Diwali

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Diwali Festival

Meaning Of Dipavali or Diwali

"From the very name of the Dipavali festival, it can be seen that the Divine

effulgence is manifested in it. Dipavali means the array of lights. Tamaso maa

Jyotirgamaya (Lead me from darkness to light), is an Upanishadic prayer. This

means that where there is darkness, light is needed. What is this darkness?

Sorrow is one form of darkness. Peacelessness is another. Loss is another.

Disappointment is one form of darkness. Lack of enthusiasm is another. To get

rid of the darkness of sorrow, you have to light the lamp of happiness. To

dispel the darkness of disease, you have to install the light of health. To get

rid of the darkness of losses and failures, you have to usher in the light of

prosperity. These apparently opposing conditions are not totally separate from

each other. They are inter-related. If there is no sorrow, one cannot know the

value of happiness. If there is no darkness, the value of light cannot be

appreciated. Hence, if the greatness of light is to be realised, darkness is

necessary. It is rightly said that pleasure is an interval between two pains.

>From the practical worldly point of view, the festivals have one aspect. From

the spiritual viewpoint, they carry different significance. But there is a

common purport in both." Sai Baba, SS. 12/91, p. 326

Origin Of Dipavali/Diwali

"The life-story of demon Narakasura reveals the magnitude of his wickedness. His

entire realm was plunged in darkness. No lights burnt in the homes or streets.

No woman could be seen anywhere in the open. He imprisoned thousands of

princesses and tortured innumerable men. Unable to bear these indignities, the

women appealed to Krishna for help. As Narakasura had inflicted sufferings on

women, he had to be punished by a woman. For this reason, Krishna took

Satyabhama with him and destroyed him in the battle. Dipavali celebrates the

victory of Krishna over Narakasura. It is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi."

Sai Baba, SS. 1/91. p. 14

 

Meaning Of Narakasura

"The city in which demon Narakasura had his capital was known as

"Praag-jyotisha-puram". The name consists of four syllables: "Praag", "jyoti",

"sha" and "puram". "Praag" means "former"; "jyoti" means "light"; "sha" means

"forgetting"; and "puram" means the body. Together the term refers to the

heart. The inner meaning of the term is that man in his body is forgetting the

light, Atma-jyoti (spiritual light), in him. The word "Nara" has various

meanings. One is 'Atma'. Another meaning is 'that which is not permanent.' As

'Nara' (man) has forgotten his true spiritual state and when bad qualities

enter the city of 'Nara', man becomes 'Narakasura', a demonic being. The term

Narakasura also means one who carries people to Naraka or hell." Sai Baba, SS,

1/89, p. 14

Anger Killed Narakasura

"You must pay attention to a strange strategy that the Lord employed. The Lord

invaded Narakasura's kingdom, not once but again and again. Of course. He could

have accomplished the Asura's (demon's) destruction during the very first

campaign. But He did not do so. He forced him to explode into furious anger,

again and again. Each attack by the Lord made him automatically weaker. His

resistance became feebler and feebler. Anger is debilitating in its effect. The

nerves become weak; blood is rendered warmer; its composition changes. A simple

burst of fury consumes the strength gained from food during three months. Anger

drastically reduces one's stamina. So, the Lord made Narakasura flare up in

anger, again and again. When he was rendered faint and flickering, the Lord

decided that he did not deserve death at His hands. He took His consort,

Satyabhama, with Him and directed her to kill the ruffian. She could do it

easily, for three-quarters of his might had been subtracted by the Lord's

strategy" Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. XI, dis. dtd 26-10-81. p. 181

Symbolism Of The Satyabhama Principle

"When Narakasura was destroyed, that is to say, when six foes of man (kama,

Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, Matsarya), which drag him towards a fall, are

overpowered, then the flame of wisdom can shine clear and bright. It is in

order to demonstrate this on this (Dipaavali) day, lamps (Dipas) are lit and

arranged in every house, dispelling darkness, which is the home of evil and

vice. Satya or truth will defeat the forces of falsehood. That is the meaning

of Sathyabhama being the instrument, which the Lord used to destroy Narakasura.

Cultivate Sadgunas (good qualities), engage yourselves in Sat-karmas (good

actions), be always in Sadgoshti (good speech)." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V.,

Discourse on 11-11-1966

"According to the legend, Krishna killed Narakasura with the help of Satyabhama.

