Daily & Home Rituals

Deepa/Diya Aarati (Lamp Lighting)

10 minutes Anyone can perform Morning
Deepa/Diya Aarati (Lamp Lighting)

Purpose

Lighting the lamp symbolizes dispelling darkness (ignorance) and inviting light (knowledge and divine presence). Evening aarati marks the transition from day to night and protects the home.

Overview

The practice of lighting a lamp (deepa/diya) is one of the most universal Hindu practices. The flame represents the presence of the divine and the light of consciousness.

In most Hindu homes, lamps are lit twice daily - once in the morning and once in the evening. The evening lamp (Sandhya Deepam) is especially important as it is believed to ward off negative energies that become active after sunset.

The number of wicks, the oil used, and the direction the lamp faces all have significance in different traditions.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1
Preparation

Take bath and wear clean clothes. Clean the puja area.

2
Light the Lamp

Light the lamp with ghee or oil. Ring the bell.

3
Offer Prayers

Offer flowers, incense, and prayers to the deity.

4
Chant Mantras

Chant the appropriate mantras with devotion.

5
Conclude

Offer final prayers and take blessings.

Primary Mantra

**Deepa Jyoti Mantra:** दीपज्योतिः परब्रह्म दीपज्योतिर्जनार्दनः। दीपो हरतु मे पापं दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते॥ "The light of the lamp is the Supreme Brahman, the light is Lord Vishnu. May the lamp destroy my sins. Salutations to the light of the lamp." **Shubham Karoti (Evening):** शुभं करोति कल्याणम् आरोग्यं धनसंपदा। शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते॥

Do's and Don'ts

Do's
  • • Use pure ghee or sesame oil
  • • Face East or North while lighting
  • • Light lamp from another lamp, not directly from matchstick
  • • Keep the lamp area clean
  • • Light tulsi lamp if you have tulsi plant
Don'ts
  • • Don't blow out the lamp
  • • Don't light lamp with impure oils
  • • Don't let lamp go out due to neglect
  • • Don't place lamp on ground directly
  • • Avoid lighting lamp in bedroom

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone can light the lamp. Traditionally women of the house perform sandhya deepam.

Sandhya Kaal (twilight) - just before sunset. Morning lamp at Brahma Muhurta.

Practices may vary by region, family tradition, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified elders or priests for guidance specific to your situation.
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Materials Needed
Essential
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Rice (Akshat)
  • Kumkum (Sindoor)
  • Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
  • Diya (Oil Lamp)
  • Cotton Wicks
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