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November 7, 2004: “The time of Deepavali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. Deepavali literally means a ‘Row of Lights.’ It is a time filled with light and love; a time when Indians all over the world rejoice. Deepavali is celebrated on the thirteenth/fourteenth day in the dark half of Kartik (October-November); it is also known as Krishna Chaturdashi. It is the darkest night of the darkest period, yet it is a celebration of light! Deepavali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil,” begins this Deepavali message by Pujya Swami Chidanand Sarawatiji (“Muniji”) in his new book “A year of Spiritual Celebration How to Turn Your Holidays Into Holy Days.”



“The meanings of Deepavali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are innumerable. Deepavali celebrates Lord Rama’s glorious and long-awaited return to his Kingdom of Ayodhya after his fourteen long years of exile in the forests. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakaasura who had kidnapped and terrorized the gopis of Vrindavan. When the evil Naraka was finally killed by Bhagwan Krishna and Satyabhaama, he begged pitifully for mercy; thus, upon his entreaties, it was declared that this day of his death would be celebrated with great joy and festivity. It is also celebrated as the day Bhagwan Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi.”



“In general, Deepavali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, and of light over darkness. Additionally, Deepavali is the holy time in which we offer our prayers to Maha Lakshmi and we worship Her with piety and devotion. Maha Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, bestowing these abundantly upon her devotees. Deepavali is a holiday of joy; it is the time when we gather with loved ones, celebrating our family, our friends and the prosperity God has bestowed upon us. “



“So, on this holy day, let us fill our entire beings with the light of God. Let us clean out our minds and hearts, making a true ‘fresh start.’ Let us pray to Maha Lakshmi to bestow the divine gifts of faith, purity and devotion upon us. With those, we will always be always rich, always prosperous, and always fulfilled. Let us celebrate Deepavali this year as a true ‘holy day,’ not only as another frivolous ‘holiday,'” concludes Swami. The entire article is available online at “source” above.



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