Lighting a diya or lamp is an integral part of many religious and cultural traditions in India. It is believed to bring positivity, prosperity, and good fortune into the home.
While there are many oils that can be used for lighting a diya, neem oil is one of the lesser-known options that offers a range of benefits.
In this article, we will explore the advantages of using neem oil for lighting a diya and how it can enhance your spiritual practice.
So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of neem oil!
What Are The Benefit Of Lighting Diya With Neem Oil?
1. Attracts the Blessings of Goddess Parasakthi and Kula Deivatas
One of the most significant benefits of lighting a diya with neem oil is that it attracts the blessings of Goddess Parasakthi and Kula Deivatas or family deities. This helps to increase wealth in the household and brings peace and harmony to the family.
2. Helps to Get Rid of Enemies
If you are facing problems from enemies, lighting a diya with neem oil can be highly effective. It is believed that praying to Lord
The Significance Of Lighting A Diya In Indian Culture
Lighting a diya holds great significance in Indian culture. It is considered to be an auspicious act that brings enlightenment, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom. Diyas are permanent fixtures in homes and temples and are lit during prayers, rituals, and ceremonies. They represent the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The most notable example of this is during the festival of Diwali, where millions of diyas are lit to celebrate the triumph of good over evil as told in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Citizens of Ayodhya lit up the streets with diyas to welcome Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana home after 14 years in exile, away from their home fighting and eradicating evil (Ravana).
Lighting a diya has deep spiritual significance in Indian culture. All ceremonies, daily worship rituals, auspicious functions, religious occasions as well as new ventures start with lighting of the lamp. It is believed that the light from the lamp destroys ignorance, brings wealth, health & prosperity & bestows us with knowledge. A Diya signifies goodness, good luck, purity & power.
According to one thought school, the oil in the lamp (diya) equates to the dirt in the human mind such as greed, hatred, lust, jealousy etc. The cotton used to make the wick is a symbol of ‘the atma’ or self/soul. Hence the lighting of the lamp signifies that in order to enlighten oneself, one needs to get rid of all materialistic thoughts.
In some places, diya is also called Jyothi. Lighting of the lamp is an inevitable tradition in all Hindu festivals, ceremonies and even during puja. Significance of lighting diya is more if it is in the morning. Most of the householders following Indian culture and tradition do light the lamp in the early morning hours and in the evenings.
Diyas are also eco-friendly and sustainable as they can be easily recycled. Making diyas is an art which is diminishing day by day as markets are flooded by electrical replacements. As a community-driven initiative of protecting our environment by making eco-friendly & sustainable choices we can create a huge momentum towards conserving our environment.
The Different Oils Used For Lighting Diyas
There are several oils that are commonly used for lighting diyas, each with its own unique benefits.
1. Desi Ghee
Desi ghee, or cow’s ghee, is considered sacred and is highly recommended for lighting diyas. It is believed that lighting a diya with desi ghee attracts positive vibrations, removes poverty, improves health, and maintains wealth in one’s family. According to the Agni Purana, the ghee lamp helps in cleansing of the chakras (energy centers) and nadis. It purifies the Manipura and Anahata Chakras.
2. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil, also known as til oil, is another popular oil used for lighting diyas. Its benefits include removing doshas (planetary doshas as per Vedic Astrology), banishing evil spirits, and removing obstacles from one’s life. It is especially recommended for people who do the mantra Japa or Sadhana of Lord Bhairava (a form of Lord Shiva).
3. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is commonly used in homes for lighting diyas. It helps to eliminate doshas related to Planet Saturn and is believed to keep diseases out of the house.
4. Pancha Deepam Oil
Pancha Deepam Oil, also known as Panchadeepam Oil, is a blend of five pure and natural oils – sesame oil, coconut oil, cow ghee, castor oil, and mahua oil. This oil is specially made for lighting lamps and hence is not intended for edible use. It is believed to neutralize all the negative and evil vibrations and bring good health, wealth, prosperity, fame, and knowledge into your home.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is mostly used in Southern India for lighting oil lamps or diyas. It is believed that lighting the lamp with coconut oil pleases Lord Ganesha. The vibrations generated from the oil lamps are believed to work as a Vastu (place/house) protector, emit positive energy, and bestow harmony, peace, and prosperity.
6. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a mixture of neem oil and mahua oil that helps to attract the grace of Goddess Parasakthi and Kula Deivatas or family deities. It helps to increase wealth in the household and can be highly effective in getting rid of enemies when used with eight lamps on New Moon days or Krishna Ashtami while performing sahasranama archana to Lord Bhairava.
What Is Neem Oil And Its Benefits
Neem oil is a natural pesticide and fungicide that is derived from the neem tree, which is native to India. It is extracted from the seeds of the tree and can be processed in different ways to produce different active chemicals. Neem oil is organic, biodegradable, and has been found by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no adverse effects on the environment or population.
Apart from its use as a pesticide, neem oil has numerous benefits for hair and skin health. It is high in fat content, which improves the quality of hair and nourishes the scalp. Its antifungal agents also help treat dandruff and an itchy scalp. Neem oil is used in various beauty and cosmetic products due to its antiseptic properties. It can help treat skin diseases, fade scars, and encourage hair growth.
Neem oil also has medicinal properties and can be used to treat various conditions. Its topical application can help treat insect bites and act as an insect repellent. It has anti-fungal properties that can be beneficial for treating hair and skin disorders, dandruff, and head lice. Neem oil is also used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat urine infections, stomach/intestinal worms, and improve immunity.
How To Use Neem Oil For Lighting A Diya
Using neem oil for lighting a diya is a simple process that can bring many benefits. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose a clean and dry diya that can hold oil.
2. Pour a small amount of neem oil into the diya, filling it about one-third full.
3. Place a cotton wick in the center of the oil. Make sure the wick is long enough to reach the bottom of the diya.
4. Light the wick with a matchstick or lighter.
5. Place the diya in a safe and stable location, away from any flammable objects.
6. Keep the diya burning for as long as you like, but make sure to monitor it regularly and extinguish it before leaving it unattended.
By following these steps, you can use neem oil to light a diya and enjoy its benefits. Remember to use caution when handling fire and always keep an eye on the burning diya to prevent accidents.
The Spiritual Benefits Of Using Neem Oil For Lighting Diyas
Apart from the practical benefits of using neem oil for lighting diyas, there are also spiritual benefits that come with this practice. Here are some of the spiritual benefits of using neem oil for lighting diyas:
1. Increases Positivity and Purifies the Environment
Neem oil is known for its purifying properties and is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to cleanse and detoxify the body. In the same way, when used for lighting diyas, neem oil can purify the environment and create a positive atmosphere in your home. This can help to promote spiritual growth and enhance your overall well-being.
2. Invokes Divine Energy
Lighting a diya with neem oil is believed to invoke divine energy and attract the blessings of the Gods and Goddesses. This can help to create a sacred space in your home and promote spiritual growth. It is said that when you light a diya with neem oil, you are inviting the divine into your home and creating a connection with the divine.
3. Promotes Inner Peace and Calmness
The act of lighting a diya with neem oil can be a meditative practice that promotes inner peace and calmness. As you light the diya, you can focus on your breath and allow yourself to become present in the moment. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote a sense of inner peace.
4. Enhances Spiritual Awareness
Using neem oil for lighting diyas can also enhance your spiritual awareness and deepen your connection to the divine. By creating a sacred space in your home, you can cultivate a deeper sense of spirituality and connect with your inner self. This can help to promote personal growth and enhance your overall well-being.
Precautions To Take While Using Neem Oil For Lighting Diyas
While using neem oil for lighting diyas, there are a few precautions that you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
1. Use High-Quality Neem Oil
It is important to use high-quality neem oil for lighting diyas to ensure that it burns evenly and does not produce excessive smoke. Low-quality neem oil may contain impurities that can cause irritation or other health problems.
2. Use a Safe Container
When lighting a diya with neem oil, it is important to use a safe container that can withstand the heat of the burning oil. Avoid using plastic or other flammable materials and opt for ceramic or metal containers instead.
3. Keep Away from Children and Pets
Neem oil can be toxic if ingested, so it is important to keep it away from children and pets. Make sure to store neem oil in a safe place and supervise children and pets when lighting diyas.
4. Do Not Leave Unattended
Never leave a burning diya unattended, especially if there are children or pets around. Make sure to extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to bed.
5. Avoid Contact with Skin and Eyes
Neem oil can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, so it is important to avoid direct contact with skin or eyes. If you come in contact with neem oil, wash the affected area with soap and water immediately.
By following these precautions, you can safely enjoy the benefits of lighting diyas with neem oil while also ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you.
