Bali Paadyami

BALI PAADYAMI (Prathipada)

It is a festival celebrated in memory of King Bali (Bali Chakravarthi) of Vamana Avathara. It occurs on the first day of Kartheeka Masam (Sukla Paksham), the day on which King Bali is said to have given charity to Lord Sri Vamana, was pushed to Nether worlds by Lord Trivikrama (Vamana) and was also amply rewarded by the Lord for his virtues. For more details about King Bali and Vamana Avathara please refer to the earlier posts. Worshipping Lord Sri Vamana on this day is very sacred and celestial. King Bali should be worshipped on this day with the following sloka and charity should be made on this day.

Baliraja Namasthubhyam Virochana Sutha Prabho

LEGENDS BEHIND NARAKA CHATURDASI AND DEEPAVALI

We find several references to Deepavali festival in various Puranas. Popular legend behind this festival is that of killing of an Asura called Narakasura by Lord Sri Krishna and his consort Sathyabhama during Dwapara Yuga.

We find this legend in Dasamaskhandam (10th chapter) of Sri Madbhagavatham. Narakasura also known as Bhoumasura, said to have been the son of Bhoo Devi (Goddess Earth) was a demon King with Pragjyotishapuram as his capital. He was a mighty demon with lot of pride and vanity, known for his cruel and wicked ruling and atrocities on women and demi Gods. As an example of his atrocities he had even kidnapped 16000 royal maids and kept them under his captive.

In order to put an end to the atrocities of Narakasura and to release the captives, Lord Sri Krishna, upon request from all the Deities invades Narakasura’s capital and kills him in a war duly assisted by his consort Sathyabhama Devi who is said to have been the reincarnation of Bhoo Devi. Narakasura had a boon that he would die only at the hands of his mother. Later Lord Sri Krishna released the 16000 royal maids who were under captive and married them upon their request. Commemorating the victory of Lord Sri Krishna over Narakasura, this day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi by lighting lamps and bursting crackers. Goddess Lakshmi considered to be the presiding Deity of wealth is said to have emerged out of Ocean of Milk on this day (Amavasya) during Ksheera Sagara  Madhanam. Sree Sooktham describes Maha Lakshmi as” Ksheera Samudra RajaTanayaam.

It is believed and said that Deepavali was the day when Lord Sri Rama returned to  Ayodhya from his 14 years of exile along with his consort Goddess Seetha Devi and his

It is also further said that it was on this day Lord Sri Krishna had lifted the Govardhana Parvatha (hill) and protected the cowherds and cattle from the thunder and rain created by Lord Indra. Thus Lord Sri Krishna suppressed the pride and vanity of Lord Indra. This was the day when Lord Sri Krishna taught the people the need to respect and worship the Nature.

SIGNIFICANCE OF DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL

Deepa means light and Aavali means row.

Deepa + Aavali = Deepavali means arranging of lights in rows in an orderly way. Deepa (Light) has lot of significance in Hindu religion and culture. Any type of pooja/ritual starts with lighting of Deepa. Deepa is called as Para Brahma Swaroopam.

Deepam Jyothih Param Brahma Sarvathamopaharam

Lighting of oil lamp is said to be very auspicious. Whenever there is dark we generally switch on the light. Light dispels the darkness. Deepavali is the festival that eliminates the darkness and brings in light to our lives. We find lighting of earthen oil lamps during Deepavali festival in all the Hindu houses. Light however small may be has a tremendous power to eradicate the darkness and that is why we worship the light. Light is called as Lakshmi Swaroopam. Sree Sooktham describes Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi as the divine light for the Universe. Lighting lamp indicates eradication of our inner darkness that is ignorance (egoism) and lighting of knowledge lamp (inner light) within us.

It is believed and said that lighting of oil lamps during Deepavali is to wish for better placement for fore fathers (Pithru Devathas) in the nether worlds. Lighting of oil lamps (Deepa) and giving charity (Deepa Dana) to Brahmins on Naraka Chaturdasi day.

will bestow relief to fore fathers suffering in Naraka Loka. It is also considered as a symbolic way of showing lights to forefathers on their way to the upper worlds.