Knowing Deepavali Better
The significance of Oil Lamps on Deepavali
The story of Satyabama killing her son Narakasura…another says, Rama’s victory over Ravana is celebrated as Deepavali and God knows how many more version are out there.
It doesn’t matter as it only shows that some creative people are trying to keep the tradition going.
That’s very healthy.
I’m here to share something that is significant…in relation to the oil lamps that is placed in our houses during Deepavali.
I’m sure you would have noticed…a similar oil lamp is also used in a Hindu funeral. It is placed by the deceased head.
This oil lamp is the symbol of the everlasting soul that transforms but never cease to exist.
So why is the oil lamp used in a funeral and on Deepavali night?
Another important question, why celebrate Deepavali in the first place?
Let us look at some facts related to Deepavali.
Deepavali falls on ‘Aipasi’ which is mid Oct till mid Nov.
(See the chart attached)
You can ask any business person around the world and they will tell you…business is good from April till Sept but from Oct till January, everything slows down.
Why?
It might sound a little strange but in truth, the business world revolves around weather conditions. Around the world, from the coming of winter to the inconsistent weather in other parts of the world during Oct to Jan affects the mind and body of every one of us…that would eventually influence the business we do.
It doesn’t end there, when we are not able to make more profits, we would be frustrated and go into depression…this would spread to the family and eventually everyone around.
Inner strength
When we are at our lowest period, there is something that can trigger a ‘power’ inside to balance us.
I’m sure you would have come across people doing the most impossible feat when they face emergencies.
A mother is known to have lifted a van to save her child caught below. There were instances where people have leaped great heights to save themselves.
Science calls it “Adrenaline rush”. A certain energy drive that makes us super humans sometimes.
In ancient science, it’s known as ‘Pitru shakti ’ the inner-strength of our ancestors, their memories stored in our DNA.
Deepavali is celebrated during this lowest period to bring past memories to strengthen our weakness due to climatic changes.
In South India, a ‘padayal’ an offering to our ancestors is made on the eve of Deepavali.
This is done to bring about our ‘Ancestors’ memories seeded deep within, in our DNA (kundalini pot).
It is very important to pray together which is why a ‘padayal ‘ is served. We are made to chant and are even made to share the food served to them so that everyone gets connected.
The prayer
We are to sit together with family members and focus on the ones who have passed away.
This prayer can be done from the eve of Deepavali 5 Nov till 13 Nov.
Focusing on ancestors who were good natured, strong and wise would be more beneficial.
Lit oil lamps according to the number of ancestors you wish to pray and invoke.
Do it in the night after 7pm as there is less unnatural noise frequencies compared to the day.
Start chanting:
SHRIM HRIM KLIM HRIM
Chant this Mantra to balance your biorhythm for 3 minutes.
After completing the cycle, breathe in deep and exhale as much as you can. Keep doing it nine times.
Keep focusing on the image of your preferred ancestors. It can be one person and it can be more too but don’t have more than nine. You might not be able to focus.
Keep their image in your mind and chant again;
Shrim. Hrim. Klim. Hrim
Do it for minimum nine minutes, If you can stretch the time to 18 or 27 minutes, you would bring to life more of their energy.
This energy from your ancestors would give you the inner strength to go through the weakest period smoothly.
It is still not too late. You have until the 13th Nov.
Happy Deepavali and Diwali!
*This is an excerpt from the ‘HinduScience’ handbook series which will be launched in January 2019.
Article and illustrations by Jeganathan Ramachandram
