Diya & Brass Lamp: Significance & How to Light

Lighting a diya (oil lamp) is one of the most essential acts of Hindu worship — symbolising the removal of darkness and the presence of the divine. Here's its significance and how to light one.

(Setting up your temple? See the daily pooja essentials checklist.)

Significance of the Diya

The diya's flame represents knowledge, purity, and the dispelling of darkness (ignorance). Lighting a lamp before the deity is believed to invite positive energy, prosperity, and divine blessings, and to purify the atmosphere of the home temple. It's central to daily pooja and to festivals like Diwali.

Benefits of Lighting a Diya

• Removes darkness & negativity, inviting positivity.
• Creates a sacred, calming atmosphere for prayer.
• Symbolises devotion and the inner light of awareness.
• Auspicious for the home, especially morning and evening.

Types of Lamps

• Brass Aarti Diya — classic, durable, for daily aarti. → Brass Aarti Diya
• Akhand Jyot — a continuously burning lamp for festivals/vrats.
• Multi-wick & peacock lamps — decorative, for special occasions.
• Camphor (kapoor) aarti — for the final aarti.

→ Explore lamps in the Daily Essentials collection.

How to Light a Diya Correctly

1. Use a clean brass or clay diya.
2. Fill with ghee or sesame/mustard oil and place a cotton wick.
3. Light during morning and/or evening pooja.
4. Place it on the right side of the deity (ghee lamp) traditionally.
5. Never blow out the flame with your mouth — let it burn down or wave it out.

Keep It Sacred

Use a clean, quality lamp and treat the flame with respect. Every brass lamp at Divine Hindu is crafted to last, with free shipping across India.

→ Shop diyas & lamps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do we light a diya in pooja? The diya symbolises knowledge dispelling darkness; lighting it invites positivity, prosperity, and divine blessings, and purifies the atmosphere.

Q: Should I use ghee or oil in a diya? Both are used — ghee is considered most auspicious; sesame or mustard oil is also common for daily lamps.

Q: On which side should the diya be placed? A ghee lamp is traditionally placed on the right side of the deity, and an oil lamp on the left, though customs vary.

Q: Should I blow out a diya? No — never blow out the flame with your mouth; let it burn down or wave it out gently.

Q: Which lamp is best for daily pooja? A durable brass aarti diya is ideal for daily worship; an akhand jyot is used for continuous burning during festivals or vrats.