Diwali

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>From www.hinduismtoday.org....

 

Muniji's Deepavali Message

http://www.ihrf.com/publi/spiritual.htm

 

November 7, 2004: "The time of Deepavali is one of the most festive

and

beautiful times of the year. Deepavali literally means a 'Row of

Lights.' It is a time filled with light and love; a time when Indians

all over the world rejoice. Deepavali is celebrated on the

thirteenth/fourteenth day in the dark half of Kartik

(October-November); it is also known as Krishna Chaturdashi. It is

the

darkest night of the darkest period, yet it is a celebration of

light!

Deepavali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil

 

"The meanings of Deepavali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons

for celebration are innumerable. Deepavali celebrates Lord Rama's

glorious and long-awaited return to his Kingdom of Ayodhya after his

fourteen long years of exile in the forests. It commemorates Lord

Krishna's victory over the demon Narakaasura who had kidnapped and

terrorized the gopis of Vrindavan. When the evil Naraka was finally

killed by Bhagwan Krishna and Satyabhaama, he begged pitifully for

mercy; thus, upon his entreaties, it was declared that this day of

his

death would be celebrated with great joy and festivity. It is also

celebrated as the day Bhagwan Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi."

 

"In general, Deepavali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of

righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, and of light

over darkness. Additionally, Deepavali is the holy time in which we

offer our prayers to Maha Lakshmi and we worship Her with piety and

devotion. Maha Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity,

bestowing these abundantly upon her devotees. Deepavali is a holiday

of

joy; it is the time when we gather with loved ones, celebrating our

family, our friends and the prosperity God has bestowed upon us. "

 

"So, on this holy day, let us fill our entire beings with the light

of

God. Let us clean out our minds and hearts, making a true 'fresh

start.' Let us pray to Maha Lakshmi to bestow the divine gifts of

faith, purity and devotion upon us. With those, we will always be

always rich, always prosperous, and always fulfilled.