Why do we light a lamp?

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In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In

some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day at dawn and dusk- and in a

few it is maintained continuously (akhanda deepa). All auspicious functions and

moments like daily worship, rituals and festivals and even many social occasions

like inaugurations commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often

maintained right through the occasion.

 

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness ignorance. The Lord is the " Knowledge

Principle " (Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator of

all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord Himself.

 

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a

lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievements can be accomplished. Hence

we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of

wealth. Knowledge backs all our actions whether good or bad. We therefore keep a

lamp lit during all auspicious occasion as a witness to our thoughts and

actions.

 

Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the

traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in

the lamp symbolizes our " vaasnas " or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego.

When lit by spiritual knowledge, the " vaasnas " get slowly exhausted and the ego

too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly, we

should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.

 

A single lamp can light hundreds more just as a man of knowledge can give it to

many more. The brilliance of the light does not diminish despite its repeated

use to light many more lamps. So too knowledge does not lessen when shared with

or imparted to others. On the contrary it increases in clarity and conviction on

giving. It benefits both the receiver and the giver.

Swami Chinmayananda said :

 

Which else shall beautify a home

But the flame of a lovely lamp?

Which else shall adorn the mind

But the light of wisdom deep?