We Too Are in Narakasura’s Captivity! | Narak Chaturdashi 2025

 

Breaking Free This Narak Chaturdashi

We all are prisoners.

Surprised??😱

You may say, “We live freely, we’re not in jail!” But look deeper within:

●      Some are imprisoned by diseases.

●      Some are chained by desires.

●      Some are trapped by ego and anger.

●      Some are bound by the need for recognition.

●      Some are suffocated by greed and constant comparison.

In Dwapara Yuga, Narakasura kidnapped 16,100 princesses and held them captive. In today’s world, Narakasura has taken many forms, imprisoning men and women alike.

This Narak Chaturdashi, falling on October 20th, 2025, is not merely a ritual; it is a mirror to reflect on our inner bondages and to break free.

Who Was Narakasura?

According to Srimad Bhagavatam, Narakasura was the son of Mother Earth (Bhudevi) and was blessed with immense power. However, due to bad company and arrogance, he turned evil.

He snatched away the divine earrings of Mother Aditi, stole Varuna’s umbrella, and forcibly kidnapped thousands of princesses, imprisoning them in his palace.

Seeing this injustice, Lord Krishna, at the request of Indra, mounted on Garuda and headed to Pragjyotishpur, the fortress of Narakasura, which was surrounded by mountains, water trenches, electric walls, and deadly traps set by the demon Mura.

Lord Krishna destroyed these fortresses, killed Mura, and defeated Narakasura, freeing the captive princesses and restoring the stolen divine objects.

Mother Earth then appeared, acknowledging that although Narakasura was born from her due to the Lord’s touch during His Varaha incarnation, it was the Lord who ended his tyranny for the welfare of the world.

What Does This Ancient Story Mean for Us Today?

Theft of Inner Peace

Just as Narakasura stole Mother Aditi’s divine earrings, today’s Narakasuras of endless desires and distractions have stolen our peace and mental health, leading to widespread anxiety, depression, and stress.

Influence of Bad Company

Despite being the son of Bhudevi and born due to the Lord’s divine touch, Narakasura fell into evil ways due to bad company. Similarly, in the modern age, even children from good families can go astray due to negative influences.

Disrespect Towards Women and Ourselves

In the past, Narakasura forcibly abducted princesses. Today, societal pressures, objectification, and a culture of immodesty invite subtle forms of Narakasura into our lives, stripping away self-respect and dignity.

Our Personal Narakasura

The Narakasura within us is our uncontrolled anger, greed, ego, addiction to social media, overthinking, impatience, and the constant need for validation. These create invisible prisons, draining our energy, focus, and joy.

How Can We Break Free from Narakasura’s Captivity?

The 16,100 princesses could only gain freedom when they surrendered to Lord Krishna. Similarly, freedom from our inner bondages comes through surrender to the Divine, faith, and conscious effort.

In the Ramayana, it is said:

त्राहि त्राहि आरति हरन सरन सुखद रघुबीर।

O Lord, remover of distress and giver of refuge, please protect me, please protect me.

Narak Chaturdashi: A Festival of Inner Victory

Narak Chaturdashi marks the day when Krishna liberated the princesses and destroyed Narakasura, leading to the celebration of Diwali.

True Diwali begins only when we destroy our inner Narakasura.
 Light cannot enter until we remove the darkness within.

This Narak Chaturdashi, let us resolve to:

●      Free ourselves from anger and impatience.

●      Free ourselves from cravings that disturb our peace.

●      Free ourselves from ego and false pride.

●      Free ourselves from laziness and negativity.

And welcome the festival of lights with a mind that is truly free, peaceful, and radiant.

Powerful Prayer for Liberation:

हे देव! हे देव! भुवनैक बंधु...

हे कृष्ण! हे कृष्ण! करुणैकसिंधु...

हे नाथ! हे नाथ! नयनाभिराम...

हे श्यामसुंदर! तव कृपा आकांक्षा…

Conclusion: Let Your Light Shine

Narakasura’s end was not just the death of a demon but the triumph of light over darkness, freedom over bondage, and love over fear.

On October 20th, 2025, Narak Chaturdashi, as you light your diyas, remember to light the lamp within, breaking the chains of your inner Narakasura and stepping into the true spirit of Diwali.