Before Diwali night fills the world with gold and glitter, there is a quieter morning that begins with oil, prayer, and peace. That morning is Naraka Chaturdashi, often called Choti Diwali or Roop Chaudas. It marks the victory of light over darkness, not just in the world, but within ourselves.

In 2025, Naraka Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Monday, October 20. It is a day of cleansing and renewal, reminding us that before inviting the goddess of wealth and fortune into our homes, we must first wash away what weighs down our souls.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2025: Date and Abhyang Snan Muhurat

Naraka Chaturdashi falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. It is the second day in the five-day Diwali festival and is one of the most important mornings of the year for ritual bathing and purification. For 2025, the timings are as follows:

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 1:51 pm on October 19

_**Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 3:44 pm on October 20

Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:13 am to 6:25 amDuration: 1 hour 12 minutes

This early morning period, between moonrise and sunrise, is the most sacred time for Abhyang Snan, the ritual oil bath. The tithi of Chaturdashi must be active during this period, making it the perfect window for the holy cleansing that sets the tone for Diwali.

The Legend Behind Naraka Chaturdashi

The story behind this day is one of courage and deliverance. According to sacred texts, Lord Krishna, aided by Goddess Satyabhama, defeated the demon Narakasura on this day. Narakasura’s arrogance had brought suffering to the world, but Krishna’s victory freed the captives and restored peace to the world.

When the people lit lamps to celebrate the end of darkness, it became the beginning of Diwali. Naraka Chaturdashi, therefore, represents the dawn before the festival of lights: the triumph of truth and purity over ignorance and evil. On a deeper level, this story reflects a truth we all live. The demon Narakasura exists within us as anger, greed, or pride. The light we celebrate is the one we kindle inside ourselves when we let go of these shadows.

The Ritual of Abhyang Snan: A Bath for the Body and Soul

The most important part of Naraka Chaturdashi is the Abhyang Snan, a sacred bath that is as spiritual as it is symbolic. Families wake before sunrise, apply warm Til (sesame) oil on their bodies, and then bathe with ubtan, a mixture of natural herbs and turmeric. Til oil represents protection and purification. It is said to remove negative energy and bring blessings of longevity and health. The act of bathing before sunrise is not just physical; it is a prayer in motion. It marks the cleansing of the mind and heart before inviting prosperity and light into one’s home.

You can enhance the ritual by listening and chanting along to the **Gayatri Mantrahttps://astrosure.ai/s/gAAAAABo85bR-75u_8oAu9E_7DYZL-Lb0D4oDpX2cvBsShe0AVwv7O-wZpsR-U3yvlS3P2O1qflfgxuHQyCWLIVNuX6xLWIdwpryFG6DUh3X4cqQLBpjY1MW_Hb_JXPj55hbTs2YJ4VSh-SAs0vfHLAkT_g-BTThbA== or *Om Namah Shivay** on AstroSure.ai for clarity, peace, and spiritual grounding during the ritual. After the bath, homes are cleaned, diyas are lit, and a small oil lamp, called the Yam Deep, is placed outside the house. This lamp is offered to Lord Yama, the god of death, as a prayer for protection and a peaceful life.

Why Naraka Chaturdashi Is Spiritually Powerful

This day carries energy that is both cleansing and awakening. Every step, from oiling the body to lighting the lamps, carries deep symbolic meaning.

1. Liberation from Negativity: Just as Krishna freed the world from Narakasura, Abhyang Snan frees the soul from the burden of inner darkness. It is a moment to release emotional heaviness, guilt, or anger, making space for peace.

2. Renewal Before Light: Naraka Chaturdashi prepares us for Diwali. It clears both physical and spiritual clutter, so when the night of Lakshmi Puja arrives, the heart is already open and receptive to divine grace.

3. A Ritual of Protection and Health: The sesame oil used in the bath is rich in healing properties. In Ayurveda, it is known to calm the mind, strengthen the body, and boost immunity, all while symbolically guarding against negative influences.

4. Karma and Reflection: The story of Narakasura reminds us that actions, whether seen or unseen, shape our destiny. This day encourages reflection and the conscious choice to act with kindness and truth.

Difference Between Naraka Chaturdashi and Kali Chaudas

While Naraka Chaturdashi and Kali Chaudas share the same tithi, they differ in focus and purpose.

Naraka Chaturdashi centres on purification and inner cleansing. Kali Chaudas is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who represents the destruction of darkness and protection from evil.

In many regions, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, both rituals are observed together, blending devotion with strength. The essence remains the same: to remove negativity and awaken divine light.

How Naraka Chaturdashi Is Celebrated Across India

Across India, Naraka Chaturdashi takes on slightly different shades of celebration. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, families wake before dawn to perform the Abhyang Snan and light the Yam Deep at the doorstep. In South India, the day is celebrated with equal devotion, often marking the moment Krishna’s victory over Narakasura is re-enacted in local temples.

In North India, people also refer to this day as Roop Chaudas, a time when women apply herbal packs and oils to rejuvenate the skin and spirit. The ritual is meant to bring out inner and outer beauty, connecting the physical with the divine.

Wherever it is celebrated, the message remains the same: to rise early, cleanse deeply, and begin the festival of Diwali with purity and awareness.

The Astrological Energy of Naraka Chaturdashi 2025

This year, Naraka Chaturdashi aligns with Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga and Amrit Siddhi Yoga, both of which are considered highly auspicious. Any ritual or activity done during these yogas is believed to bring long-term success and divine favour.

The combination of Uttaraphalguni and Hasta Nakshatra creates a balanced energy that promotes clarity and calm. It is an excellent time for introspection, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

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Naraka Chaturdashi is more than a pre-Diwali ritual. It is a spiritual reset button. It reminds us that we cannot celebrate light without first understanding darkness. It teaches that real wealth is purity of thought, strength of heart, and freedom from fear. So, when you wake up before sunrise on October 20 and apply the sacred oil, do it with intention. Feel the weight of the past wash away. As the first ray of light touches your skin, let it remind you that victory is not about destroying evil but about dissolving it with awareness.

Ask Agastyaa on AstroSure.ai for spiritual clarity, cleansing, and divine guidance today