Desi Slice 11: Best Deepawali Wishes - May the Divine Light Be With You
Sucess in entrepreneurship comes after success is visualized in your head
Picture Credit: Author
All celebrations are tied to success.
And all success is tied to light, brightness, brilliance, and eliminating darkness.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a joyous celebration observed globally, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and prosperity over scarcity. This ancient Indian festival has its roots in the Hindu epic The Ramayana.
Diwali commemorates the triumphant return of Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya, after a 14-year exile. Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana, who had abducted his wife, Sita, marked the restoration of justice and righteousness. As Rama returned to Ayodhya, the people welcomed him by lighting diyas (earthen lamps), illuminating the city and symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali is celebrated over five days, filled with:
Lighting diyas and candles, and worshiping deities like Lakshmi and Ganesha
Exchanging gifts and sweets, with family reunions and social gatherings
Narakachaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is celebrated on the eve of Diwali. This day commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
The Story:
Narakasura, a powerful demon king, terrorized the people of Dwarka and the surrounding regions. He was known for his cruelty and arrogance. Krishna, determined to put an end to Narakasura's reign of terror, challenged him to a battle.
Krishna, accompanied by his wife Satyabhama, rode into battle on his chariot. Narakasura had 11 akshauhini armies, but Krishna single-handedly defeated them. In the end, Krishna beheaded Narakasura with his Sudarshan Chakra.
1 Akshauhini (in Sanskrit -as far as the eyes can see) was a massive army unit consisting of 218,700 soldiers (including chariots, elephants, cavalry, and infantrymen).
Narakachaturdashi sets the stage for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The victory of Krishna over Narakasura represents the eternal struggle between light and darkness, paving the way for the celebrations of Diwali.
The Spiritual Significance of Lights and Aakasha Deepa
In Hindu tradition, lighting lamps and diyas during Diwali serves multiple purposes:
Illuminating the path: Lighting the way for our ancestors to return to their heavenly abode after visiting their descendants during Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Paksha).
Honoring ancestors: Aakasha Deepa, or sky lanterns, symbolizes the guidance and blessings of our ancestors. Aakasha Deepa is a poignant tradition where lamps are lit and released into the sky, creating a beautiful spectacle, and enabling our ancestors to return to their heavenly abode, after their annual retreat to earth during the pitru paksha (culminating with the Mahalaya Amavaysa or dark moon)
Warding off darkness: Lights dispel darkness, representing the victory of knowledge over ignorance.
Inviting prosperity: Lighting lamps invite Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of prosperity and good fortune.
Similar traditions exist in various regions:
Bengal: Aakasha Deepa is an essential part of Diwali celebrations.
Tamil Nadu: People light lamps and offer prayers to their ancestors.
Gujarat: Earthen lamps (diyas) are lit to guide ancestors.
Success in Business and Life:
While success is a personal definition, most connect it with values such as freedom and prosperity, health, and joy. Whatever your definition, know that it must first happen inside your head - in your mind’s eye, you should be able to visualize success.
First, win the battle inside your head, and then you will manifest it on the outside. The universe is yours to take - depending on how much you want to. Allow yourself to receive - grace and abundance will happen. It may not happen overnight - remember everything takes time.
Life Lessons from the Festival of Lights:
Face challenges courageously - (Krishna fought the powerful asura single-handedly)
Stay focused on your purpose (patience and perseverance of Shri Ram)
Empower yourself through knowledge (skill, practice, and talent is undefeatable)
Build strong relationships (Shri Ram helped Sugreeva and Hanuman who in turn helped Ram win the war)
Envision and strive for greatness (you must envision success else you lose before you start)
Ask and you shall receive: The universe is about abundance, not lack (connect, earn, and share -to tap into this infinite richness)
Best Wishes for a Wonderful Deepawali from all of us! May each one of you have a bright and successful year ahead!
Picture Credit: Author
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Thanks for this wonderful write up Sridhar Pai. Had a good revision about Deepavali traditions.