Why Do we light a lamp?

Faith Mysticism

oi-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 9:12

All Hindu rituals are symbolic representations of the highest spiritual truth. The observance of these is a reminder of this truth which is normally forgotten in our day to day activities. Lighting a lamp is a simple ritual performed in almost all households. It symbolises or represents the highest truth in the most simplest way.

Light symbolises knowledge as it dispels the clouding darkness. The Lord is the 'Knowledge principle' who is the very source and illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is considered as the Lord Himself.

The traditional oil lamp further bears a spiritual significance in it self. The oil used to light the lamp symbolises the vasanas or the innate inherent tendencies which is responsible for assuming the body, mind complex which constitute the ego. The wick of a lamp symbolizes the ego. The flame represents the spiritual knowledge which drains the oil or the innate tendencies as it burns. Consequently it also destroys the wick.

This would mean the destruction of the ego or one's false identification with the body which would mean the ultimate liberation. Further more in the course of its burning, the flame of the lamp which burns upwards, reminds one of acquiring the knowledge which would guide one to higher ideals.

Hence the reason for lighting the lamp in all Hindu households.