What is the significance of lighting lamps at Home?
Light symbolizes knowledge and Isana is the origin of knowledge. An oil lamp is lit to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vasanaas and the cotton wick as the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vasanaas get slowly exhausted and the ego too perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards and similarly one should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.
It is a tradition to light lamp first before starting any auspicious events or rituals. Light symbolizes the absence of darkness, grief and unhappiness. Almighty’s divine grace is spread all over the house by lighting the lamps. God’s first and foremost appearance is in the form of Light which we call as Divya Jothir or Divine Light.
Cotton wicks have the following benefits. Single wick represents normal benefit, two wicks brings harmony and peace in the family and relatives. Three wicks bless us with Progeny. Four wicks bring all round prosperity and sumptuous food. Five wicks showers Aishwaryam or wealth. Six wicks blesses with knowledge and Vairagyam.
The directions for lighting lamps are as follows. When a lamp is lit facing north there will be success in all ventures undertaken. When lit facing east, it promotes good health and peace of mind. When the lamp is lit facing west, it gives freedom from debts and victory over enemies. Never lit a lamp facing south direction as it is inauspicious.