Narak Chaturdashi 2023

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Narak Chaturdashi 2023

Narak Chaturdashi is a festival observed during the Kartik month, specifically on the 14th day of the waning moon. This day is also referred to as Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, or Kali Chaudas. According to ancient Indian mythology, it is a time when people show reverence and devotion to the deity of death, Lord Yamraj.

Being celebrated on the day prior to Diwali, it is commonly known as Choti Diwali. During Narak Chaturdashi, individuals light diyas in their homes after sunset. This practice is aimed at venerating the god of death and seeking protection from untimely demise while also praying for good health.

Additionally, there’s a significant custom associated with this day: applying sesame oil on the body before dawn and bathing with water infused with Apamarga leaves. This ritual is believed to foster fearlessness and aid one’s journey toward heaven.

Narak Chaturdashi's Observance According to the Scriptures

As per tradition, Narak Chaturdashi falls on the 14th day of the waning moon in the Kartik month’s Krishna paksha.

1. Narak Chaturdashi is commemorated just before the moonrise or dawn (lasting for 1 hour and 36 minutes) on the 14th day of the waning moon in Kartik Krishna paksha. Generally, the period before dawn holds greater significance.

2. If Narak Chaturdashi coincides with either the Moon’s rise or dawn, it’s observed on the first day itself. Otherwise, it’s observed on the first day, even if these times don’t coincide.

3. An age-old tradition on Narak Chaturdashi is to apply oil to the body before the Moon rises or dawn and worship Lord Yamraj, the god of death.

Narak Chaturdashi Puja Procedure

1. Taking a pre-sunrise bath is considered auspicious. During the bath, sesame oil is applied to the body, and Apamarga leaves are circled thrice over the head.

2. On ahoi ashtami in Kartik, during the dark lunar fortnight, fill a vessel to the brim. On Narak Chaturdashi, mix this water with your bathing water. This is believed to dispel fear.

3. After bathing, pray to Yamraj by joining your hands and facing south. This absolves past sins.

4. Light an oiled diya outside the main door in honor of Lord Yamraj.

5. In the evening, worship deities before lighting oiled diyas placed on both sides of your entrance. This invites Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity.

6. Narak Chaturdashi is known as Roop Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas, signifying the enhancement of one’s appearance.

7. The tradition of removing useless items from the house during Nisheeth kaal signifies the removal of poverty. This paves the way for Lakshmi’s arrival on Diwali.

Significance and Legends of Chaturdashi

Lighting diyas on Narak Chaturdashi signifies dispelling darkness from life, earning it the name Choti Diwali.
The tale of Narkasura’s defeat by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama highlights the victory of good over evil. The demon’s death led to the release of 16,000 hostages.
Another story revolves around King Bali, who granted a boon to Lord Krishna. This tale emphasizes the importance of lighting diyas and performing puja on this day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated?

People celebrate it to overcome negativity and honor Yamraj, the God of Death.

2. Is Naraka Chaturdashi auspicious?

Yes, it’s significant, ranking after Laxmi Puja in the Diwali celebration.

3. What’s Naraka Chaturdashi’s story?

Legends narrate the slaying of the demon Narkasura by divine entities such as Krishna and Kali.

4. Who killed Narakasura, Kali, or Krishna?

Krishna and Satyabhama, an avatar of Narakasura’s mother, defeated him.

5. What’s Chaturdashi in astrology?

Chaturdashi is the 14th day of the waning moon phase.

6. What comes after Chaturdashi?

Diwali or Laxmi Puja follows Naraka Chaturdashi.

7. Why is Chaturdashi important?

Yamraj is revered, and lighting a lamp in front of him symbolizes freedom from fear of Hell.

8. Which day is Chaturdashi?

This year, Naraka Chaturdashi falls on Thursday, November 4.

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Karva Chauth 2023

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Karva Chauth 2023

Karva Chauth, a significant Hindu festival, unfolds on the fourth day of the dark half of the Kartik month. On this day, married women observe a fast to ensure the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Unmarried women also partake in this fast with the hope of securing a suitable husband in the future. The fervent celebration of Karva Chauth predominantly thrives in North India.

Guidelines for Karva Chauth Fasting:
1. The fast commences before sunrise and persists until the Moon becomes visible. The fast is deemed complete only after sighting the Moon and partaking in food.

