Introduction
Indian culture is known for its ancient traditions and beliefs, many practised and followed even today. One such practice is the lighting of the diya. One of the pooja room essentials, lighting a diya, has been part of our daily morning and evening prayer rituals from time immemorial.
There are many beliefs around why we light diyas in our homes. Some of these are:
- It is said to bring home wealth.
- Welcomes good health and prosperity.
- It is said to bring knowledge and drive away ignorance.
- The lighting of the diya signifies goodness and good fortune.
- It is also symbolic of purity and power.
According to one school of thought, the oil in the diya signifies impurities or negativities in the human mind in the form of emotions such as hatred, anger, greed, lust, jealousy, etc. The cotton wick is symbolic of one's soul. Lighting a diya, it is believed, drives away the negativities of the mind and takes us on the path of enlightenment.
Akhand Diya Glass | Marble & Brass Diya | Yellow
Concept of the Akhand Diya
The concept of the Akhand Diya lamp comes from akhand jyoti, or the eternal flame, mentioned in the Mantra Mahabodhi, or the holy book of mantras. According to this book, chanting in front of Agni or fire yields better results.
A diya is the vessel used to create the flame or jyoti. According to Hindu spirituality, a diya or jyoti symbolises knowledge, purity, good luck, and prosperity and helps eliminate darkness or ignorance. A lamp like the Akhand Diya that is kept ignited for several days is usually offered to Goddess Durga during the auspicious nine days of the Navratri festival.
If you are looking for Akhand Diya for Navratri, Amala Earth has a lovely collection, including those made of materials like brass. Brass Akhand Diya is believed to attract positive spiritual vibrations compared with those made from other metals.
Why is the Akhand Diya Significant?
Here are a few Akhand Diya benefits:
- Fire is one of the five essential elements. It is believed that lighting an Akhand Diya establishes a deep connection with the creator.
- Akhand Diya is said to remove diseases from a household.
- Akhand Diya purifies the atmosphere of the house, adding positive energy.
- The ghee or mustard oil used in the Akhand Diya is said to destroy all harmful particles and fill the house with positivity.
Rules around Lighting the Akhand Diya
When lighting the Akhand Diya, there are a few rules that are usually followed:
- Use a silver, brass, or earthen lamp to light the Akhand jyoti. If you choose an earthen lamp, dip it overnight to prevent oil leakage from it later.
- Always keep the Akhand jyoti on a raised platform.
- An eight-petalled lotus or the Ashtadal is made with gulal and rice on the raised platform (called chowki), and the Akhand Diya must be placed on it on the right side of the goddess or the temple in your house.
- To keep the Akhand diya lit for longer, use a long and thick wick.
- Always use mustard oil, ghee, or sesame oil to light the Akhand jyoti.
- Monitor the oil in the lamp from time to time and prevent the wick from getting completely submerged in it.
Akhand Brass Diya | Traditional Lotus Design
How to Keep the Akhand Diya Lit?
The trick to keeping the Akhand Diya burning throughout the nine days of Navratri festivities is to keep a small wick and add oil as required. Keep this diya away from a window or a door to prevent the breeze from putting out the diya. A cylindrical glass cover around the diya also protects it from the breeze.
When adding oil to the diya, ensure you do it gently so that the wick doesn't get dampened. Opting for a glass Akhand Diya of big size will ensure the lamp remains lit for a longer time.
After a few days, carbon starts accumulating on the cotton wick. You can then add a new wick and light it adjacent to the existing one to allow the Akhand Diya to continue burning.
What to Avoid if You are Taking the 'Sankalp' of the Akhand Diya this Navratri
While you follow the rules of what to do with the Akhand Diya and how to keep it lit, here are a few things to avoid:
- Do not place the Akhand diya near the toilet, bathroom, or an inauspicious place.
- If your Akhand diya is not protected by a glass box or a cylinder, do not leave it unattended or unsupervised.
- It is essential to chant sacred mantras at least during the morning and evening prayers in the presence of the Akhand diya.
- Avoid returning the cotton wick, especially if it goes off. It is recommended to add a new wick beside the old one.
- The jyot of the Akhand diya must be kept alive through a constant supply of ghee or oil.
- Never keep the Akhand diya on the ground.
- Never leave the house with the Akhand diya empty.
- After the nine days of Navratri, do not put it off if the Akhand diya continues to burn. Let it blow out on its own.
Akhand Brass Diya Set | Pack of 2
Wrapping it Up
Bring home positivity and prosperity this coming festive season by lighting an Akhand Diya. If you are worried about the Akhand Diya's price, visit the Amala Earth website. Their thoughtfully curated collection of Akhand DIyas is affordable and aesthetically pleasing. Check out the Ganesh Diya stand. They also have other pooja essentials like charcoal-free incense sticks, aromatic dhoop, and more. Order today.
