The Story of Narakasura: How Lord Krishna Defeated the Demon on Diwali

The question of which demon was killed by Lord Krishna on Diwali leads to Narakasura, a mighty asura king of ancient Pragjyotisha, the region of present-day Assam. His defeat at the hands of Lord Krishna and Goddess Satyabhama is the heart of the Narak Chaturdashi story, remembered on the day before the main Diwali.

Who Was Narakasura?

Narakasura, also known as Naraka or Bhaumasura, was born to Goddess Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess, and Lord Vishnu in his Varaha avatar. The name Bhaumasura means "son of the Earth." His birth was divine, and his strength was beyond ordinary measure.

Goddess Bhudevi worried about her son's future and prayed to Lord Vishnu for his protection. Lord Vishnu gave Naraka a powerful weapon, the Vaishnavastra. It was declared that none but Lord Vishnu himself could defeat him while he held it.

How a Prince Became a Tyrant

Naraka was not evil by nature. According to the Kalika Purana, his fall began when he grew close to the arrogant asura king Banasura. Slowly, pride took over his heart, and power became his only goal.

Narakasura made Pragjyotisha his capital and turned it into a fortress. Four mighty asuras, Hayagriva, Nisunda, Panchanada, and Mura, guarded its gates. Thousands of sword-bearing ropes surrounded the city, making it nearly impossible for any enemy to approach.

The Terror Across the Worlds

Narakasura first waged wars against the kingdoms of earth and then against heaven. Lord Indra, the king of gods, was not able to withstand him and had to flee.

Narakasura stole the holy earrings of Goddess Aditi. He had also captured the royal umbrella belonging to Lord Indra. However, his worst act was to keep 16,100 women, including princesses of earth and heaven, as his prisoners.

The Gods Turn to Lord Krishna

The Gods approached Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, regarding the misfortunes caused by Narakasura, describing to Him the riches stolen by the demon, the insult to Lord Indra, and the suffering of the unfortunate women.

Goddess Aditi also appealed to Goddess Satyabhama, the beloved queen of Lord Krishna, who became furious at Narakasura’s cruelty and advised Lord Krishna to end his reign.

Also read: 108 Names of Lord Krishna With Their Meanings

The Journey to Pragjyotisha

Lord Krishna, along with Goddess Satyabhama, flew over the city of Pragjyotisha on the back of Lord Garuda, the divine eagle, and surveyed the area and the defenses of the city before launching the attack.

Lord Krishna then broke through the defenses of the city, fighting multitudes of Narakasura's guards. The fiercest of them was the demon, Mura. Lord Krishna defeated him, and from that day he came to be called Murari, the slayer of Mura.

The Battle with Narakasura

Narakasura then rode out with his vast armies. Some accounts describe eleven akshauhinis, enormous divisions of warriors. Lord Krishna destroyed the asura forces and their leaders, until Narakasura stood alone on the battlefield.

Then began a battle of divine weapons. Narakasura hurled the Brahmastra, and Lord Krishna answered with his own. The fire weapon was quenched by the Varunastra, the serpent noose was countered by the Garudastra, and the Vaishnavastra was met by another Vaishnavastra.

The Fall of Narakasura

Narakasura then struck Lord Krishna with a trident. Lord Krishna appeared to faint on the chariot. Narakasura believed that victory was his.

Goddess Satyabhama, regarded as an earthly form of Goddess Bhudevi, was filled with rage at the sight. It was said that Naraka could only be killed by his own mother. She raised her bow and attacked him. Lord Krishna then rose and ended Narakasura's life with the Sudarshana Chakra.

Freedom for the Captives

With the tyrant gone, the gates of his palace were opened. Lord Krishna freed all 16,100 captive women, who had suffered for so long. They were accepted under his protection and given dignity and a safe home.

Lord Krishna returned the earrings to Goddess Aditi and restored the royal umbrella of Lord Indra. Peace returned to the heavens and the Earth. Narakasura's son, Bhagadatta, was spared and later became the king of Pragjyotisha.

Why Is Naraka Chaturdashi Celebrated?

Narakasura is believed to have understood his mistakes at the end. He asked that his death not be mourned and that people celebrate it with lamps and joy. Lord Krishna granted this wish.

This is why Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated. It marks the day when darkness was defeated and light returned to the world. It is also why Choti Diwali is celebrated one day before the main Diwali, as a reminder of the victory of good over evil.

If you want to dive deeper into the Puranic histories, explore the rich spiritual symbolism behind these legends, or understand the traditional rituals of Naraka Chaturdashi in greater detail, you can connect with verified Vedic astrologers on Astroyogi for an insightful consultation.