Narak Chaturdashi on Nov 8: Why bathing before sunrise is a tradition

Narak Chaturdashi is observed on the Chaturdashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. This year it falls on Sunday, November 8. There is an old tradition of bathing before sunrise on this day. People rise early, apply oil to the body and then bathe with ubtan. This is called abhyanga snan.

According to religious belief, bathing early in the morning on this day carries special significance. It is said that the tradition is not merely religious but is also good for health. Here is what is said to lie behind abhyanga snan before sunrise.

First, the legend. According to the story, on this day Lord Krishna slew the demon Narakasura and freed 16,108 girls from his captivity. The custom of bathing in the morning is said to have begun in celebration of this victory and to be rid of the fear of hell. It is said that when the demon met his end, there was joy all around.

Since then the tradition of rising early and bathing has continued and is still observed today. Recalling the story, people remember Lord Krishna and pray that all the evil forces in their lives be destroyed.

Now the health aspect. Bathing with ubtan is prescribed on this day, and the custom is seen as linked to health. According to Ayurveda, oil massage and ubtan are considered very beneficial for protecting the skin when the season changes. The weather begins to turn with the onset of winter, so it is important to take special care of the body.

Since olden times, the tradition on this day has been to massage the whole body with oil and bathe with ubtan. It is said that this nourishes the skin and protects it. Perhaps that is why our elders tied this bath to worship.

Bathing early in the morning is also said to bring positive energy. Bathing before sunrise is said to bring new energy to the body and drive off lethargy at once. It is believed that bathing at dawn removes negative energy from within a person and brings fresh thoughts to the mind. After a morning bath, the body feels refreshed, the mind stays calm and the surroundings feel pleasant too. By following these rules during the days of Diwali, people are said to be free of stress and join the preparations for the festival with full enthusiasm.

Finally, the belief about untimely death. It is a matter of religious faith that doing so removes the fear of untimely death and of going to hell for the whole year. It is also believed that all problems in the life of a person who rises before sunrise on this day and takes abhyanga snan are removed. It is said that this bath keeps a person away from every fear and gives peace of mind. People who hold to old traditions still follow these rules with great devotion so that no calamity befalls their family. A bath taken after rising early is believed to bring happiness, peace and security into life.