Diwali in history
The 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.
Add this page to your Favorites!
|
