Temples as Anchors of Dharma: Transforming Society from the Grassroots

Abstract: This paper examines the multifaceted role of Hindu temples in shaping moral, cultural, and social values within Indian society, particularly focusing on their presence in residential societies, schools, workplaces, and public spaces. It delves into the rationale for establishing temples in everyday life, addresses concerns of minority communities, and highlights the transformative impact on individuals and communities. By analyzing historical precedents, contemporary practices, and societal implications, the paper argues that temples serve as vital centers for ethical education, cultural preservation, and community cohesion, contributing significantly to the moral and social fabric of society.

Introduction

India, with its rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity, has long been a land where spiritual practices and ethical teachings have coexisted with social structures. Among the various institutions that have played a pivotal role in this coexistence, Hindu temples stand out not merely as places of worship but as centers of moral instruction, cultural preservation, and social welfare. Historically, temples have been integral to community life, serving as hubs for education, charity, and social interaction. In contemporary times, however, their presence in urban settings, particularly in residential societies, schools, and workplaces, has diminished, raising questions about the implications of their absence.

This paper seeks to explore the significance of temples in modern society, addressing the concerns of minority communities and proposing frameworks for integrating temples into everyday life in a manner that promotes inclusivity, respect, and social harmony.

The Role of Temples in Society

Moral and Cultural Education:

Temples have traditionally functioned as centers for imparting ethical values and cultural knowledge. Through narratives from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, individuals are introduced to concepts of righteousness, duty, and compassion. These teachings, often conveyed through storytelling sessions and religious discourses, serve as foundational elements in the moral development of individuals, particularly children. In residential societies, the establishment of temples provides a platform for such educational activities, fostering a generation grounded in ethical principles.

Social Cohesion and Community Building:

Beyond their religious functions, temples have historically been centers for community gathering and social interaction. They have facilitated the formation of social bonds through communal activities such as festivals, charity drives, and cultural programs. In urban settings, where social isolation can be prevalent, temples offer a space for individuals to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the collective well-being. This sense of community is vital for fostering a harmonious and cooperative society.

Emotional and Spiritual Well-being:

The practices associated with temple worship, including meditation, prayer, and reflection, contribute to the emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals. In the fast-paced and often stressful environment of modern urban life, such practices provide individuals with tools to manage stress, cultivate mindfulness, and achieve emotional balance. The presence of temples in residential societies offers residents a sanctuary for spiritual rejuvenation and personal growth.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage:

Temples play a crucial role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Through the celebration of festivals, performance of traditional music and dance, and the upkeep of rituals, temples serve as custodians of cultural traditions. In a rapidly globalizing world, where cultural homogenization is a concern, temples act as bastions of indigenous practices, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their cultural roots.

Philanthropy and Social Welfare:

Historically, temples have been centers for charitable activities, providing food, shelter, and education to the needy. The practice of annadana (free distribution of food) and the establishment of dharamshalas (rest houses) are examples of how temples have contributed to social welfare. In modern times, many temples continue this tradition by organizing health camps, educational programs, and community service initiatives, thereby playing an active role in societal development.

Consequences of Temple Absence

The decline in the establishment and maintenance of temples in urban settings has led to several societal challenges:

·        Erosion of Moral Values: Without the ethical guidance provided by temples, individuals may lack a framework for distinguishing right from wrong, leading to moral ambiguity and ethical relativism.

·        Social Fragmentation: The absence of communal spaces for gathering and interaction can result in social isolation, weakening the fabric of community life and fostering divisions.

·        Cultural Dilution: The lack of platforms for cultural expression and preservation can lead to the erosion of traditional practices and a loss of cultural identity.

·        Emotional Distress: The absence of spaces dedicated to spiritual practices can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of purposelessness among individuals.

Addressing Minority Concerns

The establishment of temples in residential societies and public spaces may raise concerns among minority communities regarding inclusivity and fairness. It is essential to address these concerns through:

·        Voluntary Participation: Participation in temple activities should be entirely voluntary, with no coercion or pressure on individuals of other faiths.

