Deepavali - The Festival Of Lights

Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha! Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha! Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya! Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

DEEPAVALI – THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Deepavali is one of the most prominent festivals of Hindu religion celebrated across the country with fervor and gaiety by one and all without any discrimination of age, caste and creed. It is called as festival of Lights and we find people lighting fire crackers during the festival which is a special attraction. Rarity of this festival is that it is celebrated in the night unlike other festivals which are generally celebrated in the day time. We find this festival being celebrated even among Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists apart from Hindus. Diwali is a time of the year when families, friends and communities come together in a spirit of celebration and joy. Observance of the festival varies from region to region. Deepavali also popularly called Diwali is celebrated for three to five days based on regional customs with each day of the festival referred to by a unique name. Deepavali generally occurs during October-November every year starting from Aaswayuja Bahula Trayodasi and ending with Kartheeka Sukla Dwiteeya. Around this time transit of Sun takes place in Thula (Libra) raasi the debilitated house for Sun. The celebrations take place in the following order,

JALA POORNA TRAYODASI - DHANTERA First day of the festival called Jala Poorna Trayodasi is celebrated on Aaswayuja Bahula Trayodasi (13th day of the dark fortnight). It is believed and said that on this day Lord Dhanvanthari the God of health and healing emerged out of Milk Ocean during Ksheera Sagara Madhanam. This day is also known as Dhantheras or Dhana Trayodasi as it is auspicious to buy Gold and Silver on this day.

In South India especially in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh we find people performing on this day Ganga Pooja after Sunset in the night by symbolically filling water in a copper or brass vessel decorated with flowers and adding medicinal plant leaves to the water. The water with medicinal plant leaves soaked overnight is used on the next day while taking bath as it is said to have medicinal significance. It is also believed that forefathers (Pitru Devathas) visit their houses on this day and as a mark of respect and invitation to them we find people lighting an oil lamp in front of their houses in the South direction that would please Yama Dharma Raja the Lord of Death.

NARAKA CHATURDASI Second day of the festival a day prior to Deepavali, called Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated on Aaswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi (14thday of the dark fortnight). This day is celebrated commemorating the death of Demon King Narakasura at the hands of Lord Sri Krishna and his consort Sathyabhama Devi. It is a custom and mandatory to take oil bath on this day. Lot of spiritual significance is given for oil bath on this day and it is said that even the sick should also take it without fail. It is said that Lord Sri Krishna had taken oil bath on this day after killing Narakasura. Thil Oil (Sesame oil) should be used for the bath as it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in Thil oil on this day. It is customary to take this bath early in the morning before sunrise when the stars are still visible. It is said that taking bath on this day as above is equivalent to taking bath in river Ganges. Worshipping Lord Sri Krishna and giving charity on this day is highly auspicious and meritorious.

YAMA TARPANAM ON NARAKA CHATURDASI DAY It is said that after taking bath on this day all those who are eligible to offer Pithru tharpanam, should offer Thila Tharpanam in the name of Yama Dharma Raja (God of Death) called as Yama Tharpanam by reciting the following sloka containing 14 names of Lord Yama Dharma Raja. Yamaaya Dharmarajaya Mruthyave Chantakayacha Vaivaswathaya Kaalaaya Sarva Bhootha Kshayayacha Oudhumbaraya Dhadnaya Neelaya Paramestine Vrukodaraya Chittaya Chitraguptayathe Namah Tarpana should be given with water and black sesame seeds with Yagnopaveetham in Apasavya position facing South direction by reciting each name in the above sloka by

adding Namah. For example, Yamaya Namah – Yamam Tharpayami, Dharmarajaya Namah – Dharmarajam Tharpayami, etc…… It is said and believed that giving Yama tharpana on this day is highly meritorious and one will get relief from suffering in Naraka Loka. Scripts like Dharma Sindhu says that this Tharpana should be given by one and all irrespective of the fact whether father is alive or not. In case father is not alive it should be given in Apasavya position as said above. In case father is alive it should be given with water and rice with Yagnopaveetham in Savya position.

DEEPAVALI AMAVASYA Third day of the festival called Deepavali is celebrated on Aaswayuja Bahula Amavasya (New Moon day). On this day we find people worshipping Goddess Lakshmi by offering special prayers and pooja. Performing Lakshmi pooja on this day is considered to be very auspicious and highly meritorious. Deepavali Amavasya is celebrated as the birth day of Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and she is worshipped on this day by lighting lamps. Reciting Sree Sooktham on this day at the time of Lakshmi Pooja is very sacred and meritorious. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Deepavali day has attained lot of significance in Hindu religion especially in the states of Gujarat, Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Businessmen among Marwari and Gujarati communities even open their new annual accounts on this day.

