Since ancient times, in every Indian house there is a tradition of lighting the lamp (jyothi, Diya) daily in the proximity of God (near the altar of the God). In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk
In some places there is a tradition of lighting Akhanda Jyothi (Nandadeep-continuously burning).
It is a practice of lighting the lamp everywhere almost in all the auspicious occasions, daily pooja,deities functions,festivals,celebrations,house warming, public and social functions, marriage functions etc.This is mandatory ritual, tradition followed by us whether it is a small function or big function particularly by Hindu community followed by other community as well. All the functions commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.
WHY DO WE LIGHT A DIYA?
Light symbolizes knowledge, darkness and ignorance. Lord is the “Knowledge principle” (Chaitanya), who is the source, enlivener and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshipped as the Lord himself.
Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.
Well, you might be thinking why not to light a bulb or tube light?
Well, that too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes.
Adding to this, the flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.
While Lighting the Diya, Normally the following hymn is prayed:
DeepaJyoti Para Brahma
Deepa Sarva Tamopahaha
Deepena Saadhyate Sarvam
Sandhyaa Deepo Namostute
Meaning:
I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.
So this was it. Now you can Proudly Say that you know the Reason behind Lighting the Diya as well as now you can light a Diya with More Stronger belie.
Shekar Moily
