Today is Deepawali, the festival of lights. There are many stories associated with this day.

It was on this day that the demon Narakasura was killed. King Narakasura – Naraka means hell – had been granted a boon that he could only be destroyed by a woman. Lord Krishna’s wife, Satyabhama, was the one to destroy him.

Why could only Satyabhama kill Naraka? Satya means truth and bhama means the beloved. Untruth or lack of love cannot conquer hell. It cannot be removed by aggression. Hell can only be erased by love and surrender. Non-aggression, love and surrender are the inherent qualities of a woman. Hence only Satyabhama, the true beloved, could remove hell and bring the light back. And Narakasura’s last wish was that every house should celebrate his demise with lights to mark the end of darkness. This is Deepawali.

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It was also today that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, his kingdom, after his victory over ravana, the demon king. Ayodhya means that which cannot be destroyed, or life. Ram means the Atma – the Self. When the Self rules in life, then knowledge lights up. There is life everywhere. But when the spirit is awakened in life, Deepawali happens.