DEEPAVALI (diwali)

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Diwali is a time for great enjoyment. The celebrations of this

festival signify the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over

ignorance. As the light dispels darkness, the festival of lights

dispels jealousy, greed, envy and other negative emotions.

In India every region has its own significance of Diwali. In Bengal,

Goddess Kali or Durga, the goddess of strength, is worshipped. This

reverence is called "Kali Chaturdashi". Strength is a positive

attribute for one to have but it must be used to protect others from

harm and used only in good and pure deeds. Most commonly during

Diwali, the goddess of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. It is

believed that any one who worships Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali is

bestowed wealth and prosperity.

The day of Diwali has special significance for the business

community as they consider this day to be the perfect time to begin

their new financial year. This is also the most auspicious time to

commence new business ventures, signing business agreements etc.

The mythological story of Sagar Manthan or 'churning the ocean' may

help us understand why Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is worshipped

during Diwali. Legend has it that once all the Devas, or demigods

were under a curse that made them weak in body and mind. They were

advised by Brahma to drink the elixir of life. However the elixir

could only be obtained by the churning of the ocean, which, needless

to add, was no man's feat. Now the question arose as to how to go

about churning the gargantuan ocean. Lord Vishnu came up with a

solution saying that Mount Meru could act as the churning stick,

while Vasuki (the mythical serpent) could be used as the coil around

Meru. Pleased with the suggestion, the Devas went to the Asuras (the

demons) and sought their help in accomplishing the formidable task.

Devas' promised to share the elixir with the Asuras tricked the

latter into consenting to tug Vasuki from one end.

Thus ensued a phenomenal churning that threatened to destroy the

three worlds (Heaven, Earth and Hell). The Gods simply could not let

that happen, so Vishnu appeared in the guise of a giant tortoise or

Kurma and stabilised the churning by acting as a base under Mount

Meru. It is said that eventually, spectacular treasures emerged from

the great ocean including Laksmi the Goddess of Prosperity and

Wealth.

Since Goddess Lakshmi was amongst the spectacular treasures that

emerged from the great ocean, hence, along with Ganesha, who is

customarily invoked before ceremonies are performed, Lakshmi

presides over all the ceremonies that are performed during Diwali.

In this festival period the Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with

Lord Kubera believed to be the first rich god in the world. In any

parts of India this puja is done on the very next day of Deepavali

and also it is believed very strongly to start the new

account/business on this day after worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi

and Lord Kubera. By participating in the puja/homas on this very

auspicious festival of Deepavali one will flourish with financial

comforts throughout the year. By doing this Goddess Lakshmi along

with Lord Kubera remains ever with you to give their blessings

always. This is done on 22-10-2006.