·        Inclusive Practices: Temples should organize events and programs that celebrate cultural diversity and promote interfaith dialogue, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

·        Transparency and Accountability: The management of temple activities and resources should be transparent, with mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and prevent misuse.

·        Legal and Constitutional Compliance: The establishment and operation of temples should adhere to the legal and constitutional framework of the country, ensuring that the rights of all citizens are upheld.

By adopting these measures, temples can serve as inclusive spaces that contribute positively to the social and cultural fabric of society.

Implementing Temples in Modern Settings

To integrate temples into modern urban settings effectively, the following strategies can be considered:

·        Urban Planning and Zoning: Urban development plans should incorporate provisions for religious and cultural spaces, ensuring that temples are included in the layout of residential societies and public areas.

·        Community Engagement: Residents should be actively involved in the planning and establishment of temples, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed.

·        Interfaith Collaboration: Collaborative efforts between different religious communities can lead to the establishment of multi-faith centers that promote shared values and mutual respect.

·        Educational Programs: Temples can offer educational programs that focus on moral and ethical teachings, cultural preservation, and community service, benefiting individuals of all backgrounds.

By adopting these strategies, temples can be effectively integrated into modern urban life, serving as centers for moral education, cultural preservation, and community cohesion.

Conclusion

Temples have historically played a pivotal role in shaping the moral, cultural, and social landscape of Indian society. In contemporary times, their presence in urban settings offers numerous benefits, including the promotion of ethical values, social cohesion, emotional well-being, cultural preservation, and social welfare. Addressing the concerns of minority communities through inclusive practices and transparent management ensures that temples can serve as spaces that contribute positively to the social and cultural fabric of society. By integrating temples into modern urban life, society can foster a generation grounded in ethical principles, connected to their cultural heritage, and committed to the collective well-being.

Diwali: Meaning, Origins, and the Spiritual Significance of Lighting Lamps

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of India’s most celebrated and significant festivals. The word Deepavali comes from Sanskrit Deepa meaning “lamp” and Avali meaning “row.” So, Deepavali literally means “a row of lamps.” It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

What is Diwali

Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated across India and many parts of the world by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. It usually lasts five days, with the main celebration on the third day, which marks the darkest night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik (usually in October or November).

People celebrate it by lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes, bursting fireworks, exchanging sweets and gifts, and performing Lakshmi Puja, worship of the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

The Origin of Diwali (Mythological Backgrounds)

The origins of Diwali differ slightly among regions and religions, but they share a common idea,  the triumph of light, virtue, and truth.

In North India (Hindu tradition):

Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the victory over the demon king Ravana. People of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps to welcome Rama home, symbolizing joy and victory. This story comes from the epic Ramayana.

In South India:

It celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, freeing 16,000 captive women. This event represents the triumph of divine power over cruelty and ignorance.

In Western India:

Diwali marks the day when Lord Vishnu, in his fifth incarnation as Vamana, banished the demon king Bali to the underworld but allowed him to visit his people once a year.

In Jainism:

Diwali marks the nirvana (spiritual liberation) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, in 527 BCE.

In Sikhism:

It marks the day when the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, was released from imprisonment by Emperor Jahangir, celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas (Day of Liberation).

Since When Has It Been Celebrated

The festival’s roots go back more than 2,500 years, possibly earlier. The earliest textual references appear in Sanskrit scriptures such as the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana (around the 4th–5th century CE), where it is described as a festival of lights.

However, archaeological and cultural evidence suggests that rituals involving lamps and harvest celebrations existed even in Vedic times (circa 1500–500 BCE), long before the modern form of Diwali emerged. Over centuries, it evolved into a pan-Indian festival uniting multiple traditions, spiritual, agricultural, and social.

Why It Is Celebrated

Diwali carries multiple layers of meaning:

·        Spiritual: victory of light (knowledge, truth, dharma) over darkness (ignorance, evil).

·        Religious: honoring deities like Lakshmi, Ganesha, Rama, or Krishna depending on region and belief.

