Who is a guru ?? Someone who teaches you ? Some one who grows you? Someone who imparts knowledge? These are the answers I received this guru Purnima when I asked the question. Oh yes and someone who teaches you puja and chanting J ..
Someone who needs to be revered, someone who needs to be respected yes yes all of those things too. Someone who can be your benchmark, someone who is really good and also full of virtues. That is true as well.
So is it all about the teacher then ??
If this is how we perceive it then it is.
We have a mythical story from Mahabharata one our epics. The story of Eklavya, where this small child grows to be an accomplished archer by learning from a stone statue. He did not have a real teacher who was all of these virtues that we think a guru should embody. He was better than Arjun at archery who was taught by the teacher himself.
Both Arjun and Eklavya were contemporaries. Arjun came from an illustrious family and was a prince and Eklavya was a poor tribal boy who yearned to learn. Dronacharya promised Arjun that he will make him the best archer in the world and the same Dronacharya rejected Eklavya for his lack of pedigree and background. Arjun learnt from the teacher himself and Eklavya built a statue of Dronacharya and practiced himself. He was literally self-taught. Eklavya grew to be a far superior archer than Arjun could ever claim to be. Arjun was always supported by Dronacharya and protected by the guru while Eklavya was asked to give away his right hand thumb as Guru Dakshina. Yet he wasn’t deterred he was Eklavya he regained his poweress in the art of archery inspite of his handicap because he was Eklavya.
On this Gurupurnima remember to be like Eklavya. Your teacher may be Dronacharya of Arjun or Dronacharya of Eklavya you be the embodiment of the virtues of Eklavya. The perennial student, the ardent believer, the one who could sacrifice everything for the notion of a teacher. Only when you have Eklavya kind of faith as a student will true knowledge manifest. Faith is always measured by the amount of sacrifice you are able to make. Teacher is redundant student is important. Please remember Eklavya when you can become a student like him then you have truely understood the essence of guru. Happy Guru Purnima everyone. Lots of love.

 Introduction
Diwali is short for Deepavalli (Deep meaning diya and valli meaning a garland). It is celebrated on the darkest night of the year where both the luminaries the sun and moon are not able to emit any energy. This is such a difficult time in terms of energies that our ancestors created a festival of lights to make sure we get some energy.
 
This ancient Hindu festival is celebrated in autumn (northern hemisphere) every year. The night of Deepavali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin and the start of Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar, Deepavali falls between mid-October and mid-November.
The "victory of good over evil" refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance. Ignorance masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things, and knowledge overcomes ignorance. Diwali is the celebration of this inner light over spiritual darkness, knowledge over ignorance, right over wrong, good over evil.
 
It is a unique festival, our ancestors prescribed it in a fashion where it recreates and celebrates all the Tattvas to give special benefits to the practitioners especially bringing them closer to the attainment of the Goddess. Five elements earth, water, fire, air and ether (earth with all the foods and other purchases, water through the holy baths, fire through the diyas, air through the crackers and ether through the puja) & Five senses (eyes through the diyas, ears through the crackers and mantras, skin through the baths, nose through the scented oils and mouth through all the flavours and feasts) are visibly enthralled over the Five days of the Diwali puja that fulfils the aspirants material desires.
 
It is a five-day festival, starting with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Deepavali on the third day, Diwali Padva dedicated to wife–husband relationship on the fourth day and festivities end with Bhau-beej dedicated to sister–brother bond on the fifth day.
 
Speciality of Diwali 2015
This year planets have aligned in a unique and auspicious fashion, especially to invoke the grace of Goddess Lakshmi. It’s said that the auspiciousness that graces this year’s Diwali is a phenomenon which is unique and comes only once in 131 years. Last time it happened in 1884 and next it will happen in 2145.
 
Diwali this time is on a Wednesday, day of Mercury which is really special from financial gains point of view. Also this time Diwali is marked by Budhaaditya yoga which means that Mercury is with Sun, which indicates earnings from your own profession. Another marked feature is the presence of Rahu, Venus and Mars in Virgo or Kanya Raashi. This is called Dhata yoga which is also very auspicious for anyone dealing with a Rahu profession (Any foreign influence on your work, technology, software, travel related businesses). Traditionally it was considered very auspicious for traders (As they were the ones rubbing shoulders with foreigners in the olden days).
 
