The spiritual acceleration of the Shreem Upāsanā moves powerfully from Dhanteras into its second, crucial phase: Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi. If Dhanteras was about establishing the channels of abundance (wealth, management, health), Choti Diwali is about purifying the vessel to hold that light.
This is the day of profound spiritual cleansing, where we consciously work to dissolve the inner darkness before the grand illumination of the next ten days. The core of this day involves the sādhanā of Lord Krishna—the very embodiment of transcendental joy and supreme consciousness—alongside a powerful preparatory invocation of Goddess Lakshmi.
The Battle for Inner Purity: Vanquishing the Narakasura
The popular legend holds that on this day, Lord Krishna, with his consort Satyabhama (an incarnation of Bhudevi, the Earth Mother), vanquished the demon king Narakasura.
From a spiritual perspective, this tale is an instruction for the sincere sādhu:
- Narakasura literally translates to ‘the man of hell or suffering.’ He is the embodiment of the inner ego, ignorance, and negativity—the tendencies that oppress the soul and hold our pure energies captive.
- Lord Krishna is the Divine Consciousness who enters our heart to destroy this inner
The sādhanā on Choti Diwali is your active participation in this cosmic battle—an energetic declaration that you are ready to vanquish your own inner darkness.
The Sādhanā of Cleansing: Body, Mind, and Soul
The rituals of Narak Chaturdashi are practical spiritual technologies for purification:
1. Abhyanga Snan: The Sacred Bath
The day begins before sunrise with the Abhyanga Snan—a ritual bath using scented oils and natural pastes (ubtan). This is more than hygiene; it is a profound act of cleansing the physical and subtle bodies. By purifying the physical vessel, you prepare it to hold the higher, intense light and powerful vibrations of the upcoming Lakshmi sādhanā. It removes mala (impurity) and ushers in roop (radiance), which is why it is also known as Roop Chaturdashi.
2. Yama Deepam: Dispelling the Darkness of Fear
In the evening, one of the most unique rituals is the lighting of the first lamp facing the South direction—the Yama Deepam. This lamp is dedicated to Lord Yama, the God of Death and Dharma. By honoring Yama on this night, we dispel the fear of the unknown, seek protection from untimely or negative occurrences, and honor the eternal cycle of life and death. It is an act of spiritual courage and protection.
The Sādhanā of Consciousness: Invoking Lord Krishna
Following purification, we turn to the sādhanā of Lord Krishna. He is the magnet that attracts and stabilizes the flow of divine grace.
- The Connection to Lakshmi: We worship Lakshmi on Dhanteras to establish abundance, but we worship Krishna on Choti Diwali because true, lasting prosperity (Lakshmi) is inseparable from joy and spiritual freedom (Krishna). A purified heart filled with the joy of Krishna is the perfect home for Goddess Lakshmi.
- The Practice: Your sādhanā on this day should focus on transcending the limited ego. Use a simple mantra of Lord Krishna (e.g., the Mahā-Mantra or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya) to anchor your consciousness in joy, clarity, and unconditional love.
By performing these acts—purifying the body, protecting the spirit, and anchoring consciousness—you raise your frequency. You remove the old debris so that the complete light can flood your being.
Step Into the Light: Take the sacred bath, light the lamp of courage, and anchor your heart in the joy of Krishna. Tomorrow, the deep dive into the Shreem Upāsanā truly begins with the complete, intensive invocation of Goddess Lakshmi.
Next Up: Lakshmi’s 10 Days: The Power of Beejakaras and Divine Oneness.
