Deepavali – the light of the universe
Hindus worldwide will celebrate Deepavali, the festival of lights, on 13th November, 2012. The festival is observed on Amawasya in the Month of Karthik (October-November). On this occasion, nature exhibits the darkest of all nights creating an opportunity for mankind to transform negatives into positivity and darkness into light.

The enduring nature of the festival has the capacity to escort man through the tunnel of ignorance to the passage of wisdom and light. This exhibition will be witnessed when millions of diyas and other symbolical lights will be kindled to usher in the occasion. Hindus are convinced that the world we live in has two paths, the bright and the dark of which both are eternal. Proceeding through the path, one reaches the supreme state from which there is no return and proceeding by the other one return to the mortal world, that is, becomes subjected to birth and death once more.
Deepavali therefore allows the celebrant to transcend enumerated rewards for the acquisition of higher intelligence which influences noble activities such as sacrifice, austerities and charities. This realization enables the Bhakta (Devotee) to attain the supreme and primal state which is the final goal for all mankind.
On this occasion, Maataa Laxhmi (Mother Laxhmi) is the premiere Deity or the central figure. She will be worshipped and venerated with great love and devotion. Maha Laxhmi is called Asht Siddhi – meaning she possess the power to bless the aspirant with eight opulence such as Dhan – wealth, Adhi – Authority, Veerya – Protection, Dhanya – Prosperity, Vijay – Success, Santhan – progeny, Ishwar – Freedom and Gaja – Wisdon and health.
Laxhmi Devi Maa is that primordial creative force of the Universe; the feminine aspect of God. She is the light of knowledge; she is prosperity where there is poverty, she is wisdom where there is ignorance, happiness where there is sorrow and strength where there are weaknesses.
Laxhmi Devi can be propitiated at this time with due process to benefit the celebrant in each of her attributes. It must be noted that the festival also coincide with the traditional return of Shree Raama from exile. Shree Raama’s return depicts the abandoning of all the physical wealth and attractions in Lanka to be reconnected with the place of his birth and identity. Shree Raama’s message to his brother Latchman was “mother and motherland are always greater than heaven, therefore lets return to Ayodhya where peace happiness and democracy prevails.
As Deepavali is celebrated, it is incumbent upon the celebrant to capture the significance and deep meaning of transcending all barriers and to return to our identity which is God and Truth.

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