Spiritual Significance Of Diwali

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is a significant festival celebrated in India and many other countries around the world. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali has a spiritual significance that goes beyond just the celebration of lights, and in this blog, we will explore the deeper spiritual significance of Diwali.

Spiritual Significance Of Diwali

The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’, which means a row of lights. During this festival, people light up their homes, offices, and streets with diyas (oil lamps) and candles to symbolize the victory of good over evil, and to invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night of the Hindu month of Kartik, which falls in either October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. This timing is significant because it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. The festival lasts for five days, with each day having its own spiritual significance.

What Are The 5 Days Of Diwali?

The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras, which is considered an auspicious day for buying gold, silver, and other precious metals. It is believed that buying these metals on this day brings wealth and prosperity into one’s life. Dhanteras also has a spiritual significance as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits homes on this day to bless them with prosperity.

The second day of Diwali is called Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. It is believed that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura on this day, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People light up their homes with diyas and candles to celebrate this victory and to ward off any negative energy.

The third day of Diwali is the main day of the festival. It is also known as Lakshmi Pujan Day, where people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and seek her blessings. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes on this day and blesses them with prosperity and happiness. People decorate their homes with rangolis (colorful designs made with colored powder) and light up their homes with diyas and candles to welcome the goddess.

The fourth day of Diwali is called Govardhan Puja or Annakut. It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to protect the people of his village from a thunderstorm caused by Lord Indra. People celebrate this day by making a mountain of food (Annakut) and offering it to Lord Krishna.

The fifth and final day of Diwali is called Bhai Dooj, where sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of their brothers. It is believed that Yamraj, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day, and she prayed for his long life. Since then, sisters have been praying for the long life and prosperity of their brothers on this day.

What Do The Rituals Signify?

Apart from the mythological significance, Diwali has a deeper spiritual significance. It is a time to reflect on the inner light within us and to seek the blessings of the divine to help us overcome the darkness within us. It is a time to let go of our negative thoughts and emotions and to invite positivity and abundance into our lives.

The lighting of diyas and candles during Diwali symbolizes the awakening of the inner light within us. It reminds us that we all have a divine spark within us and that we need to nurture it and let it shine bright. The lighting of diyas also symbolizes the removal of ignorance and the attainment of knowledge.

Diwali is also a time to forgive and let go of grudges. It is a time to mend broken relationships and to start anew. By forgiving others and ourselves, we create space for positivity and abundance in our lives.