During my college days, an NGO visited our campus and asked this exact question to a room full of students. The hall fell completely silent. No one knew the answer.
Then, one student stood up and explained the deep tradition connecting two different Yugas:
🪔 Satyuga & Lakshmi Puja:
On this sacred day in Satyuga, Goddess Lakshmi emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). Hence, Lakshmi Puja marks Her manifestation.
🪔 Tretayuga & Deepawali:
Ages later in Tretayuga, Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile on the exact same day. The people of Ayodhya welcomed Him by lighting rows of ghee lamps, giving the festival its name, Deepavali (Festival of Lights).
So, where does Lord Ganesha fit in?
When Goddess Lakshmi became the deity of wealth, Kuber was appointed to manage it. However, Kuber became miserly, preventing Her blessings from reaching people. On Lord Vishnu’s advice, Maa Lakshmi appointed Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, as the distributor of Her wealth.
Impressed by Ganesha’s generosity in removing obstacles for devotees, Goddess Lakshmi decreed that wherever She is worshipped without Lord Vishnu, Ganesha would accompany Her as Her spiritual son.
Since Lord Vishnu is in Yognidra (cosmic sleep) during Kartik Amavasya, Maa Lakshmi visits Earth accompanied by Lord Ganesha.
Our traditional festivals hold rich historical and philosophical significance that often isn’t taught in standard curricula.
If you found this story insightful, share it with your network and pass it on to the next generation! đź’«
Since there is still some time left for Diwali, wishing you and your family a very Happy and Prosperous Deepawali in advance! 🪔✨
