The Naraka Chaturdashi story recalls Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, a powerful demon also known as Bhaumasura. Accompanied by Queen Satyabhama and riding on Garuda, Krishna entered the demon’s fortified kingdom, defeated his forces and freed the princesses held captive in his palace.
This pastime reveals both the Lord’s invincible strength and His loving protection. The account below follows Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 59, with reference to Srila Prabhupada’s Krishna Book, Chapter 59, “The Deliverance of the Demon Bhaumasura.”
Who Was Narakasura?
Narakasura was the son of Bhumi Devi, the goddess of the earth. He was also called Bhaumasura, a name identifying his relationship with her. His capital was Pragjyotishapura, a city protected by formidable defences.
Despite his distinguished birth, Narakasura used his power to oppress others. He seized celestial possessions and imprisoned princesses taken from royal families. His activities eventually led Indra, the king of the demigods, to seek Lord Krishna’s intervention.
Why Did Lord Krishna Fight Narakasura?
Narakasura had stolen Aditi’s earrings, taken Varuna’s umbrella and occupied the demigods’ recreation ground known as Mani-parvata. Aditi was Indra’s mother, and these offences prompted Indra to approach Krishna.
The Bhagavatam begins the account with Indra informing the Lord about these acts. Krishna then departed for Pragjyotishapura with Satyabhama. The battle that followed ended Narakasura’s oppression and opened the way for the captive princesses to receive the Lord’s shelter.
The Complete Naraka Chaturdashi Story
1. Krishna and Satyabhama Travel on Garuda
After hearing Indra’s complaint, Lord Krishna mounted Garuda, His mighty carrier, with Queen Satyabhama.
Their destination was no ordinary city. Pragjyotishapura was surrounded by defences involving hills, weapons, water, fire and wind. Strong cables known as mura-pasha created further obstacles around the fortress. Narakasura’s kingdom appeared difficult for any invading force to penetrate.
2. Krishna Breaks Through the Fortifications
Krishna overcame each defence with His weapons. He broke the rocky barriers with His club, destroyed the weapon defences with arrows, countered the fire, water and wind barriers with His chakra, and cut the cables with His sword.
The Lord then sounded His conchshell, Panchajanya. Its powerful vibration shook the defenders and announced His arrival. The fortifications on which Narakasura depended could not prevent Krishna from entering his kingdom.
3. The Five-Headed Demon Mura Attacks
The sound of Krishna’s conchshell awakened Mura, a five-headed demon who had been resting beneath the water.
Mura rushed forward and attacked Garuda with a trident. Krishna broke the weapon and countered his further attacks. When Mura hurled his club, the Lord shattered it with His own.
Deprived of his weapon, Mura charged at Krishna with raised arms. The Lord then severed his five heads with His chakra, and the demon fell into the water.
4. Mura’s Sons and Narakasura’s Forces Are Defeated
Mura’s seven sons, enraged by their father’s death, entered the battle under their commander, Pitha. They attacked Krishna with numerous weapons, but the Lord defeated them.
Seeing his commanders fall, Narakasura came out to fight. His soldiers launched their weapons at Krishna, while Garuda struck the opposing elephants with his wings, beak and talons. As the elephants retreated, Narakasura was left to confront the Lord.
5. Krishna Kills Narakasura
Narakasura’s attacks failed to overcome Krishna and Garuda. Finally, the demon raised his trident to strike the Lord.
Before Narakasura could release it, Krishna cut off his head with His sharp-edged chakra. This is the account given in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.21.
With Narakasura defeated, the demigods and sages glorified Lord Krishna and showered Him with flowers.
6. Bhumi Devi Offers Prayers to Krishna
After the battle, Bhumi Devi approached Krishna and returned the stolen possessions. Bowing before Him, she offered prayers recognising His supreme position.
She also brought Narakasura’s frightened son, Bhagadatta, to the Lord. Although Krishna had defeated the boy’s father, Bhumi Devi knew that His lotus feet were the shelter of those seeking protection.
