Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamanaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri



Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

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.
 
  • Rice, though one, is called by different names. The Tamilian calls it arisi, the Kanadigas call it akki and the Sanskrit pandit calls it tandula. Similarly, though God is one, he is called by different names. Siva, Vishnu, Devi, etc., are only different names of the same God. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • The light of a lamp falls on its surroundings. One may study Sastras in that light. While another may, paying no attention to it, spend time sleeping. Similarly great souls are always showering their grace. Each one can derive benefit depending on one’s mentality. If one takes a big vessel to a pond, one can bring a large quantity of water, just because it is said that a small vessel can hold little water, it does not mean that the vessel itself is the limit for the capacity of the pond. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God