Kali Chaudas 2023: Importance, Muhurat, and Puja Method

Kali Chaudas is a festival celebrated on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. This day is dedicated to Kali Maa, the goddess of destruction and time. Kali Chaudas is also known as Roop Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi. In Bengal, the day of Kali Chaudas is celebrated as the birthday of Goddess Kali. It is believed that a person who worships and lights a lamp on this day gets freedom from all kinds of troubles and sins.

Before Diwali, on the day of Roop Chaudas, lamps are lit for Yama in many parts of the house. On this day, people donate lamps to Yamraj. All the negative energies are burnt on this day as it is considered the most auspicious time to eliminate bad energies. Let us delve into the date, time, and significance of Kali Chaudas with insights from Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla.

Importance of Kali Chaudas

Worshiping Goddess Kali on the day and night of Kali Chaudas can relieve mental stress and bring positive energy into the body. It is believed that worshiping Kali on Kali Chaudas gives the blessing of victory over the enemy. Those who practice Tantra Sadhana consider Mahakali’s Sadhana on the day of Kali Chaudas to be more effective.

Kali Chaudas 2023 Muhurat

Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month will start on November 11, 2023, at 01:57 PM and will end the next day on November 12, 2023, at 02:44 PM. Goddess Kali is worshiped at night in Kali Chaudas.

Importance of Abhyanga Bath

According to the scriptures, the process of bathing by applying Ubtan on the body before sunrise on Narak Chaturdashi is called Abhyang Snan. In this process, turmeric, curd, sesame oil, gram flour, sandalwood, and herbs are applied to the entire body, which is then massaged.

This process opens the pores of the body. Abhyanga bath is done on the day of Narak Chaturdashi because this day is the day of Yamraj, the Hindu god of death.

By taking Abhyanga bath, Yamraj bestows beauty on a person. It also relieves stress and calms the mind. Therefore, it is important to take an Abhyanga bath on Kali Chaudas.

Kali Chaudas Puja Method

1. Before performing Kali Chaudas puja, one has to take an Abhyanga bath.
2. The scriptures say that taking an Abhyanga bath saves a person from going to hell.
3. After the Abhyanga bath, one should apply perfume on one’s body and sit in the puja room.
4. During Kali Chaudas Puja, install the idol of Goddess Kali on a Puja chauki.
5. After installing Maa Kali on the post, light the lamp.
6. Offer turmeric, kumkum, camphor, and coconut to Goddess Kali.

Importance of Lighting a Lamp on Kali Chaudas

There is a tradition of lighting a lamp in the name of Yamraj on the day of Narak Chaturdashi. On this day, after sunset, a total of 14 lamps are lit in the name of Lord Yamraj facing south. Also on this day, by lighting a lamp and folding hands, one prays to Lord Yama for the longevity and good health of oneself and one’s family.