BALI PAADYAMI (Prathipada) It is a festival celebrated in memory of King Bali (Bali Chakravarthi) of Vamana Avathara. It occurs on the first day of Kartheeka Masam (Sukla Paksham), the day on which King Bali is said to have given charity to Lord Sri Vamana, was pushed to Nether worlds by Lord Trivikrama (Vamana) and was also amply rewarded by the Lord for his virtues. For more details about King Bali and Vamana Avathara please refer to the earlier posts. Worshipping Lord Sri Vamana on this day is very sacred and celestial. King Bali should be worshipped on this day with the following sloka and charity should be made on this day. Baliraja Namasthubhyam Virochana Sutha Prabho Bhavishyendra Suraarathe Poojeyam Prathigruhyathaam Such charity would please Lord Sri Maha Vishnu very much. This day is considered to be very sacred and auspicious for giving charity and one will get multiple merits even if little charity is given in memory of King Bali. Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, Kubera (Divine Cashier), and Cow (Gomatha) on this day are also given lot of significance.

YAMA DWITEEYA Fifth and final day of the festival called Yama Dwiteeya is celebrated on Kartheeka Sukla Dwiteeya. It is known as Bhagini Hastha Bhojana. It is so called because on this day it is said that, Lord Yama had taken his meals in the house of his sister Yamuna (Yamuna River) prepared and served by her. Since then it has become a custom and tradition on this day, for brothers to take food in the house of their sisters and sisters in turn worship their brothers and pray for their longevity. If one doesn’t have sisters, it is said that father’s sister should be worshipped on this day. It is believed and said that it will enhance the health, wealth and longevity of the brothers and in turn sisters will live as Sumangali for ever. Generally gifts and compliments are exchanged on this occasion among brothers and sisters.

LEGENDS BEHIND NARAKA CHATURDASI AND DEEPAVALI We find several references to Deepavali festival in various Puranas. Popular legend behind this festival is that of killing of an Asura called Narakasura by Lord Sri Krishna and his consort Sathyabhama during Dwapara Yuga. We find this legend in th Dasamaskhandam (10 chapter) of Sri Madbhagavatham. Narakasura also known as Bhoumasura, said to have been the son of Bhoo Devi (Goddess Earth) was a demon King with Pragjyotishapuram as his capital. He was a mighty demon with lot of pride and vanity, known for his cruel and wicked ruling and atrocities on women and demi Gods. As an example of his atrocities he had even kidnapped 16000 royal maids and kept them under his captive. In order to put an end to the atrocities of Narakasura and to release the captives, Lord Sri Krishna, upon request from all the Deities invades Narakasura’s capital and kills him in a war duly assisted by his consort Sathyabhama Devi who is said to have been the reincarnation of Bhoo Devi. Narakasura had a boon that he would die only at the hands of his mother. Later Lord Sri Krishna released the 16000 royal maids who were under captive and married them upon their request. Commemorating the victory of Lord Sri Krishna over Narakasura, this day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi by lighting lamps and bursting crackers. Goddess Lakshmi considered to be the presiding Deity of wealth is said to have emerged out of Ocean of Milk on this day (Amavasya) during Ksheera Sagara Madhanam. Sree Sooktham describes Maha Lakshmi as” Ksheera Samudra Raja Tanayaam.

It is believed and said that Deepavali was the day when Lord Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya from his 14 years of exile along with his consort Goddess Seetha Devi and his brother Lakshmana and Rama’s coronation took place on this day. It is also further said that it was on this day Lord Sri Krishna had lifted the Govardhana Parvatha (hill) and protected the cowherds and cattle from the thunder and rain created by Lord Indra. Thus Lord Sri Krishna suppressed the pride and vanity of Lord Indra. This was the day when Lord Sri Krishna taught the people the need to respect and worship the Nature.

SIGNIFICANCE OF DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL Deepa means light and Aavali means row. Deepa + Aavali = Deepavali means arranging of lights in rows in an orderly way. Deepa (Light) has lot of significance in Hindu religion and culture. Any type of pooja/ritual starts with lighting of Deepa. Deepa is called as Para Brahma Swaroopam.

Deepam Jyothih Param Brahma Sarvathamopaharam Deepena Saadhyathe Sarvam Deepa Lakshmi Namosthuthe! Lighting of oil lamp is said to be very auspicious. Whenever there is dark we generally switch on the light. Light dispels the darkness. Deepavali is the festival that eliminates the darkness and brings in light to our lives. We find lighting of earthen oil lamps during Deepavali festival in all the Hindu houses. Light however small may be has a tremendous power to eradicate the darkness and that is why we worship the light. Light is called as Lakshmi Swaroopam. Sree Sooktham describes Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi as the divine light for the Universe. Lighting lamp indicates eradication of our inner darkness that is ignorance (egoism) and lighting of knowledge lamp (inner light) within us. It is believed and said that lighting of oil lamps during Deepavali is to wish for better placement for fore fathers (Pithru Devathas) in the nether worlds. Lighting of oil lamps (Deepa) and giving charity (Deepa Dana) to Brahmins on Naraka Chaturdasi day