The fourth thing that makes this Diwali really special is the fact that the star or Nakshatra. Diwali this year is being celebrated in Vishakha. Vishakha is a special Nakshatra whose ruling planet is Jupiter and presiding deities are Indra – the god of transformation and Agni the god of fire. The influence of Jupiter thus adds an element of supreme auspiciousness to this Diwali. Interesting side note, my birth star is Vishakha and interestingly of the over 200 students list that I have only one other Vishakha.
 
Opportunity to participate
Usually the best day to invoke Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, is the Amavasya (no moon day) of every month. This invocation should be done for 5 days, from the Triyodashi (the 13th day of the weaning moon) to the dooj (2nd day of the waxing moon). The best time for this puja is at night.
 
Diwali every year is celebrated to finish a successful completion of 1 whole year of Mahalakshmi puja. Therefore Diwali is celebrated for 5 days every month (from 2 days before the Amavasya-Dhanteras to 2 days after Amavasya-Bhai Dooj).
 
As you all know this Amavasya in keeping with the tradition I have this year organised this mammoth puja for 5 days from the 9th Nov to 13th Nov 2015. Thank you for all for all the support and participation. If you aren’t partaking I would urge you to as this Amavasya comes only once a year. Its DIWALI !! A celebration and reverence of the most auspicious time of the Hindu calendar and also as a conclusion of the 12 amavasya hawan’s as the maha amavasya hawan.
 
Puja Schedule
09th Nov’ 15, Monday - Dhanteras
11 am to 1 pm – Kalash Puja, Navagraha Puja
Sahasranaam Paath: Ganapati, Vishnu and Lakshmi
Special Puja: Garuda, Kuber & Dhanvantari
 
10th Nov’ 15, Tuesday –  Narak Chawdash/ Hanuman Jayanti
11 am to 1 pm – Kalash Puja, Nava Graha Puja
Sahasranaam Paath: Ganapati, Vishnu and Lakshmi
Special Puja for Garuda, Kaali, Yama & Hanuman
 
11th Nov’ 15, Wednesday – Diwali
11 am to 2:30 pm – Kalash Puja, Nava Graha Puja (specially Rahu Kethu & KAAL SARP YOGA)
Sahasranaam Paath: Ganapati, Vishnu and Lakshmi
Special Puja for Garuda, Kaali, Saraswati & SARVA PITRA PUJA
HAWAN
 
12th Nov’ 15, Thursday –  Vishwakarma Puja
11 am to 1 pm – Kalash Puja, Nava Graha Puja
Sahasranaam Paath: Ganapati, Vishnu and Lakshmi
Special Puja: Garuda, Vishwakarma
 
13th Nov’ 15, Friday –  Bhai Dooj
11 am to 1:30 pm – Kalash Puja, Nava Graha Puja
Sahasranaam Paath: Ganapati, Vishnu and Lakshmi
Special Puja: Garuda, Chandrama & Yama
HAWAN & KALASH water from 5 days of puja will be distributed
 
 
The benefits of a successful 5 day Diwali puja are numerous. This Diwali is really special as it’s a mahurat that comes once in 131 years. Puja done on Maha Amavasya is especially good for Pitra Dosh, mitigating the ills of Rahu and Ketu especially Kaal Sarp Yoga and invocation of Maha Lakshmi.

TO PARTICIPATE

DIWALI MAHURAT

India
Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = 17:42 to 19:38, 11th Nov’2015
 
Other auspicious Choghadiya Muhurat for Diwali Lakshmi Puja
Morning Muhurta (Labh, Amrit) = 06:44 - 09:25
Morning Muhurta (Shubh) = 10:45 - 12:05
Afternoon Muhurta (Char, Labh) = 14:45 - 17:26
Evening Muhurta (Shubh, Amrit, Char) = 19:06 - 23:16

West Coast, US PST
Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = 17:16 to 19:06, 10th Nov’2015