2. In the evening, approximately an hour prior to the Moonrise, the divine family of Lord Shiva—comprising Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Nandi, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Kartikeya—is revered.

3. During the worship, the idols or images of the deities should face the west direction, while the worshipper should sit facing east.

Legend of Karva Chauth

According to the Karva Chauth Vrat Katha, there was a moneylender who had seven sons and one daughter named Karva. Karva observed a fast on the day of this festival. In the evening, when the family gathered for dinner, her brothers encouraged her to eat. However, Karva declined, as she had yet to offer water to the Moon before breaking her fast. Witnessing her distress due to hunger, the youngest brother tricked her by creating the illusion of the Moon’s presence using a lamp behind Peepal tree leaves. Believing that the Moon had risen, Karva consumed a morsel of food.

Tragically, news arrived of her husband’s passing immediately afterward. Heartbroken, she preserved her husband’s body for a year, collecting the grass that grew over him. The following year, on the same day of Kartik’s dark half, Karva diligently observed the fast, performing all rituals meticulously. Legend has it that her husband was revived.

Rituals for Karva Chauth Vrat Worship

1. Before sunrise, rise, prepare yourself, and cleanse the area of worship. Then, consume the pre-dawn meal offered by your mother-in-law. Proceed to worship the deities and pledge to observe the waterless fast.

2. The fast should only be broken after sunset and the sighting of the Moon. Abstain from consuming even a drop of water during the fast.

3. In the evening, arrange the idols or images of gods and goddesses on an earthen platform. Additionally, place 10 to 13 special earthen pots, known as “Karvas” in Hindi and Punjabi, for the occasion.

4. Prepare a worship plate containing incense (Dhoop), wick lamp (Deep), sandalwood paste (Chandan), turmeric and lime powder mix (Roli), vermilion (Sindoor), and more. The lamp should contain ample clarified butter (Ghee) to ensure a prolonged wick burn.

5. Initiate worship approximately an hour before Moonrise. Ideally, involve all the women of the household in the worship.

6. Recite the Karva Chauth Katha during the worship.

7. Sight the Moon through a sieve, offer Arghya, and worship the Moon.

8. Following the Moon sighting, present a decorated plate of sweets, fruits, dried fruits, money, etc., to the mother-in-law. Seek her blessings for enduring good fortune.

Sargi in Karva Chauth

The Karva Chauth tradition in Punjab is initiated with the Sargi—a unique pre-dawn meal consumed by women on the day of Karva Chauth. The highlight of this meal is Fenia, made from vermicelli. If the fasting woman’s mother-in-law is present, she typically prepares the Sargi. In the evening, fasting women assemble for the Feri ritual. Seated in a circle, they bring their worship plates and rotate them while reciting the Karva Chauth Katha. In regions like UP and Rajasthan, women worship Gaur Mata, often represented by a cow dung idol.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Karwa Chauth celebrated?
Karwa Chauth is observed by married women to ensure the longevity and well-being of their husbands. This festival falls on the Chaturthi Tithi in the Kartik month during Krishna Paksha.

2. Can unmarried girls observe Karwa Chauth?
Yes, unmarried girls can participate in the observance of Karwa Chauth. They are not obliged to end the fast upon Moon sighting.

3. What should married women do on Karwa Chauth?
Married women should awaken early, bathe, partake in Sargi, and make a commitment to fast. After spotting the Moon and offering reverence to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha, they can then consume water and food.

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Dussehra 2023

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Dussehra 2023

Dussehra festival is observed on the day when the Dashami Tithi (tenth date) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Ashwin prevails during the Aparahan Kaal. This festival commemorates the triumph of righteousness over malevolence, as it marks the day when Lord Rama vanquished the demon Ravana. Additionally known as Vijayadashami and Ayudhapuja in certain regions, this festivity also has connections with Goddess Vijaya.

Regarding the Muhurat of Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated during the Aparahan Kaal of Ashwin Shukla Dashami. This Kaal spans from the tenth Muhurat after sunrise to the twelfth Muhurat.
If Dashami persists for two days and Aparahan Kaal is exclusively within the second day, Dussehra is observed on the second day.
If Dashami occurs within the Aparahan Kaal of two days, Dussehra is celebrated on the first day.
If Dashami spans both days but not within the Aparahan Kaal of either day, Dussehra is observed on the first day.

