Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali or Rupa Chaudas, is celebrated one day before Diwali. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and purity over impurity.

One of the most significant traditions on this day is the lighting of lamps (diyas). Specifically, it is customary to light a four-wick lamp (*chaumukhi diya*) dedicated to Yama (the Lord of Death/Dharmaraja) to dispel the fear of untimely death. Furthermore, according to the scriptures and Sanatan tradition, it is also considered highly significant to light lamps in honor of one’s ancestors (*pitris*).

On this day, a lamp dedicated to Yama is typically placed in the southern direction of the home to appease Lord Yama. Let us learn from astrologer Chandresh Sharma of 'Astropatri' why it is important to light a lamp for one's ancestors on this day and what its significance is.

How many lamps are lit on Naraka Chaturdashi?
Naraka Chaturdashi is observed on the fourteenth day (*Chaturdashi*) of the waning moon phase (*Krishna Paksha*) in the month of Kartika; therefore, 14 lamps are lit in various directions around the home. According to the Skanda Purana, lighting lamps in honor of Lord Yama on Naraka Chaturdashi ensures lasting prosperity within the household and frees individuals from the fear of death.

After lighting the lamp for Yama, one prays for longevity and the safety of the family. Lighting this lamp on the night of Naraka Chaturdashi helps keep negative energies at bay and prevents any malevolent forces from entering the home.

Should a lamp also be lit for ancestors on Naraka Chaturdashi?
It is believed that the southern direction of a home is associated with Yama and one's ancestors. Lighting a four-wick lamp for both Yama and one's ancestors on Naraka Chaturdashi is said to help remove any *Pitru Dosha* (ancestral afflictions) from the household. On this day, you may also place a lamp—dedicated to your ancestors—at the main entrance of your home, while praying for the prosperity of your household. Furthermore, after lighting the lamp, seeking the blessings of your ancestors to be liberated from *Pitru Dosh* (ancestral afflictions) is considered highly auspicious.

**Significance and Guidelines for Offering Lamps to Ancestors**
**Bidding Farewell and Guiding Ancestors:** The *Chaturdashi Tithi* (the fourteenth lunar day) falls just one day before the *Amavasya* (new moon) of Diwali. On this day, lamps are lit to bid farewell to one’s ancestors and to bring satisfaction to their souls, ensuring they can return to their own realm with ease and bestow their benevolent blessings upon the family.

**Placement of the Lamps:** These lamps are typically lit in the southern direction of the home, outside the main entrance, or beneath a *Peepal* tree.

**Purpose:** This special offering of lamps is dedicated to both Yamraj (the Lord of Death) and one’s ancestors, helping to ward off any crises or hardships that might befall the family.

**How ​​Many Lamps Should Be Lit on Narak Chaturdashi?**
According to religious scriptures, 14 lamps should be lit in various locations throughout the home on *Narak Chaturdashi*. This practice helps in dispelling any form of negative energy.

On this day, light one lamp for Lord Yama at the main entrance; this helps alleviate the fear of an untimely death.

Place a second lamp near the *Tulsi* (holy basil) plant, which invites the presence of Goddess Lakshmi into the home.
Light a third lamp in the kitchen, ensuring the continued presence of Goddess Annapurna (the deity of food and nourishment).
Light a fourth lamp in the southern part of the house to please your ancestors.
In this manner, you may place 14 lamps in various areas—such as the bathroom, storeroom, balcony, terrace, bedrooms, the *Brahmasthan* (the central point of the house), and near a *Peepal* tree.

By performing this ritual of offering lamps in the prescribed manner on *Narak Chaturdashi*, you ensure that the blessings of your ancestors and Lord Yama remain upon your home always.

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