Other auspicious Choghadiya Muhurat for Diwali Lakshmi Puja
Morning Muhurta (Char, Labh, Amrit) = 09:19 - 13:08
Afternoon Muhurta (Shubh) = 14:24 - 15:40
Evening Muhurta (Labh) = 18:40 - 20:24
Night Muhurta (Shubh, Amrit, Char) = 22:08 - 27:19+
 
East Coast, USA EST
Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = 16:56 to 18:44, 10th Nov’2015

Other auspicious Choghadiya Muhurat for Diwali Lakshmi Puja
Morning Muhurta (Char, Labh, Amrit) = 10:53 - 12:54
Afternoon Muhurta (Shubh) = 14:09 - 15:23
Evening Muhurta (Labh) = 18:24 - 20:09
Night Muhurta (Shubh, Amrit, Char) = 21:55 - 27:11+

Diwali Muhurat or the best time for Lakshmi Puja is the Pradosh Kaal and Sthir Lagna while Amavasya is prevailing. Pradosh Kaal starts after sunset and approximately lasts for 2 hours and 24 minutes and Sthir Lagna means fixed i.e. not moveable constellation. Vrishabha Lagna is considered as Sthir and mostly overlaps with Pradosh Kaal during Diwali festivity. It is believed that if Lakshmi Puja is done during Sthir Lagna, Lakshmiji will stay in our homes.
 
The Choghadiya Muhurat are other times that are auspiscious through the day and these Muhurtas are good only when travelling or Pujas at various locations. Muhurat is based on location, hence you should check the times for your part of the world. I have outlined puja times for NY EST and CA PST along with India.

FIVE DAY DIWALI PUJA
Diwali is a 5 day festival and not a 1 or two day celebration. I have described each of these days in great detail below.
 
Day 1- DHANTERAS
Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi falls 2 days before Diwali on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November) and starts off the five day festival. Purchases of clothes, new utensil and new assets are considered especially auspicious on Dhanteras. In the olden days this practice was instituted so that all communities would have enough resources to celebrate Diwali.
 
A very interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima, was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.
 
When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.
 
According to another popular legend, when the gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean of milk for Amrit or nectar, Maha Lakshmi and Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras. Thus this day marks the birthday of Lakshmi, return of Lakshmi as Maha Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, and the birthday of Dhanvantari – the God of Health and Healing.
 
On this day at sunset, bathe and offer a lighted deeya near a Tulsi plant with Prasad to Yamaraj, the Lord of Death. This practice is believed to protect the family from untimely death. Cows are offered veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi so please take out some food for cows.

Special offering of lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya to the Goddess Lakshmi. This evening Laskshmi, Kuber, Yam, & Dhanvantri- Puja is done.
 
On Dhanteras night, diyas (lamps) should be kept burning all through the night.
 
Day 2- NARAK CHATURDASHI
Kali Chaudas or Chotti Diwali happens 1 day before Diwali Triodasi falls 2 days before Diwali on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November).
 
There are several legends behind Chhoti Diwali, the story of Naraka chaturdashi goes that the demon king Narakasur ruler of Pragjyotishpur (a province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess (the ruler of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife) and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem.
 
On coming to know about this, Satyabhama was enraged by Narakasura's malevolence towards women, and she appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura. The legend also says that Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted Satyabhama a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field. During the war, Krishna swooned for a while, a preordained divinely act adopted to empower Satyabhama to kill the demon. After Narakasura was beheaded, the imprisoned women were released, and Krishna accepted to marry them.
 
So on the day previous to Narakachaturdashi, Lord Krishna's divine intervention led to the killing of the demon, Narakasura and liberation of the imprisoned damsels as well as recovery of the precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood. Krishna returned home in the very early morning of the Narakachaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice.
 
It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice.
 
In some regions of India, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Mahakali or Shakti and is believed that on this day Kali killed the asura (demon) Narakasura. Hence also referred to as Naraka-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is day to abolish laziness and evil.
 
A special feature on this day is the celebration of Hanuman Jayanti. According to some Hindu Calendars or panchangs the birthday of Hanuman falls on the fourteenth day (chaturdashi) in the dark fortnight of the month of Ashvin while according to others it falls on the full moon day in the bright fortnight of Chaitra. This day is therefore also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti, where He was said to have been born at sunrise.
 
Usually priests bathe the idol of Hanuman and smear it with oil and sindhoor. According to legend, Sita was applying sindhoor when Hanumanji asked the reason. She replied it would ensure a long life for her husband. Soon enough Hanuman smeared his entire body with sindhoor for Rama's immortality.
 
This day special bathing rituals such as a fragrant oil bath are important. Traditional early baths with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders are a `must'. So preferably take oil massage and bathe using sandalwood paste or scented oils before sunrise this day.
 
This evening puja of Kalbhairav, Kali and Hanuman are done.
 
Day 3- DIWALI
The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the darkest night of Amavasya. The strains of joyous sounds of bells and drums float from the temples as man is invoking Goddess Laxmi in a wondrous holy "pouring-in" of his heart. All of a sudden that impenetrable darkness is pierced by innumerable rays of light for just a moment and the next moment a blaze of light descends down to earth from heaven as golden-footed Deep-Lakshmi alights on earth in all her celestial glory amidst chantings of Vedic hymns.
 
A sublime light of knowledge dawns upon humanity and this self enlightenment is expressed through the twinkling lamps that illuminate the palaces of the wealthy as well as the lowly abodes of the poor. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity.
 
Diwali has many legends associated with it the main ones are the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana and his welcome by and celebration of the joyous people of Ayodhya, the day that Lord Krishna/ Kaali defeated the demon Narakasura and Krishna in his Vaman avatar vanquishing king Bali to pataal and freeing Goddess Lakshmi.
 
So the celebration of this festival as Lakshmi Puja can be attributed to the legend of King Bali. Once there was a great demon king Bali who wanted to become the owner of all three Bali Loka (Earth, Sky and Patal) as he given a boon by the Lord Vishnu to have unlimited power. He had become the most powerful king on Earth, by conquering every bit of space. In his arrogance he believed that nothing could hamper his wealth. There was only poverty all over the world as all the wealth (Lakshmi) was detained by the king Bali. He would create a show of charity, by hurling insults and humiliation at all those went to seek alms from him. In order to strip him off his arrogance, to save all the three Loka and free Lakshmi from his prison, Lord Vishnu went to his kingdom under the guise of a beggar (in his Vamana avatar, 5th incarnation).
 
The king granted Lord Vishnu in the guise of a beggar everything he could cover in three steps, Vishnu covered the entire heaven with his first step, entire earth with his second and shattered the vain pride of the king. Bali, then offered the Lord his head to place his third step upon, which led to him receiving spiritual enlightenment. Thus Diwali was celebrated as a day when Lakshmi was released from the clutches of Bali. A festival that preaches the message of eliminating greed is the source of attaining spiritual knowledge.
 
Lakshmi is believed to roam the earth on Diwali night. On the evening of Diwali, usually it’s a custom to leave doors and windows of your home open to welcome Lakshmi, and place diya lights on their windowsills and balcony ledges to invite her. It is extremely important to keep the house clean and pure on Diwali. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. Small earthenware lamps filled with oil are lighted and placed in rows along the parapets of temples and houses. Diyas are also set adrift on rivers and streams.
 
Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities: Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta; Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms - Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning), and Mahakali; Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped and Maha Vishnu (as Krishna, as Vaman, as Ram and as Narayan the consort of Mahalakshmi).
 
Day 4 - VISHWAKARMA PUJA
Govardhan Puja, Gudi Padwa or Bali Prati Pada, falls 1 day after Diwali on the 1st lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November) marking the 4th day of the five day festival.
 
This day also marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. The day after Diwali, is therefore celebrated as the first day of the Vikram Samvat or the Hindu New Year.
 
Gudi Padwa is symbolic of love and devotion between the wife and husband. The husbands give thoughtful gifts, or elaborate ones to respective spouses, in a manner similar to anniversaries elsewhere in the world. Newly-married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents. In olden days brothers went to fetch their sisters from their in-laws home for this important day.
 
As per Vishnu-Puran the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honour of Lord Indra and worshiped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul. People were afraid that the downpour was a result of their neglect of Indra. But Krishna assured them that no harm would befall them. He lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered men and beasts from the rain. This gave him the epithet Govardhandhari. After this, Indra accepted the supremacy of Krishna.
 
