Spiritual significance of Diwali

Diwali is a day that helps us turn inward and seek spiritual riches of self- knowledge and higher living. It is the day to awaken our inner light by defeating the dark forces in us through prayers to God.

Prayers to Krishna help us achieve higher consciousness. Krishna is the embodiment of five elements: ether, fire, water, earth and air. He is also the embodiment of five life breaths: prana, apana, amana, udana and vyana.

Our human body is composed of five elements and five pranas. Using the mantra of Krishna that represents the five pranas or Vital airs, one can overcome one`s base nature (Naraka) and achieve higher consciousness.

||Kleem Krishnaya Govindaya- Gopijanavallabhaya Swaha|| - Kleem stands for earth, Krishnaya stands for water, Govindaya stands for Agni or fire, Gopijanavallabhaya stands for vayu and Swaha stands for ether.

Lakshmi Pooja

The third day of Diwali is Lakshmi Pooja. She stands for the ultimate goal of perfection. We must pray for the wealth of knowledge and virtues that can alone attract material and spiritual wealth. Homes are cleaned to welcome her. But more important is cleansing our mind and intellect of bad and negative thoughts that pull us down. A clean mind and pure intellect is a way to attract her.

New clothes are worn signifying discarding all old and negative useless things in our life and bringing in new fresh thoughts of hope and joy.

Fireworks are burst to explode pent up emotions, frustration, cravings and dangerous emotions. It is a way to release our bad feelings and emotions carried from past years. It is only then peace finally dawns.

Sweets are exchanged to dispel bitterness of past and start new and fresh this New Year with the renewal of friendships. It also signifies sweet thoughts, sweet words and cultivating virtuous relationships.

New Year

The fourth day is Balipratipada also called Varshapratipada. Business people open their new accounts and settle old ones. They pray for prosperity and success. It is putting all the wealth in front of the Divine and enjoying the abundance with gratitude. When attention is in abundance, it is believed that abundance grows.

It should be a time to gain knowledge, overcome vices, clean our hearts, and sharpen intellect. Rituals during Diwali connect us with the Divine. Light of wisdom gives rise to the celebration in our hearts.

AstroVed offers Vedic Astrology and Remedial services, Nadi Readings and Remedies.