Overview
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a spectacular celebration that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural divides. Rooted in ancient mythology, this Hindu festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. As homes sparkle with the warm glow of lamps and vibrant decorations, Diwali also marks a time for family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts.
Step into the realm of ancient tales as we unravel five mythological stories that echo through the ages, casting a timeless glow on the celebration of Diwali. In this news feature, we explore the divine narratives that have shaped the essence of the Festival of Lights, offering readers a glimpse into the cultural richness and significance that makes Diwali more than just a festivity—it’s a tapestry of legends that continues to resonate with joy and meaning.
The Radiant Homecoming of Lord Rama
In the heartwarming tale that echoes through the ages, Diwali finds its roots in the legendary return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile.
The ancient and revered epic, Ramayana, deeply embedded in the Hindu tradition, narrates the heroic journey of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal brother Lakshman, exploring themes of goodness, duty, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
This ancient epic, penned by Maharishi Valmiki, unfurls the life of Prince Rama of Ayodhya in the kingdom of Kosala. The narrative spans Rama’s fourteen-year exile prompted by his father, King Dasharatha, at the behest of Rama’s stepmother, Kaikeyi. It chronicles his journey across the forests of Bharata with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, the abduction of Sita by Ravana, the ensuing war in Lanka, and Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya, where he is crowned king amid widespread jubilation and celebration.
The victory of good over evil in the ensuing battle between Rama and Ravana remains a timeless symbol of righteousness prevailing, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami, the tenth day of the Dasara celebrations. The triumphant return of Rama to Ayodhya set the stage for grand celebrations, with the people of Kosala illuminating their homes with earthen lamps and welcoming their rightful king, commemorated as Diwali.
This historical event, marked by deep symbolism, continues to inspire the annual festival of Diwali. As communities light up their streets, the festival serves as a beacon of joy and triumph, reminding us of the enduring power of virtue over vice.
The Rebirth of Prosperity-Goddess Lakshmi
The path to prosperity is never smooth, and the Hindu mythology tale of the Samudra Manthan, or Churning of the Milky Ocean, vividly captures this truth. As humans relentlessly pursue wealth, the story unfolds with the departure of Goddess Lakshmi, the revered deity of abundance and prosperity, from the heavens.
The narrative turns when Lord Indra, king of the gods, disregards a sage’s sacred garland with arrogance, leading to Lakshmi’s fury and her departure to the ocean. This departure descends celestial and mortal realms into chaos as deities struggle for prosperity, and mortals, devoid of offerings, succumb to greed.
In a crisis, Indra seeks counsel from Lord Vishnu, who advises churning the Kshira Sagara, the milky ocean, to bring Goddess Lakshmi back. After a thousand years of continuous effort, treasures emerge from the sea depths. Goddess Lakshmi, on a lotus, returns to the heavens. Her blessings empower the gods to defeat the demons, restoring balance to both realms and reaffirming the age-old wisdom that true prosperity requires resilience and effort.
Goddess Lakshmi, the epitome of wealth and prosperity, graces homes with her presence during Diwali. Families engage in a ceremonial deep cleaning of their living spaces, adorning them with the warm glow of lights, diyas, and vibrant garlands. The entryways come alive with intricate rangolis guiding her path into the house.
Lord Krishna’s Triumph Over Demon Narakasura
In Hindu mythology, the Diwali legend of Narakasura unfolds as Lord Vishnu’s 8th incarnation, Krishna, confronts and defeats the menacing demon Narkasura.
This demon, ruling Pragjyotishapura near present-day Assam, had become arrogant and tyrannical, terrorising his subjects and the gods. His reign of terror included the abduction of 16,000 daughters of the gods and the theft of Aditi’s earrings, the mother of the gods.
The tale depicts Narkasura as a giant covered in filth, kidnapping young women and subjecting them to his rule. The gods, seeking justice, turned to Lord Krishna for help. Krishna defeated the demon in a mighty battle, freed the captive girls, and retrieved Aditi’s earrings. Before his demise, Narkasura requested one last wish, expressing a desire for his death to bring joy to others.
Granting his request, Krishna declared a day of feasting and celebration to honour Narkasura’s end. The rescue of the 16,000 girls is said to be the origin of the story that Krishna had 16,000 wives. This Diwali legend is a potent reminder that goodness always triumphs over evil.
This tale is well-known in Western and Southern India. In these regions, Diwali is known as Naraka-Chaturdashi, symbolising the defeat of Narakasura. The celebrations embody the triumph of light over darkness, echoing the timeless message that good deeds and righteousness prevail.
Maa Kali’s Fierce Grace and the Triumph of Justice
In North India, Diwali revolves around worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. However, West Bengal takes a different route, dedicating its celebrations to Kali, a formidable avatar of Shakti known for defeating demons and safeguarding civilisation from malevolence.
Kali, the incarnation of female power Shakti, symbolises destruction. Dark, four-armed, and adorned with a string of human heads, Kali annihilates evil and egoism in her pursuit of justice, embodying the energetic form of Durga.
Legend has it that when demons wreaked havoc in Indralok, the gods implored Lord Shiva for help. Shiva took the form of Amba, a manifestation of Mother Parvati, and the fierce Kali emerged with 64 thousand Yoginis. She slew demons like Rakta Beej, Chand-Munda, and Shumbha-Nishumbha with her sword.
However, her unbridled anger posed a threat to the universe. To avert catastrophe, the gods prayed to Shiva, who laid a corpse on the ground. As Kali stepped on him, she realised her mistake, putting out her tongue in remorse for the destruction caused.
In the Karthik month, Bengal, Assam, and Orissa observe Kali Puja on Amavasya night. Worshipping Maa Kali at midnight is believed to dispel troubles, destroy enemies, and bestow happiness.
Bali’s Tale: Vamana’s Three Steps
Bali Pratipada observed the day after Diwali in Karnataka and Maharashtra, holds a captivating tale. King Bali, a formidable demon king, conquered the world, dethroned Indra, and claimed the heavens. Determined to secure Indra’s throne permanently, Bali performed 99 Ashwamedha Yagnas, seeking the post of Indra.
To thwart Bali’s ambition, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf born to Aditi. During Bali’s 100th Yajna, Vamana appeared, charming Bali, who offered him a gift. Despite suggestions of wealth, Vamana insisted on just three steps of land, emphasising the virtue of Daana Dharma.
Bali’s guru, Shukracharya, recognised Vamana as Vishnu and warned Bali against granting the boon. Ignoring the caution, Bali, committed to Daana Dharma, accepted the request. Vamana’s Roopa expanded into Trivikrama, covering the Earth with the first step and the Sky with the second. With no space for the third, Bali offered his head.
Vamana’s third step sent Bali to the Underworld. Still, Vamana granted him the annual boon of ruling the universe for a day and visiting the Earth, observed as Balipadyami—Kartik Shukla Pratipada Tithi, the day after Diwali.
Conclusion
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, encapsulates the profound cultural diversity of India through its mythological tales. Beyond the luminous decorations and joyous gatherings, it stands as a testament to India’s unity in diversity, where a myriad of beliefs, customs and traditions congregate into a collective celebration of light, hope, and the enduring power of righteousness. With its vibrant traditions, Diwali symbolises the cultural mosaic that defines the nation, reinforcing the idea that in diversity lies India’s strength, and the festival is an eternal remainder of the unequivocal victory of virtue over vice, right over wrong and ultimately, light over the darkness.
Happy Diwali!
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