Seems
like we were just saved from evil by the Great Goddess Durga, and now
it's Lord Vishnu's turn to save the world, which is kind of a hobby of
His, by way of His ten avatars...
Ten Avatars of Vishnu
There's a nip in the air,
the nights are clear, and one of the most beautiful and gentle
festivals of the year is upon us. It's Tihar, or Diwali, as they
call it in India, 'the festival of lights'. Coupled with glorious
weather and clear mountain views, with swings swinging, and kites
flying, Tihar is a delightful time in Nepal.
This
holy-day commemorates the victory of Rama over that mega-monster,
Ravana,
who acquired his great, world-tormenting powers by
performing, right here in the Valley, at Gokarna, very severe
austerities, culminating in Ravana's tossing one by one, each of his
horrible heads into the sacrificial fire.
Gokarna
temple
When Ravana got down to
one head, Brahma finally relented and gave him a boon - not to be
killed by anyone, except for a human being. Ravana considered a
human being too weak for the task. So Lord Vishnu incarnated as
Sri Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, and slayed the demon, after a lot of
adventures, which appears in that great epic, the Ramayana.
Tihar
also commemorates Rama & Sita's return from exile after the slaying
of Ravana. The lights that are lit everywhere, recall the lights
that the inhabitants of Ayodhya lit to welcome back their beloved
prince.
The
five days of the festival are called the 'five days of Yama', the god
of Death. The first day, which this year is on November 4th
is paying respect to Yama, the God of Death, by worshiping
crows, who are his messengers.
The
following day, dogs, Yama's gate-keepers are worshiped. The
family pooch, and street dogs, too, are fed garlanded and given tika on
that day.
On the evening of the new moon day (Nov 5) , Goddess
Lakshmi is worshiped (along with the family wealth) for good fortune
and prosperity. People believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits every
house during Tihar and gives blessings of peace and prosperity. People
light up rows of lamps in their houses to welcome the Goddess of Wealth
and Prosperity and also to light up her path.
Hindu mythology regards Goddess Lakshmi as the Goddess of Light,
Beauty, Wealth and Good Fortune. She is said to be the daughter of sage
Bhrigu, who took refuge in the ocean of milk and was reborn during the
famous ocean churning process carried out by Gods and demons.
Deepawali is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Goddess of
Wealth and hence Lakshmi Puja is a very important part of the
celebrations. Also, with the Goddess of Fortune on everyone's
minds, a lot of gambling takes place.
From that day onwards, for the next three days, groups
of singers roam all over the Valley, singing and dancing, entertaining
and collecting alms from all the households. One can hear the
familiar refrain of these songs, 'dyo shi re' until late into the night.
The
next morning, cows are worshipped, and the protective rakshabandana
thread, that was tied around one's wrist during the full-moon in August
at Janai Poorni, is removed and tied to the tail of a cow, so that it
might ferry you safely through the underworld, if your number comes up
this year.
In the evening, Mha Puja,
the worship of one's own body, or self, is performed, especially among
Newaris.
The next
day (Nov.7) occurs Govardhan Puja - bullocks are worshipped in
the morning, as Lord Krishna is remembered for protecting the
cow-herders of Vrindavana by lifting Mount Govardhan to shelter and
shield them.
It's also Newari New Year's day 1131.
For the next three days all the houses are illuminated with festive
lights.
This year, Govardhan Puja
coincides with Bhai Tika. It is a day dedicated to sisters. In
the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of Death) visited his sister
Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a boon that whosoever
visits his sister on this day shall be liberated from all sins. Thus,
the tradition of Bhai Tika continues.
May
Goddess Lakshmi settle in your home and family, and foster all your
endeavors!
