Deepavali Anugraha Sandesha
Following is the Anugraha Sandesha by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji in Kannada elucidating the significance of Deepavali.
For the benefit of non-Kannada speaking devotees, also provided is a transcript of the Anugraha Sandesha in English aswell as English captions in the video.
Kindly note that English captions have to be enabled in the video player.
Transcript
- Among the festivals that we celebrate every year, the Deepavali festival is an important one.
- “Deepavali” means – a row of lamps.
- A Lamp represents Jnana (knowledge).
- Move away from darkness towards light of Jnana – this is the message of Deepavali.
- Darkness represents ignorance.
- Dispelling Ignorance and Attaining Jnana – is the essence of Deepavali.
- Jnana is most important to man.
- Bhagavan says in the Bhagavad Gita – Na hi Jnanena Sadrisham Pavitram iha Vidyate.
- There is nothing that is as Pavitra as Jnana.
- The Shastras say that Mukti (liberation) can be obtained only by Jnana.
- Hence Jnana is of paramount importance.
- We must acquire this Jnana and dispel ignorance.
- This is possible only through a Sadguru.
- Without a Guru’s Grace, ignorance remains and the acquisition of Jnana does not come about.
- When we realize this fact,
- And make efforts towards acquiring Jnana,
- Our life becomes purposeful.
- May this Deepavali festival bring about such a realization and inspire everyone.
- May everyone rid themselves of their mental impurities,
- be of a pure mind,
- and cheerfully and lovingly engage with all.
- Sri Adi Shankaracharya has said
- Tvayi mayi ca anyatra eko vishNuH
- Vyartham kupyasi mayi asahahisNuH
- – “When the same consciousness pervades you and me,
- “who hates whom? Who can be angry with whom?”
- Hence hate and anger are unwarranted.
- Everyone must be amicable and loving to all.
- This is Our Message on this occasion.
- May this Deepavali bring about the welfare of all.
- May everyone joyfully celebrate this Deepavali and be a recipient of God’s Grace.
- Bhagavan Krishna Paramatma annihilated Narakasura on the Ashwayuja Krishna Chaturadashi.
- Hence the day is called Naraka Chaturdashi.
- It is on this day that Bhagavan put an end to Narakasura and brought about the wellbeing of all.
- Hence on this occasion, we must remember Bhagavan with utmost devotion, worship Him and be a recipient of His Grace.
- May everyone be a recipient of Bhagavan’s Grace and live with joy. Such is Our blessing on the occasion of this Deepavali Mahotsava.