Wishing all the readers and subscribers of http://www.sojournwithsan.com a very Happy Deepawali! Wishing you all good health and peace of mind.

For my family, Naraka Chaturdashi is the day that we observe Deepawali, starting the day with the mandatory oil bath. The significance of Naraka Chaturdashi can be found in my book ” Celebrating the Earth- Stories about Prithvi” (pic below).

You can also listen to it here.

It is said that Krishna and Satyabhama returned from battle after killing Narakasura, at day break. It was then that they took the auspicious bath and women expressed their joy by lighting lamps and performed Aarti to the Lord. It is also believed that the dying Narakasura asked Lord Krishna for a boon, that on this day anyone who takes the ‘mangalsnan‘ or the auspicious bath would not suffer in hell. DEEPAWALI literally means ‘line of lights’ .The spiritual import of the practices is a reminder for us to destroy the Tamasic or baser tendencies within us. The auspicious bath, new clothes, and lighting of the lamps is indicative that we move towards Sattvic Gunas or divine elements.

Last evening, in the community where I live, the residents showed exemplary spirit of community living and came together to light over 12,000 T-lights. It was a sight to behold and no picture could do any justice. I was imagining that it was perhaps in this manner that Lord Rama was welcomed back along with Sita Devi and Lakshmana back to the city of Ayodhya after their exile.

A link to the article that I wrote about Ayodhya previously is given here.

Timeless Ayodhya – Published Article in Deccan Herald (Sunday Edition)

Let me end this article with a Shanti Mantra

Om Asato Maa Sad-Gamaya |
Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya |
Mrtyor-Maa Amrtam Gamaya |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

Translation:

Lead us from the unreal to the real
Lead us from darkness to light
Lead us from death to immortality
Aum peace, peace, peace!

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya