Till the discovery of fire, man was leading a life equal to animals and other lower forms. With the discovery of life, the mankind proceeded on a journey to fulfill his destiny. Fire is hence considered as the foremost messenger of God, the supreme mode of communion with God.
To mark the importance of the divine presence, in every hindu household a lamp or two is lit daily in front of the altar of the Lord. Most of the houses have the habit of lighting the lamp twice a day and in a few it is maintained continuously (Akhanda Deepa). Lighting Ghee lamps during the ritualistic worship or during meditation helps us achieve a sense of
godliness and warm presence of divinity. The aroma from the burning of Ghee too contributes to achieve meditative trance. Light serves as a great comforting part in
one’s life.
The light which throws open knowledge of the world is representative of the Supreme Lord. The darkness which is always associated with ignorance is rid of by the lamp, signifying the supreme knowledge principle. How does a traditional lamp differ from modern version of Bulbs? Well, the tranquility which fills the mind after seeing the flame of lamping leaping upwards inspires us to go towards higher consciousness.
The verse to be uttered while lighting a lamp:
shubham karOti kalyaaNam
aarOgyam dhanasampadaha |
shatRbuddhivinaashaaya
deepajyOtihi namO (a) stu tE ||
Meaning:
O! the One who confers auspiciousness,
welfare, good health wealth and prosperity
salutation to you! O! dazzling light of the
lamp! I pray for the destruction of inimical
(undesirable) thoughts from my mind.
deepO jyOtihi param brahma
deepO jyOtihi janaardanaha |
deepO haratu mE paapam
sandhyaadeepO namO(a)stu tE ||
Meaning:
The dazzling light of the lamp lighted up
is the Supreme Brahman,. The dazzling light
of the lamp is Janardana (God Vishnu).
Salutation to you O! Lamp of the evening
time! Who may kindly remove all my sins.
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