·        Seasonal: marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new financial year in many Indian communities.

·        Social: a time to forgive, renew relationships, clean and decorate homes, and begin afresh.

Diwali began as a harvest and new year festival thousands of years ago, later absorbing various mythological and religious stories. Today, it stands as a universal celebration of hope, renewal, and light, a reminder that goodness and truth eventually prevail.

Here’s how the five days of Diwali are celebrated and what each day represents:

Dhanteras (Day 1)

·        Meaning: The word Dhanteras comes from Dhan (wealth) and Teras (thirteenth day of the lunar month).

·        Significance: It marks the beginning of the Diwali festival and is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari (the god of medicine) and Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth).

·        Tradition: People clean their homes, light lamps, and buy something new — usually gold, silver, or utensils — as a sign of prosperity. It’s considered an auspicious day to start new ventures or make investments.

Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (Day 2)

·        Meaning: Celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Kartik month.

·        Mythological link: Marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the destruction of evil and darkness.

·        Tradition: People wake up early, apply oil and take a holy bath before sunrise to purify themselves and remove negativity. In the evening, small lamps are lit and homes are decorated with rangoli (colored floor art).

Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali Day (Day 3)

·        This is the main festival day.

·        Meaning: The darkest night of the month, which becomes bright with thousands of lamps.

·        Significance: Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, Lord Ganesha for wisdom, and sometimes Lord Kubera (god of riches).

·        Tradition: People clean and decorate their homes, wear new clothes, perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, light rows of diyas (lamps), exchange sweets and gifts, and celebrate with fireworks.

·        It’s believed that Lakshmi visits clean and well-lit homes on this night.

Govardhan Puja / Annakut (Day 4)

·        Meaning: Celebrates the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains caused by Lord Indra.

·        Significance: Represents humility, gratitude to nature, and faith in divine protection.

·        Tradition: Devotees prepare a large variety of food (Annakut, meaning “mountain of food”) and offer it to Krishna. In some regions, this day also marks the beginning of the new year for business communities.

Bhai Dooj / Bhau Beej / Yama Dwitiya (Day 5)

·        Meaning: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.

·        Mythological link: According to legend, the god of death, Yama, visited his sister Yamuna on this day, and she welcomed him with sweets and a tilak on his forehead.

·        Tradition: Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and well-being, while brothers give gifts in return.

In essence:

Each day of Diwali represents a step toward renewal from cleaning and preparation (Dhanteras), to removing negativity (Choti Diwali), welcoming prosperity (Lakshmi Puja), expressing gratitude (Govardhan Puja), and strengthening family bonds (Bhai Dooj).

Why Lighting Lamps on Diwali

Symbolic Meaning

Lighting diyas (oil lamps) is the heart of Diwali. It represents:

·        The victory of light over darkness, truth over ignorance, and hope over despair.

·        The belief that when you light a lamp, you invite divine energy into your home and dispel negative forces.

Scriptural and Mythological References

Several Hindu scriptures mention the lighting of lamps on this day:

Skanda Purana - Kartika Mahatmya (Section on the Glory of the Month of Kartika):

This is one of the most detailed scriptural sources about Diwali and the lighting of lamps.

Skanda Purana, Kartika Mahatmya, Chapter 23, Verses 4–5:

कार्तिके मासि अमावास्या दिवसे दीपदानतः ।

यः दीपं ददाति श्रद्धया लक्ष्मीः तस्य गृहे स्थिता ॥

Kartike masi amavasya divase dipadanataḥ,

yaḥ dipam dadati sraddhaya lakṣmiḥ tasya gṛhe sthita.

“He who lights lamps on the new moon night of the month of Kartika with devotion, Goddess Lakshmi herself dwells in his home.”

Another verse adds:

Skanda Purana, Kartika Mahatmya, Chapter 23, Verse 6:

दीपदानं तु यः कुर्यात् कार्तिके मासि मानवः ।

न तस्य दारिद्र्यं भवेत् कदाचिदिह जन्तुषु ॥

“The person who offers lamps in the month of Kartika will never suffer poverty among men.”

