Dev Deepawali

In Sanatan Dharma, the month of Kartik holds special significance, dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and Tulsi Mata. At the end of this sacred month, on the day of Kartik Purnima, the grand festival of Dev Deepawali is celebrated, also known as the "Diwali of the Deities." On this day, millions of devotees gather along the holy banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, where the bright glow of lamps illuminates the riverside. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, granting the deities freedom from fear. In celebration of this victory, the deities lit lamps to express their joy, and since then, this festival has been celebrated as "Dev Deepawali."

In Varanasi, the festival of Dev Deepawali on Kartik Purnima is celebrated with great grandeur and devotion. It is called the "Diwali of the Deities" because it is believed that on this day, the deities themselves lit lamps to express their joy in victory. This festival holds immense significance, not only from a religious perspective but also from a spiritual viewpoint. The celebration of Dev Deepawali fills the ghats of Varanasi with an aura of divinity, devotion, and faith, creating a sacred and enchanting atmosphere.

Dev Deepawali Worship Method

On Dev Deepawali, taking a bath in the Ganges at dawn is considered highly auspicious. After the holy bath, special worship is performed for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Mother Ganga in homes and on the ghats. On this day, tulsi leaves, lamps, Ganga water, sandalwood, flowers, and incense are used in the rituals. Wood Apple (Bel) leaves are offered to Lord Shiva, while tulsi leaves are offered to Lord Vishnu.

In the evening, devotees’ light lamps and set them afloat in the Ganges. According to ancient beliefs, bathing in the Ganges and offering lamps on Dev Deepawali cleanse one of all sins and pave the way to liberation. Afterward, the Ganga Aarti takes place, during which hundreds of devotees sing praises to Mother Ganga, lighting lamps in her honor. A large number of worshippers participate in the Aarti at the ghats, filling the entire atmosphere with devotion.

Importance of Dev Deepawali

Dev Deepawali holds special significance as it is considered a symbol of the victory of the deities and the slaying of the demon Tripurasura. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva defeated Tripurasura, freeing the deities from his terror. In celebration of this great victory, the deities lit lamps, marking the day as a festival.

Bathing in the Ganges and offering lamps on Dev Deepawali are believed to cleanse one of all sins and pave the way to liberation. Worship performed on this day is said to bestow blessings of wealth, prosperity, and peace. People in Kashi believe that receiving the blessings of Lord Shiva and Vishnu on this day brings happiness and well-being into one’s life. This festival instills devotion and reverence, bringing peace and contentment to the soul.

Story of Dev Deepawali

According to a legend, it is said that once the demon Tripurasura caused havoc across the three worlds with his terror. All the deities came together and prayed to Lord Shiva to save them from this menace. To assist the deities, Lord Shiva resolved to defeat Tripurasura. According to belief, on the day of Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva killed Tripurasura, freeing the deities from his reign of terror.

In celebration of this great victory, the deities lit lamps and worshipped Lord Shiva. Since then, the tradition of celebrating this day as Dev Deepawali began. This festival is not only a symbol of victory but also grants devotees the path to liberation and inner peace.

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