Naraka Sura

7/27/2019 Naraka Sura

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The significance ofDeepavaliis different in different parts of India. In the north, Deepavaliis

celebrated to commemorate the reception accorded to Lord Sri Rama on his arrival with Sita

Devi atAyodhya after vanquishing the 10 headed rakshasa Ravana, who had abducted Sita Devi. In

the south, especially in Tamil Nadu, Deepavaliis the celebration to commemorate the reception

accorded Lord Sri Krishna after he vanquished Narakasura and Deepavaliis otherwise known

as Naraka chaturdashi. In Karnataka the Prathama after Deepavaliis also celebrated as Bali

Padyamiin honour of the asura Chakravarthy Mahabaliwho was sent to Patala by Lord Mahavishnu in

his Vamana Avatara.

Narakasura was a demon king who ruled from Pragjyothishapurawhich is todays Assam.There are

two versions about Narakasuras birth. In one version it is said that he was the son of the demon

king Hiranyaksha and in another version he is described as the son of Lord Mahavishnu.

The demon king Hiranyaksha was terrorising the three worlds, the earth, the sky and the nether world

(Patala).The devas were terrorised by him and they all prayed to Lord Mahavishnu to bring an end to

his evil ways. Mahavishnu promised to rescue them from Hiranyaksha and went in search of him.

Hiranayaksha taking the form of a wild boar went to hide in the Patalataking Bhudevi(earth) with

him. While the boar was carrying Bhudevi on his tusks, Bhudevi became pregnant by the touch of the

tusk and gave birth to Narakasura. Bhudevi was stricken with grief for having given birth to

an asuraand went to Lord Mahavishnu carrying the baby and asked for the salvation of the asura son.

Lord Mahavishnu gave His blessings and said none other than me can kill this son of yours.

In another verison it is said that as Hiranyaksha ran carrying Bhudevi in his tusks, Lord Mahavishnu

took the form of Varaha and went to Patala and rescued Bhudevi, slaying Hiranyaksha. After rescuing

Bhudevi, Lord Mahavishnu in Varaha Avatar married Bhudevi and Narakasura is the son of Lord

Mahavishnu and Bhudevi.

Narakasura true to his name, terrorised the Devasand Gandharvas and humans and imprisoned

16000 women from all the worlds. He harassed the Devasin heaven and stole the kundalas (ear drops)

of Devi Athithi. All the Devaswent to Lord Mahavishnu and prayed for the end of Narakasura. The

Lord answered their prayers and promised to kill Narakasura.

Thus in Lord Mahavishnus incarnation as Sree Krishna, He along with his consort Satyabhama went to

Pragjyothishapura to kill Narakasura. A fierce battle took place in Pragjyothishapura at the end of

which Narakasura was slain. Again there is a different version in which it is said that it was


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Sathyabhama who killed Narakasura to avenge the insult on Devi Athithi. Sree Krishna released all the

women imprisoned by Narakasura and brought them to his place.

People rejoiced at the end of the wicked Narakasura and there was celebration all over and a joyous

reception was given to Lord Sree Krishna and Sathyabhama on their return. To this day,

Narakachaturdashi is celebrated as Deepavali from then on.


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The Story of Krishna and Narakasura

Bhoomi Devi (mother Earth) had a son named Naraka. Even though Naraka was the son of a divinity, hehad the nature of a demon. Naraka was powerful and he took pleasure in terrorising theinhabitants of thethree worlds.

Narakasura would raid and plunder the kingdoms of the three worlds. He did not even leave the womenand would kidnap them for his own personal harem. Narakasura heard that Indra, the king of the devas,had thousands of divine elephants in his army. Now Narakasura, greedy that he was, wanted to possesseverything, so he attacked the heavens.

Indra was helpless as he watched Naraka's minions plunder the heavens. Naraka himself began pursuitof the devas. While pursuing the devas, a glimmering object far away caught his eye. Upon inspection, herealised that the glimmering object was mother Aditi's (the mother of the devas) earrings. He assaultedmother Aditi and grabbed her earrings.

Now Indra, feeling humiliated at his loss and even worse that his mother was assaulted, wanted revengeand he knew that there was only one person who was a match for Naraka. It was Krishna.

Indra reached Krishna's palace when Krishna was spending quality time with his wife Satyabhama. Hetold Krishna about the happenings and begged him for his help. Krishna was enraged that Naraka mightlay his hands on mother Aditi and said that Naraka must die for his insolence.

Satyabhama looked annoyed because Krishna was about to leave her. Wanting to please bothSatyabhama and Indra, Krishna decided to take Satyabhama with him into battle.

