Narakasura was the son of Bhumidevi*,* the earth goddess,  and Varaha, the third avatar of Lord Vishnu's incarnation, the wild boar. Due to his association with another asura, named Banasura, Narakasura became evil. He became the King of Pragjyotishyapur. He gained immense power when he sought a boon from Lord Brahma. The boon granted his wish to be killed only by his mother and that no other power in the world could harm him.

From then on, his power and might had no bounds. He also befriended Rishi Kashyap's son Mura, an asura with five heads who then became Narakasura's general. Together they fought several battles, ruthlessly killing people. After conquering all realms, he entered heaven. Due to his boon, even Lord Indra and the other deities were of no match to him. Narakasura imprisoned 16,000 women from Devlok. While leaving, he noticed the earrings of Aditi, the mother goddess. These earrings were very precious as they glowed even in the dark and had been specially made for her. Without an ounce of thought, he snatched it from her ears.

Filled with agony, the mother goddess sought relief from Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's consort. Looking at Aditi's dripping blood and her cry for help, Satyabhama immediately chanted Lord Krishna's name and asked him to put an end to Narakasura. Lord Krishna immediately prepared himself to confront the demon, but this time it was different as his wife Satyabhama also accompanied him to the battlefield. With the help of Garuda*,* the divine eagle), they flew to the kingdom of Pragjyotishyapur. Lord Krishna knew that only if he killed Narakasura's general Mura would he be able to get hold of Narakasura*,* so he slewed him first. This is the reason why Lord Krishna is also called 'Murari''.

After Mura's death, Narakasura sensed his end coming close, even though he knew that he could only be killed by his mother. Lord Krishna, who was aware of his boon, was also aware that Satyabhama was none other than an incarnation of Bhumidevi. He pulled a quick play to kill Narakasura. He angered Narakasura and, in return, the demon king hurled his trident toward Lord Krishna. It wounded Lord Krishna and he fell to the ground, unconscious. Looking at this, Satyabhama took her bow and arrow and shot right into Narakasura's chest. When she turned back to Lord Krishna, she saw him mischievously smiling at her.

Lord Krishna pretended to be wounded while Satyabhama aimed her arrow at Narakasura. Source: Quora

This marked the end of Narakasura. All the 16,000 imprisoned women were rescued and Aditi's earrings were also returned to her. When Lord Krishna returned to Devlok, he was covered in blood. He bathed in sandalwood paste and scented oils. And this is the reason why, even today, in many parts of India, an oil bath during Diwali is customary. From then on, this day was celebrated as a victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and hence, the second day of Diwali is also known as Naraka Chaturdasi*.*