Ancient Texts & Scriptures of Diwali

📚 Traditions8 min readJanuary 15, 2024

Learn about ancient texts & scriptures of diwali for Diwali celebrations with comprehensive guide and tips.

Ancient Texts & Scriptures of Diwali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, finds its roots in ancient Indian scriptures and texts. From the Vedas to the Puranas, classical literature to regional texts, the celebration of light over darkness has been documented across centuries of sacred writings.

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Vedic References to Light

The earliest philosophical foundation of Diwali can be traced to the Vedas, particularly the Rigveda, which contains numerous hymns praising light (jyoti) as a symbol of divine knowledge and spiritual illumination.

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Vedic Wisdom: The Rigveda states, "Asato ma sat gamaya" (Lead me from untruth to truth), emphasizing the journey from darkness to light that Diwali represents.

The Atharvaveda contains specific references to lamps and their spiritual significance, while the Yajurveda describes various fire rituals that form the basis of modern Diwali celebrations.

Puranic Accounts of Diwali

The Puranas provide the most detailed accounts of Diwali's mythological origins. The Padma Purana describes the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi, establishing the connection between Diwali and Lakshmi Puja.

Ramayana and Diwali

The Ramayana, attributed to sage Valmiki, provides one of the most popular narratives associated with Diwali. The epic describes the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana, which is celebrated as Diwali.

Ramayana Reference: "The people of Ayodhya lit countless lamps to welcome their beloved prince, creating a city of light that has inspired Diwali celebrations for millennia."

Mahabharata References

The Mahabharata, while not directly mentioning Diwali, contains references to the importance of light and the victory of good over evil, themes central to the festival. The epic's emphasis on dharma (righteousness) aligns with Diwali's spiritual message.

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Classical Sanskrit Literature

Classical Sanskrit poets like Kalidasa have referenced Diwali in their works. The Meghaduta mentions the festival of lights, while other classical texts describe the celebration of light and its spiritual significance.

Regional Texts and Traditions

Different regions of India have their own texts documenting Diwali traditions. Tamil literature, Bengali texts, and other regional writings provide unique perspectives on how the festival has been celebrated across the subcontinent.

TL;DR - Quick Summary

Key Takeaway: Diwali's roots in ancient texts span from Vedic philosophy to Puranic mythology, classical literature to regional traditions, creating a rich tapestry of spiritual and cultural significance that continues to inspire millions today.

Modern Interpretations

Contemporary scholars continue to study and interpret these ancient texts, finding new meanings and relevance for modern times. The universal themes of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

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Frequently Asked Questions