Krishna summoned his mount Garuda (a giant eagle) and made way towards Naraka's fortress. Animpenetrable barrier of magic mountains surrounded Naraka's fortress. The mountains were such that abarrier would come up from any side that Krishna tried to enter the fortress. Krishna, unperturbed, hurledhis mace at the barrier and shattered the entire mountain range in one blow. A downpour of magicalweapons rained down on them. Krishna fired multiple arrows and destroyed all the weapons. In this

manner Krishna destroyed countless other magical barriers and finally reached Naraka's fortress.

Naraka's palace was guarded by the five-headed demon Mura. Mura hurled countless weaponsat Krishna, but Krishna shot each one down with his bow and arrow. Then Krishna picked up his flyingdiscus and hurled it towards Mura dislocating Mura's five heads. Mura fell to the ground, dead.

Krishna challenged Naraka to battle and killed him easily. Bhoomi Devi then sang hymns in praiseof Krishna and begged him to take Naraka's son Bhagdatta under his protection. Krishna placedBhagdatta on the throne and then freed all of Naraka's prisoners. The devas showered Krishna withflowers from the heavens.


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Killing of Narakasura

Narakasura ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Puranas

have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma

after a severe penance. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon

tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace with his invinciblemight.

Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save

them from his torture. But Naraka had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his

mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his

charioteer in the battle with Naraka.

When Krishna fell unconscious after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Sathyabhama takes the bow

and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she

had sought as Bhudevi. The Narakasura Vadh by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that

parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they step in to the wrong path.

The message of Naraka Chaturdashi Parva is that the good of the society should always prevail

over one's own personal bonds. It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain demon

Naraka, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and

rejoice. It is said Lord Krishna had an oil bath to rid himself off the blood spattered on his body

when Naraka was killed.

The tradition is followed and people offer prayers on the previous day of the Naraka Chaturdashito the vessel in which water is being heated for having bath. Hindus light fireworks, which are

regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day.


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Hindu beliefs, Narakasura or Naraka is theasurason of the earth goddessBhudevi(Bhumi) and

LordVishnuin hisVaraha(boar)Avatar(incarnation). In other sources, he is the son of

theasuraHiranyaksha. He is said to have established the kingdom ofPragjyotishainAssamafter

overthrowing the last of theDanavaking Ghatakasura. It was foretold that he would be destroyed by a

later incarnation ofVishnu. His mother, the earth, sought the boon from Vishnu that her son should

have a long life, and that he should be all powerful. Vishnu granted these boons.

The legend of Narakasura is important in the history ofAssamsince Narakasura is cited as the

progenitor of many dynasties that ruledKamarupain historical times. A hill, to the south ofGuwahatiis

named after him. He is also associated with the myth of theshaktagoddess and place of

worshipKamakhya.

Narakasura became evil, in association with anotherAsuranamedBanasura. Drunk with power, as he

knew himself to be unrivalled in prowess, he brought all the kingdoms on earth under his control. Next,

he turned his eyes towardsSwargaloka. Even the mightyIndracould not withstand the assault of this

son ofEarthand had to flee the heavens. Narakasura had become the overlord of both the heavens and

earth. Addicted to power, he stole the earrings ofAditi, the heavenly mother goddess, and usurped

some of her territory, while also kidnapping16000 women.

All theDevas, led byIndrawent to Vishnu, to ask him to deliver them from Narakasura. Vishnu promised

them that he would attend to this matter, when he would be incarnated asKrishna.

As promised to Mother Earth, Narakasura was allowed to enjoy a long reign. At last Vishnu was born as

Krishna. Aditi, who was a relative of Krishna's wifeSatyabhama(believed to be an Avatar ofBhudevi-

Narakasura' mother), approached Satyabhama for help. When Satyabhama heard of the Narakasura's ill

treatment of women and his behaviour with Aditi, she was enraged. Satyabhama approached Lord

Krishna for permission to wage a war against Narakasura. As promised to the Devas and Aditi, Krishnaattacked the great fortress of Narakasura, riding his mountGarudawith wife Satyabhama. The battle was

furiously fought. Narakasura possessed 11 Akshauhini (a division of the army), that he unleashed on

Krishna. However, the Lord slew them all with little effort. Krishna also killed Mura, Narakasura's

general. Thus Krishna is called 'Murri'(the enemy of Mura). In desperation, Narakasura launched his

great weapon, sataghini (a thunderbolt) on Krishna. However, it made no impact whatsoever on Krishna.