The influence of Shravan Nakshatra on Dussehra Muhurat

If Dashami extends over two days (whether during Aparahan Kaal or not), yet Shravan Nakshatra falls within the Aparahan Kaal of the first day only, Vijayadashami is celebrated on the first day.
If Dashami spans both days (whether during Aparahan Kaal or not), but Shravan Nakshatra is present in the Aparahan Kaal of the second day alone, Vijayadashami is observed on the second day.
In cases where Dashami persists for two days and Aparahan Kaal is present only on the first day, and Shravan Nakshatra prevails within the Aparahan Kaal of the second day while Dashami persists till the first 3 Muhurats of the second day, Dussehra is celebrated on the second day.
If Dashami extends through the Aparahan of the first day and until the first 3 Muhurats of the second day, and Shravan Nakshatra exists during the Aparahan Kaal of the second day, Vijaya Dashami is observed on the first day while disregarding all other conditions related to Shravan Nakshatra.

Dussehra Puja & Celebrations

Aparajita Puja is conducted during Aparahan Kaal. The procedure involves:

Choose a sanctified space towards the Northeast direction of your home for worship. It can be near a temple, garden, etc. Ideally, engage the entire family in the Puja, although individuals can also perform it alone.
Cleanse the area and create an Ashtadal Chakra (ring of 8 lotus petals) using Sandalwood paste.
Make a Sankalp (pledge) to perform the Aparajita Puja for the well-being of your family and yourself.
Invoke Goddess Aparajita at the center of the Chakra using the mantra: “अपराजिताय नमः” (Aparājitāya namaḥ).
Next, invoke Goddess Jaya on her right using the mantra: “क्रियाशक्त्यै नमः” (Kriyāśaktyai namaḥ).
On her left, invoke Goddess Vijaya using the mantra: “उमायै नमः” (Umāyai namaḥ).
Perform Shodashopchar Puja using the respective name mantras: “अपराजिताय नमः” (Aparājitāya namaḥ), “जयायै नमः” (Jayāyai namaḥ), “विजयायै नमः” (Vijayāyai namaḥ).
Conclude by praying, expressing that you have performed the Puja rituals to the best of your ability, and seeking the acceptance of the Goddess before her departure.
As the Puja concludes, offer Namaskar (salutation).
Complete the ritual with Visarjan using the mantra: “हारेण तु विचित्रेण भास्वत्कनकमेखला। अपराजिता भद्ररता करोतु विजयं मम।” (hāreṇa tu vicitreṇa bhāsvatkanakamekhalā aparājitā bhadraratā karotu vijayaṃ mama).

While Aparajita Puja constitutes the main facet of Vijay Dashmi for devotees, several other observances are undertaken on this day:

During the Vijaya Muhurat, which begins when the sun sets and some stars become visible, any auspicious activity or Puja can commence for optimal results. Lord Rama initiated his journey to the war against the King of Lanka, Ravana, during this Muhurat. Notably, a Shami tree held the bow of Arjuna, named Gandiva, to keep it secure during this time.
Dussehra holds significance as one of the three and a half most auspicious Muhurats of the year, known as Sadhe Teen Muhurats (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, Ashvin Shukla Dashami, Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya, and Kartik Shukla Pratipada).
Warriors and soldiers perform Ayudh Puja, worshipping their weapons, along with Shami Pujan. Historically, this festival primarily concerned Kshatriyas (warriors and royals).
Brahmins revere Goddess Saraswati.
Vaishya engage in the worship of their ledgers.
Navratri Ramlila, a theatrical depiction of aspects of the Ramayana, culminates.
Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanada are set ablaze to symbolize Lord Rama’s victory.
Reciting the ‘Aparajita Stotra,’ dedicated to Bhagwati Jagdamba, on this day is deemed highly auspicious.
Grand Durga festival celebrations in Bengal draw to a close.

Legend of Dussehra

According to popular belief, the term “Dussara” is derived from the combination of “Das Sar,” denoting the ten heads of Ravana. It was on Dussehra that Lord Rama conquered Ravana, each head representing a manifestation of human vices.

During the game of gambling, Duryodhana outwitted the Pandavas, leading them to undertake a 12-year exile, followed by a concealed year. In that covert year, Arjuna concealed his bow, Gandiva, on a Shami tree and assumed the identity of Brihannala to serve King Viraat. When the king’s son requested Arjuna’s assistance in safeguarding the cows, Arjuna retrieved his bow from the Shami tree and emerged victorious.

