Issue 2 November 01, 2005 Indian Divinity wishes all the subscribers a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali - the festival of lights. This festival is associated with various different Gods and Goddesses in many different ways. Lord Rama and Diwali It is celebrated in honor of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after a glorious victory over the Lanka king Ravana – personifying the triumph of good over evil. Lord Krishna and Diwali Lord Krishna is said to have killed King Naraka (an evil demon) who had abducted 16,000 women and the celestial tree Parijata. The Diwali celebrations mark the victory and slaying of the evil in the hands of Lord Krishna. Lord Narasimha (Vishnu in half-lion and half-man form) and Diwali Diwali is also associated with the killing of Hiranyakashipu by Vishnu assuming the avatar of Lord Narasimha. Lord Vamana (Vishnu in dwarf form) and Diwali Vishnu in the form of Lord Vamana vanquished a powerful Demon-king Bali to the netherworld and released from his clutches numerous prisoners. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha were among the prisoners, thus released by Vishnu came down to earth and brought with them prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi and Diwali Lakshmi – the Goddess of wealth is said to have emerged from the Churning of the Ocean on this auspicious day and hence Lakshmi Puja commemorates her birth day and forms a major part of Diwali celebrations. Read more about Diwali - the Festival of lights. Divinity Mini Series Indian Divinity will shortly begin the “Divinity Mini Series” in its articles section. This section will feature in parts legends and stories from the Puranas, epics and other books related to Hindu Mythology. Indian Divinity Team hopes to bring you this series from its next issue of Divinity Express. Users Contribution Subscribers and users interested in providing and publishing articles (stories and legends) related to Hindu Mythology, Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism, Demi-gods or any other characters in Hindu Puranas and books including local mythology legends and mythology related folk tales can submit your article to id@indiandivinity.com. Please provide your name, an valid email id, photograph of yourself (if you want it to be displayed with your article) and contents when submitting your article. If you have sourced it from other web site or books please provide clear reference of the same along with proper and accurate details. If you do not want your email address to be published please be sure to mention the same. Hope you enjoy reading and receiving updates from Indian Divinity. Team, Indian Divinity Divinity Glimpses SURYA - The Vedic God SURYA is one of the three chief gods of the Vedas. The most celebrated mantra (hymn) in Hindu Religion, known as GAYATRI Mantra, is the incantation addressed to SURYA. This Vedic God is usually represented in small images or visual representations in various temples. The only full-fledged temple dedicated to this Vedic God is the famous temple of Sun god at KONARK in Orissa. read more... Divinity Forum Forum Topic - Hinduism The Concept of Idol Worship... "There is always the concept of personal god and impersonal god. We normally keep pictures of our grandparents who have passed away. Have you ever thought about it. We keep them cause in those pictures we verily see them, feel them. It is a matter of faith. Similarly we have Rama, Krishna, whom we worship, this is the idea of personal god." - Prashanth.Lingala To read more or to participate in this forum Log on to Indian Divinity Forum... Register Now for free to participate and discuss @ Indian Divinity Forum. Latest Wallpaper Subscription Options