Why do we light a lamp?

We find lighting up a lamp daily in almost every house in India. We start every auspicious occasion with lighting up of lamp. In some houses we find lighting up of lamp once during morning and in some instances we find twice a day. If a lamp is lighted continuously then it is called Akhanda Deepam.

   Lightning removes darkness and ignorance. It brings knowledge, in other words “Chaitanya”. Because light removes darkness and illuminates knowledge, it is worshipped as lord.

   We all know health and wealth can be gained, as well as lost in any part of life. They are not everlasting, but knowledge is everlasting, it cannot be lost. As we discussed light illuminates knowledge, knowledge is everlasting inner wealth, through which we can achieve success and accomplish all our wishes. We light up the lamp and bow to it, which resembles the fact that knowledge is the greatest forms of wealth.

   You might have a doubt that even tube light also removes darkness and why should we light only oil lamp?

Fact: Traditional oil lamp has spiritual significance. Wick symbolizes “ego” and lamp symbolizes our negative tendency. When lit with our spiritual knowledge, negativity and ego perishes. If you notice carefully you will find that the lamp always burns upwards. Which tells us a lesson that we should acquire knowledge where we should aim towards higher goals.

Deepajyothi parabrahma

Deepa sarva tamopahaha

Deepena saadhyate saram

Sandhyaa deepo namostute

I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.