By Radhanath Swami

Deepavali is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in most households across India. Homes are decorated, lamps and firecrackers are lit, sweets are shared, and an aura of festivity fills the atmosphere. But beyond the colourful lights and celebrations, Deepavali carries a profound spiritual message that can illuminate our hearts and guide our lives towards divine consciousness.

Deepavali consists of two words – ‘deep’ meaning lamp, and ‘avali’, meaning a row or series. Together they signify the festival of lights, an occasion that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and devotion over forgetfulness of God.

Traditionally, Deepavali marks the joyous return of Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Citizens of Ayodhya, who had endured a long separation from their beloved Lord, decorated the entire city with lamps to express their love and happiness.

Life is vacant without the presence of God in our hearts. Without His light, darkness creeps in the form of fear, depression, anxiety, illusion, or lamentation.

Ram’s homecoming signifies inviting the Lord back into our hearts. While we light lamps outside, it is equally important to reflect on the state of our inner lamp. Often, our attention is absorbed in material ambitions and temporary pleasures, leaving us spiritually dark and restless. The darkness of the heart vanishes when the light of divine wisdom and devotion fills it. In Bhagwad Gita, Krishn says that for his devotees, he personally destroys darkness born of ignorance with the shining lamp of knowledge. Such a life becomes steady and undisturbed even amid the greatest challenges.

Just as the residents of Ayodhya eagerly awaited Ram’s return, our own hearts should long for the presence of the Lord. That eagerness to welcome him, to see him, serve him, and please him is the real essence of Deepavali.

Another beautiful pastime connected with this day is the Damodar Lila. Mother Yashoda desired to feed Krishn with the most delicious butter. As she was churning butter, Krishn sat on her lap. As Yashoda was feeding Krishn, the milk boiling on the stove began to overflow. Yashoda quickly set Krishn down and ran to the kitchen. Feeling neglected, Krishn became upset, took a stone, and broke the pot of butter. Then he went to the storeroom, climbed onto a wooden mortar, and began eating butter.

When Yashoda returned and saw the mess, she ran after Krishn, who was running as fast as he could. Finally, she caught him and decided to bind him to the grinding mortar as a loving punishment. However, no matter how many ropes she tied together, they were always two inches short.

At last, when Yashoda became completely exhausted, Krishn allowed himself to be bound. Two missing inches represent our sincere endeavour and the Lord’s mercy.

Without endeavour, we cannot attract divine grace; and without divine grace, our efforts remain incomplete. Both are necessary for perfection. When we sincerely strive to please the Lord and depend on His compassion, He becomes bound by our love.

Thus, as we celebrate Deepavali, let us not forget to light lamp of devotion within, inviting the Lord to stay in our hearts.

The writer is spiritual guru, ISKCON

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