If there is one occasion which is all joy and all jubilation for one and all - the young and the old, men and women - for the entire Hindu world, it is Deepaavali - the Festival of Lights. Even the humblest of huts will be lighted by a row of earthen lamps. Crackers resound and light up the earth and the sky. The faces of boys and girls flow with a rare charm in their dazzling hues and colours. Illumination - Deepotsavas - in temples and all sacred places of worship and one the banks of rivers symbolise the scattering of spiritual radiance all round from these holy centres. The radiant sight of everybody adorned with new and bright clothes, especially ladies decorated with the best of ornaments, captures the social mood at its happiest.
The preparation of Divali, brings the atmosphere pure and healthy; house, roads, dwelling places of all are spotlessly cleaned. The buildings are whitewashed and painted in beautiful colours of variety, launching a new spirit in life. The killing of ‘Naraksura’ (Hell) cannot be done by man alone; there must be co-operation between man and woman. For this reason Krishna (Active selfless worker) inspired by Indra (mind) destroys ‘Naraksura’ along with his wife Satyabhaama. The mother of Naraksura (Bhoomi - earth) presents many precious jewels of rarity to Krishna. Sixteen thousand women (Nariyan - the different veins of the human body) are liberated from the atmosphere of hell and life becomes happy and joyous.
Traditionally, it is essential to bathe on this day ‘Narak Chaturdashi’ before sunrise. It is said whoever bathes after sunrise loses all merits of his good deeds of the year.
This fearful saying is only to warn people it is an accepted fact that everybody should rise early in the morning. That person who sleeps after sunrise, is always sick, unhappy and lazy; so not only on this particular day, but man should bathe before sunrise everyday, especially in ‘Kartik’.
It is necessary that on Narak Chturdashi, and throughout the year all places should be kept clean; as it is an accepted fact that where there is cleanliness there is health; where there is health there is virility; and where there is virility there is Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth). The flame of the deyah not only purifies the atmosphere of the home, but also keeps away all ferocious and poisonous creatures (all animals are afraid of fire).
It is said when the Sun is in ‘Tula Rashi’ (Libra) there is a tradition to take a burning stick and wave it around for the Pitris. This tradition is followed by every Hindu in India by Hanging the ‘Kandeel’ or ‘Aakaasha Deep’ high in the sky fixed in a long pole - meaning it is used as a lighthouse for travellers.
The festival of Lakshmi Puja - Divali - is the symbol of a happy, healthy and prosperous life. On this auspicious day, we should not only remove the darkness of our homes, but we should also remove the darkness (hatred, jealousy, ego, enmity) from our minds and hearts. We should light the lamps of universal love, unity and brotherhood. We should strive to make the world happy, healthy and prosperous.
Celebrating with illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, signifies the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness.
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.
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