Sep 27, 2011 11:59 AM
Deepavali and its significance
This year Diwali falls on October 26, 2011.
Deepawali or Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It's the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that's marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines with its brilliance, and dazzles all with its joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.
It is an important festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC. For Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated as Bandhi Chhor Diwas (The Celebration of Freedom), and celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive by Mughal Emperor with him in the Gwalior Fort in 1619.
Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.
The festival starts with Vasu Barash or Govatsa Dwadashi, the twelve day of Krishna Paksha of Ashvin month. Go means cow and vatsa means calf. On this day cow and calf are worshipped.
Dhanterash or Dhavantory Trayodasha is on thirteen day of Ashvin Month. It is an auspicious day for buying gold, silver etc. and so it is Dhan Terash. It is also birth day of Lord Dhanvantory the physician of the Gods who came out during Samudra Manthan.
Then comes the fourteen day of Ashvin month called , Narak Chaturdaashi , marks the vanquishing of the demon Narak by Lord Krisna and his wife Satyabhama. Kali Pooja and Hanuman pooja is also performed on this day.
Amavasya, the final day of the month Ashvin is Deepawali. It marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala.
Kartika Sud Pratham or Ekam is marked as Hindu New Year. On this day that Bali went to Patal and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. It is on this day of Kartika Sud Ekam that Bali steps out of Patal and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. It is also called Bali Pratipada. Govardhan pooja and Annakut is also performed on this day. It is the day Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. According to the story, Krishna saw preparations for an annual offering to Lord Indra and asked his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their 'dharma' truly was. They were farmers, they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle. He said that all human beings should do their 'karma' to the best of their ability and not pray for natural phenomenon. The villagers were convinced by Krishna, and did not proceed with the special puja (prayer). Indra was then angered, and flooded the village. Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan and held it up to protect the people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepted defeat and recognized Krishna as supreme. Although this aspect of Krishna's life is sometimes ignored it sets up the basis of the 'karma' philosophy later detailed in the Bhagavat Gita.
Yama Dwitiya or Bhai Bij also Bhayyaduj, is the second day of New year Kartik Sud 2 Kartik Shukla Paksha 2 .On this day, brothers and sisters meet to express love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). It is based on a story when God of Death Yam , visited his sister Yami (the river Yamuna). Yami welcomed Yama with an Aarti and they had a feast together. Yama gave a gift to Yami while leaving as a token of his appreciation. So, the day is also called 'YAMA DWITIYA'. Brothers visit their sisters place on this day and usually have a meal there, and also give gifts to their sisters.
Other events associated with Diwali are
Return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of agyatavas (living incognito).
The return of Rama after 14 years of exile. To welcome his return, diyas ( lamps) were lit in rows of 20.
It also marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses and is the last major celebration before winter.
And the most important is Laxmi Pooja. According to one legend Laxmi emerged from Kashir Sagar the ocean of milk during the great churning of ocean the Samudra Manthan. The second legend relates to Vaman Avtar of Lord Vishnu who banished Bali in Patala and returned to his abode Vaikunth. So those who worship Laxmi on this day receive Her blessings because of her benevolent mood and are blessed with physical, mental and material prosperity.
It is interesting to know that Laxmi Panchayatan consisting of five deities enter the universe on this day. They are
1. Laxmi- Material prosperity and Divine Energy
2. Vishnu-Laxmi`s consort providing happiness and satisfaction
3. Kuber- The lord of wealth who shares the wealth
4. Indra- King of Gods who provide abundance of riches
5. Gajendra-Who carries the wealth
In Jainism Diwali has a very special significance. Mahavira attained his nirvana at the dawn of the Amavasya(new moon). According to the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabhanu 3rd century BC, many gods were present there, illuminating the darkness.The following night was pitch black without the light of the gods or the moon. To symbolically keep the light of their master's knowledge alive.
For Sikhs, Diwali is important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, (hence also called "Bandi Chorr Devas"), and 52 other princes from the Gwalior Fort in 1619. The Sikhs celebrated the return of Guru Hargobind by lighting the Golden Temple and this tradition continues today.
Now what are the Shubh Muhurt to start various Diwali Pooja. For the benefit of readers
muhurt refers to the most astrologically beneficial time to start a new task or event. It is considered to be the most auspicious time to start a task so that it may be completed with the least obstacles in its way. The shubh muhurat may vary depending upon the person and the nature of the task in hand.
The muhurat or muhurt is related to Electional Astrology (Event Astrology), which is a branch of Astrology dedicated to calculating the most auspicious time for conducting a particular event and to ensure the most positive outcome. A Shubh Muhurat is the ideal time for a fruitful result of the task, because it seeks to determine that moment when the energy of the planets and other astrological factors can aid in the successful completion of the task.
Following are the Shubh Muhurt for Diwali poojas.
Dr.Pandit Ravindra Dave
