Diyas Do Not Just Brighten The Homes But Lighten The Soul: Significance Of Lighting And Buying Diyas

In India, almost every religion has a custom of lighting a Diya, which is often believed as a part of pleasing Gods and ancestors. All worshiping rituals, ceremonies, religious and auspicious occasions are often commenced with the lighting of the brass pooja lamps, which purges the environment of any evil. The lighting of a lamp is essential in Hinduism because it signifies goodness, purity, positivity, power and good luck. The presence of light means the victory of positivity over negativity or good over bad.

There is a deeper meaning to the lighting of the lamp or Diyas in the Indian culture. The oil in the Diya is the symbol of the negativity in the human mind. Often qualities such as hatred, jealousy, greed, and lust are far more likely to be nurtured by humans in their sanctimonious mind. The wick of the Diya, which is generally made of rolled cotton, is symbolic of the self or the soul. The light of the Diya is similar to the darkness being pulled away from our soul, salving it against the wickedness one suffers at the hands of the unjust world. Hence, the lighting of the brass diya is a symbol, that to attain the utmost purification, one needs to get rid of the selfish and materialistic thoughts. This frees one from all forms of misery, guiding the path to supreme awakening and to connect with God.

Different scriptures of Indian philosophy or belief further state that after the realization of one’s true self, one must learn to serve and love others unconditionally. Learn to love without culminating any thoughts of reciprocation or rewards. Such selfless service would bring contentment, joy, and peace in our lives. The materialistic rewards are nothing but external illusions. Hence, as a part of the purification of the soul, one must try to make one’s soul purer. Instead of expecting and trying to change the world outside, it is better to bring the change inside.

In an ironical reversal of fortunes, the earthen lamps, which once used to be the sheen of festivals for Indians of all classes on all occasions and ceremonies have now become only material of decor for the upper strata who perhaps opt them because of their eco-friendliness which is increasingly being addressed worldwide. But the Chinese fairy lights and their counterparts are choking the potter clan of India.

The brass Diyas prove to be very cost-effective since they can be used multiple times and do not suffer from wear and tear. So, for the upcoming festivals, pledge to buy puja diyas online and bring positivity to your home!