True
Meaning of Deepavali
Deepavali or
Diwali is celebrated in India by firing crackers, wearing new clothes and by
eating and distributing sweets. One tradition maintains that it is on this day
that Satyabhama, wife of Lord Krishna, killed the demon Narakasura. However, for
many the true meaning of Narakasura's death and of Deepavali is lost.
Deepavali is viewed as a mere festival.
Saradamma reminds us of Deepavali's true
meaning by recounting Lakshmana Swamy's explanation of it. Narakasura represents
the 'I am the body' idea, the Ego or Jiva. Satyabhama is the individual soul or
Atma. Deepavali signifies the killing of Narakasura, the Ego or Jiva by
Satyabhama, the Atma, with the help and power of Lord Krishna, the Paramatma.
Thus, Deepavali signifies the lighting of the deepam or lamp of the Atma in us
brought about by killing our ignorant
Jiva. Ramana Maharishi expresses a similar sentiment in his poem on Deepavali.