Happy Deepavali
இனிய தீபாவளி வாழ்த்துகள்
In literal terms, Deepavali
means row of lights - 'deepa' means lights and 'avali' means row.
The earthern lamp which is lit during the festival
of lights carries a significant meaning in every element of itself.
The earth with which the lamp
is made signifies dirt or impurities. This represents us as a person in search
of enlightenment.
The oil in the lamp represents
negative qualities such as lust, greed, anger, hatred and jealousy which in
turn fuels the soul or oneself. This is represented by the cotton wick.
One
has to get rid of materialism in order to attain enlightenment, and this is represented by the entire process where the lamp emits light when the
wick, which is fueled by the oil, burns.
The 'Vizhakku' (lamp)
symbolises knowledge. Any individual who is ignorant will be left in the dark
until and unless there is realisation to gain knowledge and unveil the purpose
of their existence. Hence, the lamp signifies the
removal of ignorance through knowledge.
Rituals like the oil bath and adorning of new clothes are also done with a reason. Oil has the ability to cool down
one's body, hence pouring it at the crown of the head would eliminate all the
past negative forces accumulated in the body.
Following the oil bath, it is a
tradition for Hindus to wear brand new clothes. This signifies the shedding of
negative old habits and the start of a whole new life in a positive
light.
The habit of
making sweets in addition to creating and enhancing bonds between families and
friends, also signifies that one should speak sweet things and have sweet
thoughts.
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