The Story of Diwali: The Light that found it's way home - Suchitra Krishnamoorthi

Have you ever wondered about the powerful story behind the shimmering lights of Diwali? Beyond the fireworks and sweets lies an ancient, immortal tale of virtue, exile, and the ultimate triumph of good. Suchitra Krishnamoorthi’s book, "The Story of Diwali: The Light that found it's way home," brings this epic narrative—the foundation of the Festival of Lights—to vibrant life. It’s more than just a story; it’s a celebration of the inner light that lives within all of us.

The Birth of the Divine Sons in Ayodhya

The story begins in the glittering city of Ayodhya, ruled by the mighty King Dasharatha. His kingdom was prosperous, his people were happy, yet a deep sorrow resided in his heart: he had no sons. For years, he and his three beloved queens—the determined Kaikeyi, the gentle Kaushalya, and the serene Sumitra—prayed for a child. Their prayers were finally answered after a powerful ritual was performed, yielding a golden, divine nectar, a gift from the gods, which the King divided among his queens.

Soon after, Ayodhya’s prayers were fulfilled with the birth of four divine sons. From Queen Kaushalya came Rama, who was radiant, gentle, and the very embodiment of virtue. Queen Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata, who was noble, wise, and devoted to truth. And from Queen Sumitra came the inseparable twins, Laxmana and Shatrugana, loyal and brave beyond measure. The birth of Lord Rama and his brothers sparked a dazzling celebration in Ayodhya, where streets were adorned with festive lamps, and the night was pure light as goodness entered the world.

Sita: Born of the Earth, Destined for Rama

Far away in the prosperous kingdom of Mithila, another miracle unfolded. King Janaka, a kind and just ruler, unearthed a baby girl with his plough during a sacred ceremony. Shining with a light brighter than the morning sun, she was named Sita, meaning “furrow,” as she was literally born of the earth, a child of nature. Sita grew up to be a princess of extraordinary wisdom, fearlessness, and deep kindness. She was equally strong, capable of wielding a bow, and gentle, possessing the grace to weave a simple garland. Though Rama and Sita grew up in different lands, living lives of virtue, destiny was weaving the golden thread of their love story together.

The Grand Swayamvara and the Agony of Exile

When Sita came of age, King Janaka announced a grand Swayamvara—a ceremony for a princess to choose her husband. The challenge: whoever could lift and string the colossal bow of Shiva would win her hand. Kings and princes from around the world failed, unable to move the mighty bow. Then, the young Prince Rama stepped forward. With quiet grace and effortless calm, he approached the bow, and as the court watched in silence, he not only lifted and strung the enormous weapon but broke it in half with a sound like thunder. Sita smiled, placing a garland of fragrant flowers around his neck, choosing him as her life companion, uniting two souls destined to bring light and truth.

Years later, as Ayodhya prepared for Rama’s coronation, Queen Kaikeyi, influenced by her maid, demanded King Dasharatha fulfill an ancient promise. She asked for two things: that her son, Bharata, be crowned King, and that Rama be banished to the dense forest for fourteen long years. Though heartbroken, the King had to keep his promise. Rama calmly accepted his fate, determined to serve the path of truth and duty. Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana insisted on accompanying him to the forest, choosing to follow Rama over the crown.

The Abduction, the Search, and the Epic War

Living simply in the forest, their peace was shattered by the arrival of a shimmering, magical golden deer. The deer was a trick, a disguise used by the powerful demon king of Lanka, Ravana, who desired Sita's extraordinary light and beauty. Ravana succeeded in tricking Sita to step outside of the protective circle drawn by Lakshmana (the Lakshmana Rekha) while Rama and Lakshmana were away chasing the deer. Ravana swiftly seized her and carried her away in his flying chariot, the Pushpaka Vimana, toward his island kingdom of Lanka.

Rama returned to an empty hut, his heart shattered but his resolve hardened, vowing to find her and fight the greatest darkness. His desperate search led him and Lakshmana to an alliance with the Vanara (monkey) kingdom and the incredible warrior, Lord Hanuman. Hanuman, the son of the wind God and possessing immense strength and unshakeable devotion, took a giant leap across the vast ocean to Ravana’s fortress, Lanka. He found Sita, sitting under a tree in the beautiful Vatika garden, glowing with inner courage.

With the help of Hanuman and his mighty monkey army, Rama built the massive stone bridge, the Ram Setu (Rama’s Bridge), across the ocean to Lanka. An epic war followed, culminating in Rama facing the ten-headed demon king, Ravana. With one divine arrow, Rama ended the war, rescued Sita, and reunited the two destined souls.

The First Diwali: Return to Ayodhya

When the long fourteen years of exile were complete, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana began their triumphant journey home. The people of Ayodhya, who had suffered in their absence, could not contain their joy. To guide their rightful king home through the darkness and to show their overwhelming love, they lit rows of tiny flickering clay lamps, or diyas, on every window, rooftop, and street corner.

Every home shimmered with golden, welcoming light, and every heart overflowed with happiness. The darkness of exile was gone, and the night glowed like a thousand suns. That night became known as Diwali: The Festival of Lights.

The Eternal Meaning of the Festival

Diwali is one of the most significant festivals globally, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, and today, it is marked by vibrant festivities including the lighting of lamps, fireworks, sharing of sweets, and the exchange of gifts. It is not just the celebration of Rama and Sita’s return; it is a celebration of the light that lives within each one of us.

When you light a diya, you affirm: “No matter how dark the world or the night may seem, my inner light, my courage, and my truth will not fade”. This book beautifully tells the immortal story of Rama and Sita and the power of every heart that dares to shine.

Buy Now