Significance of Lighting a Lamp while doing Rituals?

The Significance of Light in All Religions

In every religion around the world, light is a powerful symbol of God and knowledge. Light is the source of all life in the universe, and it represents wisdom, purity, and truth. Just as light removes darkness, knowledge removes ignorance. True knowledge is a priceless treasure that helps us understand the world. Because of this, we light a lamp as a way of honoring light and knowledge, which are the highest and most sacred forces in existence.

Lighting a Lamp in Traditional Indian Homes

In many Indian homes, a lamp filled with pure ghee is lit every day before the altar of God. Some families light it in the morning, while others light it twice a day—at morning and evening. In certain homes, the lamp is kept burning all day and night, which is known as Akhanda Jyoti or Deepam. Every auspicious ceremony, such as a wedding or a religious ritual, begins with lighting a lamp, as it is considered a good and positive start.

Why Ghee Lamps Are Special

A lamp filled with pure cow ghee attracts divine energy from the universe and makes the place holy and peaceful. When ghee evaporates, it spreads positive vibrations in the surroundings, which is why it is recommended to use only ghee lamps for worship.

However, many people today do not follow this tradition and use oil lamps instead. Oil is useful for warding off negativity, but it does not attract divine energy. That is why oil lamps are used for people, not for deities. For example, when a war hero returns home or when a groom leaves for his wedding, a woman in the house performs an Aarti with an oil lamp to remove the evil eye.

The Spiritual Meaning of a Lit Lamp

A lit lamp carries a deep spiritual message.

The ghee represents human desires and negative thoughts.
The wick represents ego.

When the lamp is lit, it symbolizes a person focusing on God and removing negativity from within. When a person lights a lamp outside, it is an outward action of devotion. When he lights the lamp within his heart, it is an inner transformation. By gaining true knowledge, a person can burn away negative desires and ego, leading to spiritual growth.

A flame always burns upwards, teaching us to always aim for higher knowledge, noble actions, and greater wisdom.

Why Candles and Bulbs Are Not Used in Worship

In traditional Indian homes, candles and electric bulbs are not used for worship because they do not have the power to create the same spiritual effect as a ghee lamp.

Unfortunately, in today’s modern world, people prefer shortcuts because they are more convenient. However, these shortcuts do not bring real spiritual benefits—they only provide a psychological feeling of being religious.

Scientific Studies on Candles

During studies it has been found that candles made from paraffin wax are harmful to human health. When burned, these candles release chemicals like toluene and benzene, which can cause cancer and damage the nervous system. However, beeswax candles do not release such harmful chemicals and are considered safer.

Ancient Indian Knowledge on Lamp Oils

Thousands of years ago, Indian sages and seers studied the effects of different oils used in lamps. They found that ghee from cow’s milk, mustard oil, and coconut oil were best for humans in this order. Other oils were found to be less suitable.

Kalash or Kumbh in Hindu Rituals

The Kalash, or sacred pot, is very important in Hindu rituals and pujas. In some parts of India, it is called Kumbh. It is usually made of brass, copper, or clay. The Kalash is filled with water from seven rivers, seven wells, or seven seas. If water from these places is not available, it can also be filled with water from a single source or with unbroken grains of rice. On top of the Kalash, a coconut is placed, surrounded by nine or eleven mango leaves. A red or white cotton thread is tied around the pot in a special diamond-shaped design, and sometimes, auspicious symbols are drawn on it.

When is the Kalash used?

The Kalash is placed with proper rituals before any important and auspicious ceremony. It is used in weddings, Grihapravesh (housewarming ceremonies), and Navratri puja. It is also used when welcoming saints, gurus, or respected guests. Sometimes, people keep a Kalash at the entrance of their homes as a sign of respect and to bring positive energy.

Spiritual Meaning of the Kalash

There is a famous story about the Kalash in Hindu mythology. Before the world was created, Lord Vishnu was resting on his Sheshanaga (serpent bed) in the Ksheersagar (milky ocean). A lotus flower appeared from his navel, and from this lotus, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, was born. The water inside the Kalash represents the same primordial water from which the whole universe was created.

The coconut placed on top of the Kalash represents the head of the devotee. The mango leaves surrounding it attract divine energy from the universe. This energy is believed to bless the devotee and purify the water or rice inside the Kalash.

When the Kalash is filled with unbroken grains of rice, it is called Purna Kalash. The rice grains, known as Akshat, symbolize eternal blessings and abundance. These grains are considered very powerful because they absorb negative energy and bring good fortune. That is why the Kalash is considered sacred and very auspicious.

How is the Kalash Worshipped?

During Kalash Puja, the blessings of seven holy rivers and important Hindu gods and goddesses, including Lord Vishnu, are called upon. After the puja, the holy water from the Kalash is used in different rituals, such as Abhisheka (bathing a deity’s idol).

Kalash in Temple Ceremonies

When an idol or temple is consecrated (purified and blessed), the ritual is called Kumbh Abhisheka. In this ceremony, holy water from the Kalash is poured over the idol or the Shikhar (dome) of the temple. This is done with great devotion and in a grand way, with priests chanting sacred mantras.