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Video: Origin of Diwali History
Historically, the origin of
Diwali
can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest
festival. However,
there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to
be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal
the festival is dedicated to the worship of
Mother
Kali, the dark goddess of strength.
Lord
Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom,
is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In
Jainism,
Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining
the eternal bliss of
nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the
return of
Lord
Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing
the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the
people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen
diyas
(oil lamps) and burst crackers.
From Darkness Unto Light...
In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory
of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate
our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness
unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that
which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner
of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds
of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is
celebrated
around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it's a
celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds
of Diwali, light a
diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses,
concentrate on this supreme light and illuminate the soul.
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DIWALI SONG - Lata Mangeshkar .. Main to Sang Jaaun Banwas .. Sita requesting Rama .. Bakti song
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The 'Festival of lights' - Deepawali. It is the
glorious occasion that is not restricted to one day, but extended to a
five-day celebration. All through these five days, people are in a
festive mood. Adding to the festivity is the colorful display of lights.
Like every other Hindu festival, stories from Mythology are associated
with Diwali too. Given below is information on the celebrations of
Diwali.
Stories & Legends of Deepavali
Return of Shri Ram To Ayodhyaa
The most famous legend behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the
prince of Ayodhya Nagri - Lord Shri Ram. The king of Lanka, Ravana,
kidnapped Ram's wife - Sita from the jungle, where they were staying as
per the instructions of King Dashratha, father of Lord Ram. In order to
freed Sita from Ravana's custody, Ram attacked him. This was followed by
a war, in which, Ram defeated Ravan and released Sita from his custody.
On the arrival of Lord Ram along with his wife Sita, people of Ayodhya
decorated their homes as well as the city of Ayodhyaa by lighting tiny
diyas all over, in order to welcome their beloved prince Shri Ram and
Devi Sita.
Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi
On the auspicious new moon day, which is 'Amavasyaa' of the Hindi month
of Kartik, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity - Lakshmi was
incarnated. She appeared during the churning of the ocean, which is
known as 'Samudra Manthan', by the demons on one side and 'Devataas'
(Gods) on the other side. Therefore, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the
Lakshmi Pujan, on the day of Diwali, became a tradition.
Lord Krishna Destroyed Demon Narakasur
One famous story behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the demon
king Narakasur, who was ruler of Pragjyotishpur, a province to the South
of Nepal. After acquiring victory over Lord Indra during a war,
Narakasur snatched away the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess
Aditi, who was not only the ruler of Suraloka, but also a relative of
Lord Krishna's wife - Satyabhama. Narakasur also imprisoned sixteen
thousand daughters of Gods and saints in his harem. With the support of
Lord Krishna, Satyabhama defeated Narakasur, released all the women from
his harem and restored the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi.
The Return of The Pandavas
The great Hindu epic 'Mahabharata' has another interesting story
related to the 'Kartik Amavasyaa'. According to the story, 'the
Pandavas', the five brothers Yudhishthhira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and
Sahdeva, were sentenced to thirteen years exile as a result of their
defeat against 'the Kauravas' - Duryodhana and his ninety nine brothers,
at the game of dice. Therefore, the Pandavas spent thirteen years in the
jungles and returned to their kingdom on the day of 'Kartik Amavasyaa'.
On their return, the people of their kingdom welcomed the Pandavas by
celebrating the event by lighting the earthen lamps all over in their
city.
Coronation of King Vikramaditya
Another legend or story about Diwali celebrations relates to one of the
greatest Hindu King - Vikramaditya. It was the day when he was coroneted
and the people celebrated this event by lighting tiny earthen 'diyas'.
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Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
The third day of Diwali festival is the most important one for
Lakshmi-puja
and is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. On this very
day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by
the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have
suggested the balancing of
account books and their closing. Despite the fact
that this day falls on an amavasya day it is regarded as the most
auspicious.
The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of
Amavasya. The
strains of joyous sounds of bells and drums float from the temples as man is
invoking Goddess Laxmi in a wondrous holy "pouring-in" of his
heart. All of a sudden that impenetrable darkness is pierced by innumerable
rays of light for just a moment and the next moment a blaze of light
descends down to earth from heaven as golden-footed Deep-Lakshmi alights on
earth in all her celestial glory amidst chantings of Vedic hymns.
A sublime light of knowledge dawns upon humanity and this self
enlightenment is expressed through the twinkling lamps that illuminate the
palaces of thewealthy as well as the lowly abodes of the poor. It is
believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters
through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and
prosperity.
Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event
on Diwali in North and West India. It is extremely important to keep the
house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes
cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the
reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of haldi and
kumkum (turmeric and vermilion). Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the
goddess. They are believed to light up Her path.
Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities:
Ganesha
is worshiped at the beginning of every auspicious act as
Vighnaharta;
Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms -
Mahalakshmi (the
goddess of wealth and money),
Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books
and learning), and
Mahakali; Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is
also worshiped.
Mahalakshmi (Laxmi) Mantra & Shri Yantra - Wealth Giving
