A few years ago, when I was on a road trip, my first stop was at Gandhinagar, Gujarat’s capital city. In the evening, since I had nothing to do, I strolled into the famous Akshardham temple.
I came to know of a sound and light show that was going to happen late in the evening. I bought the tickets. I had absolutely no idea what I was going to witness. It was one of the most spectacular sound and light shows I had ever seen. It is also known as the world’s first spiritual show of the kind.
The show is based on the story of a conversation between Yama (the Hindu God of Death) and Nachiketa (a young boy). Nachiketa waited for 3 days at the doors of Yama, since he was out for work. When he returned, he wanted to compensate for the young boy’s wait. So Yama told Nachiketa to ask for 3 boons.
The first two were easy. For the third one, Nachiketa asked Yama “to give him true knowledge“. After much persistence, Yama gave way to the young boy and revealed to him the true knowledge – the knowledge of one’s self, one which makes one see oneself in full effulgence and brilliance.
It is believed that Deepawali or Diwali marks that day too. It is a true celebration of that spirit of inquiry into the true knowledge. It is the celebration of the light of knowledge over the darkness of ignorance.
Deepawali lights
On Deepawali, rows and rows of lights and lamps will adorn almost every street and home that we can see. Candles, lamps (diyas), crackers, sweets, gifts and fun will mark the occasion leaving no room for darkness.
And the seekers of knowledge would indulge in meditation, books, questions and conversations!
Light up
On this Deepawali, I wish that you set yourself up on the path of acquiring true knowledge;
that you know that there is so much more to know;
that you cultivate the spirit of inquiry and ask more questions;
that you use your intelligence to identify what is right for you;
that you spread more love and happiness around;
that you differentiate between the true and the false;
that you keep the light inside you burning.