LIGHTING A LAMP (DIYA)
The Significance of Lighting a lamp (Diya): A Time-Honored Tradition
Lighting a diya (oil lamp) is an age-old tradition deeply rooted in Hindu culture
It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and positivity over negativity
But have you ever wondered why lighting a lamp (diya) is considered so auspicious?
Let’s explore the deeper spiritual and scientific significance behind this revered practice.
Why Do We Light a Diya?
From ancient times, Hindus have believed that lighting a lamp (diya) in the morning and evening invites prosperity, well-being, and divine grace into our homes.
this tradition is followed by the hindus since ancient times as indian sanathan dharma or culture
The lamp eliminates negativity, creating an atmosphere of peace and positivity
lighting a lamp (diya) in the evening and morning keeps the state of the house and the mind at peace
lighting a lamp (diya) is a symbol of truth, knowledge and understanding
It is also believed that Goddess Rajarajeshwari—a combined form of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—resides in the lamp, blessing the household with strength, wealth, and wisdom
The Deeper Meaning Behind LIGHTING A LAMP (DIYA)
A lit lamp holds profound symbolic meaning:
The wick in the lamp represents our Ego
The oil signifies the impurities of our mind
by lighting the lamp (diya), we surrender our shortcoming and vices to attain truth and get further closer to god
you give yourself more opportunity to thank god for giving you the life that is so precious and priceless
by lighting lamp (diya), we welcome goddess lakshmi into the house to remove darkness from the house and to invite wealth and prosperity
according to hindu rituals,
ideally lighting a lamp (diya) is to be done at...
1. pratah sandhya ( early morning )-
light the lamp half an hour early before sunrise so that your light will transit into the light of the sun
2. saayam sandhya ( early Evening )-
light the lamp half an hour before sunset, so that when sun sets, your light will already be there to light up the darkness that is to come
Best Time to Light a Lamp
According to learned pandit in Hindu scriptures, a day is divided into four kaalams (time zones), each with a different energy influence:
1. Deva Kaalam (God’s Time) – 4 AM to 6 AM
This is the most sacred time (Brahma Muhurta). for lighting a lamp (diya), bestowing maximum spiritual benefits.
lighting a lamp (diya) from 4 am to 6 am in the morning which is god element is the BEST time
2. Maanav Kaalam (Human Time) – 6 AM to 11 AM
lighting a lamp (diya) early in the morning in brahmamuhurta is generally not easy and practical in today’s busy schedule
so, we have the maanav kaalam – the human element ( 6 to 11 time ) which can be followed for our Daily puja and lighting lamp
3. Pitrudevata Kaalam (Departed Souls’ Time) – 11 AM to 4 PM
This time is associated with rituals for ancestors and is not ideal for lighting diyas.
it is said after 11 AM to 4 PM, death or annual ceremonies are performed
4. rakshasa / asura kaalam - demon / evil element (Demonic Time) – After 4 PM
Evening time is when negative energies are more prevalent
after 4 PM starts the asura time or The demon evil time
all the negative elements are more prevalent in the atmosphere
to negate that, we light lamps to stop from evil spirits existence
and bring in divine positive energy that is light
so technically from 4PM onwards we can light the lamp
but since it is broad daylight, we light diya after 5 pm and that is the sandhya or evening samayam or time
but all this doesn’t mean that we can’t do puja whenever we want but it seems we won’t get results to the fullest
so that was how the day was divided into time zones according to which we can choose our time to light diyas
Lighting a lamp (Diya) : A Ritual for Mental and Spiritual Well-Being
Morning and evening lamp lighting rituals are not just about devotion; they have practical benefits too:
Morning Puja:
After a fresh bath and on an empty stomach, we are in a receptive state, allowing positive energy to penetrate more effectively thus activating our body and brain and soul to the higher energy
Evening Ritual:
after completing our day duties
-we freshen up and light the lamp
-we surrender our activities, our emotions accumulated during the day to the higher energy
-Thus helping us To remain positive, to calm our mind and body and perform our duties well
Why Lighting a lamp (Diya) in the Prayer Room?