So, according to this Purana, the ritual of lighting lamps on Kartika Amavasya (the main Diwali night) is an ancient act of invoking wealth, prosperity, and divine grace.

Padma Purana:

Mentions that those who light lamps on this night achieve prosperity and spiritual merit. It also connects Diwali with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya when people illuminated the city with rows of lamps to celebrate the end of darkness and exile.

The Padma Purana also praises lighting lamps during Kartika as a sacred duty that removes sins and brings spiritual merit.

Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 122, Verse 3–4:

कार्तिके मासि यः कुर्यात् दीपदानं गृहद्वारे ।

स यान्ति परमं स्थानं यत्र विष्णुः सनातनः ॥

Kartike masi yaḥ kuryat dipadanam gṛhadvare,

sa yati paramam sthanam yatra viṣṇuḥ sanatanaḥ.

“One who lights lamps at the doorway of his house during the month of Kartika attains the supreme abode where Lord Vishnu eternally resides.”

Another verse explains the inner meaning:

Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 122, Verse 7:

अन्धकारे विशेषेण दीपदानं प्रयत्नतः ।

तेन तुष्टो हरिः स्वर्गं प्रयच्छति सनातनम् ॥

“When one lights lamps especially during darkness, Lord Hari (Vishnu) is pleased and grants the eternal heaven.”

Narada Purana (Uttara Khanda, Chapter 119):

“Lighting of lamps in the month of Kartika destroys sins of many births and brings merit equal to performing ten thousand yajnas.”

Vishnu Dharma Sutra (Chapter 72):

Mentions that lighting lamps during Kartik Amavasya brings happiness to ancestors and gods alike.

Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 10, Verse 11):

“Dispelling the darkness born of ignorance, I illuminate the knowledge of the Self with the shining lamp of wisdom.”

Here, Krishna compares divine knowledge to a lamp that removes inner darkness.

Vishnu Smriti (Chapter 19, Verse 20):

“He who lights a lamp for the gods destroys the darkness of his own ignorance.”

Manusmriti (Chapter 4, Verse 152):

“One should light a lamp daily at dusk; by doing so, one obtains knowledge and prosperity.”

Ramayana:

While the original Valmiki Ramayana does not explicitly describe the lighting of lamps, later retellings such as Ramcharitmanas (by Tulsidas) and local traditions of Ayodhya refer to the people celebrating Rama’s return with lamps and songs, marking the night as Deepavali.

Mahabharata:

According to some regional traditions, the Pandavas returned from their 12 years of exile and one year of incognito life around this time. Their return was celebrated by lighting lamps — another story that adds meaning to Diwali’s lights.

Jain Scriptures:

The Kalpa Sutra records that the night of Mahavira’s Nirvana (527 BCE) was illuminated by countless lamps lit by the gods, symbolizing the light of spiritual knowledge.

Symbolic Meaning of Each Part of the Diya

Component	Represents	Meaning / Lesson
The clay lamp (body)	The human body	It’s made of earth and returns to earth. It’s a vessel for the divine flame within.
The oil or ghee	Human desires or ego	When burnt wisely (controlled), they fuel spiritual progress. When wasted, they cause bondage.
The wick	The mind or intellect	It must be steady and upright for the flame (awareness) to burn clearly.
The flame	Inner knowledge / divine wisdom	It dispels ignorance and illuminates truth. The upward direction of the flame represents aspiration toward higher consciousness.
Lighting the lamp	Invocation of divine presence	It signifies awakening the light of consciousness within and spreading it around.

Why Lighting Lamps at Night (Amavasya) Has Deeper Meaning

Diwali falls on the darkest night (Amavasya) of the Hindu month Kartik. Spiritually, this represents the time when ignorance and darkness are at their deepest but even a small lamp can overcome it.

Lighting lamps on this night teaches that:

·        Even a tiny spark of wisdom can destroy a vast darkness.