What does this signify? Each of us has to fight and destroy the demonic forces

within

each by resorting to Sathya (truth). 'Sathyameva Jayate' (Truth alone

triumphs).' Speak the truth' isaVedic injunction." Sai Baba, SS. 1/90, p. 11

Historical Reasons Of Dipavali

"It was on Dipavali that Sri Rama's coronation took place after his victorious

return to Ayodhya from Lanka vanquishing Ravana and his Rakshasa brood. For a

long period, Ayodhya had been plunged in darkness (when Rama was in exile in

the forest). In the absence of the effulgent Rama, Ayodhya was a city of

darkness. The forests were filled with light. The return of Rama was hailed by

the people of Ayodhya as the return of Divine Effulgence. Hence, they

celebrated the event by the lighting of lamps everywhere." Sai Baba, SS. 12/91.

p. 327

"This is the day on which the Lord in His Vamana incarnation sent Emperor Bali

to the Nether World after He had got the promise of three feet of ground

(measured by the Lord's foot) from Bali. Vamana (as the incarnation of Vishnu)

used the gift of three feet of land to put down the egoism (Ahamkaara) of Bali.

Bali is described as Chakravarti, sovereign lord. In every human being, there is

a sovereign who presides over all qualities. That sovereign is the ego. Dipavali

is a festival, which is designed to celebrate the suppression of the ego by the

Higher Self. Man is plunged in the darkness of ignorance and lost the power of

discrimination between the permanent and the evanescent. When the darkness of

ignorance caused by Ahamkaara (the ego-feeling vanishes), the light of divine

knowledge, the effulgence of the Divine is experienced." Sai Baba, SS. 12/91.

pp. 327 & 328

"In Kerala, it is believed to be the day when Emperor Bali, who was allowed to

visit his erstwhile kingdom just for one day in the year, is welcomed by his

grateful subjects. His subjects could welcome him with illumination and

fire-works." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VIII, Dis did: 25-10-1973. p. 203

"Dipavali is also the day on which Vikramaditya ascended the throne acquired."

Sai Baba, SS, 12/91. p. 328

"It is also the anniversary of the passing away of the founder of Jainism,

Mahavir." Sai Baba, SS. 1/89. p. 13

Scientific Reasons Of Dipavali

"Looking at the Dipavali festival from the scientific point of view, it should

be noted that at one time in the distant past, our ancestors lived in the

Arctic region (the polar region). In this region, darkness prevailed for six

months. The sun appears on Mesha Sankranti day (the sun entering the Aries sign

of Zodiac). The sun sets in this region on Tula Sankranti day (when the sun

enters Libra). In the movement between these two signs, there is an interval of

six months. After the sun sets in Libra, the dark half-year starts. Today is the

fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) in the month of Kartik. It is the New Moon day

(Amaavaasya). This month is called Kaumudi. The people in the polar region used

to start lighting their lamps from this day. The lighting of the lamp is not

without significance, as they would be in darkness for a long period. They

described the lamp that was lit as "Nitya-jyoti" (the perennial)." Sai Baba,

SS, 12/91, pp. 326 & 327

"Five thousands years ago, there were some planets (going round the earth). Some

of these planets disappeared from time to time. There was one planet called

Naraka, which used to go round the earth. In the course of their orbits,

sometimes the moon and the Naraka planet used to get close to each other. At

one time, the Naraka planet appeared to be approaching close to the earth. The

inhabitants of the earth were filled with dread of the approaching catastrophe.

They prayed to the Lord for averting the imminent disaster and saving them. At

that stage, Sri Krishna used his extraordinary knowledge (Prajnaa) to destroy

the planet. This extraordinary knowledge of Krishna was termed "Sathya". That

is to say, Krishna destroyed the Naraka planet in association with "Sathya".

The denizens of the world started celebrating that day with the lighting of

lamps and adoring the Lord who saved them. That day of the Lord's triumph was

celebrated as a festive occasion." Sai Baba. SS. 12/91. p. 327

Why Are Lamps Lit On Diwali/Dipavali?

"The following day (of Diwali) is Amaavasya (New Moon day). Krishna freed from

the prison 16,000 women and asked them to go back to their respective homes.

