Narak Chaturdashi

The Day of Victory Over Evil

Today marks the day
When Narakasura was slain,
Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated,
And freedom from oppression was regained.

The divine mission was fulfilled,
The suffering of the innocent came to an end.
Drunk with power and arrogance,
The demon had tormented everyone.

So many innocent maidens
Had been held captive by his might.
The gods, as they did in every crisis,
Called upon the Lord, the Preserver of all.

“Protect us from this injustice,
O Supreme Father, Lord Divine!
Deliver the world from tyranny,
Let righteousness and justice shine.”

Narakasura, son of Bhudevi,
Was the king of Pragjyotishpur.
He had received a divine boon
That only his mother could bring his death.

To relieve the suffering of all three worlds,
The Supreme Lord descended once again.
With Satyabhama seated beside Him,
He rode upon Garuda to fight the demon.

Satyabhama was an incarnation
Of Mother Bhudevi herself.
Her presence was essential,
For only she could fulfil the boon.

In the midst of the fierce battle,
Finding the right moment and opportunity,
Satyabhama released her weapon
And swiftly brought the demon to his death.

Then the Lord liberated sixteen thousand maidens
From the demon’s cruel captivity.
To restore their dignity, honour and respect,
He accepted them all in marriage.

In remembrance of the end of tyranny,
Roop Chaturdashi is celebrated.
A sacred lamp in the name of Yama,
Is lit outside the home on this day.

By destroying the demon,
The symbol of greed, cruelty and injustice,
A great lesson was imparted:
To overcome arrogance and embrace humanity.

By conquering the evil within,
We learn the true path of righteousness.
For the greatest duty of humankind
Is to uphold compassion and goodness.

— Vidya