Bright and beautiful dancing little flames retained in delicate lamps are a significant aspect of Deepavali. Fire, when controlled can be dazzling and pleasing to the heart. Furthermore, it is as essential as water for the creation of life; one cannot even cook or keep warm in its absence. However, the same flame, when wildly uncontrolled, is powerful enough to burn everything on its path.

An example of how unbridled blazes can cause mass destruction is seen in the coronation celebration of Sri Rama; while Sri Rama prepared to take His sacred vows of kingly responsibilities in front of the sanctifying and controlled Yagna fire, another destructive wildfire was engulfing Ayodhya in the form of Manthara’s poisonous misunderstanding. She symbolically burnt Ayodhya by spreading her toxicity and causing catastrophic pain, death and lamentation by triggering Sri Rama’s exile to the forest. Unfortunately, the first person to be consumed by this destructive blaze was Kaikeyi, who set off the horrible scene. Nevertheless, it was Kaikeyi’s own son, Bharat, who not only resisted being charred himself, but also subdued the searing havoc. Bharat tirelessly endeavored to bring Sri Rama back from the forest, and Sri Rama reciprocated by agreeing to return in fourteen years. Together, Sri Rama and Bharat had the ability to transform the scorching wildfire into a guarded lamp of hope for fourteen years . Finally, when Sri Sita, Sri Rama, Laxmana and all their associates such as Hanumana and Sugriva returned to Ayodhya, the entire capital of Kosala was lit with millions of lamps placed in exquisite, structured patterns. The external beauty perfectly synchronized with the inner grace felt within at the sight of everyone, including Kaikeyi, welcoming Sri Rama back to Ayodhya.

Deepavali is about a journey of events. Sri Rama’s journey from exile to return is an adventure of pain and gain . Embracing the sacred teachings of the Ramayana will free us from the miserly pollution of Kaikeyi like mentalities and allows us to burst the pyrotechnics of broadmindedness and devotion to Sri Rama

This Deepavali let us harmonize internally with the rich culture that will allow us to leave behind a beautiful legacy of growth.

Shubh Deepavali

– Govinda Das (ISKCON Member)