·        One light can ignite many others, symbolizing how knowledge and kindness spread.

·        When all homes light up, it represents collective illumination — harmony, unity, and shared prosperity.

Inner Reflection

Lighting a Diya is not only an offering to gods; it’s a moment of mindfulness. You pause, focus, and silently affirm:

“May the light within me shine bright. May I see clearly. May I walk in truth.”

That is why many people light a Diya daily at dawn and dusk, it’s both a physical act and a mental meditation.

Why Crackers Are Burst on Diwali

Cultural, Not Scriptural Origin:

Firecrackers are not mentioned in any ancient Hindu scripture. They entered Indian Diwali celebrations much later likely after gunpowder reached India through China and the Middle East, around the 13^th-14th century CE.

So, bursting crackers is not a religious ritual, but a cultural addition over time.

Symbolic Reasoning (Later Interpretations):

·        Some people associate it with driving away evil spirits through sound and light.

·        Others say the loud noise and light symbolize human joy at the victory of good, much like fireworks at modern celebrations worldwide.

·        It also became a social display of festivity and prosperity during medieval and Mughal periods, when kings and traders began using fireworks for celebration.

Traditional Alternatives:

In the past, before fireworks existed, people celebrated with:

·        Earthen lamps (diyas)

·        Camphor lights

·        Burning dry cow dung cakes or wood

·        Singing and dancing around community lamps (deepotsava)

The Deeper Spiritual Message:

Across all traditions, the lighting of lamps has one common teaching:

The real darkness is ignorance and ego. The real light is wisdom and compassion.

Lighting a lamp symbolizes awakening inner awareness and spreading that light to others.

That’s why in Sanskrit texts, Diwali is called:

“Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya” - Lead me from darkness to light (from the Brihadaranyaka  panishad, 1.3.28).

In summary:

·        Lighting lamps: Scripturally rooted in Puranas, symbolizing purity, knowledge, and the triumph of light.

·        Crackers: A later cultural practice, not found in scriptures, but added as a form of communal joy and expression.

Why mustard oil, ghee, or sesame oil are traditionally used for Diyas and what each type signifies spiritually?

Ghee Lamp (Clarified Butter Lamp):

·        Ghee lamps are considered the purest and most sattvic (spiritually elevating).

·        They are often used during Lakshmi Puja, Vishnu worship, and other auspicious rituals.

·        The flame from ghee is steady, golden, and bright — symbolizing pure consciousness and divine wisdom.

Philosophical Significance

·        Ghee comes from milk, which is obtained through nurturing so it represents selflessness, compassion, and purity.,

·        Burning ghee in a lamp is symbolic of burning one’s inner ego and ignorance to offer pure devotion to God.

Scriptural Reference

Skanda Purana (Kartika Mahatmya, Chapter 24, Verse 10)

घृतदीपं प्रज्वालयेद्यः प्रयत्नात् ।

स पापान्मुच्यते सर्वान् लभते परमं पदम् ॥

“He who lights a ghee lamp with devotion is freed from all sins and attains the supreme abode.”

Mustard Oil Lamp:

·        Mustard oil represents discipline, effort, and endurance.

·        Its light is stronger and lasts longer than many other oils.

·        It’s associated with Shani (Saturn) and is often used to remove obstacles, negativity, or ill influences.

Philosophical Meaning

·        The strong smell and steady burn symbolize facing life’s challenges bravely and burning away impurities through perseverance.

·        It’s often used in temples and during rituals that focus on cleansing and protection rather than just celebration.

Cultural Context

In North India and Bengal, mustard oil lamps are common during Kartik Amavasya and Kali Puja. They are said to keep away evil spirits and negative energies during the dark night.

Sesame Oil (Til Oil) Lamp:

Scriptural Meaning

·        Considered sacred to Lord Shani and Lord Vishnu, sesame oil is said to remove pitra dosha (ancestral imbalances) and bring peace to departed souls.

·        It’s used during Pitru Paksha and sometimes during Diwali for its purifying properties.

