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 most 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 Radha Krishna marble idol contributes to the spiritual glory of the festival.

Devotees place flowers, lamps, and ghee lamps around the altar, which are reflected in the marble statues and create an atmosphere of purity 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

●Offering one's devotion and humility to a temple, lighting a lamp in front of the ISKCON style Radha Krishna murti for temple is a symbolic gesture.

● 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.

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.