The auspicious months of Chaturmas in which Bhagavan Vishnu goes to sleep within the realms of the Pataal Nadhi comes to an end today, and He finally awakes from this meditative state. The day is also commonly referred to Tripurari Purnima.
The Time:
The festivities usually take place on Kartik Sud 15 Purnima.
Origins:
After the promise made to King Bali that Bhagavan Vishnu would stay with him for the four months, Bhagavan decided to re-join the Devas on this day. In turn there was great pomp and pageantry upon His return in similar fashion to Bhagavan Rama’s return from exile. Since this day too was classified as being as remarkably auspicious as Diwali by the Devas, it is known as ‘Dev Diwali’.
The significance of the term Tripurari Purnima…
References to this are made in the Shrimad Bhagavadam
[1], specifically in the seventh skand (canto). A demon by the name of May Danav created three cities with the help of Tarak and Vidyunmali. The three cities where made of gold, silver and iron in the three worlds respectively and these were given to the demons. The cities were collectively called “Tripura”, meaning ‘three cities’. The demons used these cities as fortresses to create havoc and started destroying everything they landed upon. After seeing the atrocities committed, the Devas urged Lord Shiva for help. Bhagavan waged war against the demons, and using a single arrow destroyed the three cities and the demons too, earning the name “Tripurantaka” meaning destroyer of Tripura.
Another reference was that Naradaji instigated the three demons to destroy Kailash, the abode of Shivaji, and as a result Shivaji destroyed these three demons. In any event, the Devas celebrated the triumph of good over evil much like we celebrate Diwali, and hence this became known as Dev Diwali.
Dev Diwali Today
The general ethos of Dev Diwali is in direct line with the spirit that we celebrate Diwali in. The Devas celebrated the return of Bhagavan to His abode and triumph of good over evil. Today we celebrate Dev Diwali by resolving to eradicate inner demons within mankind.
[2] Since it is the return and the awakening of Bhagavan Vishnu from His sleep, it is a reminder to awake from our slumber and allow the Vishnu within to ascend from the lower to the higher realms, elevating and purifying us.
Significant events on this day:
Nimbarka Acharya was born on this day in the 12th Century. He was the founder of the Dvaitadvaita School of philosophy
[3]. He was the first to consecrate murtis of Radha and Krishna, and as a result established the Vedic principles of Bhakta and Bhagavan.
This day is also widely celebrated as Tulasi Vivah. On this day it is believed that Tulasi (a great devotee of Bhagavan Vishnu who manifests Herself in His service as the sacred plant) was united and married to the Lord. Across India, people wed idols of Bhagavan and the auspicious plant with devotion and great enthusiasm.
[1] http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/
[2] These are referred to as ego, anger, greed and lust.
[3] the tradition or established doctrine of teaching from master to pupil through the ages