Image Caption: Three divine figures from Hindu mythology are shown side by side. On the left is Mohini, a graceful female form of Vishnu, standing by the ocean holding a golden pot of nectar. In the center is Maa Kaali, depicted with dark blue skin, a garland of severed heads, and a fierce expression, symbolizing the destruction of evil. On the right is Satyabhama, the warrior queen, shown drawing her bow with determination, the moment before she slay Narakasur.
On the fifteenth day of Kartik, during the new moon of the eighth cycle, families gather in celebration, Maha Laxmi is worshipped, and sweets are distributed. Many of us, if not all of us, know the story behind Diwali’s diyas and fireworks. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate the two days before and after Diwali? These festivals hold stories that are equally significant in today’s day and age. This is part one of a two part series, where we will explore the tales behind the two days that lead up to Diwali.
The first of the five days is Dhanteras (wealth on the thirteenth day), which falls on October eighteenth this year. It’s story originates in Satya Yug, when all the devas lost their powers to a curse. The only way to reinstate their powers was by drinking the nectar of immortality. However, the nectar lay in the milk of the cosmic ocean, and could only be retrieved by churning it. The devas couldn’t accomplish this herculean task alone, so they sought aid from the asuras. They offered half the nectar in exchange of manual assistance. The king of the serpents, Vasuki, wrapped himself around Mount Mandara; Bhagwan Vishnu took the form of a tortoise, Kurma, and lifted Mount Mandara on his back. With the asuras pulling on Vasuki from the left and the devas pulling on Vasuki from the right, the churning began. After a millenium of hard work, Dhanvantari (the god of medicine) emerged with the pot of nectar. Goddess Laxmi appeared concurrently, to bring prosperity and good fortune to the world. Thus, the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) came to also be known by the name Dhanteras.
The second day of the five days is Choti Diwali, which falls on October nineteenth this year. There are two legends behind this festival. The first is Kaali Chaudas (Kaali on the fourteenth day). The legend is rooted in Satya Yug, when the rakshas Raktabija (whose every drop of spilt blood became his clone) wreaked havoc across the realms. Infatuated with Maa Parvati’s powers, he desired to imprison Maa Parvati. Angered by his disrespect, Maa Parvati took the form of Maa Kaali, beheaded him with an axe, and drank his blood (to prevent cloning). The second story, Naraka Chaturdashi (Naraka on the fourteenth day), took place two Yugs later, in Dwapar Yug. The asur Narakasur had imprisoned 16,100 women. Shri Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) and his wife Satyabhama (an incarnation of Vijaya Laxmi) fought a fierce battle with Narakasur. At one point during the battle, Shri Krishna feigned serious injury. Enraged by the asur’s audacity to harm her husband, Satyabhama struck Narakasur with a fatal arrow, finishing him.
While these legends may seem distant in time, their essence continues to resonate in our understanding of courage and valor today. Through the lens of Mohini, Kaali, and Satyabhama we can gain insight into how every woman can leverage their strengths in what society would term “a helpless situation”. There is a popular saying in Hindi “नारी यदि शंका त्याग दे तो स्वयं शंकर बन जाती है।” (“When a woman stops doubting herself, she alone becomes the bringer of societal welfare.”). Not many people know that, according to the Devi Mahatmya, Sita waited for Ram to save her only to fulfill his destiny. After being consumed by Maa Bhoomi, Sita herself killed Sahastra (the thousand headed) Ravana. According to many, on the mortal plane men can protect women, but in the spiritual realm only women can protect men. Perhaps that is why, during these days of light and celebration, we should honor not just the triumph of good over evil, but the strength, courage, and grace that every woman brings to the world.
*This article did not have enough space to explore the many details and complexities of these tales. Studying additional reading materials is encouraged.