At last, when Narakasura tried to kill the Lord with a trident, Krishna beheaded him with hisSudarshana

Chakra(discus). Before dying, the Asura requested a boon that his death anniversary should be

celebrated by all people on earth. This day is celebrated as 'Naraka Chaturdashi' - the first day ofDiwali.

n another version, Narakasura had gained a boon fromBrahmathat he would die only in the hands ofhis mother. On the day of the war, Satyabhama with Krishna fought Narakasura bravely, but she was no

match to his trained skills. After a few days, when Narakasura got a chance, he took aim at Krishna,

hurting him lightly. Krishna fainted in a preordained, divine plan adopted to empower Satyabhama. As

expected seeing this, Krishna being hurt, Satyabhama was furious. She doubled her attack on the demon

king and finally killed him. Before Narakasura's death, he requested a boon from his mother,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhudevihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhudevihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhudevihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varahahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varahahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varahahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiranyakshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiranyakshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiranyakshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pragjyotishahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pragjyotishahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pragjyotishahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danava_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danava_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danava_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamarupa_(History)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamarupa_(History)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamarupa_(History)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guwahatihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guwahatihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guwahatihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaktismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaktismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaktismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamakhyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamakhyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamakhyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banasurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banasurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banasurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svargahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svargahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svargahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aditihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aditihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aditihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_wives_of_Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_wives_of_Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_wives_of_Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyabhamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyabhamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyabhamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhudevihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhudevihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhudevihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garudahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garudahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudarshana_Chakrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudarshana_Chakrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudarshana_Chakrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudarshana_Chakrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudarshana_Chakrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudarshana_Chakrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garudahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhudevihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyabhamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_wives_of_Krishnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aditihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svargahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banasurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamakhyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaktismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guwahatihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamarupa_(History)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danava_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pragjyotishahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiranyakshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varahahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhudevihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura


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Satyabhama, that everyone should celebrate his death with colorful light. Thus this day is celebrated as

the first day of Diwali - 'Naraka Chaturdashi'.

Krishna's and Satyabhama's victory on Narakasura translated into freedom for all his prisoners and

honoring of Aditi. Having rescued the 16,100 women, Krishna married them to restore them to their

former dignity.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naraka_Chaturdashihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naraka_Chaturdashihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naraka_Chaturdashihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naraka_Chaturdashi


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Narakasura was like all smart asuras. When he set out on his path to absolute power and

universal destruction, he made sure he was insured for life. He sought his boon from the

most gullible of gods, the Creator God Brahma.

Lord, you need not grant me immortality, he told Brahma, I have heard that I was

born of Bhoomi Devi, Mother Earth herself. So if die, let it be at the hands of my ownmother! So be it! said a relieved Brahma. He knew these boon- seeking asuras too

well.

After taking over all the kingdoms on earth, Narakasura attacked Devaloka. Indra and his

demi gods beat a hasty retreat as Narakasura stomped around the heavens. He took

16,000 women from the palaces as prisoners. As he was leaving, he noticed a pair of

glowing earrings adorning the ears of Aditi, the mother goddess. Fascinated, he tore the

earrings from her ear and left.

A weeping Aditi came to Satyabhama, Lord Krishnas consort who at once took her to

meet her husband. Lord Krishna, the all-knowing, swung into action. Do not worry,gentle mother, well set things right at once! he said to Aditi kindly.

He turned to his wife. Come on Satyabhama! Youve always wanted to join me in battle.

Heres your chance! Gather your weapons and well have Garuda take us there.

Together, they mounted Garuda, the mighty eagle who transported them to Narakasuras

capital Pragjyotishyapur (in modern day Assam).

Narakasura saw Krishnas arrival and laughed. Why does he even try? he said to his

army commander Mura. I can only be killed by my own mother! Go slay him now!

Mura and a huge asura army went to meet the Lord, but Krishna killed all of themeffortlessly. Seeing his army chief killed, Narakasura ran out of his palace uttering a

fierce war cry accompanied by hundreds of asuras on elephants and horses.

He flung a thunder bolt at Krishna but Garuda swooped low and it missed its target.

Krishna sent down feathered arrows which killed all the asuras and their mounts. Garuda

with his great wings struck this way and that, bringing to ground horses and elephants.

Satyabhama too rained arrow after arrow on the army and soon Narakasura was only one

left on the battle field.

He took his powerful trident and hurled it at Krishna. The trident hit the Lord on his chest

and became unconscious. For a moment, Satyabhama couldnt believe what she saw. This

cant be, she told herself and aimed an arrow at the asura. It pierced Narakasura right on

his chest and he fell with an agonising cry.

As an anxious Satyabhama turned to her fallen Lord, Krishna got up with a mischievous

smile! He was only playing a part. For Satyabhama was an incarnation of Bhoomi Devi,

and it was her arrow which was destined to slay Narakasura.


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The sixteen thousand women were freed and the Mother goddesss earrings retrieved.

Krishna and Satyabhama returned from battle victorious. And it is to celebrate this

victory of good over evil, that we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights.

And why the traditional oil bath you may ask? Well, when Krishna and Satyabhama

returned from battle before daybreak, all covered in blood and grime, they needed acleanup with sandal paste and scented oils. So you too take that oil bath and have a

sparkling Diwali!


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Naraka Sura