Day 4 Diwali – Goddess laxmi aarti and puja vidhi

Deepavali arrived from the word “deep” and “avali” means a row or line of diyas. In 2017 Diwali falls on 19th October. Deepavali or Diwali which is one of the brightest and significant festivals amongst all the Hindu festivals.  The enthusiasm and the preparation going on since last many days, finally in the form of lights illuminating and dazzling everywhere marks the day of Deepawali. The crackers lights, sweets, diyas and family gatherings aptly sum up the joy and happiness of the people all around.

With the lights illuminating everywhere signifies victory of light over darkness i.e. good over evil and eradicates all the negative influences from existence.

Deepavali coincides with the dark moon night “Amavasya” of the Kartik month. The traditions and rituals vary from one region to other.

Auspicious Time/­ Muhurta 2017

Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = 19:39 to 20:26

Duration = 0 Hours 47 Mins
Pradosh Kaal = 17:59 to 20:26
Vrishabha Kaal = 19:39 to 21:42

Amavasya Tithi Begins = 00:13 on 19/Oct/2017
Amavasya Tithi Ends = 00:41 on 20/Oct/2017

Source: Drikpanchang

The most auspicious time to do Diwali Puja in Pradoshkaal when sthirlagna prevails. It is believed that doing the puja during SthirLagna, Goddess Laxmi will stay in your home. VrishabhLagna is considered as SthirLagna.

Legends behind Diwali Festival

Associated with Ramayana

Lord Rama achieved victory over the evil demon Ravana during his 14 years of exile. When he returned back after 14 years to Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman, people of Ayodhya celebrated this day by lighting up diyas with ghee (clarified butter) all over. People decorated their houses, lit thousands of diyas, decorated flowers for the welcome of Shri Ram. This legacy continues till date and is celebrated as Diwali.

Return of the Pandavas

According to the great epic ‘Mahabharata’, it was ‘Kartik Amavasya’ when the Pandavas came back after their 13 years of Vanvas. The people who were waiting eagerly for the Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting the earthen lamps.

Samudra Manthan- Marriage of Vishnu with Lakshmi

Hindu Mythology tells about the churning of ocean (Samudra Manthan) by Asuras (demons) and Devas (Gods) for the want of Amrit to become immortal. During the churning, many divine things arrived. On the day of Amavasya of Kartik month, Devi Lakshmi arrived and Lord Vishnu married her on that night.  Lots of diyas were illuminated at the time of marriage to mark the holy occasion.

Vishnu- VamanAvtar

According to the scripture Bhagwat Purana, Lord Vishnu took VamanAvtaar( dwarf form) on this day of Kartik month and defeated King Bali. Bali was given a boon by Lord Brahma that he will be unconquerable. Bali was cruel to the Devtaas, but he was a very generous person and does not return any person empty-handed from his place. When Devtaas were not able to defeat them, they pleaded Lord Vishnu to help them. Than, Vishnu took VamanAvtaar and approached Bali for some charity. Lord Vishnu asked for 3 steps land. Mahabali gave the promise. Being tricked by Lord Vishnu, Vishnu thereafter took a big form. With his first step he covered the whole sky, in the second step he covered the netherworld, when he was about to take the third step, Mahabali offered his head, realizing that this step will destroy the earth. Vishnu with his third step pushed him beneath the earth. Mahabali was given the boon that this day will be celebrated once in a year marking memory for the king who gave himself for the benefit of the earth. READ MORE...