The Many Mythological Stories Behind Diwali

The festival of lights or Diwali as we call it is around the corner. It happened to land upon a weekend, making it easier for companies to do without a holiday, but that does not dampen its spirit even a little. People are preparing for the weekend to see that their houses are lit enough for the celebrations. The bursting of crackers is just a part of the many other celebratory aspects of Diwali.

Diwali is being celebrated not just by the Hindus in India, but by people of all languages, regions, religions and communities. The Majorly known myth behind the reason for celebrating the festival is the celebration of Sita’s return from Lanka. But that’s not just it. There are many more myths behind the celebration of the festival.

In India, the festival of Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days. The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras or Dhanvanthari Triyodashi. The second day of Diwali is Naraka Chaturdasi. Laxmi puja is on the third day. The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, is the day when Lord Krishna asked people in the Brindavan to pray for Govardhan Giri instead of Lord Indra.

The Most Commonly Known Myth Behind Diwali

The return of Lord Rama with his wife Sita to Ayodhya along with his brother Laxmana, after killing the demon king Ravana in Lanka (Srilanka). The people of Ayodhya decorated the streets and their homes with lamps to welcome Lord, Rama. Since that day Diwali is celebrated as a day of remembrance of that event. But there are lesser-known stories associated with Diwali as well.

Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna

Naraksaura is the son of earth Bhudevi and Varaha (One of the Avatars of Lord Vishnu). Bhudevi sought a boon from Vishnu that Narkasaur must be powerful and have a long life. All the gods approached Vishnu and requested him to get rid out of Narakasur. Then The Lord Vishnu assured the god that he would kill Narakasur in Krishna Avatar. Later Krishna killed Narakasur and freed 16000 women from him. Before his death, Narakasur had a boon that his death should be a festive celebration. Thus the day came to be celebrated as Diwali.

Rescue Of Goddess Lakshmi:

King Mahabali was powerful king and defeated all the gods and enslaved goddess Lakshmi. Vaman(the fifth avatar of Vishnu) approached Mahabali and rescued goddess Lakshmi from his captivity. Thus on the third day of Diwali Lakshmi is worshipped.

Crowning of King Vikramaditya:

It is widely believed that the crowning of King Vikramaditya had done the day after Diwali. The day is called Padwa or Varshapratipada.

Return of Pandavas after their thirteen years of exile:

When Pandavas returned to Hastinapur after their thirteen years of exile. People who loved him people welcomed them with the lamps.

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