Story of Sri Krishna and Narakasura is found in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. Naraka Chaturdasi or Diwali in South India is based on the Narakasura Vadha story.
Legend has it that Demon Naraka, the son of Bhumi Devi, with the help of a boon from Brahma became very powerful. The boon was that he could only be killed by his mother Bhumi Devi. With such immense power Naraka lost his self control and his ego took over him. He started harassing people and demigods. He also forcibly took away the earrings of Aditi, the mother of devas.
Finally, the task of annihilating Naraka fell on Krishna . As always, a clever Lord Krishna asked his wife Satyabhama, an incarnation of Bhumi Devi, to accompany him to the battle against Naraka and be his charioteer.
The battle between Naraka and Krishna shook the entire world. During the battle, an arrow hits Krishna and he acts being unconscious.
Satyabhama could not tolerate this and she took the bow and arrow of Krishna and kills Demon Naraka.
It is said that before dying Naraka realized his mistakes and requested for a festival in his name from his parents which will remind people what will happen when they are overtook by inflated egos.
The festival that is dedicated to the memory of Naraka is the Narak Chaturdashi and it is observed as Deepavali in South India .
Note - In some Puranas it is mentioned that Sri Krishna himself killed Narakasura using his Sudarshana Chakra.
Note - In some Puranas it is mentioned that Sri Krishna himself killed Narakasura using his Sudarshana Chakra.
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