Divali History

There was an evil and powerful king named Ravana who ruled over the 3 worlds. He thought he had all of the finest possessions. When he came to know that the best of women was living in the forest he wanted her too. Ravana's uncle Maricha was a master of the dark arts. He took on the form of an enchanting deer and caught Sita's attention. Sita asked Rama to catch the deer for a pet. This was all a plan of Ravana's to separate Rama and Sita.
When Rama and Lakshman were gone Ravana kidnapped Sita. He flew in the sky on his mighty chariot. The great eagle Jatayu tried to rescue Sita but he was no match for Ravana. Sita threw down her jewels in the hope that Rama would find them and know what had happened and what direction she took.
In his search for Sita Rama made friends with the monkey king Sugriva. There he met Hanuman. Hanuman is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva who was born on the earth to help Rama in his difficult mission. Hanuman was the embodiment of selfless service and humility. At the same time he was intelligent and very powerful. Rama gave Hanuman his ring to show Sita. He knew Hanuman was the most capable of finding Sita. Hanuman found Sita on Lanka. After causing great havoc there he promised to return with Rama.
Before crossing the ocean to Lanka, Rama installed a temple to Lord Shiva which is till this day famous as Rameshwara. Rama worshiped Lord Shiva and received his blessings for the coming battle.
To get Rama and his army to Lanka a bridge had to be built across the ocean from India. Rama's name was written on each stone and the seemingly impossible task was accomplished. Rama and Lakshman along with their army of monkeys and bears crossed the ocean on the bridge of boulders. They were now ready to battle the mighty Ravana to win back Sita.
Terrible battles followed and at one time Lakshman was mortally wounded. Only a herb from a special mountain in India could save him. Hanuman could fly through the sky and quickly left for the herb. When he arrived at the mountain he was not sure which herb was required. Just to be sure Hanuman lifted up the whole mountain an flew it back to Lanka to save Lakshman. This image of Hanuman carrying the mountain is very popular and depicts the extent of his service and devotion to Rama.
After many terrific battles Rama finally did that which most thought impossible. He fulfilled one of the greatest missions of his birth and that was to kill Ravana. He was finally united with his pure and devout wife Sita. At this time the fourteen years banishment was coming to an end. It was time to return to his beloved home Ayodya. All there loved him and were anxious for his return.
Divali is celebrated as the day Rama returned to Ayodya. To this day devotees put out lamps in the evening to help Rama find his way back home.

The Five Days of Divali

by Professor H.S. Adesh

Since the inception of the planet earth, human spirit longed for acquisition of knowledge. Vedantic scriptures confirm this thought as the cry of time has been - "Oh God lead me from unreality to reality; from ignorance to knowledge; from mortality to immortality.

Indian culture is hinged on this longing irrespective of the various religions that are in existence in India.

Whereas 'lead me from unreality to reality' is the pivot on which 'Raksha Bandan' and 'Dussera' are based, 'Lead me from ignorance to knowledge (i.e. from darkness to light)' is the theme of Divali.

To explain this further from the spiritual point of view - light means knowledge and darkness means ignorance.

From the material point of view the Deyahs (lights) when lit remove the darkness thus enthusing elation in the human heart. Therefore, Divali is considered the greatest festival that stands for both spiritual and moral values.

The meaning of Deepavali is a row of lights. The joy created in the spirit of man is the same joys which comes in the human soul in getting enlightenment. This points to the fact of the human spirit's struggle for acquisition of knowledge.

History does not tell us when this festival came into existence but it is certain that people had been celebrating this festival from time immemorial, and perhaps will be doing so for all times to come.

India reaps two harvests during a year. The second harvesting is done during the period October-November. It is tradition among the Indian farmers to offer their produce to God before they partake of it. This particular ceremony is known as 'Navesesty' festival (or the harvesting festival).