But all the Gopikas (cowherdesses) fell at Krishna's feet and pleaded that it

would not be possible for them to live in dignity in their old homes after

having been the prisoners of Narakasura and they would prefer to end their

lives at his feet rather go back. 'You, who are the protector of the universe,

cannot protect us?', they pleaded. Krishna agreed to protect them. Because of

the pledge, he gave them that he would bear the responsibility of protecting

them, he was called their "Bhartaa" (supporter). This has been wrongly

interpreted as meaning that he was their husband. It is a libel on Krishna to

say that He married 16,000 Gopikas. This Amaavasya day is the day of liberation

for the Gopikas. It is a moonless day, when the night is utterly dark. The

Gopikas prayed that as on that day they had got the light of freedom. It should

be marked by illuminations, which would make everyone rejoice as on a full moon

night. It is for this reason that the day, which is New Moon day, is illumined

by lamps and fireworks and turned into a Full Moon night." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89,

p. 14

Reason Of Fireworks On Diwali

"There is a scientific reason also for this celebration. With the end of the

rainy season, water stagnates in many places, and the surrounding areas team

with mosquitoes and other insects. The smoke from the crackers and fireworks

destroys these insects and disinfects the atmosphere." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89, p.

14

Symbolism Of Light

"What is light? It is the means by which we are able to see various objects.

During the day we see things by the light of sun and at night by the light of

the moon, stars and lamps. What is it that enables us to know that we are

seeing things by sunlight or other sources? It is through the eyes. In the

Dream State we see many objects although our eyes are closed. Who is the seer

in that state and who is the experiencer of the dream? It is the Buddhi

(intelligence) that is able to see things by its own luminosity (Tejas). In the

Sushupti (deep sleep) state even the Buddhi is not present, but blissful feeling

is experienced. Who is the experiencer of this bliss? That is the Atma (the

Indwelling Spirit). "I am the Atma and the Atma is "I" is the truth that has to

be recognised by everyone. It is the Atma that activates the Buddhi, which

enables the eyes to perceive objects. The Atma is the truth and you are the

Atma. It is when this truth is experienced, then alone can man realise the

transcendental unity that subsumes everything." 'Sai Baba, SS, 9/87, p. 243

Full Dark Night Vs. Full Moon Night

"The difference between the New Moon night (Amaavasya) and a full-moon night

(Pumima) is as between darkness and light. During Amaavasya, the night is pitch

dark. People do not relish this darkness in any way. Darkness invokes fear. It

also breeds evil thoughts and provides opportunities for evil deeds. Darkness

is welcomed only by evil-minded persons. No good-intentioned and righteous

persons will welcome darkness. Darkness is a valuable ally for thieves and

rogues. Hence, only the evil-minded will not hail the advent of the full moon.

The hearts of good persons, filled with good feelings, are cool like the moon.

Children delight at the sight of the moon. Poets are inspired to pour forth the

joy in their hearts at the sight of the moon. On the day of the full-moon

(Pumima) man's heart is also pure and bright. People should recognise the

relationship between the full moon and the mind. The Vedas declare the moon

emerged from the mind of the Cosmic Person (Viraat-Purusha) and the sun emerged

from his eye. The human mind is a reflection of the moon. When there is the full

moon, the mind blossoms effulgently, drives fear and confers peace and joy." Sai

Baba. SS. 7/96. p. 169

Sun Light

"During the day, the sun affords light to the world. Without the sun, the world

will cease to exist. The sun is the visible deity for the world. Without the

sun, there can be no life on earth. Crops cannot grow. There will be no air, no

food and no means of sustenance for living creatures. It is only because of the

sun that rivers flow, crops are grown, life is sustained and there is happiness

and comfort. It is the power of the sun that helps to purify the heart." Sai

Baba, SS. 7/96, p. 169

The Light Of Dharma

"Triloke deepako Dharmaha: The light that illumines the three worlds is Dharma

(righteousness). What is this Dharma? 'Dhaarayte iti Dharmaha' 'Dharma is that

which upholds everything.' This means that without Dharma, the cosmos cannot

exist. Dharma is the life-breath of all actions. There can be no life without

the sustaining power of Dharma. Every object in the universe is governed by its

'Dharma' (the law of its being). For instance, there is fire. What is its

'Dharma'? The capacity to bum is the basic trait of fire. When the burning

power is lost, it ceases to be fire. Likewise, the 'Dharma' of ice is coldness.

When the ice loses its coldness, it ceases to be ice. For man, the Dharma is

'righteousness'. Righteousness implies harmony in thought, word and deed...

