Description
The word ‘Deepawali is composed of two words – Deepa meaning Light and Avali meaning a Row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. It is a festival of lights celebrating the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Legends associated with Diwali:
• Return of Rama to Ayodhya
• The Killing of Narakasura
• Austerities of Shakti
• Birth of Lakshmi from churning of the ocean
• Krishna defeating Indra
Laxmi Puja, or the worship of the goddess of prosperity and wealth, is the main event on Diwali. In Diwali pujan mainly Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi in her three forms are worshipped. on this day “Lakshmi-panchayatan” enters the Universe. Sri Vishnu, Sri Indra, Sri Kuber, Sri Gajendra and Sri Lakshmi are elements of this “panchayatan” (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are:
• Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
• Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
• Kubera: Wealth (Generosity; one who gives away wealth)
• Gajendra: Carries the wealth
• Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities
