Creation exists in layers. The physical, comprising of the five elements, is only one layer. As you progress in the sadhana or practice of yoga, the various layers of creation unfold in front of you and you realise that the physical, which a majority spend their life and birth pursuing, is just a small aspect of creation, a layer which is directly controlled by the world of ether, which is the subject of yoga.
Most of us have grown up listening to stories from the Ramayana, of the noble Rama, his virtuous wife Sita and devoted brother, Lakshmana. Deepavali, as most understand, is the day when these three persons returned to Ayodhya after completing a 14 year period of exile. How is this perceived in the realm of energy?
Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, is a reflection of the energy of the Preserver (Vishnu), Sita is an incarnation of his force, Goddess Lakshmi and Lakshmana is a reflection of the Sheshnaga, which is where the two energies rest.
These three shaktis manifested in bhooloka, the physical creation, for a purpose, to uphold dharma and to protect creation. All through their life they did just that, and once the purpose was fulfilled, they returned to Vaikunth – first Lakshmana, then Sita and finally, Rama.
Sita spent the later part of her life in the ashram of Rishi Valmiki. Very few know that it was not Rama who asked her to go. In fact, it was Sita who sought his leave, because her purpose in physical creation was over and she knew that if she continued after, it would be only for bhog, which would tie them to physical creation, whereas their destination was Vaikunth. So she left. Rama lived off Kusha grass after she left.
The festival of Deepavali starts from Dhanteras and is celebrated over five days, culminating on the day of Bhai Duj. These are extremely potent days for manifestation and sidhhis.
Dhanteras, is the day of Dhanwantari, the physician of the devas, who emerged with an amrit-kalash -- pot of nectar-- along with Goddess Lakshmi on this day. On this day, sadhana and charity are performed under guru sanidhya by those seeking good health and wealth. Also, a diya is lit on this day for Yama, the Lord of Death, to balance the three forces.
The next day, Naraka Chaturdashi, is the day when Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu, in their incarnations as Satyabhama and Krishna, overcame the demon Narakasura. It is the day of Lakshmi sadhana for siddhis or spiritual boons.
Deepavali or Kartik Amavasya is the day to celebrate the siddhis so gained. Lighting of diyas on this day is symbolic of the siddhis with which one illuminates the body to mark the homecoming of Rama, the energy of Vishnu.
Govardhan Puja is associated with the lifting of the Govardhan Parvat by the adolescent Krishna, again, an incarnation of Vishnu, to protect the people. Once again, it is a day when the energy of Vishnu peaks.
Bhai Duj, is associated with the episode of Goddess Lakshmi making Asur Bali her brother, and asking him to release Vishnu whom he had taken to Paatal Lok with him. It is the day of the return of Laxmi and Vishnu.
Vishnu is the preserver, who runs Creation and Lakshmi is his force. The five days thus abound in the experiences and manifestations pertaining to physical creation through right practice of yoga with the guidance of an able guru.
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