Narak Chaturdashi 2026: Why Is Abhyanga Snan So Important? Know the Right Time and Rituals

Narak Chaturdashi 2026 Abhyanga Snan

Narak Chaturdashi 2026: In Hindu tradition, the Narak Chaturdashi festival holds special significance. It is celebrated just one day before Diwali. Narak Chaturdashi is also known as Chhoti Diwali, Roop Chaudas, and Kali Chaudas. On this day, people worship Yamraj, light a Yama diya, and worship Lord Krishna; along with this, several rituals are followed, including Abhyanga Snan. Come, let’s understand why Abhyanga Snan is so important on Narak Chaturdashi, how to perform it, and its shubh muhurat.

Narak Chaturdashi Date and Muhurat

Narak Chaturdashi falls one day after Dhanteras, on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month. According to the Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi will begin at 10:47 AM and end at 8 11:27 AM on November. This year, Narak Chaturdashi falls on Saturday, 7 November. Since the Chaturdashi Tithi falls during Pradosh Kaal, people will perform Yama Deep Daan, Hanuman Puja, and Kali Chaudas Puja. However, since Udaya Tithi is observed on 8 November, Abhyanga Snan will also be performed on this day.

Abhyanga Snan Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM on 8 November (before sunrise).

If you want to learn more about the rituals, significance, katha and more about Narak Chaturdashi, then you can read the Chhoti Diwali guide. You can also chat with an astrologer for free for information about Narak Chaturdashi Puja, remedies, or Abhyanga Snan.

Significance of Abhyanga Snan

On Narak Chaturdashi, the ancient tradition of Abhyanga Snan holds great religious and Ayurvedic significance. According to mythology, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Kartik Krishna Paksha. This story is also mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana. After the battle, Lord Krishna applied oil and a herbal paste to clean the blood from his body and took an early bath on Chaturdashi morning. This is why applying oil and a herbal paste and bathing before sunrise is considered important on this day. There is one more belief that bathing before sunrise on Narak Chaturdashi helps to free a person from the suffering of hell and removes the fear of an untimely death.

Benefits of Abhyanga Snan

According to Ayurveda, on Narak Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas, massaging your body with sesame oil and applying a herbal paste before bathing helps to improve the skin and gives a radiant glow. This is why the day is called Roop Chaudas. It is also believed that this bath helps in removing illness and negative influences.

On Nakrak Chaturdashi, the purpose of Abhyanga Snan is not limited to cleansing the body. It also helps to keep the mind calm and refreshed. 

Abhyanga Snan is believed to help prevent illnesses. In addition, in the context of “Ritucharya”, it helps in maintaining a balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in the body.

How to Perform Abhyanga Snan

  • Oil Massage: On Narak Chaturdashi, wake up before sunrise and then properly massage the entire body with sesame oil.
  • Herbal Paste: After the oil massage, apply a paste made from gram flour, turmeric, sandalwood, or Ayurvedic herbs.
  • Use of Prickly Chaff Flower (Apamarga): According to tradition, the Prickly Chaff Flower (Chirchira) plant or its leaves should be placed around the head or added to the bathing water before taking a bath.
  • Bathing: After leaving the oil and herbal paste on the body for some time, take a bath with fresh and lukewarm water.
  • Yama Tarpan: After bathing, wear clean clothes, face south, and offer Tarpan to Lord Yamraj.

Important Precautions

  • Sesame oil is traditionally used for Abhyanga Snan. However, if you are allergic to sesame oil, you can use any other oil of your choice that suits you.
  • Avoid rubbing or massaging areas with wounds, injuries, eczema, allergies, or other medical issues.
  • If you or any family member has a high fever, indigestion, diarrhoea, a body infection, skin rashes, or similar problems, avoid Abhyanga Snan.
  • During pregnancy, take extra care while performing Abhyanga Snan, as oil and herbal paste can make the body slippery. You may also want to avoid Abhyanga Snan during menstruation.

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Posted On - November 5, 2026 | Posted By - Astrotalk Team | Read By -

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