Myths and Legends
Culture & History
Diwali the Festival of Lights is the most important of all Indian festivals. Diwali is celebrated across India, not just by Hindus, but also by Sikhs and Jains. There are a number of stories that surround Diwali, and we’ll take a look at some of it’s most well-known, popular tales that have built the mythical narratives of Diwali.
Diwali Mithai or Diwali Sweets are the best thing about Diwali – after firecrackers, perhaps. You can choose from a wide variety of Diwali sweets – Kaju Barfi, Besan Ladoo, Badaam Halwa, Mysore Pak, Rava Kheer and many more. Read this article for all the juicy stuff about Diwali Sweets.
The origins of Diwali go back to the celebration of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya along with his wife, Mother Sita and his loyal brother, Lakshmana – after killing the demon king Ravana. The story of Rama’s battle with Ravana is beautifully captured in the great Hindu epic, Ramayana. The citizens of Ayodhya were understandably excited over the return of their King and Queen from their 14-year long exile. They celebrated Lord Rama’s arrival with firework displays and illuminated the entire city with diyas (earthern lamps). Hence the tradition of diyas and firecracker
One of the greatest legends surrounding Diwali is that Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, visits different homes on the day of Lakshmi Puja, the third day of Diwali. Whether she visits your home or not will depend on how well you decorate your house with bright lights and diyas.
On the day of Diwali, many, many years ago, Lord Vishnu is incarnated as a dwarf by the name of Vamana and fights King Bali, an evil asura who holds Goddess Lakshmi captive in his prison. Vamana kills King Bali after a heroic battle and rescues Goddess Lakshmi. This is one of the less known Diwali myths and legends.
It is said that on the day of Diwali, many eons in the past, Lord Krishna fought the demon King Narakasura, who had kidnapped more than 16,000 young women and kept them in his harem. Lord Krishna killed the evil Asura after a brutal fight and rescued 16,000 women. He went on to marry all 16,000 women as they insisted that since nobody else would marry them as their reputation was ruined. The Lord’s victory is celebrated even today every Diwali.
According to the great Indian epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas returned to their kingdom on Karthik Amavasya after 12 years in exile. They were sent into exile after defeat at the hands of the cunning Shakuni, uncle of Kaurava Prince Duryodhana. Their arrival was celebrated by people across the Kingdom of Hastinapura with the lighting of diyas in all homes. Of course, it goes without saying the Great War of Mahabharata where millions were killed, followed soon after that.
Remember the stories of Vikram and Betal you read as a kid? Vikramaditya was one of the greatest Hindu kings of all time. He was a warrior and a scholar and an administrator par excellence. He was known for his courage and wisdom. King Vikramaditya was a popular ruler. It is believed his coronation was done on the day of Diwali, thousands of years ago.