Diwali greetings

 Hari Aum.

This is just a short post to wish everyone a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Diwali (or Deepavali as it is traditionally known in Sanskrit).

As most of us would be aware, this festival marks the victory of good over evil, of spiritual forces over materialistic tendencies, of our divine nature over our lower nature. 

It marks one further milestone upon our spiritual journey-- the completion of yet another year of sadhana or spiritual practice (in many parts of India, Deepavali is regarded as the beginning of the New Year). It is a time when we can look back and assess our progress and challenges in the past year and prepare for another year of spiritual practice and commitment.

The legend behind Diwali is that it is the day when Sri Rama and Mother Sita returned home to Their kingdom known as Ayodhya after the defeat of the demon known as Ravana. It is also a day associated with the manifestation of Mother Lakshmi from the divine ocean of milk, and the day that Lord Krishna is said to have defeated the demon, Narakasura.

It is a day when we decorate our homes, get together with those who are closest to us, and invite Lakshmi and Narayana into our homes. We invoke Their presence in our hearts and worship Them on this sacred day. 

In the midst of all the sweets, gifts and celebrations, let us remember that the ultimate gift is devotion to Them, and the ability to live at all times in accordance with Their will. May They bless us with this most valuable of gifts on this auspicious occasion.

Let us also pray at this time that Lakshmi and Narayana may bless this entire world with peace and light. May They alleviate the suffering on this planet and grant us all wisdom, peace and bliss.

Om Sri Sita-Ramabhyam Namah.

Om Sri Radha-Krishnabhyam Namah.

Om Sri Uma-Maheshvarabhyam Namah.

Om Sri Lakshmi-Narayanabhyam Namah.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S. I would like to thank all readers who have sent me messages and requests for Vedic astrology readings. I am making my way through your requests and will get back to you soon, hopefully in the next week or two (apologies for the delay replying-- it has been an intense few weeks with illness in the family and other events. Things are fortunately a bit calmer now so I hope to reply to you soon).

P.P.S. I would like to add that I feel that the traditional way of celebrating Deepavali by lighting lamps is much more spiritual than setting off fireworks. The latter is well-known to be polluting, frightening to birds and animals, and a source of serious injuries to people particularly children. 

The lighting of lamps is therefore a much more beautiful way to celebrate this occasion in my view and I would encourage readers to consider this option (and minimise the use of fireworks).

Om Namo Narayanaya.