She prayed:
“Please protect him. Place Your lotus hand, which dispels all sins, upon his head.”
— Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.31
Krishna accepted her appeal and bestowed fearlessness upon her grandson. Srila Prabhupada’s Krishna Book identifies the boy as Bhagadatta. The narrative thus moves from the defeat of an aggressor to the Lord’s merciful protection of one approaching Him for shelter.
7. Krishna Rescues the Captive Princesses
Krishna then entered Narakasura’s palace, where royal maidens had been held against their will.
Upon seeing the Lord, each princess desired to accept Him as her husband. Their hearts became absorbed in Krishna, and they prayed that this desire might be fulfilled.
The Lord arranged for them to receive suitable clothing and travel to Dvaraka. Later, manifesting a separate form for each bride, He married them simultaneously in their respective palaces.
Their deliverance is an essential part of the Narakasura story. Krishna’s victory brought freedom from captivity, followed by His personal acceptance of their devotion.
Who Killed Narakasura: Krishna or Satyabhama?
According to Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.21, Lord Krishna killed Narakasura with His chakra. Satyabhama accompanied Him on Garuda.
Some popular retellings describe Satyabhama delivering the fatal blow. This article follows the Bhagavatam account, where Krishna performs the act. Identifying the source helps readers understand why different versions of the Narakasura story may give different answers.
Satyabhama’s presence remains significant. The commentary on Bhagavatam 10.59.2–3 discusses several explanations for her accompanying Krishna, including her relationship with Bhumi Devi and the Lord’s promise concerning the celestial parijata tree. These explanations should be distinguished from the claim that she killed Narakasura in this account.
Why Did Krishna Marry the Rescued Princesses?
The princesses’ own devotion is central to this part of the story. Bhagavatam 10.59.34–35 describes how they accepted Krishna as their chosen husband within their hearts and prayed for Him.
Krishna reciprocated with their desire. His simultaneous marriage to them in separate forms also reveals His extraordinary nature as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The episode therefore includes rescue, heartfelt surrender and the Lord’s personal response to His devotees.
How Is This Story Connected with Naraka Chaturdashi?
Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. Remembering this pastime gives the festival its connection with the Lord’s protection and the defeat of oppression.
The occasion is observed in different ways across India. For this article, the focus remains the Krishna katha behind the festival. The related Kali Chaudas observance has its own regional traditions and should be understood in that context.
Devotional Lessons from the Narakasura Story
The events of this pastime invite reflection on how we use power and where we seek shelter.
Power should be used responsibly. Narakasura’s strength and possessions became instruments of oppression. His downfall reminds us that influence and privilege do not justify harming others.
The Lord’s strength is accompanied by mercy. Krishna defeated Narakasura, yet granted protection to his frightened son when Bhumi Devi appealed to Him. The same narrative reveals both His invincibility and His readiness to give shelter.
Devotion involves a personal relationship with Krishna. The rescued princesses desired the Lord Himself, and He accepted them. Their example directs attention towards sincere devotion and Krishna’s reciprocation.
These are devotional reflections drawn from the narrated events, rather than additional incidents in the story.
Scriptural References
| Event | Reference |
|---|---|
| Indra’s complaint and the journey with Satyabhama | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.2–3 |
| Krishna overcomes the fortifications | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.4–5 |
| Battle with Mura | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.6–10 |
| Mura’s sons and Narakasura’s army | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.11–20 |
| Krishna kills Narakasura | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.21 |
| Bhumi Devi’s offerings and prayers | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.23–31 |
| Protection of Narakasura’s son | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.31–32 |
| The captive princesses and their desire for Krishna | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.33–36 |
| Krishna’s simultaneous marriages | Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59.42 |
The Naraka Chaturdashi story brings together Krishna’s victory, His protection of those seeking refuge and His loving acceptance of His devotees. Hearing this pastime is an opportunity to remember the Lord with gratitude and place our faith in His shelter.
Adapted from the Gupt Vrindavan Dham blog: Naraka Chaturdashi Story: Why Krishna Killed Narakasura.
