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 II Five Days Celebration of Diwali II

Diwali is very enthusiastically celebrated for five continuous days and each day has its significance with a number of myths, legends and beliefs.




The First Day : Dhanteras
The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. It is the festival that marks the beginning of the diwali celebrations and therefore it is considered the first day of five days long festivities of diwali. Dhanteras is celebrated to seek blessings of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. In the amalgamation of Dhan teras 'Dhan' means wealth. God Yama is also worshiped on this day to provide prosperity and well being.

Click to know about Dhanteras and stories related to this festival.

The Second Day : Narak Chaudas or Chhoti Diwali
The Second Day is called Narak-Chaturdashi or more popularly as Chotti Diwali which falls on the 14th day of the month of Kartik. This festival is observed to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king, Narkasur. This day is also celebrated as the birthday of  Hanumanji or Hanuman jayanti. Also, on this day  Hanumanji reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Rama’s return. Just like diwali people light diyas on chhoti diwali to fill their homes with light, worship Goddess Laxmi and offer prayers to Her and they also burst firecrackers but all these things are not as grand as they are on the day of main diwali .

Click here for Narak Chaudas or chotti Diwali and the stories related to this festival.

The Third Day : Diwali or Deepavali
The Third Day of this festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi Puja which is entirely devoted to the propotiation of Goddess Lakshmi.On this dark new moon night, the entrances to all homes are lit up and decorated with rangoli patterns to welcome Lakshmi, the radiant consort of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth and lustre.
Diwali is the last day of financial year in traditional Hindu business and businessmen perform Chopda Pujan on this day on the new books of accounts. Diwali is the festival when the new business year begins it is said that Diwali is the "Time to shop or start new ventures".


The Fourth Day : Padwa or Varshapratipada
The fourth day of diwali celebrations is 'Padwa' or 'Varshapratipada'. In the North India Govardhan Puja is performed with great zeal and enthusiasm. On this day, Goverdhan Pooja is performed. This day is also observed as Annakoot and prayers are offered in the temples. The day after the Lakshmi Puja, most families celebrate the new year by dressing in new clothes, wearing jewellery and visiting family members and business colleagues to give them sweets, dry fruits and gifts. 

Click here for Goverdhan Puja and Annakoot katha.

The Fourth Day : Bhai Dooj
Bhaiya Duj or Bhai Dooj is the festival that is celebrated on the fifth day of diwali and it falls on second day after diwali that is on 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' in the Hindi month of 'Kartik'.Bhai Dooj is observed as a symbol of love and affection between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj is the festival that marks the end of diwali celebrations.

Click here to know about Bhai dooj and story in hindi.

 

Other Related Topics:

• Dhanteras : The first Day of Diwali
• Diwali or Deepawali

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 II Bhai Dooj Katha II

Bhai Dooj is observed as a symbol of love and affection between brothers and sisters celebrated in India with great enthusiasm.On this festival, the sisters put the teeka on the forehead of their brothers with vermilion, sandal paste, roli or kumkum (red turmeric) and pray for them.Brothers give gifts to their sisters. Bhai Dooj Gifts emotes the feelings of a brother, expresses the gratitude for sharing such a wonderful relationship, reflects all the love shared and fills the heart of a sister with unmatched happiness. Such gifts are selected that are the expressions of good wishes prayers of love and more. The Story of this festival is :

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II Govardhan Puja / Katha II

The day after Diwali is celebrated as Goverdhan Puja when Goverdhan Parbat or Mount Goverdhan, near Mathura, is worshipped. The origin of this day goes back to the Dwapara Yuga, and to Lord Krishna. According to legends, he lifted mount Goverdhan on this day and hence the day is dedicated to the worshiping the mountain. Goverdhan puja is offered as a tribute to Krishna's heroic feat. In parts of north India, people make cow dung replicas of the fabled mound, decorate it with flower petals and offer prayers

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II Dhanteras  : The First Day of Diwali Festival II

The festival of Dhanteras is also known by the names of Dhantrayodashi and Dhanvantari Trayodashi. Dhan Teras falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik (October-November), i.e. two days before Diwali. It is the festival that marks the beginning of the diwali celebrations and therefore it is considered the first day of five days long festivities of diwali. Dhanteras is celebrated to seek blessings of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. In the amalgamation of Dhan teras 'Dhan' means wealth. God Yama is also worshiped on this day to provide prosperity and well being. 

Celebration :

On this day, houses and business centers are renovated and rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights. 

"Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits.

Prayers to Goddess Laxmi :

• Shri Lakshmi Chalisaf
• 108 Names of Goddess Lakshmi
• Shri Lakshmi Aarti

he story of Yamadeedaan:

The legend behind Dhanteras is centred on the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was fated to breathe his last on the fourth day of his marriage owing to snakebite. On the appointed day his wife illuminated the house with numerous lamps and placed a heap of gold and silver coins and ornaments in front of their bedroom. All through the night she sang songs and told stories.
The lights of the lamps, and the dazzle of the coins and ornaments blinded the god of death, Yam devta, who had come as a serpent. He spent the entire night in the heap listening to the sweet sounding songs before leaving peacefully the next morning. Thus, the wife succeeded in saving the life of her husband. This explains, why the Dhan teras festival is also referred to as "Yamadeepdaan".
 

