HISTORY OF DIWALI FESTIVAL - DEEPAVALI LEGENDS

          History of Diwali Festival - Deepavali Legends

Here are some interesting legends associated with the Festival of Lights - Diwali or Deepavali. This year Diwali date is on 23rd October 2014. Click here to read about Diwali Festival and the Traditions of Diwali.

Legend of Lord Ram

Traditions date back to history when people celebrated Lord Ram’s victory over the demon king, Ravana. Lord Ram and his wife Sita returned after 14 years of exile and the Lord was honored as the King of Ayodhya. People lit diyas and burst crackers to express their happiness. This tradition is continued since then on the day of Diwali.

Legend of Lord Krishna

Legend has it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, got enormous boon from Lord Brahma after a severe penance. During his rule, the demon tortured the people who pleaded Lord Krishna to save them. The boon that Naraka acquired was that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. Therefore, Krishna asked his wife, Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with the demon. Finally, the demon was killed by Sathyabhama who stated that the day should be an occasion to celebrate. It is said that Lord Krishna had an oil bath to relieve himself from the blood that splashed on his body when Naraka was killed. Thus the tradition of taking oil bath on this day is followed.

Legend of Goddess Lakshmi

According to legends, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Goddess Mahalakshmi Puja is performed on Diwali to honor her. It is believed that the goddess visit the homes of her devotees on this day and that is why the places are kept clean and lamps are lit to welcome her.

source : http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2009/10/legends-of-diwali-history-of-deepavali.html

******************************************************