History of Diwali - Origins & Legends Behind the Festival

Ten Legends & Historical Roots Behind Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, boasts a history stretching back to ancient times. While its precise origins are shrouded in the mists of antiquity, various myths and historical events are believed to have shaped its celebration. Different regions of India connect the history of Diwali with different divine stories and heroes. Here are some of the most prominent reasons behind Deepavali's enduring traditions.

The Enduring History and Origin of Diwali

The most widely known history of Diwali comes from the revered Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The tale recounts the fourteen year exile of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, ordered by his father, King Dasharatha. During this period, Rama was accompanied by his devoted wife, Sita, and loyal brother, Lakshmana.

A pivotal moment in their exile occurred when Ravana, the formidable demon king of Lanka, abducted Sita and carried her away to his island kingdom. Rama, unwavering in his resolve, waged a fierce battle against Ravana, ultimately defeating him and rescuing Sita.

Upon their triumphant return to Ayodhya after fourteen long years, the people of the city rejoiced. To welcome their beloved prince, they illuminated their homes with earthen lamps (diyas), set off firecrackers, and adorned the entire city in a magnificent display. This spontaneous outpouring of joy and light is widely believed to have marked the inception of Diwali.

Origin of Diwali - Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return to Ayodhya, greeted by a jubilant crowd celebrating with diyas and fireworks.

Ever since, the annual homecoming of Lord Rama has been commemorated during Diwali with an abundance of lights, fireworks, and festivities. The festival itself derives its name, Deepavali (or Diwali), from the rows (avali) of lamps (deepa) that the people of Ayodhya lit to honor their king's return.

The Mahabharata's Link to Diwali

The Mahabharata tells the story of the five royal Pandava brothers, who, in a fateful game of dice, were defeated by their cousins, the Kauravas. As a consequence of this loss, the Pandavas endured thirteen years of exile. Upon the completion of their exile, they made a triumphant return to their homeland, Hastinapura, on Kartik Amavashya (the new moon day of the Kartik month).

The Pandavas, along with their mother and wife Draupadi, were renowned for their honesty, kindness, and gentle nature, earning the deep affection of their subjects. To commemorate their joyous return to Hastinapura and to warmly welcome them home, the people of the state illuminated their surroundings with countless bright earthen lamps. Many believe that this tradition of lighting lamps has been preserved through the festival of Diwali, celebrated annually in remembrance of the Pandava brothers' return. This is one of the lesser-known origins linked to the history of Diwali

History of Diwali from the Mahabharata - The Pandava brothers return to Hastinapura after their exile, met with joyous celebration.

Lakshmi's Divine Emergence and Diwali

Another significant belief associated with history of Diwali is the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, from the cosmic ocean.

Ancient Hindu scriptures recount an event known as "Samudra-manthan" or the churning of the ocean. In a time when both Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) were mortal, they sought Amrita, the nectar of immortality. During this grand churning, numerous divine objects and beings surfaced. Chief among them was Goddess Lakshmi, the radiant daughter of the milky ocean, who appeared on the new moon day (Amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month.

It's believed that on this very night, Lord Vishnu took Lakshmi as his consort. To honor this sacred union and divine birth, brilliant lamps were lit and arranged in rows, marking the momentous occasion. This event is said to be the origin of an annual celebration at the same time each year. Even today, Hindus commemorate the birth of Goddess Lakshmi and her marriage to Lord Vishnu on Diwali, seeking her blessings for prosperity in the year ahead.

Goddess Lakshmi emerges from the cosmic ocean during the Samudra-manthan, while Lord Vishnu looks on, and rows of brilliant lamps illuminate the scene.

Vishnu as Vaman Defeating King Bali

Diwali, the festival of lights, draws its origins from various narratives within the Hindu Puranas, which are foundational Hindu religious texts. One significant story of Diwali, particularly prominent in the Bhagavata Purana, recounts how Lord Vishnu, in his dwarf incarnation (Vamana avatar), triumphed over the powerful demon king, Mahabali.

King Mahabali, despite being generally wise and benevolent, was known for his harshness towards the Devas (gods). Having received a boon from Lord Brahma that rendered him unconquerable, even the gods found themselves unable to defeat him in battle. Desperate for a solution, the Devas appealed to Lord Vishnu to intervene.

