Diwali Legends and Mythology: Stories Behind the Festival
Categories: OTHERS
One of the most significant and well-liked holidays in India and throughout the world is Diwali. It is a festival of lights, signifying the triumph of righteousness over immorality, wisdom over ignorance, and optimism over hopelessness. On the darkest night of the lunar month of Kartika, which often occurs in October or November, people celebrate Diwali.
There are many different Diwali Legends and Mythology. Some of the most popular ones are:
The Return of Lord Rama
The story of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile is the most well-known Diwali legend. The Ramayana states that King Dasharatha, the father of Rama, banished him, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana from Ayodhya. Ravana, the demon king, abducted Sita when they were in exile. After searching for Sita, Rama and Lakshmana vanquished Ravana and saved Sita. The inhabitants of the kingdom rejoiced greatly and celebrated Rama's return to Ayodhya.
It is thought that the day of Rama's return to Ayodhya falls on Diwali. To welcome Rama home, people light candles and diyas (clay lamps) on this day. They also use rangoli, or coloured sand designs, and flowers to adorn their homes.
The Victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura
The story of Lord Krishna defeating the demon king Narakasura is another well-known Diwali tradition. The citizens of the kingdom of Pragjyotisha were terrorised by the strong demon known as Narakasura. After a bloody struggle, Lord Krishna and his spouse Satyabhama vanquished Narakasura.
People burn Narakasura effigies to commemorate the triumph of good over evil on Diwali. In addition, they burn lamps and diyas to represent the victory of light over darkness.
The Birth of Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth, is also said to have been born on Diwali. Legend has it that during the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean, Goddess Lakshmi was created from the ocean of milk.
People pray to Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali in hopes of obtaining wealth, success, and good fortune. To greet her, they also tidy and embellish their houses.
Other Legends and Myths
There are numerous other tales and legends connected to Diwali. A few of them consist :
©The release of Guru Hargobind from prison by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
© The victory over Lord Vishnu and the subsequent return of King Bali to his realm.
©The attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara.
Significance of Diwali
Diwali is a festival of lights and fresh starts. It's a moment to gather with loved ones and friends to commemorate good triumphing over evil. In addition, Diwali is a time for year-end reflection and resolution-making.
How Diwali is celebrated
India and the rest of the world celebrate Diwali with great fervour. People share gifts with loved ones, tidy and adorn their homes, and burn candles and diyas. People celebrate Goddess Lakshmi and carry out unique religious rites on the day of Diwali.
Here are some of the ways in which Diwali is celebrated:
©Lighting diyas and candles: On Diwali, people light lamps and diyas throughout India to represent the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
©Decorating homes: People decorate their homes with flowers, rangoli, and other festive decorations.
©Exchanging gifts: People exchange gifts with loved ones on Diwali to show their appreciation and affection.
©Performing religious rituals: On the day of Diwali, people perform special religious rituals and worship Goddess Lakshmi.
©Eating sweets and savories: Diwali is a time for feasting and celebration. People prepare and eat a variety of sweets and savories on this day.
Diwali Legends and Mythology: Stories Behind the Festival
Here are some other legends and myths surrounding the Diwali celebration in addition to the ones previously mentioned:
The Legend of King Bali
The three worlds (heaven, earth, and hell) were ruled by the strong and kind King Bali. He was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu as well. One day, Lord Vishnu approached King Bali while posing as a dwarf. In three steps, he petitioned King Bali for as much territory as he could. After King Bali gave his consent, Lord Vishnu showed his actual form. In three steps, he conquered King Bali and crossed the three worlds.
Conclusion
People of different origins and faiths celebrate the holiday of Diwali. It's an occasion to unite and rejoice in the triumph of righteousness over immorality, wisdom over ignorance, and optimism over hopelessness. In addition, Diwali is a time for year-end reflection and resolution-making.