The Story Behind Diwali : Legends, and Religious Importance

Diwali is a widely celebrated Hindu festival signifying the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. And in India, every community and religion has a different belief and legend associated with this festival of light. 

Therefore, in today’s blog, we will learn about such different tales and legends that make Diwali so significant across different regions and communities. So, keep reading!

Lord Rama’s Return to Ayodhya

One of the most popular stories associated with Diwali is that of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile. 

According to the ancient epic Ramayana, Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, was sent into exile by his father, King Dasharatha, due to the scheming of his stepmother Kaikeyi. Hereafter, following his father’s orders, Lord Rama, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, went to live away in the forests. 

During this time, they faced several hardships, but the one that was most difficult to deal with was the abduction of Sita by the demon king Ravana.

Lord Rama was clueless as to how to rescue Sita from the shackles of Ravana. And hereupon, in a series of events, he met Hanuman and his army of monkeys, who helped Rama defeat Ravana in a fierce battle in Lanka. 

After defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita, Lord Rama, along with his wife (Sita) and brother (Laxmana), finally returned to Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile. 

Celebrating their return and the triumph of good over evil, the people of Ayodhya lit up the kingdom with earthen lamps (diyas) and lamps eliminating the darkness of evil and ignorance. 

And ever since then, lighting diyas during Diwali has become a tradition that continues to this day.

The Return of Pandavas

According to the great epic Mahabharata, likewise, Rama, the Pandavas, the five noble sons of King Pandu went through a period of exile as a consequence of their loss in the dice game. Hence, they spent 12 years away from their kingdom and family enduring all the challenges and agony that came along with their time away from home. 

However, their return from exile was a moment of celebration wherein every corner of the city was lit up with diyas and radiant lamps. 

The Defeat of Narakasura

Another mythological tale associated with the festival of Diwali is from the life of Lord Krishna. 

There once lived a demon king named Narakasura, who ruled over Pragjyotisha (modern-day Assam). However, he soon overpowered the gods and started harassing the sages, and even women creating havoc in the trilok. 

Terrified by his terror, the gods sought help from Lord Krishna.

Learning about the sufferings of people, Lord Krishna, got into a fierce battle and defeated Narakasura. 

Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi (chhoti Diwali), falling one day prior to the main Diwali festival. Much like the story of Lord Rama, it symbolizes the victory of righteousness over evil.

The Arrival of Goddess Lakshmi

While the stories of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna pretty much cover the narrative of Diwali, it's still incomplete without the mention of Shree Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

According to the legends, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk, holding a pot of Amrit (the nectar of immortality) during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) on the day of Diwali.

It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and welcoming. And this is one of the main reasons why people clean and decorate their houses with beautiful rangolis, diyas, and flowers. More so, Lakshmi Puja is performed to invoke the goddess and seek her blessings for prosperity and wealth in the coming year. 

The Attainment of Mahavira's Nirvana 

Diwali holds great significance not just in Hinduism but in Jainism as well. 

For Jains, Diwali marks the day when Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained nirvana or liberation. According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira achieved nirvana on the new moon day of Kartika, and the gods illuminated the sky with lamps to celebrate his spiritual victory.

Hence, Diwali in Jainism is a day of deep spiritual reflection and renewal, as they celebrate the teachings and enlightenment of Lord Mahavira.

The Release of Guru Hargobind

Sikhs celebrate Diwali as ‘Bandi Chhor Divas’, which means The Day of Liberation. 

According to the ancient texts, the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, was imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, along with 52 other kings. 

On Diwali, Guru Hargobind was released from prison, however, he refused to leave unless the 52 kings were freed along with him. Jahangir agreed to this, and the Guru left the fort along with the other 52 kings. Ever since then, in Sikhism, Diwali has been marked as the celebration of freedom and is celebrated with great joy and fervor.

Takeaway

What makes Diwali truly special is how it brings people together from different faiths and backgrounds. Whether it’s the celebration of Rama’s return, Krishna’s victory, Mahavira’s enlightenment, or Guru Hargobind’s release, Diwali is a time when everyone comes together to celebrate light, hope, and goodness. It’s a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, light will always find a way to break through the darkness.

So, as you light your diyas this Diwali, remember that you’re not just celebrating a festival, you’re celebrating a tradition deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, carrying a profound meaning.

Wishing you a Diwali full of love, light and laughter! 

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