The Origin of Diwali

October 8, 2009

Diwali, being one of the oldest celebration of mankind. The origin of Diwali is dates back to periods, when there was little or no writings, and knowledge used to be transferred through generations, purely by listening, memorizing, and then speaking it out to someone else. Thus the process continued.

The origin of diwali lies in different and varied Hindu scriptures, mostly the Puranas. However, all of them have a single commonality, they all depict the triumph of the good over the evil.

You can read below for some of the most accepted views of the origin of Diwali, or check out all the views in details at our Diwali history page, where all the seven views of origin and history of Diwali is given.

Diwali as Celebration of King Rama's homecoming, as in Ramayana

Ramayana is one of the two most important epics of the Hindu religion. In this epic, Lord Rama, king of Ayodhya, returns to his kingdom with his wife and brother Lakshman, after his exile of 14 years, and defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya goes ecstatic with the joy of His returning, and to welcome their king, lights up earthen diyas in every home of Ayodhya, thus lighting up the whole kingdom. It took place on the night of the new moon of Ashwin, and the tradition is carried out even today. Click here for more details

The EPIC:

According to Ramayana, Diwali commemorates the return of Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the eldest son of King Dasharath of Ayodhya, from his 14-year exile with Sita and Lakshman after killing the Ravana, a demon king. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and fireworks to celebration of the return of their king. Continuing the story of Rama, this festival commemorates Lord Ram's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and firework displays are common all across the country. This celebration took place on the night of the new moon of Ashwin (October-November). The tradition and the timing continued to be followed even these days. Click here to know more...

But it is just one aspect of this legendary festival. Though the four-day long festival centers round the new moon night, the night of lamps, each of the four days has an interesting story to tell of its own.

The Day of Narakchaturdashi. This is actually the pre-Diwali day and the beginning of the four day long festival. The day is associated with the legend of the demon Naraka.This holy day marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. According to Puranas Naraka, the son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power as a blessing from Lord Brahma after a severe penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing the lestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.But Naraka could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he could face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of

Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka and kills him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of the Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path.The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.

This Narakachaturdashi day is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and laughter.

Thanks & Regards,Sudhir SrinivasanB.Arch, Dip.ID, Dip.CAD, Dip.PM, AIIA, IIID, ARIAI| Architect | M:

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