Reasons behind celebrating Diwali, the festival of Lamps

By Dharmana Chandramouli
India is the land of colorful festivals, interesting stories, and unending philosophical discussions. Controversies and debates were everywhere to somehow grab the title - "I am Right" or "My version is correct". The beautiful festival of lamps - Deepavali also a victim of this controversy club. Each individual of India had his own unique version to explain Why Deepavali is celebrated? But the reality remains unaffected. Let us explore through various Puranas......

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Diwali comes from the word Deepavali which has two words Deepa means light and Avali means carrier. Therefore Deepa signifies ‘coming to light’. In the Vedic Literature it is mentioned: “Tamasa Ma, Jyotir Gamaya” means ‘Do not remain in Darkness, Come to Light’, meaning ‘come to spiritual awareness or awakening’.

Diwali is celebrated for the following reasons and more:

  • Return of Lord Ramachandra from His exile for 14 years.
  • The appearance of Laxmidevi from the ocean of milk.
  • The appearance of Lord Dhanvantari (also an Incarnation of Krsna), who gave Ayurveda.
  • Lord Krsna’s release of the 16,100 princesses from clutches of the demon Narkasura.
  • Lord Krsna lifting the Govardhan Hill for seven days to protect the residents from Indra’s devastating rain.
  • Return of Bali Maharaj to his kingdom for one day from the Patal Loka (lower planetary system) where he was sent by Krsna’s Incarnation of Vamana Deva.
  • Surabhi cow had appeared from churning of the Milk Ocean (Kshirsagar) so the cows are worshipped and honored.
  • The appearance of Lord Parasur Rama (incarnation of Lord Krsna) during this Season.
  • In the Adi Parva of the Mahabarata, the Pandavas also returned from their exile in the forest during Diwali time, giving people another reason for celebration.
and many more..........

Image result for krishna lifting govardhan


Comments

  1. Mohit117October 27, 2019 at 6:36 PM

    Not engaging, bland, pointles. What does the author want to bring out. Take away message absent. Nothing which strikes to mind and stays.

    Should have a beginning which is continued till end.

    Looks more of putting of facts rather than sewing tohether as an article.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dharmana ChandramouliOctober 27, 2019 at 7:36 PM

      Hare Krsna!!
      I am very happy to find someone who is 'expecting something from this blog'. That's really a great news for me. My effort is half-successful! Surely in upcoming articles I will try to improve and try to follow your valuable suggestions.
      Yes, this article is to all about "putting facts" as the name suggests - "reasons behind celebrating Diwali" (I hope you read the title before rushing into content).
      Thank you very much for reading.
      Awaiting positive responses from your side in upcoming articles.

      Delete
    2. SeekerOctober 27, 2019 at 8:41 PM

      Very gentle and humble reply :)

      Looking forward to read more from this blog.

      Delete
  2. GCSOctober 27, 2019 at 8:46 PM

    "Return of Bali Maharaj to his kingdom for one day from the Patal Loka (lower planetary system) where he was sent by Krsna’s Incarnation of Vamana Deva"

    Is it mentioned in shastras?
    Most of the Indians believe it to be on the very next day of Vamana dwadasi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dharmana ChandramouliOctober 27, 2019 at 9:06 PM

      I couldn't get exact Shastric reference, but it is widely discussed fact among Vaishnava sampradayas.

      Actually there is no connection between Vamana dwadasi and Bali Maharaj return to his kingdom for Vamana dwadasi is appearance (birth) of Vamadev.

      check this link it may help you https://hinduculturecenter.com/archives/184 (not very sure about authenticity of the website but that particular article make sense)

      Thank you very much. Keep reading :)

      Delete

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