Philosophical Meaning:

·        Sesame oil represents detachment and inner stability.

·        Lighting a lamp with it signifies seeking peace, forgiveness, and liberation rather than material gain.

Coconut Oil Lamp:

·        Common in South India, especially in temples dedicated to Vishnu and Devi.

·        Coconut represents purity and offering — so using coconut oil signifies complete surrender to the divine.

Summary Table:

Oil Type	Associated Deity / Use	Symbolic Meaning	Spiritual Aim
Ghee	Vishnu, Lakshmi, auspicious pujas	Purity, wisdom, light of knowledge	Attain higher consciousness
Mustard Oil	Shani, Kali	Courage, protection, cleansing	Remove negativity, gain strength
Sesame Oil	Shani, Vishnu, ancestors	Peace, detachment, liberation	Spiritual purification
Coconut Oil	Devi temples, South India	Purity, surrender	Inner devotion

The flame that burns in all of them is the same, it’s the reminder that the real light is within.

Direction - Where the Diya Should Face

East-facing	Brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Associated with Lord Vishnu and Surya (Sun).	Best for daily worship and morning lamps.
North-facing	Attracts wealth and success. Associated with Kubera (god of riches).	Ideal for Diwali, business places, and wealth rituals.
South-facing	Traditionally avoided inside homes, as it’s linked to ancestors and Yama (god of death).	Used only during ancestral rites (Pitru Tarpana).
West-facing	Encourages inner strength and spiritual discipline. Associated with Lord Hanuman and Shakti.	Used in temples or for personal meditation.
East-facing	Brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Associated with Lord Vishnu and Surya (Sun).	Best for daily worship and morning lamps.

So, for Diwali or daily puja, the Diya should ideally face East or North.

Placement of the Diya

·        In the puja room or altar: place it before the deity, facing east or north.

·        At the main entrance: place one Diya facing outward, it is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi and ward off negative energies.

·        In corners of the home: traditionally, four lamps were placed in the four directions for protection and harmony.

Number of Wicks (Batti)

Each number of wicks has a different symbolic and practical meaning:

No. of Wicks	Meaning	When Used
One wick	Focused devotion, discipline	Daily puja
Two wicks	Brings peace and harmony at home	Common household use
Three wicks	Removes obstacles, ensures well-being	Festivals like Diwali
Four wicks	Brings prosperity from all directions	Auspicious occasions
Five wicks (Panchamukhi Diya)	Represents the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and five deities (Ganesha, Durga, Vishnu, Shiva, Surya)	Major pujas, temples, or rituals for divine protection

On Diwali night, lighting multiple wicks or several lamps around the house symbolizes illumination in all aspects of life.

Timing - When to Light the Diya

Time	Purpose / Meaning
Morning (Brahma Muhurta, around 4:30–6:00 AM)	Symbolizes beginning the day with clarity, devotion, and divine energy.
Evening (Sandhya, around sunset)	The main time for household worship. Lighting a lamp at dusk dispels darkness and negative vibrations.
During Diwali (Kartik Amavasya evening)	Special Lakshmi Puja lamp is lit after sunset, usually during Pradosh Kaal (about 40 minutes after sunset).

The evening Diya is called Sandhya Deepa, it’s said to please both the gods and ancestors.

Type of Lamp and Wick Material

·        Lamp Material:

o   Clay (mitti) – symbol of humility and purity.

o   Brass or bronze – auspicious for long-term use.

o   Silver – attracts prosperity and is ideal for Lakshmi Puja.

o   Gold – used rarely, symbolizing complete wealth and divinity.

·        Wick Material:

o   Cotton is most common, representing purity.

o   Some use red cotton or lotus stem fiber wicks in temples for specific deities.

·        Shape of the Wick:

o   Single pointed – for calm, steady light (for Vishnu, Lakshmi).

o   Dual pointed – for Shakti or Durga Puja (symbolizes power).

o   Five wicks – for Shiva or major pujas (balance of elements).

