Dev Deepavali – Meaning & It’s Significance

Dev Deepavali is also known as Tripurarai Purnima [Full Moon]. This festival has the same essence as Deepavali, which is the victory of good over evil. On this day, Lord Shiva slays the demon ‘Tripurasur’ and returns to the Varanasi – the holy city along with other Gods to bathe in the holy river, the Ganges.

OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS ON THIS DAY

Nimbarak Jayanti
In the 12th century, Nimbark Acharya, the supporter of the Dwaitadvait philosophy and Sanak Sampraday, was born on the day of Dev Deepavali. He was the first to initiate Radha’s placement next to Lord Krishna in temples and started the eternal worship of Bhakt [follower – Radha] and Bhagvan [God – Lord Krishna].

• Shrimad Rajchandra Jayanti

Shrimad Rajchandra was born around 150 years ago on the day of Dev Diwali in Saurashtra. A Jain faith believer, he declared the absolute need to manifest Satpursha – The Ultimate Salvation.

• Tulsi Vivaah

Tulsi’s marriage, also known as Rukmani in her previous birth, was done the day of Dev Deepavali. 

WAY PEOPLE CELEBRATE

Due to modernization and commercialization, people have forgotten the importance of Dev Deepavali except for a small section of people who continue to celebrate this great day. In Varanasi, people light more than one million earthen oil lamps. People then worship the Ganges and offer the lamp to the holy river. This celebration is done during the night, which adds a magical dimension with the moonlight’s reflection and the lamps on the Ganges river.

THE MUST-DO ON THIS DAY

• Ideally, one should take a dip in the holy river of Ganges; however, if one cannot, then add Ganges water to your shower water and take a bath with that. 
• Fast on this day as the Moon’s gravitational pull should be focused on channelizing your energies than digesting food. 
• Invest your energy and thoughts in progressive and peaceful thoughts. 
• Avoid consuming any intoxication and indulge in sexual activities. 
• Offer a prayer to Lord Shiva. 
• Burn an earthen oil lamp outside their home with a piece of clove. 
• Burn a lamp near Tulsi – The Holy Basil and Peepal tree.
• Donate seasonal fruits and vegetables, silver or rice.