What should be the nature of the lamp of God inside the house?

Deepa Lakshana (Qualitities of deepa/ diya) :

"What should be the nature of the lamp of God inside the house?"

India is a country of spirituality and devotion towards almighty. A country filled with great spirituality on each and every custom and tradition of this great Hindu culture. Lighting a Diya or Deepa infront of the god has several meanings and methods and everyone has curiosity towards this but each person says something different and confuses others. What are the true principles and practices? Many people have gone astray by following the teachings of various television channels and have ended up in confusion. We can just follow the scriptural injunctions, as stated in "Tasmat Shastra Pramaneshu."

Sesame (til) oil, coconut oil, and ghee (clarified butter) are suitable for keeping lamps inside the room of God. No other oils are suitable for God. While sesame oil removes sins, ghee leads to liberation. Coconut oil enhances the satvik (pure) atmosphere.

Number of Lamps in Puja room

• In a single pillar, only one lamp should be lit, or during lamp worship, inauguration ceremonies, five (or more) lamps can be lit on the same pillar. 
• If two lamps are on the same pillar, there is no problem. 
• If there are three lamps, it indicates death. 
• If there are four lamps, it brings disturbances. 
• Five lamps are only for worship.

Regarding the number of the wicks in Diya:

• Two wicks indicate the presence of body and life force.
• Three wicks represent the three forms of energy.
• Four wicks are not ideal.
• Five wicks represent the five elements.

Therefore, you can leave out four wicks and use any other number. However, two wicks are considered best in the mind. The lamp pillar and the oil for the lamp should not be impure. If there is any dirt on the hand or any other oil touches the hand, it must be washed before touching the ghee. This means that sesame oil should not touch the hand with ghee, for example.

The lamp of God should be placed on the right side of God (only if there is a single lamp). If there are two lamps, they can be placed on the left and right sides. Two lamps are excellent for the Lord of the house. The face of the lamp should always face towards us (the worshippers), or it can be slightly inclined towards the direction of God. This is the prescribed characteristic of a lamp according to the scriptures.

"Nanda Deepa" (Lamp of Bliss): A lamp that illuminates in God's room without causing any hindrance is called "Nanda Deepa." "Nanda" means "Lord" (Anando Nandano Nandah Vishnusahasranam) and "Nandayati Bhaktan Iti Nandaha." Nanda Deepa brings joy to the mind.

The lamp, when lit, is accompanied by devotional songs, chanting of mantras, recitation of stotras (hymns), and all the offerings we make to the Supreme Lord with devotion. These offerings are placed at the feet of the Supreme Lord.

In the evening, when the lamp is lit in front of God, divine vibrations spread throughout the house, creating a serene and auspicious atmosphere. Wherever the lamp is lit, Goddess Lakshmi does not leave, and poverty does not enter. Adorning the lamp with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers symbolizes the presence of Goddess Lakshmi. Placing the lamp in a consistent and uniform manner is ideal.

The lamp has special qualities. It is surrounded by radiance, light, and branches. It exudes a delightful fragrance. When we see the lit lamp, our hearts fill with joy, and when we see the blue flame, we experience a unique sensation. Wherever the lamp is, darkness dissipates, and insects and pests that dwell in dark places are driven away, making our living space conducive. The lamp dispels mental distress and brings clarity. Look closely – the color of ghee lamps is distinct among all the lamps! Lighting a lamp with ghee on a silver plate, using a pure cotton wick, brings immense happiness. The lamp can also be lit in a clay or brass lamp. The commonality between knowledge and the lamp is that the lamp dispels darkness, just as reading and acquiring knowledge dispel the darkness of our minds. That is why it is said, 'Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya' – Lead me from darkness to light."

In the evening, when the lamp is lit in front of God, it spreads divine vibrations throughout the house, creating a serene and auspicious atmosphere. Wherever the lamp is lit, Goddess Lakshmi does not leave, and poverty does not enter. Adorning the lamp with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers symbolizes the presence of Goddess Lakshmi. Placing the lamp in a consistent and uniform manner is ideal.

The lamp has special qualities. It is surrounded by radiance, light, and branches. It exudes a delightful fragrance. When we see the lit lamp, our hearts fill with joy, and when we see the blue flame, we experience a unique sensation. Wherever the lamp is, darkness dissipates, and insects and pests that dwell in dark places are driven away, making our living space conducive. The lamp dispels mental distress and brings clarity. Look closely – the color of ghee lamps is distinct among all the lamps! Lighting a lamp with ghee on a silver plate, using a pure cotton wick, brings immense happiness. The lamp can also be lit in a clay or brass lamp. The commonality between knowledge and the lamp is that the lamp dispels darkness, just as reading and acquiring knowledge dispel the darkness of our minds. That is why it is said, 'Lead me from darkness to light.'

Credit- Venkatesh Jyotish