Although Diwali has acquired commercial connotations in recent years, it remains a traditional festival of Hindus, with varied meanings and manifestations.
The single most important aspect of Diwali is the end of a period of darkness and the dawn of a new era of light and prosperity.
Lord Ganesha
Hindus consider Lord Ganesha as the Remover of all obstacles and accord the prime place of worship. All ventures – commercial, social and religious – commence only after invoking the Blessings of Lord Ganesha. According to an interpretation of Vedic and other scriptures, ‘Vigneswara’ (Destroyer of Obstacles) preceded the creation of Nature and hence takes precedence over all worships.
The elephant-headed God symbolises auspiciousness and wisdom.
As the Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, Ganesha is considered to be the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the God of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. Hindu say that Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu Deities (the other four being Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga) whose idolatry is glorified as the Panchayatana Pooja.
Goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi (or ‘Laksme’ in Sanskrit meaning ‘Goal’) is the Goddess of Wealth and prosperity. She is also called ‘Shri,’ the female of the Supreme Being.
She is worshipped for promotion, success and personal virtues.
According to one version of Hindu mythology, Lakshmi emerged during the churning of the celestial milky ocean by Gods and Demons. Chosen by Lord Vishnu as His Consort, she is believed to reside in His heart. She accompanies the Lord as Padma, Sita and Rukmani in his respective Avatars as Vamana, Rama and Krishna.
Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi in their home and in Temples, especially on Fridays and as a part of Diwali festivities.
In some parts of India, Diwali also heralds the New Year and new books of accounts are opened with special prayers for Lakshmi.
It is customary to worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess on the occasion of Diwali.
Lakshmi is normally seated on a lotus with gold coins and together the two Deities keep humankind wise, happy and prosperous.
Goddess Saraswathi
Wealth and prosperity cannot be meaningful unless accompanied by knowledge. As well as being Power (Shakti), knowledge is said to rule the world. Therefore, Hindus attribute knowledge to Goddess Saraswathi and worship her as the Goddess of Wisdom and Enlightenment.
May this Diwali inaugurate a new Chapter of prosperity and plenty in your life and career, making a difference to you and those around you.
Photo: Goddess Lakshmi (Centre) with Goddess Saraswathi and Lord Ganesh
