Soul Cosmic by Himani

As the lamps flicker and the fragrance of marigolds fills the air, Naraka Chaturdashi — also known as Choti Diwali or Roop Chaudas — arrives as a beautiful reminder that before every great light, there is a cleansing of darkness. This sacred day, falling on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over ignorance, and self-love over neglect.

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✦ The Essence of Naraka Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated a day before Diwali. Spiritually, it represents purification — of body, mind, and soul. According to the Puranas, Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura on this day, freeing the world from fear and darkness. Hence, devotees rise early, take an auspicious abhyanga snan (holy bath), light diyas, and pray for removal of negativities from life.

In many homes, especially in western and southern India, the morning bath with ubtan (natural paste made of gram flour, turmeric, and sandalwood) is a key ritual. Women also perform beauty rituals to invoke Goddess Kali or Goddess Roop Chaudas — celebrating divine feminine energy and self-adornment as a form of gratitude to the self.

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✦ Rituals and Significance

1. Abhyanga Snan (Sacred Bath):
   Early morning bath with oil and ubtan helps remove energetic impurities and symbolizes washing away the past year’s negativity.
2. Lighting Diyas:
   Lamps are lit in every corner to invite positivity, prosperity, and protection before Diwali night.
3. Offering to Yama:
   A small diya is placed facing south in memory of ancestors and to please Lord Yama, the god of death, for protection from untimely death.
4. Worship of Goddess Kali / Roop Chaudas:
   Women offer prayers for inner and outer beauty, symbolizing that divine beauty is the reflection of purity and confidence within.

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✦ Spiritual Meaning

On a deeper level, Naraka Chaturdashi is a reminder to release toxic emotions — anger, jealousy, guilt, and fear. Just as Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura, we must conquer our inner darkness before embracing the divine light of Diwali.

It’s the perfect day to forgive, cleanse your aura, meditate, and focus on gratitude.

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✦ Zodiac-wise Remedies for Naraka Chaturdashi

♈ Aries: Light a red diya near Hanuman idol and chant “Om Hanumate Namah” for strength.
♉ Taurus: Offer pink flowers to Goddess Lakshmi and apply rose perfume for Venus harmony.
♊ Gemini: Donate green clothes and chant “Om Budhaya Namah” to remove confusion.
♋ Cancer: Light a silver diya in water and pray to Moon for emotional peace.
♌ Leo: Offer jaggery to Sun and light 5 diyas for courage and fame.
♍ Virgo: Clean your workspace, light green diya, and chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
♎ Libra: Apply sandalwood paste and meditate on self-love.
♏ Scorpio: Offer red flowers to Maa Kali for protection from negativity.
♐ Sagittarius: Chant “Om Namo Narayanaya” and light yellow diyas for divine wisdom.
♑ Capricorn: Light sesame oil diya and chant Shani mantra for relief from stress.
♒ Aquarius: Offer blue flowers to Lord Shiva and meditate for balance.
♓ Pisces: Light a diya in front of Goddess Lakshmi and chant “Shreem.”

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✦ Soul Tip

Cleanse not just your home but also your heart. Forgive, release, and glow — because the more darkness you let go, the brighter your soul shines this Diwali.

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With love & cosmic guidance,
Himani Goyal
Soul Cosmic by Himani