How to light a diya in puja: ghee or oil, the wick, the direction and the mantra
Quick answer: In puja, a diya is usually lit with cow's ghee or sesame oil; for Hanuman ji and Shani dev, many people use mustard or sesame oil. A round (phool) cotton wick is common in a ghee lamp and a long wick in an oil lamp. Traditionally the flame faces east or north, not south. A diya is not blown out with the mouth.
At a glance
- Ghee
- For all deities; considered most auspicious
- Sesame oil
- General puja, Shani dev
- Mustard oil
- Hanuman ji, Shani dev, at the door
- Flame direction
- East or north; not south (except the Yam deepak)
How to light the diya
- Clean the diya (clay, brass or silver).
- Add ghee or oil and a cotton wick: a round phool wick for ghee, a long wick for oil.
- Place it on a few grains of rice or a small plate, not directly on the floor.
- Position it so the flame faces east or north.
- Light it with a match or another lamp, and say the lamp mantra or God's name.
- Place it before the deity and bow with folded hands.
The lamp mantra
After lighting the lamp, many families say this verse: 'Shubham karoti kalyanam arogyam dhanasampada, shatrubuddhi vinashaya deepajyotir namostute.' In simple words: salutations to you, O light of the lamp, who brings what is good and auspicious and removes hostile thoughts from the mind. It is a prayer, not a guarantee of any result.
Do
- Light a diya at morning puja and at sunset (sandhya).
- To put it out, wave your hand, use a flower, or gently press the wick into the ghee or oil.
- Many people place a ghee lamp on the deity's right side and an oil lamp on the left.
- Keep curtains, paper and cloth away from the flame.
Don't (common beliefs)
- Don't blow out a diya with your mouth.
- Don't use a broken or cracked diya.
- Don't let the flame face south, a direction linked with the ancestors and Yama. (The Yam deepak on Dhanteras / Chhoti Diwali is the exception.)
- Don't leave a burning lamp unattended at home; safety first.
Rules about oil, wick and direction differ by region and family. Follow your family's tradition. KathaMantra does not claim any specific result.
Frequently asked questions
Should I light a ghee lamp or an oil lamp?
Both are fine. Ghee is considered most auspicious; sesame oil is also common in daily puja.
Which lamp is lit for Hanuman ji?
Many devotees light a mustard or jasmine oil lamp on Tuesdays and Saturdays; a ghee lamp is also used.
Which direction should the flame face?
Traditionally east or north; not south, except for the Yam deepak.
What if the diya goes out on its own?
Don't worry; it is not a bad sign. Fix the wick, light it again and say God's name.
What is an akhand diya?
An akhand diya burns without stopping for the whole of a vow or ritual (such as Navratri). If you light one, make sure it is safe and watched over.