Narak Chaturdashi and Sri Hanuman Jayanti

The Narak Chaturdashi is so named because Lord Krishna had killed demon Narakasur on this very day. According to Bhavishya Purana and Padma Purana, lord Krishna freed the earth by killing Narakasur, the embodiment of sin, injustice and torture. Therefore, devotees, in order to get rid of such negativity, should take bath after smearing the body with mustard oil in the night after seeing the waning moon.At the time of bath, a lump of clay from the ploughed field should be gathered and a branch of thorny plant with leaves should be put together. Encircle it around the head several times and chant the following mantra addressed to lord Yama:
Seetaloshtra saha yukta Sakantaka Dalaanvita,Hara Paapamapaamaarga Bhraamyamaanah Punah Punah.
Meaing, Oh lord, I am encircling this clay and thorny branch of the tree around my head again and again. Please rid me of my sins.
After bath, water-offering to Yama and Bhauma should be performed thrice. While offering water to lord Yama all the fourteen names of lord Yama should be uttered. They are: Yamaaya Namah; Dharmaraajaaya Namah; Mritwe Namah; Swayambhootaakshaaya Namh; Audumbaraaya Namah; Daghnaaya Namah; Neelaaya Namah; Parameshthine Namah; Vrikodaraaya Namah; Chitraaya Namah; and Chitraguptaaya Namah.
In the evening of Kaartik Krishna Chaturdashi a four-wick Deepak (earthen lamp) should be lighted dedicated to lord Yama. After that the earthen lamp should be lit in the cowshed, under holy tree, in the kitchen and bathroom etc. The daily puja rituals should be performed only after that. This year this ceremony falls on Sunday, 27th October 2019.
On this day one should worship lord Krishna, Yamaraj, goddess Lakshmi, Durga and Ganga. This day is considered auspicious for mantrasiddhi or attainment of success in devotion through mantras. After the puja, Narak Chaturdashi Vrata Kathaa should be read and the Brahmins should be offered food and money. This Narak Chaturdashi is also called Roop Chaturdashi because it is believed that those who observe this vrata gets rid of the hell from their body and become graceful and attractive.
Do’s and Don’ts
On the day of Narak Chaturdashi, wake up and take a bath before sunrise. Before the bath, massage your body with sesame oil.
After finishing the purification rituals, light a diya praying to Lord Krishna for long life and good health.
In the afternoon, visit a temple and worship Lord Hanuman. Make offerings comprising of jaggery and gram. Light a diya and pray to Him for your prosperity and good fortune.
Light a diya in your house, in the evening, on Narak Chaturdashi. At night, light a diya and pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Kuber. Chant their mantras 11 times and seek their blessings for excellent financial gains.
Sri Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated one day prior to Deepavali, and falls on 18th October this year. It is believed that Lord Hanuman took birth on this day. There is a slight controversy regarding the birth of Hanuman as the day of Chaitra Purnima is also considered to be the day when He was born. Nevertheless, both these days are celebrated with devotion and much fanfare by the devotees.
Do’s of Hanuman Jayanti
Prayers should be offered to Hanuman Ji in the afternoon.
Make an idol of Hanuman ji with red sandalwood and wear red coloured clothes to perform the puja.
Use a red aasan for the puja and sit facing the East.
Offering a bhog comprising of ‘gur churma’ to the lord is the best choice to make.