Kali means Dark (eternal) and Chaudas - Fourteenth. Thus, celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Āshwin month, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Mahakali or Shakti and is believed that on this day Kali killed the most wicked Narakasura. Also referred to as Naraka-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life and shine light on life. The strength to protect others is referred as Kali, and if its used for God's work is called Maha-kali.
There are many significant rituals and stories behind this day. lets read a few of them.
Story of Lord Hanuman and Sun
Once Hanumanji as a baby was very hungry. Whilst lying down he saw the sun in the sky and thought it was a fruit and went to pick it. He flew into the sky and put the whole sun in his mouth causing darkness throughout the entire universe. Lord Indra requested that Hanumanji return the sun. When Hanumanji refused, Lord Indra unleashed his vajra and knocked Hanumanji down to earth releasing the Sun.
Legend of King Bali
King Bali became the most powerful king on earth. But he became highly arrogant. His form of charity was an occasion for pomp and show and those who went to seek Alms from the king Bali suffered insults and humiliation. His arrogance and misrule ended when the Lord appeared as beggar (vaman avtaar). King Bali asked the dwarf beggar to get anything in his kingdom. Lord replied he just want a piece of land that could be covered in his 3 steps. And with his first step Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven, with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali offered his head and became spiritually enlightened. The Narak chaturdashi day therefore is dedicated to lights and prayers and the elimination of greed.
Story of Narakasur vadh
Demon king Narakasur defeated Lord Indra and snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother of Goddess. He also imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. On the day previous to Narak chaturdashi, Lord Krishna and devi Satyabhama killed the demon and liberated the imprisoned women. They also recovered those precious earrings of Maa Aditi. Destruction of Narkasur made everyone happy and that why this day is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi.
There is a very interesting tale associated with this day.
Narakaasura was a demon king ruling over Praagjyotishapura (the present day Assam). By virtue of his powers and boons secured from God, he became all conquering. Power made him big headed and he became a menace to the good and the holy men. He considered women as only an instrument of fulfilling his desires and had 16,000 ladies in captivity. The Gods headed by Davendra implored Sri Krishna to come to their rescue. Sri Krishna came from Dwarka and destroyed the huge army, which opposed him and finally beheaded Narakaasura himself. The population was freed from the oppressive tyranny and all heaved a sigh of relief. The 16,000 women kept in captivity by the demon king were freed. With a view to removing any stigma on them and according them social dignity, Sri Krishna gave all of them the status of his wives. The people lighted Deepaks on this dark night and made it a bright, cheerful and joyous night by wearing bright and new clothes.
HAPPY CHOTI DIWALI
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