The Story of Samudramanthan:

The legend of Samudramanthan is at the heart of these celebrations. According to this story, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrut or nectar, Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu emerged carrying a jar of the elixir.

Other Related Topics :

• Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaudas - The second day of Diwali Festival
• Diwali or Deepawali

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II Narak Chaudas or Chhoti Diwali -Diwali Eve II

 

The Second Day is called Narak-Chaturdashi or more popularly as Chhoti Diwali which falls on the 14^th day of the month of Kartik. This festival is observed to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king, Narkasur. This day is also celebrated as the birthday of  Hanumanji or Hanuman jayanti. Also, on this day  Hanumanji reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Rama’s return. Just like diwali people light diyas on chhoti diwali to fill their homes with light, worship Goddess Laxmi and offer prayers to Her and they also burst firecrackers but all these things are not as grand as they are on the day of main diwali .

Legends :

The Story of Narakasur :
The story goes that the demon king Narakasur ruler of Pragjyotishpur (Province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother of Goddess and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. On the day previous to Narakchaturdashi, Lord Krishna killed the demon and liberated the imprisoned damsels and also recovered those precious earrings of Aditi. His destruction made all happy and the women in particular saw his end as a moral victory for them.

The Story of King Bali :

With his valour Bali conquered every bit of space, thus he became the most powerful king on earth. In his kingdom, justice was mere word, truth had no place and happiness was a dream. His form of charity was an occasion for pomp and show and those who went to seek Alms from the king Bali suffered the indignity of insults and humiliation. In fact, he felt that the vast wealth will remain and the pittance he handed out now and again could not affect even an iota of his asset. His false beliefs, arrogance and misrule ended when the Lord disguised as beggar and humble proved to Bali that his concepts were totally wrong and even his vast wealth could disappear in seconds. King Bali asked the dwarf beggar to ask for anything in his kingdom and with three steps even his crown vanished. With his first step Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali offered his head and became spiritually enlightened. Thus, this festival has a far deeper significance than a mere exhibition of gaiety and splendor. The Narak chaturdashi day therefore is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and the elimination of greed.

Celebrations :

In South-India, people wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing Kumkum in oil, which is called 'Ubtan', on their foreheads and then take bath. The breaking of the fruit represents the head of the demon King, Narakasur and the kumkum-oil paste symbolizes the blood that Lord Krishna smeared His forehead with.
 

In Maharashtra also, traditional early baths with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders are a `must'. All through the ritual of baths, deafening sounds of crackers and fireworks are there in order that the children enjoy bathing. Afterward steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served. "In Bengal and east India, this day is called Kali Chaudas and celebrated as the birthday of Ma Kali. In Bengal Kali Ma's murti's are set up in pandals and Kali puja is performed on this day."

Other Related Topics:

• Dhanteras : The first Day of Diwali
• Diwali or Deepawali

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 II Diwali / Deepavali : The Festival of Lights II

Diwali or Deepaawali means an Array of Lamps  i.e .Rows of diyas (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array)

Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity.

Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of "rows of lights" (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array), is one of the most important of all Hindu festivals. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh and Jain faiths. Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion.

Diwali is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin (October / November). Diwali is a New Year festival in the Vikrama calendar, where it falls on the night of the new moon in the month of Kartika.

It is a festival of lights celebrating the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. On this day homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way. 

Facts About Diwali / Deepavali

Sanskrit word Deepavali means an row of lights that stands for victory of brightness over darkness.

Diwali is considered the national festival of India.

Diwali signifies the renewal of life. Homes are thoroughly cleaned on Diwali.

In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's return from fourteen years of exile to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana. It is celebrated with the pooja of goddess Laxmi.

In South India, Diwali commemorates the victory of the divine over the mundane.

For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of Moksha by the Lord Mahavira.

In Nepal Diwali commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakaasura

In Bengal, it is celebrated with the pooja of goddess Kali.
Sikh celebrates Diwali as the day when their sixth Guru, Guru Har Govind ji came back from the captivity of the fort of Gwalior city. It is beleived that the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali in 1577.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It is the day Lord Krishna defeated Indra.

Diwali is not only festival of lights, but also marks the beginning of the Hindu new year.

More about Diwali :

Five Days Celebration Of Diwali

Dhanteras : The first Day of Diwali 

Deepavali / Diwali Katha in Hindi

Legends or Stories associated with Diwali

Step by Step Diwali / Laxmi Puja

Diwali Recipes

Diwali e-cards

Diwali Rangoli

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  II Shree Laxmi Chalisa II
श्री लक्ष्मी चालीसा

 Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. Laxmi Chalisa is a forty verse prayer dedicated to the Goddess MahaLaxmi. Verses are usually dedicated to praise the goddess.