Govardhan puja is performed on this day as well, as Krishna saved Gokul by lifting up the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger and holding it over the people as an umbrella. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj, near Mathura. Govardhana Parbat is just like peacock shape which can be described as; Radha Kunda and Syama Kunda makes the eyes, Dan Ghati makes the neck, Mukharavinda makes the mouth and Punchari makes back as well as tail feathers. It is considered that the height of this mountain is decreasing day by day (a seed of mustard daily) because of the curse of Pulastya Muni.
 
Once, in the Satya Yug, the Pulastya Muni went to the Dronacala (the king of mountains) and requested for his son named Govardhana. The king was very depressed and appealed the Muni that he cannot bear the disconnection from his son. Finally his son was sent with Muni under the circumstances that if he would put down, he would stay there.
 
On the way the Muni had put him down while passing through the Braja Mandala in order to reply the nature’s call. After coming back he found he cannot move the Govardhana from that place. Then he got angry and cursed the Govardhana to get reduce in size slowly. It was around 64 miles long and 40 miles wide, 16 miles high and now remains only of 80 ft.
 
People worship Govardhan Mountain in the belief that they would be protected by this mountain ever and they would always get the source of living. They make cow dung heap and worship by offering Kheer, Batashe, garland, sweet and delicious foods with immense enthusiasm. They prepare Naivedya of the Chappan Bhog (means 56 food items) or 108 food items in order to offer to lord during puja.
 
Following from the story of King Bali and Lord Vishnu in his Vaman avatar, the day following the Amavasya is "Kartik Shuddh Padwa". It is only on this day that the King Bali who was sent to Paatal Lok by Lord Vishnu in his Vaman Avatar, would come out of Pathal Loka and rule Bhulok as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Thus this is the day one day of the year when Kang Bali rules. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".
 
This day is also celebrated as Vishwakarma Jayanti. Vishwakarma, as legend has it was a mythical architect to the Gods, and was the chief engineer of kingdoms like Dwarka of Krishna, Lanka of Kubera, and the Swarg, or Heaven of Indra. He is the patron God of architects and engineers.
 
This morning puja of Govardhan, Krishna, Vishwakarma are done.
 
Day 5-BHAI DOOJ
Two days after Diwali on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November), the last day of Diwali, the fifth day is celebrated as Bhai dooj. The name itself denotes the day of the festival i.e it falls on Dooj, the second day after the new moon.
 
The festival of Diwali is not complete without "Bhaiyya-Duj" also called "Bhav--Bij" in the Marathi, "Bhai Phota" to the Bengalees and in Nepal its "Bhai-Tika". It celebrates the sister-brother loving relationship, in a spirit similar to Raksha Bandhan but with different rituals. The day ritually emphasizes the love and lifelong bond between siblings.
 
Many moons ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. Yamuna put an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. He gave his sister a Vardhan (a boon) that whosoever visits their sisters on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final emancipation. So, the day is also called ‘Yama Dwitiya’.
 
Another version is after killing Narakasur, Lord Krishna, went to his sister Subhadra who welcomed him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection. Another myth behind this begins as when Bhagawaan Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was distressed because he missed him and was comforted by his sister Sudarshana.
 
So traditionally brothers and sisters should fast till they have done puja. If you have no brothers special puja is done for Chandra, the moon, praying to the Lord as your brother.
The tilak should be done with this mantra:
 
Bhratus tabaa grajaataaham, Bhunksa bhaktamidam shuvam
Preetaye yama raajasya Yamunaah Visheshatah
 भ्ृतूस तबा ग्रजाताहां, भुंकसा भक्तामीड़म शुवाँ
प्रीताए याम राजस्य यमुनाह विशेषत
 
After the tilak usually it’s a tradition for brothers to have a meal prepared by sisters. Traditionally this meal is known as ‘Bhagini Hastha Bhojanam’ which means ‘having a meal prepared by sister’.
 
Worship of Lord Yamaraj and his mythical record keeper Chithragupta and taking a holy dip in river Yamuna is considered highly pious on this day.
  
For any other questions or clarifications please feel free to contact me at [email protected].