Light is symbolic of knowledge, happiness, prosperity, abundance and overall well-being. It serves as a powerful metaphor for removal of darkness, which is synonymous with ignorance, sorrow and negativity.
Light is the absence of darkness, which means light signifies the absence of vices, the absence of negative energies, and thus embodies positivity and peace. Light also symbolizes enlightenment, through the acquisition of scientific knowledge and spiritual awakening.
Beyond its symbolic importance, lighting a lamp serves the practical purpose of providing light during darkness and a lit lamp acts as a portable light source. So, in the era predating the discovery of batteries and electricity, it was quite natural for people to use lamps fueled by oil or ghee as a source of light.
Every day, light an oil lamp and stay in its presence for a period of time. It will cleanse certain aspects of your system – Sadhguru
In the Indian culture, it has been an age-old tradition to light oil or ghee lamps in the puja room in the morning while performing daily puja, and in and around the house, in the evening, followed by praying together, as a way to express gratitude towards the Almighty. Here’s more about the cultural significance of lighting the traditional oil or ghee lamps.
Importance of Lighting the Traditional Oil or Ghee Lamp
It is believed that lighting oil or ghee lamps in the evening ushers good fortune and wealth into life. Lighting lamps denote the removal of ignorance and the bestowing of knowledge.
Spiritual Symbolism
The burning of oil or ghee lamps has an interesting symbolism. The wick represents ego, while the oil or ghee used as fuel represents negativity. Lighting oil or ghee lamps is thus symbolic of the burning or destruction of one’s ego and negative energies. The upward burning of the flame represents one’s journey towards a higher spiritual level.
Protective Ritual
It is believed that during sunset time, there is a fall in the positive vibrations in the environment. Lighting an oil or ghee lamp along with the recital of certain shlokas (prayers) is said to shield one from the negative energies around.
Ghee in a lamp (also called diya or deepam) is known to purify the surrounding air, and create joy and tranquillity. It is believed that the flickering flame of a ghee lamp drives the evil spirits away.
Positive Vibrations
It is said that the vibrations generated by lighting oil lamps work in three ways, namely, as a protector of the house, as a source of positive energy, and as a harbinger of peace, harmony and prosperity.
The use of certain oils like sesame oil, castor oil or ghee, in lighting a lamp, is believed to exude positive energy.
Divine Connection
Hindus often link the tradition of lighting oil lamps with certain Gods, like Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. It is considered that lighting a ghee or oil lamp can please lord Ganesha and thus bestow upon oneself, his blessings.
It is also considered that lighting lamps in the evenings is a way to greet Goddess Lakshmi who embodies prosperity and abundance.
Scientific Perspective on Lighting Lamps
Scientifically speaking, lighting a lamp helps create an atmosphere conducive to start anything new. In the presence of light, receptivity works at its best, as Sadhguru aptly says that stories told around a bonfire always have the greatest impact, and that is the power of light.
This could be the reason why it is a tradition to light an oil or ghee lamp on auspicious occasions, festivals and ceremonies. The lighting of lamps creates a certain energy field which increases alertness, improves receptivity, and gets more clarity.
Witness the magic unfold!
The enchanting ambiance created by the lighting of oil or ghee lamps has to be experienced so as to realize the real potential of this ritual. Amidst the chaos of a bustling morning or a noisy evening, light a humble oil lamp and look at its soft flame. Stare at the flame for some time and you will enter into a meditative state. The ‘light’ will transport you to a different world, where only peace and harmony prevail. Afterall, the modest oil or ghee lamp mimics the Sun, embodying both an enlightening fire and a calming light, which is perhaps why the lighting of these lamps is so significant in the Indian culture.