will bestow relief to fore fathers suffering in Naraka Loka. It is also considered as a symbolic way of showing lights to forefathers on their way to the upper worlds.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL Some of the customs and traditions followed during the Deepavali festival are, During Diwali festival we find houses, shops & establishments, streets, heritage buildings and monuments decorated with lights and lamps. People light lamps called Diyas or Deepa or Deepam, in earthen or clay pots filled with oil. Thil oil (Sesame seed oil) is generally used for lighting such lamps. It is customary during Deepavali festival to keep a lighted lamp called Aakasa Deepa at an elevated spot like roof top of every house as a symbol of beacon of Heaven. People undertake performing Aarathi to the members of the family on Naraka Chaturdasi day early in the morning before taking bath. Wear new clothes on this day and take blessings from elders, distribute sweets and compliments to the friends and relatives. People from all walks of life fire crackers irrespective of the age. Parents invite their newly married daughter and son-in – law for the festival and facilitate them with gifts and compliments. Some of the business communities especially Marwari, Gujarati and North Indian business communities start a new financial year and commence their new annual accounts on the Deepavali day. It is believed and said that Vikrama Era had commenced from the day of Deepavali. New currency notes and coins are used for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on the Diwali day. People play dice on this day. It is also a custom that we find, employers giving gifts in the form bonuses to their employees and Corporates giving gifts and compliments to their customers on the eve of Diwali. We find on the day of Deepavali Stock Exchanges performing a token bidding called Muhurat trading and do not make any payments on this day. In West Bengal people worship Goddess Durga/Kali during Deepavali festival. Jains celebrate Diwali marked as the Nirvana day of Mahaveer the founder of Jainism. Sikhs celebrate Diwali as the day of release of their 6 th Guru Hargobind Sahib from the clutches of Mughal. We find celebration of Diwali even abroad in countries like Nepal, Trinidad, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka etc… In Nepal and Sri Lanka it is considered as a National festival.

DEEPAVALI - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS Deepavali festival indicates the end of monsoon and arrival of winter when the atmosphere will be full moisture and dampness. That time there will be spread of insects like mosquitoes, flies etc… in the atmosphere. Lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers during Deepavali time will help in preventing these insects entering the house as they will not come nearer to the flame. Also the chemicals that are emanated from bursting of crackers help to prevent these insects from spreading. Of course busting of crackers will have implications of pollution caused by emission of smoke from the chemicals contained in the fire crackers which will also have an impact on health. Besides it also causes sound pollution when high decibel noise is released from bursting of crackers. Bursting of crackers though people may enjoy, has hazards like fire accidents, burns and injuries, and above all monetary implications in view of the soaring prices of crackers. In spite of congestion in residential areas we find people bursting crackers in front of their houses and it is a rarity to find adequate space for firing of crackers in the growing metro environment and rapid urbanization. Considering these facts some of the State Governments have even prohibited manufacture of crackers that release high noise and also bursting of crackers in silent zones like schools, hospitals etc. Even parents should take proper care of their children while using fire crackers and educate them on the precautions to be taken. People should avoid firing of crackers in congested and crowded areas and they should be fired at open places.

MESSAGE FROM DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL Each day of the Diwali festival and the deity worshipped conveys a special message. First day Jalapoorna Trayodasi/Dhantera where Lord Dhanvanthari is worshipped has health significance. Second day Naraka Chaturdasi taking oil bath has health and spiritual significance, giving Yama Tharpanam, message of ultimate reality (death) Narakasura is a symbol of evil and represent the vices or weaknesses (negative passions) in human beings viz. Kama (lust, craze, desire), Krodha (anger, hatred), Lobha (greed, miserliness, narrow minded), Moha (delusory emotional attachment), Mada or Ahankara (pride, stubborn mindedness), Matsarya (envy, jealousy, show or vanity, and pride). Lord Sri Krishna and his consort Sathyabhama Devi are symbols of victory of good over the evil. Lord Sri Krishna is the one who represents the Almighty who defeats these evil forces and liberates human souls from its bondage. It is also a

message of sacrifice by the Mother of her wicked son who is an anti social element for the sake of society. Third day worshipping Goddess Lakshmi has peace, prosperity and wealth significance. Deepam symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth. Fourth day Bali Paadyami, worshipping of Lord Vamana and Bali Chakravarthi gives a message of suppression of ego and total surrender to the Supreme God, taking refuge in him however mighty one may be. Fifth and final day Yama Dwiteeya is a message of bondage, love and affection among brothers and sisters. Lighting of lamps during the festival conveys a message of awareness of inner lamp that one should light to dispel the inner darkness that is ignorance. Above all, though Deepavali is celebrated as a joyous festival of lights and firing of crackers one should understand properly its inner divine significance and celebrate the festival in true spirits. Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu bhargavasarma May, Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi bless you all with

Happiness, Peace, Prosperity and Wealth