Another legend narrates that the Shami tree heralded Lord Rama’s victory as he embarked on his journey to Lanka for the war.

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Dhanteras 2023

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Dhanteras 2023

Observed on the thirteenth day of the dark lunar fortnight in the Kartik month (Krishna Paksha), Dhanteras bestows prosperity upon the populace. Renowned as Dhantrayodashi and Dhanvantri Jayanti, the festival commemorates the unearthing of the ‘Amrit Kalash’ by the Father of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantri, during the churning of the sea.

As the divine vessel emerged from the sea, containing an elixir, the tradition of purchasing pots and pans (utensils) on Dhanteras was established. This festival precedes Diwali and heralds the forthcoming days of revelry.

Key Points of Dhanteras

Dhanteras falls on the 13th day of the Kartik month. This day is also known as ‘Udayvyapini Trayodashi‘, commencing when the thirteenth date of the Hindu calendar coincides with sunrise. Only under this circumstance is Dhanteras celebrated.
During Pradosh kaal (evening), it’s believed that donating lamps to Lord Yamraj will bring auspiciousness to you and your family. If the Triyodashi Tithi extends beyond sunrise into the following day, Dhanteras is celebrated on that day.

Dhantrayodashi Worship Procedure

Dhanteras extols the gifts of health, well-being, and abundance. Rooted in the incarnation of Lord Dhanvantri, the Father of Ayurveda, this festival is a testament to the pursuit of longevity, success, wealth, and opulence. A sound body serves as a vessel for a sound mind, thriving amidst life’s complexities.

On Dhanteras, Lord Dhanvantari is venerated through Shodashopchara, a ritual encompassing 16 worship procedures: Aasan (seat), Padya (water for feet), Arghya (offerings), Aachaman (scented water sips), bathing, clothing, adornments, scents (saffron and sandalwood), flowers, incense, lamp, Naivaidya (offerings), Aachaman (pure water sips), betel leaf with offerings, Aarti (divine light), and parikrama (circumambulation).
On this day, it is customary to procure silver and gold utensils. These utensils are believed to usher prosperity into the household.
Luminous lights and lamps adorn doorways and open spaces, signaling the impending arrival of Diwali.
Lamps are offered before Lord Yamraj on Dhanteras, dispelling fears associated with the Lord of Death.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is done on Dhanteras?
Activities include purchasing various items, worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, conducting Laxmi Pujan in the evening, and illuminating clay lamps within homes and at the main entrance, facing the South direction.

2. Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras marks the emergence of Goddess Laxmi from the ocean of milk alongside Lord Kuber and a vessel brimming with gold. It also commemorates the worship of Dhanvantari during the Samundra Manthan (churning of the ocean).

3. What should we buy for Dhanteras?
Purchasing gold and silver items, kitchenware, metal idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi, and diyas (clay lamps) is deemed auspicious on Dhanteras.

4. How many Diyas are lit on Dhanteras?
Thirteen lamps are lit inside the house and at the main entrance on the evening of Dhanteras. An additional lamp called Yama is lit at bedtime.

5. Who celebrates Dhanteras?
Followers of Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) celebrate Dhanteras.

6. Can we spend money on Dhanteras?
Yes, spending money to purchase various items on Dhanteras is acceptable. However, it’s advisable to refrain from borrowing or repaying loans on this day, as it’s considered inauspicious.

7. What is the date of Dhanteras in 2023?
Dhanteras will be observed on November 10, 2023. As per the Hindu Panchang, this festival falls on Trayodashi of Krishna Paksha every year.

8. What should not be done on Dhanteras?
Avoid alcohol consumption, non-vegetarian food, lending or borrowing money, and engaging in intimate activities on Dhanteras. Keep the main entrance clean and avoid afternoon napping.

9. What should not be bought on Dhanteras?
Do not purchase iron, steel, aluminum products, empty pitchers, sharp objects, oil, black items, or glass products.

10.Can we eat on Dhanteras?
Yes, after venerating Lord Kuber, offering Bhog (food offering), and consuming the food, you can eat. Some popular food items for the occasion include Naivedya, Atte ka Halwa, Lapsi, Panchamrit, Boondi Ladoo, and Kheer.

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Author name: Astrovaidya