Ritual and Thought While Lighting the Diya

Before lighting, people often chant this simple verse:

दीपो ज्योति परं ब्रह्म दीपो ज्योति जनार्दनः ।

दीपो हरतु मे पापं संध्यादीप नमोऽस्तु ते ॥

Dipo jyoti param Brahma, dipo jyoti Janardanaḥ,

Dipo haratu me papam, sandhyadipa namo’stu te.

“The light of this lamp is the Supreme Brahman, the light of Lord Vishnu. May this sacred flame remove all my sins. Salutations to the divine light.”

Lighting the lamp with this prayer transforms a simple act into a spiritual offering a moment of mindfulness and gratitude.

During Diwali Night

·        Light lamps at the main door, windows, and balconies to invite Goddess Lakshmi.

·        Keep at least one lamp burning all night (called Akhanda Deepa), it’s a sign of unbroken prosperity and divine presence.

·        Avoid leaving the house dark, as it’s believed Lakshmi visits only well-lit homes on Amavasya night.

Specific directions and number of lamps recommended during Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night

The Ideal Number of Lamps:

Tradition recommends lighting at least 13 lamps on Diwali night, but many families light far more.
Each lamp has a specific purpose. The numbers below are based on the symbolism of protecting the home, honoring deities, and welcoming prosperity.

Lamp	Placement / Purpose
1	Main Puja Lamp (Lakshmi Puja altar), the most important; offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
1	Near the safe / place of valuables for financial prosperity.
1	Kitchen - for abundance and food security.
1	Near the Tulsi (holy basil) plant - for purity and family well-being.
1	Near the water source (tap or well) - for health and cleansing.
1	Bedroom / near bed - to invite peace and harmony.
4	At the four corners of the house - to protect all directions from negativity.
2	At the main entrance (both sides of the door) - to welcome Lakshmi and positive energy.
1	On the roof, balcony, or window - to spread light outward, symbolizing goodwill to the world.

That makes 13 lamps, considered highly auspicious for Diwali night. Many homes add extra rows of lamps along windows, walls, and pathways as part of the Deepotsava tradition.

The Main Lakshmi Puja Lamp (Central Diya):

·        Place it in front of Goddess Lakshmi’s image or idol.

·        Use pure ghee for this lamp, with five wicks (Panchamukhi Diya) if possible.

·        Light it facing east or north.

·        Keep it burning as long as possible; ideally, one Akhanda Deepa (unbroken lamp) remains lit through the night.

·        While lighting, recite the verse:

शुभं करोति कल्याणं आरोग्यं धनसंपदः ।

शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तु ते ॥

Shubham karoti kalyaṇam arogyam dhanasampadaḥ,

satrubuddhi-vinasaya dipajyotir namo’stu te.

“O sacred light, you bring auspiciousness, health, and wealth; I bow to you, destroyer of negativity.”

Oil Choices for Different Lamps:

Place	Recommended Oil / Ghee	Symbolic Effect
Main Puja	Ghee	Purity and divine grace
Entrance & corners	Mustard oil	Drives away negativity, protection
Kitchen & Tulsi	Sesame or coconut oil	Peace and family harmony
Balcony / windows	Any clean oil or ghee	Sharing light with the world

Sequence of Lighting (Traditional Order):

1.     First, light the main Lakshmi Puja lamp.

2.     Next, light the entrance lamps, then those in the corners.

3.     Finally, light lamps in the courtyard, balcony, and near Tulsi.

Always move clockwise around the house while lighting — it symbolizes the flow of positive energy.

Keeping One Lamp Burning Overnight:

The Akhanda Deepa (ever-burning lamp) is important. It’s kept:

·        In the puja area, usually inside a deep bowl or lantern to protect the flame from wind.

·        It signifies continuous prosperity and divine presence through the night of darkness (Amavasya).

The Next Morning (Day after Diwali):

The lamp that burns through the night is extinguished at dawn with reverence, using flowers or a spoon of milk, never blown out. A short prayer of gratitude is offered, thanking the light for protection and blessing.