The' Dharma' of man is to speak the truth and adhere to righteousness.Man's

Dharma is threefold. It relates to his body, his mind and his Atma. Good deeds,

good thoughts and godly experiences of bliss are the expressions of this triple

'Dharma'. The reference to the light that illumines the three worlds should be

understood in this way." Sai Baba, SS, 7/96, p. 170

Significance Of Lighted Lamps

"A lamp has a unique power, which is not possessed by any other object. It

dispels darkness. For this reason, Bharatiyas (Indians) have always worshipped

lighted lamps. Before commencing any auspicious or religious function, the

ceremonial lamp is lit. Another notable quality of the lamp is that the flame

goes upward, the path of the Brahman. The sinful path leads downwards. The

light of the lamp, however, can only dispel the darkness outside but cannot

remove the darkness that envelops the heart as a result of attachments and

aversions carried from previous lives. Not all the blaze of the light, which

filled Lanka when Hanuman set it on fire, could remove the darkness from

Ravana's heart. Because his heart was filled with lust and hate, no light could

penetrate it." Sai Baba. SS, 8/87. p. 209

"The lamp points out to this fact. Whenever it may be placed, the flame goes

upward only never moves down. Likewise the flame of wisdom (Jnana) leads one to

a sublime level through the path of righteousness." Sai Baba. SS, 1/89, p. 15

How To Light The Inner Lamp?

"If you want to light a lamp, you need four things. First, a container; second

oil; third, wick; fourth, a match box. If anyone of these is lacking, you

cannot light the lamp.

This lamp, however, can only remove the darkness. How can the darkness of the

heart be removed? It can be removed only by the light of wisdom (Jnana Jyoti),

and nothing else. How can this light of wisdom, this spiritual light, be lit?

This also needs four elements. Vairaagya (detachment/ renunciation) is the

container. Devotion (Bhakti) is the oil. One-pointed concentration (Ekaagrataa)

is the wick. Knowledge of the Supreme Truth is the matchstick. Without all the

four, the light of the spiritual wisdom cannot be got. Of the four, the primary

requisite is the spirit of renunciation (Vairaagya). Without this detachment,

all knowledge of scriptures is of no avail." Sai Baba. SS, 1/89, p. 15

Significance Of Lighting Lamps With The Same One Candle

"On Dipavali day, we light numerous lamps with one candle. The light with which

other lamps are lit is a symbol of the Divine. Other lamps are Jivana Jyotis

(individual lamps). They derive their light from the One Supreme Light. It is

to teach this truth to men that the Festival of Lights (Dipavali) is observed.

Thus, every festival has an inner meaning and purpose." Sai Baba, SS, 1/90. p.

II

"One lamp symbolizes the Supreme Effulgent Lord. The others symbolize the light

in individual selves. The truth of the Vedic saying, "The One willed to become

the Many", is exemplified by the lighting of many lamps with the flame of one.

The Dipavali festival thus bears out the profoundest spiritual truth." Sai

Baba. SS, 1/89, pp. 14 &15

"The lamp is not merely the symbol of knowledge to truth. It is also the symbol

of the One, the Anna that shines in and through all this multiplicity. Just as

with one lamp, a thousand lamps can be lit, and the One is as bright as ever in

spite of the thousands deriving light from it. So too, the Anna illumines the

Jiva (individual selves) and shines in and through them, without undergoing any

diminution in its splendour." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VIII, Dis dtd 25-10-1973. p.

205

"As God is the embodiment of effulgence, you have to make your life effulgent to

experience God. You have to realise that the light of your life has come from

that Supreme Source of all lights (Parama-Jyoti). The individual flame should

merge in the Supreme Divine effulgence from which all other lights have

emanated. Meditating on the Supreme Effulgence (Parama-Jyoti) the individual

has to merge his individual effulgence in the Supreme Effulgence." Sai Baba,

SS. 8/97. p. 199

"On this day (Dipavali) we light thousands of lamps with a single lamp. We light

many candles with the flame of a single candle. But, remember that only a

burning candle can light other candles. An unlit candle cannot light other

unlit candles. Only one who has earned wisdom can enlighten others who are in

ignorance. One who is himself unillumined cannot illumine others, dwelling in

the darkness of Maya (delusion). One must light one's own lamp from the

Universal Light of Love and there from one can transmit illumination to all who

seek and strive. All lamps shine alike, since they are all sparks of that

Parama-Jyoti, the Universal Luminosity, that is. God" Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. XI.

dis. dtd 26-10-81, p. 182

"Light the lamp of the world with divine love. Divine love lights the lamp of

life, which you are not able to perceive. None can regulate divine love.

Worldly love is fraught with conditions and expectations in return. Divine love

does not expect anything in return." Sai Baba, SS. 4/97. p. 206

Seek Divine Light Within You

"The light of the Divine is within you. Why do you go seeking for it elsewhere?

