Just as the greatest charm of Diwali are the rows of earthen diyas used to decorate homes so also a lamp lit with loving care is the greatest add-on to the spiritual vibes of a Worship Centre. The spiritual energy present in the Universe is literally harnessed by the flame of the lamp. There are very many reasons for lighting a lamp according to religious texts but for me it is the means of disciplining oneself to perform it with regularity. It is the simplest of all spiritual practices.
While selecting a lamp, choose one that is easy to maintain and at the same time functionally beautiful. It may be of any material except iron and iron related alloys like stainless steel, white metal etc. Usually brass, bronze, copper, silver and other similar materials are used to design the lamp. It may be plain edged or with five spouts to hold the wick in place.It is advisable to place the lamp on a plate of appropriate size to avoid oil drips that may add to the cleaning task. It goes without saying that this plate should be of the same metal as the lamp.
The oil, the material of the wick, the direction in which it is placed as also the number of jyothis affect our lives variously.
Oils - The simplest rule to remember is avoid groundnut oil since it is not beneficial to the family and to use Gingelly or til oil which is easily available and suitable for all Gods.
Wicks - Though a variety of wicks made from a variety of materials like banana fibre, lotus stem fibre and cloth torn from different colored fabrics may be used the easiest and best are Cotton wicks which confer all variety of benefits. Twist together two wicks and light it as one jyoth everyday worship.
Flame of the lamp should face ideally east or north but definitely never south.
Discipline yourself to light the lamp everyday (ideally twice a day) after your bath in the morning and at twilight in the evening. Say a prayer or just meditate on the flame for a minute or two. When you are leaving the room or after a little while put the light off by pulling the wick into the oil or snuff it out using a flower.
If you do this for 21 days continuously, it will become a habit (as will any action of yours) and you will enjoy a lot of peace in your life. It will become a quiet time for yourself alone. Continue to practice this small ritual of lighting a lamp until you are able to -
"Let your light shine. Be a source of strength and courage. Share your wisdom and Radiate love." Wilferd Peterson
While selecting a lamp, choose one that is easy to maintain and at the same time functionally beautiful. It may be of any material except iron and iron related alloys like stainless steel, white metal etc. Usually brass, bronze, copper, silver and other similar materials are used to design the lamp. It may be plain edged or with five spouts to hold the wick in place.It is advisable to place the lamp on a plate of appropriate size to avoid oil drips that may add to the cleaning task. It goes without saying that this plate should be of the same metal as the lamp.
The oil, the material of the wick, the direction in which it is placed as also the number of jyothis affect our lives variously.
Oils - The simplest rule to remember is avoid groundnut oil since it is not beneficial to the family and to use Gingelly or til oil which is easily available and suitable for all Gods.
Wicks - Though a variety of wicks made from a variety of materials like banana fibre, lotus stem fibre and cloth torn from different colored fabrics may be used the easiest and best are Cotton wicks which confer all variety of benefits. Twist together two wicks and light it as one jyoth everyday worship.
Flame of the lamp should face ideally east or north but definitely never south.
Discipline yourself to light the lamp everyday (ideally twice a day) after your bath in the morning and at twilight in the evening. Say a prayer or just meditate on the flame for a minute or two. When you are leaving the room or after a little while put the light off by pulling the wick into the oil or snuff it out using a flower.
If you do this for 21 days continuously, it will become a habit (as will any action of yours) and you will enjoy a lot of peace in your life. It will become a quiet time for yourself alone. Continue to practice this small ritual of lighting a lamp until you are able to -
"Let your light shine. Be a source of strength and courage. Share your wisdom and Radiate love." Wilferd Peterson
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