Lighting 13 or more lamps on Diwali night with one main ghee lamp for Lakshmi Puja and others placed across the home honors the divine light, invites prosperity, and symbolizes spreading goodness in all directions.

Guide for performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali evening

Timing:

·        The most auspicious time is during the Pradosh Kaal (around after sunset, between 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM, depending on location).

·        If possible, perform the puja during the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (as per the Panchang).

Preparation:

Clean and decorate:

·        Thoroughly clean the house (symbolizing removal of negativity).

·        Decorate the entrance with rangoli and two lamps on either side of the door to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

·        Keep the main puja area facing east or north.

Arrange the altar (Chowki):

·        Place a red or yellow cloth on a small table or wooden platform.

·        Keep an image or idol of:

o   Goddess Lakshmi (center)

o   Lord Ganesha (to her left)

o   Kuber (if available, to her right)

·        Place Kalash (pot of water) in front of Lakshmi, topped with mango leaves and a coconut wrapped in red cloth.

·        Keep items like rice, betel leaves, haldi, kumkum, flowers, sweets, fruits, coins, and diya ready.

Lighting the Lamps:

Light the main ghee lamp first and place it in front of Goddess Lakshmi.
Then light the rest of the lamps around the altar and in other parts of the home.

While lighting, you can say:

Deepajyoti parabrahma, deepa sarva tamopaha,

deepena sada haratu, sarvam me bhayam tamaḥ.

“O sacred light, embodiment of the divine, remove darkness and fear from my life.”

Ganesh Puja (First Invocation)

Ganesha is always worshipped first to remove obstacles.

Offer flowers, haldi, kumkum, rice, and sweets while saying:

ॐ गणपतये नमः

Om Ganapataye Namah

You can chant the short verse:

Vakratunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha,

Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva, Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.

 

Lakshmi Puja (Main Ritual)

Now focus on Goddess Lakshmi.

Dhyan (Meditation)

Close your eyes briefly and imagine the golden glow of Lakshmi’s presence.
Chant this simple invocation:

Om Mahalakshmyai Namah

“I bow to the great Goddess Lakshmi, bringer of wealth, purity, and prosperity.”

Offering (Upachara)

Offer the following one by one, each with a flower or rice grain:

·        Water for cleansing

·        Sandal paste (chandan) for purity

·        Flowers for devotion

·        Rice for stability

·        Sweets / Fruits for gratitude

·        Coins or currency as symbolic offering of wealth

If you have silver or gold coins, place them before Lakshmi. Sprinkle a little turmeric water over them.

Recite Lakshmi Mantra

You may chant:

Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah (108 times if possible)

or simply repeat it a few times with faith.

Kuber Puja (Optional but auspicious)

Offer flowers and rice to Lord Kuber, the god of wealth and treasures.

Say:

Om Yakshaaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Namah.

This signifies inviting divine wealth and responsible prosperity.

Lakshmi Aarti

End the puja with Lakshmi Aarti.

You can use the common version:

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata, Maiya Jai Lakshmi Mata

Wave the aarti plate in a circular motion before Lakshmi and Ganesha, ring the bell, and let the family join in singing.

 

Prasad and Closing

·        Offer Naivedya (sweets, fruits) to the deities.

·        After a few minutes, distribute them as prasad.

·        Sprinkle a few drops of the Kalash water around your home for blessings.

·        Let the main lamp (Akhanda Deepa) burn all night if safe to do so.

Symbolic Meaning

·        Cleaning and lighting remove darkness and invite clarity.

·        Lakshmi and Ganesha together represent prosperity with wisdom.

·        Kuber’s presence ensures wealth that is sustained, not fleeting.

·        Aarti and lamps spread divine energy and joy through the home.

Conclusion

Performing Lakshmi Puja with devotion and mindfulness transforms Diwali from a festival of lights into a celebration of inner awakening. It is not just about seeking wealth but invoking balance, gratitude, and divine grace in life. As the lamps glow through the night, they remind us that the true light is within steady, pure, and eternal.