What is the significance of lighting a Traditional lamps

Light symbolizes knowledge and Isana is the origin of knowledge. Knowledge is the everlasting wealth that is capable of removing ignorance just as the light removes darkness. An oil lamp is lit to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vasanaas or vices and the cotton wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards and similarly one should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.


It's a tradition to light a lamp first before starting any auspicious events or rituals. Light symbolizes the absence of darkness, grief & unhappiness. Almighty's divine grace is spread all over the house by lighting the lamps. God’s first and foremost appearance is in the form of Light which we call as 'Divya Jyotir' or "Divine Light".

Before starting our daily prayers, we light the Oil lamp by chanting a shloka:

Subham Karoti Kalyanam, Arogyam Dhana Sampadah, Shatru Buddhi Vinashaya
Deepa Jyotir Namostute.
‘ I salute the One who is the lamplight that brings auspiciousness; prosperity, good health, abundance of wealth, and the destruction of the intellect’s enemy (6 enemies - Kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya)’.
After lighting the lamp we chant the following shloka or prayer:
Deepajyothi Parabrahma, Deepajyothi Janardhana, Deepo me hara tu paapam, Deepa Jyothir Namostute
I salute the Brahman, the sustainer of the creation, in the form of this light. I salute the Lord, may He destroy afflictions resulting from my omissions and commissions.


Cotton Wicks and their significance:
Single wick (Eka Mukha Deepam) for normal benefit.
Two wicks (Dwimukha deepam) brings harmony and peace in the family and relatives.
Three wicks (Trimukha Deepam) Blesses with progeny.
Four wicks (Chathurmukha deepam) brings allround prosperity and Sumptuous food.
Five wicks (Panchamkukha deepam) showers akhanda aishwaryam or Wealth.
Six wicks (Shanmukha deepam) blesses with Akhanda Gyana (Knowledge) & Vairagyam (Renunciation).

Directions for lighting lamps and their importance :
North - For success in all ventures undertaken. Most preferable direction to place and light a lamp.
East – For good health and peace of mind.
West – For freedom from debts and victory over enemies
South - Never light a lamp in the south direction. It is considered inauspicious.

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