The second story is of a King called Bali who was a great donor. Whoever went to his door, never returned empty handed. This was the king who had given everything of his to Vaman. (another incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

Because of his such magnanimous nature Lord Vishnu allotted three days and three nights to this King's memory which are known as Divali Festival. It is said not only was he a great King but even the people who lived during that period led a pure and clean life in their body and mind as well as their homes and external surroundings.

It was with this thought, in later years, that at least a human being may lead such a highly idealised life at least for these three days dedicating himself for the pursuit of knowledge which would eventually remove human ignorance.

During this period people were supposed to worship the God of Death and spend time in remembrance of their forefathers. During King Bali's time the earth lacked in the Five Sins.

For this reason later on the festival was spread over five days instead of three days.

In truth Divali starts from the 'Navaratri' Festival. The five days allotted to Divali are divided as below:

Day 1 - Dhantrayodashi

On this day people worship 'Dhawanta Vaidya' with a view to eliminate youngsters death. On this night people make paper boats and sail them in the rivers. People also worship the Cow (Rewad).

Day 2 - Narak Chaturdashi

The second day of Divali is known as Narak Chaturdashi (Lord Krishna with the help of Satyabhama, on this night killed Narakasur, and thus released sixteen thousand princesses who were in prison).

People who worship Yama (God of Death) and also Bhisma on this day. This is a sort of commemoration day - commemorating the killing of 'Naraksur' just as we commemorate the killing of Ravan or Kansa. In reality this means - triumph of good over evil.

This day is also known as 'Little Divali'. Another story goes with it is the return of Lord Rama after killing Ravan, to Ayodhya after fourteen years banishment to the jungles. During this period his younger brother Bharat did not kindle any light in his hut.

On this day he kindles one light of ghee and keeps it in his door in anticipation of his brother Rama's arrival which is in other words, ushering light in his life after the removal of darkness. This single Deyah is also called Jamdeyah.

Day 3 - Rishi Nirvan

The third day is the most important day of Divali. Lakshmi Puja is performed on this day. It begins with Ganesh (deity of welfare) Pooja. This is the worship of prosperity and wealth. On this day shop-keepers close old accounts.

Everyone decorates his house and shop to welcome Goddess Lakshmi (deity of wealth). It is also said that Rama's return to Ayodhya on this day, people celebrated his return by lighting their homes and cities.

The great saint Dayanand Saraswati who translated the Vedas which ushered knowledge in human spirit also took Samadhi (salvation) on this day.

Therefore, this day is known as Salvation Day (Rishi Nirvan Day).

Day 4 - Pratipada

On the fourth day which is known as 'Pratipada' (Goverdhan Puja) Yama opens a new register for enlisting deaths.

Shopkeepers start new ledgers. Multi-sweet preparations on this day are known as 'Annakoot' festival too.

Day 5 - Bhaidooj

The fifth and last day of Divali is known as 'Bhaidooj'. This day Yamaraj goes to his sister's house who puts an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare.

Another version is after killing Narakasur, Lord Krishna, on his "Dooj Day' goes to his sister Subhadra who welcomes him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection.

This day all sisters show their sisterly love for their brother by giving them their traditional and loving welcome by putting this tilak on the forehead of their brothers for their safety and well being.

Divali is the greatest festival from all points of views, academic, social, economic and religious etc.

The whole world celebrates this festival of lights in one form or other although the time for its celebration and name differ.
Divali

Ordinarily, Divali the corrupted form of ‘Deepavali" means rows of ‘Deeyas’ (Earthen Lamps) Divali the ‘Festival of Lights’ is one of the main festivals of India and is being celebrated from times immemorial.

According to the Indian Calendar, Divali always falls on 'Amavasya' (15th day of the Dark fortnight) in the month of ‘Kartik’, the ‘Amavasya’ of Kartik is the darkest ‘Amavasya’ of the year.

There are many stories and ideologies connected with the festival of Divali. But we will dwell upon the universality of the festival which, though essentially Indian is International in aspect. People of every nationality, race and creed celebrate the festival of lights in their own way.

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