Deepavali A five days Hindu festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. "Deepavali" from Sanskrit dipa = lamp, awali = row, line, when It literally translated means "Row of Lights". It means "row of lighted lamps" or the Festival of lights. It celebrates the victory of goodness over evil, light over darkness. During Deepavali people pray to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, light, prosperty and wisdom, but also to God Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' or the 'Lord of Beginnings'.
It is the day when Shri Kirshna killed "NARAKASURA" – the demon of sorrow and hell, who had kidnapped and imprisoned 16,000 princesses for his harem. 'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a evere penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture. But Narakasura could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.
When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.
The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit).
It is the day when the selfish ego, which has entrapped all the 16,000 thought varieties, is killed and all thoughts get wedded to the one infinite-blissful-consciousness-"LORD SHREE KRISHNA PARAMAATMA". The festival gives us a glowing example of how one has to brush aside one's personal joys and sorrows in the interest of society.
Fill the heart with the oil of love. Place in it the wick of single - pointed mind. Light it with the knowledge of truth and remove the darkness of Ignorance around you.
Best wishes for the festivals of lights.May the festival stir up within you the unconquerable desire to excel in the pursuit you are engaged in.Have a sense of pride aiming at achieving excellence in what ever work you undertake.It must be your endeavour to throw your heart and soul into it and try to achieve high standards of excellence.
WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY DIWALI GLOWING WITH PEACE JOY AND PROSPERITY. HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE DIWALI.
WITH BEST WISHES AND PRAYERS
SHAIJA VALLIKATRI BHASKARAN
Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"
REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran
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