Hi,
It is Diwali time again. Diyas are an indispensable part of Deepavali celebrations. But why do we light lamps during Diwali?
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Legend has it that the tradition of lighting diyas during Diwali began when Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. People of Ayodhya wanted to give an extraordinary welcome to Sri Ram and it is said that they lit lamps everywhere in Ayodhya. Sri Ram was returning from Lanka in Pushpak Viman. As they neared Ayodhya, night had fallen. Sita suddenly cried out, "Rama, look – look below! All those shining lights! It is as if the stars have moved from the heavens above to the earth below."
"Mata Sita," Hanuman explained, "your return is not a surprise to the citizens of Ayodhya. They have all lit oil lamps in their windows to celebrate your homecoming, and to honor their new king and queen. Ayodhya rejoices, and every man, woman, child, and elder welcomes you. The vaults full of ghee and butter are open, the fountains are sparkling. The flowers are in full bloom, and the musicians are ready, for tonight will be a special night for everyone alive."
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There may be many other reasons why we lit the lamps on the day of Diwali. But, symbolically, the Diwali lamps signify the removal of spiritual darkness and self realization. Prayer, that forms the path towards removal of the spiritual darkness, is beyond any question the highest activity of the human soul. Man is at his greatest and highest when upon his knees he comes face to face with God. How joyful it is to kneel down in front of God and pray everyday, at least for a couple of minutes! Take time to pray; May the joy be yours!
With love and regards,
Siva
value4value@gmail.com
