Deepotsav at ISKCON Temples A Celebration of Light and Devotion
                     Deepotsav at ISKCON Temples: A Celebration of Light and Devotion
Even the tiniest lamp can drive away the darkness, and in Deepotsav, thousands of lamps 
come together to form a light of divine love. The Deepotsav or the Festival of Lights in the 
month of Kartik has immense spiritual importance in the Vaishnava traditions.
It is also a period when the devotees uphold their utmost admiration for the Lord. They 
light lamps, sing the sacred names, and do selfless service. The atmosphere at ISKCON 
temples during  this  festival  is  absolutely  divine  and  transcendental.  Music,  incense,  
and  divine splendor fill the hearts of everyone who visits. ISKCON's marble statues of 
Radha Krishna further enhance the sanctity of the atmosphere.
What is Deepotsav?
Deepotsav is held in the holy month of Kartik (October -November) and is a tribute to the
return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 long years of 
exile.
During the month of Kartik, devotees also remember Lord Krishna's Damodara-lila—when 
Mother Yashoda tied him with a rope, symbolizing his loving relationship with his devotees. 
Although this leela is not directly connected to Diwali, both are celebrated in the same holy 
month, highlighting themes of divine love and light.
The Importance of Lighting Lamps
●The act of lighting a lamp is an indication of the victory of light over darkness and 
ignorance over knowledge.
●It symbolizes the immortal relationship of the soul with the Supreme, which shines in 
devotion.
●It is said that every lamp brings godly grace, fortune, and tranquility.
●The action of lighting a lamp becomes some silent prayer--a sacrifice that knows no 
words.
Why Kartik Month is Special
●The month is called Damodar Maas and is the month of the pastime of Lord Krishna as 
Damodara, in which God is faithfully chained by Yashoda, his mother.
●The scriptures define Kartik to be the sacred of all months, wherein spiritual functions 
bring ten thousand times the results.
●The followers practice the services of lamps, the recitation of the Damodarashtakam, and 
acts of kindness.
The Tale of the Two Trees
The Story of the Two Trees is a Hindu legend associated with the month of Kartika, in which
Deepotsav is celebrated.
● The birth of the story: The twin trees called Arjuna were the demigods of Kubera, 
Nalakuvara, and Manigriva.
● The curse: The sage Narada cursed them because of their arrogance, to the point 
that they would be born as trees.
● The birth: Krishna, as a boy, was bound to a big mortar by his mother, Yashoda, due
to the mischief he had caused. As he dragged the mortar, he pulled the two trees that 
liberated Nalakuvara and Manigriva of their curse.
● The lesson: The lesson of this story is that the Supreme Lord may be bound by the 
pure love and devotion of his followers.
Deepotsav at ISKCON Temples
Deepotsav ISKCON temples across the world are brilliantly illuminated places of light, 
music, and prayer. The existence of the iskcon style radha krishna murti contributes to the 
spiritual glory of the festival.
Devotees place flowers, lamps, and  ghee-filled oil  lamps  around the  altar, enhancing the 
beauty of marble statues and creating an atmosphere of sanctity and peace. The mere sight 
of the many lamps lit in the presence of the divine images fills the heart with divine joy.
Why You Should Light Lamps on Deepotsav
●It  welcomes  the  blessings  of  God  to  the  house  or  temple,  and  spiritual  wealth  is 
encouraged.
●The light is the awakening of the soul- its recollection of immortal union with Krishna.
●When this is done with deep sincerity, it is said to eliminate decades of darkness, which is 
called Deepotsav.
●Offering one's devotion and humility to a temple, lighting a lamp in front of the ISKCON 
Radha Krishna marble murti for temple is a symbolic gesture.
Conclusion
Deepotsav is not just limited to a festival but it enhances the divine light. Each lamp lit in 
front of the sacred marble idols of the Lord symbolizes the devotee's love and devotion and 
his spiritual awakening. The flames remind each soul that a single spark of devotion can 
turn the darkness of life into light.
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