Diwali in history

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Diwali in historyThe history of Diwali is replete with legends and these legends are moored

to the stories of Hindu religious scriptures, mostly the Puranas. Though the

central theme of all legends point out to the classic truth of the victory

of the good over the evils, the mode of their presentation and the

characters differ. Diwali, being the festival of lights, lighting the lamp

of knowledge within us means to understand and reflect upon the significant

purpose of each of the five days of festivities and to bring those thoughts

in to the day to day lives.

 

The five day of Diwali

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari

Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. The second day of Diwali is called Narak

Chaturdasi. It is the fourteenth lunar day (thithi) of the dark forthnight

of the month of Kartik and the eve of Diwali. On this day Lord Krishna

destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. The third

day of Diwali is the actual Diwali. This is the day when worship for Mother

Lakshmi is performed. On the fourth day of Diwali, Goverdhan Pooja is

performed. The fifth day of the diwali is called Bhratri Dooj. It is a day

dedicated to sisters.

 

Hindu Mythology

The Story of Rama and Sita: Lord Rama was a great warrior

King who was exiled by his father Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya, along with

his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman, on his wife's insistence.

Lord Rama returned to his Kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, in which

he put an end to the demon Ravana of Lanka, who was a great Pundit, highly

learned but still evil dominated his mind. After this victory of Good over

Evil, Rama returned to Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, the people welcomed them by

lighting rows of clay lamps. So, it is an occasion in honor of Rama's

victory over Ravana; of Truth's victory over Evil.

 

The Story of King Bali and Vamana Avatar(the Dwarf): The

other story concerns King Bali, who was a generous ruler. But he was also

very ambitious. Some of the Gods pleaded Vishnu to check King Bali's power.

Vishnu came to earth in the form of a Vamana(dwarf) dressed as priest. The

dwarf approached King Bali and said "You are the ruler of the three

worlds: the Earth, the world above the skies and the underworld. Would you

give me the space that I could cover with three strides?" King Bali

laughed. Surely a dwarf could not cover much ground, thought the King, who

agreed to dwarf's request. At this point, the dwarf changed into Vishnu and

his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe! King

Bali was send to the underworld. As part of Diwali celebrations, some Hindus

remember King Bali.

 

The Defeat of Narkasur by Lord Krishna: Lord Vishnu in his

8th incarnation as Krishna destroyed the demon Narkasura, who was causing

great unhappiness amongst the people of the world. Narkasura was believed to

be a demon of filth, covered in dirt. He used to kidnap beautiful young

women and force them to live with him. Eventually, their cries for rescue

were heard by Vishnu, who came in the form of Krishna. First, Krishna had to

fight with a five-headed monster who guarded the demon's home. Narkasura

hoped that his death might bring joy to others. Krishna granted his request

and the women were freed. For Hindus, this story is a reminder that good can

still come out of evil.

 

Krishna and The Mountain: In the village of Gokula, many

years ago, the people prayed to the God Indra. They believed that Indra sent

the rains, which made their crops, grow. But Krishna came along and

persuaded the people to worship the mountain Govardhan, because the mountain

and the land around it were fertile. This did not please Indra. He sent

thunder and torrential rain down on the village. The people cried to Krishna

to help. Krishna saved the villagers by lifting the top of the mountain with

his finger. The offering of food to God on this day of Diwali is a reminder

to Hindus of the importance of food and it is a time for being thankful to

God for the bounty of nature.

 

Sikh Festival Diwali

In Sikh perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru,

Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. To commemorate

his undying love for Sikhism, the towns people lit the way to, Harmandhir

Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour.

 

Jain Festival Diwali

Among the Jain festivals, Diwali is one of the most important one. For on

this occasion we celebrate the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira who established the

dharma as we follow it. Lord Mahavira was born as Vardhamana on Chaitra

Shukla 13th in the Nata clan at Khattiya-kundapura, near Vaishali. He

obtained Kevala Gyana on Vishakha Shukla 10 at the Jambhraka village on the

banks of Rijukula river at the age of 42Warm Regds S.Swaminathan “Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.†- Abdul Kalam