Lord Vishnu devised a plan. He appeared before King Mahabali disguised as a diminutive Brahmin seeking alms. Known for his generosity, Mahabali readily agreed to grant the Brahmin's wish. However, this act of charity was a clever ploy by Lord Vishnu, ultimately leading to King Mahabali surrendering all his earthly possessions and kingship.

This victory of Lord Vishnu over King Mahabali is one of the key events celebrated during Diwali, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Diwali origin and significance - King Mahabali humbly bows as Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana Avataar, places his sacred foot upon the king's head

Krishna's Victory over Narakasura

The ancient text of the Bhagavata Purana recounts the tale of Narakasura, a formidable demon king who, through unknown means, acquired immense power, allowing him to conquer both the heavens and the earth. Narakasura was a tyrannical and cruel ruler, inflicting great suffering upon his subjects.

The legend states that on the day before Diwali, Lord Vishnu intervened, slaying Narakasura and liberating countless women the demon had imprisoned in his palace. The inhabitants of both heaven and earth rejoiced, finally freed from Narakasura's oppressive rule. This momentous occasion was celebrated with immense fervor and is believed to be the origin of the annual Diwali festivities.

The Legend of Goddess Kali and Kali Puja

Another compelling legend tells of Goddess Kali's emergence to protect the cosmos. Long ago, after the gods suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the demons, Goddess Durga gave birth to Kali from her forehead. Kali's purpose was to liberate heaven and earth from the escalating cruelty of these malevolent forces.

After vanquishing all the demons, Kali's fury became uncontrollable, and she began to destroy everything in her path. This rampage only ceased when Lord Shiva intervened. Many are familiar with the iconic image of Maa Kali with her tongue extended; this vivid depiction captures the precise moment she inadvertently steps on Lord Shiva, stopping in horror and remorse. This pivotal event has been commemorated ever since through the celebration of Kali Puja, observed in various parts of India around the same time as Diwali.

History of Diwali - The fierce Goddess Kali, in her destructive fury, steps upon Lord Shiva, whose serene form halts her rampage, as depicted in this dramatic scene from Hindu mythology

The Coronation of King Vikramaditya and Diwali

Another historical belief connects Diwali to the legendary King Vikramaditya. It's said that in 56 BC, on a Diwali day, this Hindu king - renowned for his wisdom, bravery, and generosity - was crowned.

The citizens of Vikramaditya's kingdom celebrated his coronation with great fanfare, lighting numerous small earthen lamps. This custom has endured through the ages. Many people, including some historians, suggest that this significant event was the origin of the annual Diwali observance.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati's Nirvana

Festival of Diwali also commemorates a profound spiritual event, the nirvana (enlightenment) of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, one of Hinduism's most significant reformers. This sacred occasion occurred on the new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day), when he attained the esteemed title of 'Maharshi' Dayananda, meaning "the great sage Dayananda."

In 1875, Maharshi Dayananda established the Arya Samaj, or "Society of Nobles," a Hindu reform movement dedicated to purifying Hinduism from various societal ills it had become associated with during that era. Every Diwali, Hindus across India remember and honor this great reformer.

The Nirvana of Mahavira

For Jains, Diwali holds profound significance as it commemorates the enlightenment (Nirvana) of Vardhamana Mahavira. Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of the Jains and the founder of modern Jainism, is believed to have attained this state on October 15, 527 BC.

Beyond being a day of commemoration, Diwali for Jains celebrates the emancipation of the human spirit from earthly desires. This makes it a deeply meaningful occasion for devout Jains to engage in the festival's celebrations.

Diwali's Significance for Sikhs

For Sikhs, Diwali holds immense historical and spiritual importance. It was on a Diwali day that the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, institutionalized the Festival of Lights as a time for all Sikhs to gather and receive the Guru's blessings.

Furthermore, Diwali marks the liberation of their sixth religious leader, Guru Hargobind Ji. In 1619, he was freed from imprisonment in the Gwalior fort by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Notably, Guru Hargobind Ji also secured the release of 52 Hindu Kings, who were political prisoners alongside him.

Adding to its auspiciousness, the foundation stone of the revered Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar was laid on a Diwali day in 1577.

The history of Diwali is not just a single story but a tapestry of legends, beliefs, and traditions that unite people in joy and devotion. Whether it is remembered as Rama's homecoming, Krishna's victory, or the day Goddess Lakshmi is honored, the festival embodies universal values of hope, renewal, and positivity. Even today, as homes glow with diyas and communities come together, origin of Diwali reminds us of the timeless truth that light will always overcome darkness and goodness will always prevail.