Diwali (Deepawali)
Festival of Lights – Candle-light Aarti
Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Ramachandra to Ayodhya. You all know the history of how Rama was banished from His kingdom into the forest. In the forest Ravana kidnapped Sita and took her to Lanka. Then Rama and Lakshmana searched for Sita. They made alliances with many monkey warriors, and eventually They came to the southern tip of India. They built a bridge across to Lanka, and eventually Rama killed Ravana, which is commemorated by Dashara, or Rama-vijaya-dasami. Then Mother Sita was tested in fire, and she emerged pure. Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, accompanied by other associates, returned to Ayodhya. So the residents of Ayodhya, to prepare for the Lord’s arrival, placed lamps on the rooftops and balconies–and celebrated His return. Then Lord Ramachandra was installed on the throne.
So we also want to welcome Lord Rama (Lord Krishna) into our hearts. Just as we clean the temple before we install the Deity so that the temple is a fit place for the Lord to reside, similarly we each want to welcome Lord Ramachandra into our heart, to install Him on the throne in our heart. But to make our heart a proper place, a fit place, for Him, we have to cleanse it. Therefore, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, we chant the holy names of Rama and Krishna–Hare Krishna, Hare Rama–so ceto-darpana-marjanam: the heart is cleansed. Then we can welcome Lord Rama into our hearts and install Him on the throne of our hearts and celebrate His presence.
Diwali ceremony can be observed in the temple by illuminating 100’s of candles, indifferent parts of the temple, and offering a special Prasadam to the Deity. When numerous candles are lighted it is called Deepawali. Deepawali function is observed – thousands of Dipa are offered to the Deities for a special Candle-light Aarti, and Prasadam is distributed on New Year – which is also known as Govardhan Puja and Annakut Festival.
Diwali is the day when Lord Krishna enacted the Damodar pastime.
- Kirtan & Aarti
- Discourse
- Candlelight Aarti – One of a Kind!
- Prasadam Feast