DEEPAVALI - The Festival of Lights (Significance)

Legends behind the festival...

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 Dasamaskhandam (10th chapter) of Sri Madbhagavatham. Narakasura also known as Bhoumasura was the son of Goddess Sri Bhoodevi (Goddess of Earth) and Lord Vishnu (Varaha Avathara). He 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 Thanayaam".

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 thereafter Rama’s coronation took place.

It is also further believed and 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. In commemoration of this event next day of Deepavali (Karthika Sukla Paadyami) is celebrated as Goverdhana Pooja.

Significance of Deepavali...

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 & TRADITIONS OF DEEPAVALI (Diwali)

http://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2014/10/customs-traditions-of-deepavali-diwali.html

Deepavali - Enivironmental 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 implication on 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.

Diwali festival - Do's & Don'ts 
http://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2010/10/diwali-festival-dos-donts.html

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 and prosperity.

Fourth day Bali Paadyami, worshiping 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

May Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi bless you all with

Happiness, Peace, Prosperity & Wealth

HAPPY DEEPAVALI