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 II 108 Names of Laxmi II

Name	Meaning
Prakruti	Nature
Vikruti	Multi-Faceted Nature
Vidya	Wisdom
Sarvabhootahitaprada	Granter of Universal Niceties
Shraddha	Devoted
Vibhuti	Wealth
Surabhi	Celestial Being
Paramatmika	Omnipresence
Vachi	Nectar-Like Speech
Padmalaya	Residing On The Lotus
Padma	Lotus
Shuchi	Embodiment of Purity
Swaha	Shape of Swahadevi(Auspicious)
Swadha	Shape of Swadhadevi
Sudha	Nectar
Dhanya	Personification of Gratitude
Hiranmayi	Golden Appearance
Lakshmi	Goddess of Wealth
NityaPushta	Gaining strength Day By Day
Vibha	Radiant
Kantha	Consort of Vishnu
Kamakshi	One with Attractive Eyes
Kamalasambhava	Emanating from the Lotus
Anugrahaprada	Granter of Good Wishes
Buddhi	Wisdom
Anagha	Sinless
Navadurga	All Nine Forms of Durga
Harivallabhi	Consort of Lord Hari
Ashoka	Dispeller of Sorrows
Amrutha	Nectar
Deepa	Radiant
Lakashokavinashini	Remover of Universal Agonies
Dharmanilaya	Establisher of Eternal Law
Karuna	Compassionate
Lokamatri	Mother of the Universe
Padmapriya	Lover of Lotus
Padmahasta	Having Lotus-Like Hands
Padmakshya	Lotus-eyed
Padmasundari	Beautiful Like the Lotus
Padmodbhava	One Who Emerged Out of the Lotus
Padmamukhi	Lotus-Faced
Padmanabhapriya	Beloved of Padmanabha
Ramaa	Pleaser of the Lord
Padmamaladhara	Wearer of Lotus Garland
Devi	Goddess
Padmini	Lotus
Padmagandhini	Having the Fragrance of Lotus
Punyagandha	Having Divine Perfume
Suprasanna	Ever Cheerful and Beaming
Prasadabhimukhi	Emerging to Grant Boons
Prabha	Radiant Like the Sun
Chandravadana	Moon-Faced
Chanda	Cool Like the moon
Chandrasahodari	Sister of the Moon
Chaturbhuja	with four arms
Chandrarupa	Moon-Faced
Indira	Radiant like the Sun
Indusheetala	Cool like the Moon
Ahladajanani	Source of Happiness
Pushti	Healthy
Shiva	Auspicious
Shivakari	Source of Auspicious Things
Satya	All Truth
Vimala	Pure
Vishwajanani	Mother of the Universe
Pushti	Possessor of All Wealth
Daridriyanashini	Remover of Poverty
Preeta Pushkarini	One with Pleasing Eyes
Shanta	Full with peace or Calm
Shuklamalambara	Wearer of White Garland and Attire
Bhaskari	Radiant like the Sun
Bilvanilaya	Resider Under Bilva Tree
Vararoha	Ready to Offer Boons
Yashaswini	Reputed
Vasundhara	Daughter of the Earth
Udaranga	Endowed with a Beautiful Body
Harini	Deer-Like
Hemamalini	Having Golden Garlands
Dhanadhanyaki	Bestower of Wealth and Foodgrains
Siddhi	Ever Ready to Protect Straina
Soumya	Showering Goodness on Women
Shubhaprada	Granter of Auspicious Things
Nrupaveshvagathananda	Loves to Live in Palaces
Varalakshmi	Granter of Bounty
Vasuprada	Bestower of Wealth
Shubha	Auspicious
Hiranyapraka	Amidst Gold
Samudratanaya	Beloved Daughter of the Ocean of Milk
Jaya	Goddess of Victory
Mangala	Most Auspicious
Devi	The Deity
Vishnuvakshah	Residing in Vishnu's Chect
Vishnupatni	Consort of Vishnu
Prasannakshi	Lively-Eyed
Narayana Samashrita	Sought Refuge in Narayana
Daridriya Dhwamsini	Destroyer of Poverty
Devi	Goddess
Sarvapadravanivarini	Dispeller of all Distresses
Mahakali	A Form of Kali
Brahma-Vishnu-Shivatmika	Trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva
Trikala	dnyanasampanna
Bhuvaneshwarya	Supreme Dei

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 II Laxmi  Aarti  (Hindi) II

 

II Lakshmi  Poojan  (English) II

Om Jai Laxmi Mata, Maiya JaiLaxmi Mata,
Tumko nis din sevat, Hari, Vishnu Data
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Uma Rama Brahmaani, Tum ho Jag Mata,
Maiya, Tum ho Jag Mata,
Surya ChanraMa dhyaavat, Naarad Rishi gaata.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Durga Roop Niranjani, Sukh Sampati Data,
Maiya Sukh Sampati Data
Jo koyee tumko dhyaataa, Ridhee Sidhee dhan paataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Jis ghar mein tu rehtee, sab sukh guna aataa,
Maiya sab sukh guna aataa,
Taap paap mit jaataa, Man naheen ghabraataa.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Dhoop Deep phal meva, Ma sweekaar karo,
Maiya Ma sweekaar karo,
Gyaan prakaash karo Ma, Moha agyaan haro.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Maha Laxmiji ki Aarti, jo gaavey
Maiya nis din jo gaavey,
Uraananda samata, paap uttar jata.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

 

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