Just as every room in a house serves a purpose, the prayer room is designed to create an atmosphere conducive to meditation and devotion.
The sacred thoughts, mantras, and the soft glow of a diya elevate the energy of the space, bringing peace and mental clarity
by lighting a lamp (diya) in the prayer room, we invoke the lord’s grace by communing with him in the room everyday
because each room in the house is dedicated to specific functions like bedroom, kitchen, drawing room and they serve specific functions
the furniture, decor and the atmosphere of each room are made conducive to the purpose it serves
so too for the purpose of meditation, Worship and prayer, we should have a conducive place and atmosphere
hence the need for a prayer area or room or place whatever you name it
sacred thoughts, sound vibrations through lighting lamp and chants pervade the place and influence the mind of those who spend the time there
a certain positive vibrations start accumulating at the place which is the Prayer room where we light diyas and chant god’s names or mantras
whenever we are tired and agitated-
by just sitting in the prayer area for a while we feel calm, rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted
The Ancient Science Behind Lighting Diyas
in olden days, at dusk, evening time, diyas were lit in the premises or near the door of the house as they were the only source of light
and also to Prevent insects or reptiles from entering the house
at dusk, lighting a lamp in the temple at home or near tulsi plant creates a sheath of positive and satvik waves of deities around the house
thus protecting the people in the house from distressing vibrations generated from activation of negative energies in the atmosphere
by lighting a lamp (diya) in front of the deity at home in the evening and morning, we remind ourself that truth is where god is and light is where knowledge is
Oil or Ghee? What’s the Best Choice for lighting a lamp ( diya )?
Ghee Lamps: Create a purer aura and stronger electromagnetic waves that enhance focus and spiritual connection
Oil Lamps: A practical alternative, still powerful in dispelling negativity and inviting prosperity
in bharatiya samskaara ( hindu culture ) lighting the lamp has a great significance apart from just removing the darkness
for every auspicious occasion, the first thing we practice is lighting an oil lamp
it has been an age old household practice to light a lamp in the morning or twilight time
we have so many occasions and festivities to show the effect of lighting lamps, such as the inauguration of an event to symbolize an auspicious beginning
when a ghee lamp is lit and kept nearby, it creates an aura of illumination
this radiance of the lamp sets forth electro magnetic waves that Opens up the mind and activates the sensory areas of the brain
during worship, it enhances the performance of the individual allowing worship of the lord with all concentration and attention
light signifies knowledge and positivity
oil lamps were part of various traditions and culture around the world until electric lights became popular in ancient times
it is a part of the tradition that to create a certain right kind of atmosphere we light a lamp
this comes from the understanding that when you light a lamp, apart from the visual aspect, it fills the whole place with a Different kind of energy
symbolically, we have always seen the fire element as the very important aspect of life
fire creates a field of energy around itself and above all, it creates the Necessary atmosphere
so, when you light a lamp before you start your day, it is because you want to bring the same quality into yourself
it is a way of invoking your inner nature
A Small Act with a Big Impact with Lighting A Lamp (DIYA)
Lighting a lamp (diya) isn’t just about tradition; it’s a small yet profound step towards positivity, discipline, and spiritual well-being.
As we embrace these small practices, we contribute to a more harmonious and enlightened world
do watch my blog
https://reflectwithsmitha.com/positive-mirror-talk-hacks-that-will-make-your-life-worthwhile/
Final Thoughts with a disclaimer
While I am no spiritual guru, I firmly believe that wisdom from our ancient texts and traditions holds the key to a meaningful life. Incorporating such rituals into our daily routine not only enriches our spiritual journey but also uplifts those around us
So, let’s start with ourselves! A small act like lighting a diya can set the tone for a brighter, happier, and more balanced life
until next time, keep smiling
Much love—stay happy, stay blessed, and keep spreading light! always
SMITHA
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