Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in Hindu culture, filled with lights, sweets, fireworks, and family gatherings. But many children, and even adults, often wonder about the specific customs we follow. Two questions commonly arise:
If Diwali is celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, why do we perform Lakshmi Pujan? Why are Ram and Sita not worshipped on Diwali?
Why is Lord Ganesha worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali instead of Lord Vishnu?
In today’s world, with so much information (and misinformation) at our fingertips, these questions are not only common but often stirred by people who don’t fully understand the festival’s deeper significance. Let’s explore these questions with an open heart and find answers that reveal Diwali’s ancient connections across multiple eras, helping our children appreciate the profound spiritual layers of this festival.
Diwali: A Festival That Spans Across Two Yugas
To understand Diwali fully, we need to look at the festival’s roots, which go back to two different time periods, or Yugas: Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga. Each of these Yugas holds a significant event that led to the celebration of Diwali as we know it today.
Satya Yuga: In this era, the gods and demons performed the great churning of the cosmic ocean, known as Samudra Manthan, which brought forth many divine treasures, including Goddess Lakshmi. This is considered the day of her "appearance," and in honor of this auspicious event, Lakshmi Pujan is performed on Diwali to seek blessings of wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
Treta Yuga: This was the era when Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, returned to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana and completing 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya joyously lit diyas (oil lamps) to welcome him, creating a festival of lights called Deepawali. Hence, this celebration with lamps came to be known as Diwali, marking a joyous homecoming.
Therefore, Diwali has two traditions:
Lakshmi Pujan, which originates from Satya Yuga when Goddess Lakshmi appeared from the ocean.
Deepawali, which originates from Treta Yuga when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya and was welcomed with the lighting of diyas.
Why Lakshmi Pujan Instead of Worshipping Rama and Sita?
Children often wonder why we perform Lakshmi Pujan on Diwali instead of directly worshipping Lord Rama and Sita. Here’s how we can explain this:
While Diwali commemorates Lord Rama's return, his homecoming is celebrated with the lighting of lamps to honor his victory and mark the beginning of a new era of peace and righteousness. However, Lakshmi Pujan holds a unique place on Diwali night because of the timing and spiritual energies associated with the festival.
In traditional Hindu beliefs, the Amavasya (new moon) night of Diwali is a powerful time for invoking Goddess Lakshmi's blessings. The night is perfect for welcoming wealth, prosperity, and positivity into our lives. So, on this occasion, we seek blessings from Lakshmi Mata to fill our homes with abundance and light, honoring both the goddess of wealth and the victory of Lord Rama.
Why Ganesha Is Worshipped Alongside Lakshmi, Not Vishnu
The second common question is why Lord Ganesha is worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi instead of Lord Vishnu, her divine consort. The reason for this lies in the unique relationship between Lakshmi and Ganesha and in cosmic timing.
The Story of Lakshmi and Kubera: When Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan, Lord Vishnu married her, and she became the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Kubera, the king of the Yakshas, was initially given the responsibility of distributing wealth. However, Kubera, despite his devotion, became overly attached to the wealth and began hoarding it instead of sharing it.
Disappointed, Lakshmi sought a solution and turned to Lord Vishnu, who advised her to find someone wise and compassionate to help her with wealth distribution. Ganesha, known for his wisdom, was entrusted with this responsibility. Ganesh Ji promised Lakshmi that he would make sure wealth flowed smoothly to those who needed it and used his divine intellect to ensure fair distribution.
Lakshmi’s Affection for Ganesha: Impressed by his dedication, Goddess Lakshmi blessed Ganesha and declared that he would accompany her wherever she was worshipped, especially during Diwali. Since Lord Vishnu is traditionally believed to be in Yognidra (cosmic sleep) on Diwali, Ganesha accompanies Lakshmi during her earthly visit. Their combined energies bring both wisdom and prosperity to devotees.
Symbolism of Their Union: Together, Lakshmi and Ganesha represent a balanced approach to wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi provides abundance, while Ganesha removes obstacles and grants wisdom, ensuring wealth is used wisely and ethically. This combination of wealth and wisdom is seen as essential for a happy and fulfilling life.
Cosmic Timing: Why Vishnu is Not Worshipped with Lakshmi on Diwali
According to Hindu tradition, Diwali falls during the month of Kartik on the night of Amavasya, a time when Lord Vishnu is in his divine rest, or Yognidra. He awakens on Dev Uthani Ekadashi, 11 days after Diwali, which marks another celebration. During this period, Lakshmi visits the earth and bestows blessings. Since Vishnu is in cosmic rest, Ganesha, her “spiritual son,” accompanies her, making sure all rituals and blessings are in harmony.
The Importance of Understanding Our Festivals
It’s essential for children—and all of us—to understand these deeper aspects of our festivals. Diwali is not just a celebration of lights or a ritual for wealth; it’s a celebration of life, knowledge, and our connection to the divine. By explaining the festival’s roots in both Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga, we enrich the celebration and dispel misconceptions spread by those who misunderstand Sanatan Dharma.
Diwali teaches us to seek wealth and success responsibly, guided by wisdom and compassion. Lakshmi represents prosperity, but it is Ganesha’s wisdom that helps us manage that prosperity wisely, without falling into greed or selfishness. This festival, therefore, highlights the values of spiritual wisdom, responsibility, and righteous action, making it highly relevant even in today’s world.
Sharing This Knowledge with the Next Generation
In modern times, some “liberals” or critics might dismiss these practices as irrelevant, leading children to question the significance of Sanatan Dharma festivals. Our duty as parents and educators is to give children answers that are both satisfying and rooted in cultural truth, helping them understand that Sanatan Dharma is not a rigid set of rules but a profound way of life. When children learn about the deeper meanings behind these customs, they grow to appreciate their heritage and feel proud of their identity.
Let us remember that Diwali is about light in every sense—enlightening our minds, hearts, and homes. It’s our responsibility to pass on the beauty, wisdom, and heritage of Sanatan Dharma to the next generation, ensuring they celebrate with awareness and pride.
Conclusion
Diwali is a celebration that transcends eras, bringing together values from Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga, symbolizing prosperity, wisdom, and devotion. By performing Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja together, we honor the gifts of abundance and the wisdom to use them responsibly. Let’s keep these traditions alive and meaningful by sharing the true essence of Diwali with our children.
This year, as you light the lamps and offer prayers, take a moment to discuss these stories and meanings with your children. Teach them that Diwali is not only a festival of lights but a celebration of wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. And as they grow, they will carry these stories forward, illuminating the world with the light of our timeless heritage.
"What do you find most interesting about the story of Diwali’s connection to both Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga?" Comment below
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