This is the light of love and bliss. Never forget God, whatever may happen to

you." Sai Baba. SS. 8/97, p. 202

Symbolism Of The Krishna Principle

"When we inquire into the significance of the Dipaavali festival, we find that

traditionally it is a joyous festival to celebrate the destruction of demon

Narakasura by Sri Krishna. It is only when we first understand the meaning of

the Krishna Principle will we be able to understand the significance of the

Naraka Principle. Krishna is the embodiment of the Five Elements (Ether, air,

fire, water and earth). He is also the embodiment of the Five life-breaths

(Praana, Apaana, Saamaana, Udaana and Vyaana). "Kleem- Krishnaaya Govindaaya

Gopi-jana-vallabhaaya Swaah." This Mantra contains the essence of the

Bhaagavata. The five names represent the Five Praanas (vital airs). "Kleem"

refers to the earth. "Krishnaaya" refers to water. "Govindaaya" refers to Agni

(the Fire-God). "Gopi-jana-vallabhaaya" refers to Vaayu (air). ""Swaah" refers

to ether or sky. When we recognise that the Divine is immanent in the five

elements, we will realise that there is no place in the cosmos where these five

are not present. The human body is composed of the five elements. These

elements, because they constitute the body, can affect only the body but not

the Atma (soul) in any way."

"Krishna's encounter with demon Naraka has to be understood against this

background. "Nara-ka" means one who is opposed to the Atma. Nara-ka does not

mean a demon" Sai Baba. SS, 1/90, p. 10

Significance Of Dhana-Lakshmi Puja On Dipavali

"Dipavali is also a day dedicated to the Goddess of Riches, called

Dhana-Lakshmi. They celebrate the Day as Dhana-Lakshmi Puja Day in many states

of India. Newspapers highlight the celebration with big headlines. But, riches

when one comes by them, have to be revered as something given on trust, and

must be used for the amelioration of the needs of society, not for personal

aggrandizement. When people use it for parading their

wealth, they become ludicrous specimens of humanity. How can wealth and

scholarship shine, except against the background of virtue and humility? Riches

may come or riches may go; scholarship may be acquired or may not be acquired,

even joy may come and go. Whatever happens, man must be unmoved, he must not

swerve from the path that he has chosen towards the goal. March along,

straight, never deviating towards falsehood or trickery. Do not be attracted by

glamour of name and form. SeekJhe Atma with one-pointed zeal. This is the

message I give you on this Festival of Lights (Dipavali)." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol.

VIII, Discourse on 25-10-1973. pp. 206 & 207

"Let me tell you frankly, I do not like this Lakshmi Puja, which people do,

expecting to grow rich and accumulate wealth. They even speak of Dhana-Lakshmi

(Goddess of wealth) and have Stotram to propitiate Her. Lakshmi or wealth

accrues by fair means as well as by foul. Money is earned by gambling, by

various forms of deceit, by highway robbery itself, by high and low, by all and

sundry. Worship Lakshya (goal), I shall appreciate you. Keep the Lakshya, the

goal of expanding love till it embraces all beings, till it sees everything as

your own self. Keep it ever steady before your mind's eye. Then Lakshami will

other own accord favour you to the extent necessary for realising the Goal.

Never doubt that. Never falter." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. Ill, p. 35

Significance Of Decoration On Dipavali

"Dipavali is the day when old clothes are discarded and new ones are worn. Home

and its precincts are swept clean, given a new look, and made to appear fresh

and fine. Flowers are arranged in lovely designs in each room and in courtyard.

Festoons of green leaves add charm to every door. But even while doing all this,

attention has to be paid to the discarding of wom-out prejudices and adoption of

new habits of love and mutual respect, the freshening of one's attitude towards

one's kith and kin, brothers and sisters of all creeds and castes, the hanging

of the festoons of friendship and fraternity over the door sill of the heart.

This will make the Festival really meaningful and fruitful." Sai Baba, SSS.

Vol. VIII, Discourse on 25-10-73. p. 204

How To Observe Dipavali?

