The Diya Lamp
The diya lamp is an important symbol in Hinduism and many other religions around the world. It is used during rituals, special occasions and festivals, like Diwali. The lighting of a diya helps remove negative energies in a space and brings in positivity.
The origins of diya go back centuries and they have been in use ever since. They were originally made of clay and fueled with ghee or oil. These were the most popular form of lamps, but more modern versions are made of metal or glass. They can be fueled by various oils, including jojoba, coconut, sesame, olive and sunflower. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
It is believed that the light from a diya is enough to cleanse a space of any negativity, which is why it is lit during one of the three “sandhi kaals” (dawn, dusk and full moon) of the day. It is especially important to light a diya at the time of dusk, as it is considered when negative energies are at their highest. It is also a great way to start or end the day as it can help remove negative energies and bring in positive energy.
The Diya Lamp – An Important Symbol in Hinduism and Many Other Religions
In the Indian tradition, a diya is usually kept at the entrance of a house or space to welcome Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) into it. It is also an important symbol during the festival of Diwali, which is celebrated every autumn on the new moon night and is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi.
This is an extremely auspicious festival and it celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is in honor of the return of Rama and Sita (reincarnations of Vishnu and Lakshmi) from fourteen years of exile. To welcome them home, all the roads were illuminated with rows of diyas.
It has been said that the light from a diya is the symbol of the power of knowledge and can help us overcome the darkness of ignorance. In Hinduism, the word diya is derived from the root dya which means “to shine.” The diya is also seen as a sign of wealth and prosperity. The goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, will not enter a dark home, so she is always welcomed with light and brightness.
The heat from the burning diya also kills germs and bacteria in a space, which can be beneficial for health. It can also help improve concentration in meditation as the light from the diya helps focus the mind. For these reasons, it is recommended to keep a diya at home and during any ritual or special occasion.