Diwali Celebration - Nove 14, 2001 at Datta Temple

[Guest guest]

DIWALI CELEBRATION - November 14, 2001

Jai Guru Datta

Datta Temple & Hall of Trinity is pleased to announce the celebration of Holy

Diwali or Deepaavali on November 14, 2001 (Wednesday) by performing Dhana

Lakshmi / Chopda Puja and Dhan Theras. Diwali is known as festival of lights.

On this day, homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome Maha Lakshmi, Goddess

of wealth. She is responsible for prosperity, growth and affluence.

Lamps are lit to greet Maha Lakshmi. Lamp is a symbol of knowledge, known to

remove darkness and represents renewal of new life. This festival is

celebrated as a triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. A number of

legends are offered as an explanation for the celebration of this festival.

According to one legend, Diwali commemorates the coronation of Lord Rama after

his return to Ayodhya from his 14 year exile in the forests with Sita and

Lakshmana. In celebration of his return, people of Ayodhya illuminated their

homes with oil lamps and fireworks.

According to another legend, Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura

freeing people from fear and terror. There is another legend which says that

Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi which is also known as Dhan Theras. Lord

Dhanvantari came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic medicine to promote healthy

long life for mankind.

Interested devotees can sponsor Diwali Celebration for $21.

His Holiness Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji has sent specially blessed

medallions (which were worshiped at the time of Navaratri) for this occasion.

Sponsors will receive this medallion as Prasadam. Medallions will be mailed to

the devotees who sponsor the celebration in absentia.

Devotees can visit Dattatemple.com web site, go to Upcoming Events category

and sponsor Diwali by sending all the required information.

Please call Temple for further information at 225-751-8949

Please forward this e-mail to other interested devotees.

Jai Guru Datta

(V. V. Prakasa Rao)