"Dipavali has to observed as the day for getting rid of all the bad qualities in

us, symbolized by demon Narakasura. The Gopikas who were freed on that day

represent the imprisoned good qualities in us. They should be manifested

effulgently. This is the inner significance of the festival. As long as demonic

qualities remain in man, he will be immersed in darkness. Bad qualities and

thoughts have to be got rid of altogether. I desire that our festivals and holy

days should be observed in the right spirit, with an understanding of their

deeper significance. The destruction of Narakasura symbolizes the destruction

of evil and the restoration of what is good." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89, p. 15

"The Narakasura in man can be destroyed by the constant dwelling of the mind on

Krishna who slew him, as the Bhagavad relates. The Smarana (God's remembrance)

has to be constant. This state of constant remembrance can come only through

long practice. It will not be acquired suddenly." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. V, Dis.

11-11-66, pp. 300 & 301

"On this Dipavali Day, resolve to light the lamp of Namasmarana (repitition of

God's name) and place it at your doorstep, the lips. Feed it with the oil of

devotion. Have steadiness as the wick. Let the lamp illumine every minute of

your life. The splendour of the Name will drive away darkness from outside you

as well as inside you." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. V. Dis dtd: 24-10-65, p. 110

"Dipavali is intended to teach you the lesson of light and love. Move out,

clasp, spread, expand, give up limits of mine and thine, his and theirs, caste

and creed, in one limitless flow of love. That is the culmination of all

spiritual Sadhana (practice). Love is the breath of the Sadhaka (spiritual

aspirant). I call upon you to celebrate the Dipaavali, not by feasting and

exploding crackers to disturb the peace of the neighborhood, but by silent

lighting of lamps and silent service through love.'' Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. V.

Discourse on 9-10-70, pp. 346 & 348

Glimpses Of Dipavali Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1998)

"Dipavali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with piety and gaiety at

Prasanthi Nilayam on 19th October 1998. Bhagavan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at

3.15 p.m. and gave the bliss of His Divine Darshan to the devotees. Before

giving His Discourse on this auspicious day, Bhagavan graciously permitted

Prof. Venkataraman to make a brief speech, who explained the inner significance

of Dipaavali. After Bhagavan's Divine Discourse and distribution of Prasadam,

there was superb display of fireworks and crackers. Devotees, particularly,

students, who also fired the crackers, had real fun. There was a display of

lights at night in the entire premises of Prasanthi Nilayam." Editor, SS.

11/98. p. 305

Glimpses Of Dipavali Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1991)

"Other notable events in the month began with the celebrations of Dipavali on

5th November 1991. Bhagavan's scintillating discourse on that day was followed

by a brillian and deafening display of fireworks, which delighted both young

and old. Bhagavan fillet the young ones with joy by a generous distribution of

sparklers. Dipavali was followe' by Akhanda Bhajan from 9th to 10th November.

Bhagavan inaugurated the celebratio by lighting the Akhanda Jyoti in the Mandir

(temple) at 6 p.m. on the 9th. Non-sto Bhajans were kept up alternately by

students from the three campuses - boys and girls for 24 hours. The Bhajans

concluded on Sunday with the distribution of Prasadam (swe and lemon rice) to

all the devotees with the benediction of Bhagavan." Editor, SS, 12/91, p. 332

 

Glimpses Of Dipavali Celebrations At Trayee Brindavan (1986)

"Dipavali is celebrated with rejoicings as the day on which the forces of evil

represented by demon Narakasura were destroyed by Sri Krishna. Bhagavan Baba,

addressing a large gathering at "Trayee Brindavan" on 1st November 1986 said

that each individual should observe Dipavali as the day on which the demoniac

qualities in him, such as envy, hatred and anger, are weeded out and divine

qualities like truth, righteousness, love, compassion and peace are cultivated.

Selfishness is the root of all evils in man and it should be eliminated.

Narakasura, though a demon, was a devotee of Shiva. He had immense strength and

power. He indulged in many wicked acts because of his hatred towards Krishna.

Hatred is the parent of many sins. It is the gateway to hell. The burning of

crackers on Dipavali day is done by way of expressing joy at the victory of the

Divine over the evil forces. The lamps are lit on that day to signify the

lighting of the inner lamps in all beings from the one Supreme Source of all

light, the Divine. It is this unity of the individuals with the Divine that

should be realised by everyone. Besides a fireworks display at night, Narayana

Seva was arranged during the day in Brindavan in connection with Dipavali."

Editor. SS, 11/86. p. 278

>From the book - Festivals in Prasanthi Nilayam - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba - Compiled and Edited by Suresh C Bhatnagar.

Sai Ram

 

Wishing you all a Happy Deepavali and Prosperous New Year

 

Deepak Bharwani & Family

 

SAIRAM Home Page has moved:

http://mumbai.mtnl.net.in/~sairam