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A man asked Aniruddhacharya Maharaj if incense sticks could be lit with a lighter.
Dhoop battis are an integral part of hindu worship. (Photo Credit: X)
Lighting dhoop batti is a common part of Hindu worship, whether at home or in temples. With modern tools like lighters, many wonder if tradition allows their use. It was precisely this curiosity that brought a devotee to Aniruddhacharya Maharaj, also known as Pookie Baba, during one of his sermons. The man asked if incense sticks could be lit with a lighter.
True to his reputation for witty and relatable answers, Aniruddhacharya, “So, how will you light it? With a volcano?” When the devotee clarified, “Like how a cigarette is lit,” Baba said, “Lighter ka kaam hai jalana. Usse chahe cigarette jala lo, chahe jungle jala lo, chahe chita jala lo, uska kaam jalane ka hai. (A lighter’s job is to light things, whether it’s a cigarette, a forest, or a funeral pyre, it’s meant to ignite).”
What Aniruddhacharya Maharaj Said
When the devotee asked, “What if it has already been used to light a cigarette?” Baba replied, “It’s still fire. Fire isn’t impure just because it lit a cigarette.”
Known for his informal, often humorous talks on life, relationships, and wellness, Pookie Baba has earned the nickname “Internet’s Baba.” This candid exchange, captured on camera, quickly went viral.
Can You Light Agarbatti With A Lighter?
You can light incense sticks using a lighter. Hold the flame to the tip until it catches, then blow gently so it smoulders. Use the incense in a well-ventilated space and, for purity, prefer natural agarbatti.
Religious Context In Hinduism
In Hindu puja, incense represents carrying prayers to the divine through its smoke. No scriptures forbid using modern lighters over matches. While traditional guides may suggest matchsticks for a natural feel, using lighters at home is widely accepted. The focus is on devotion and intention, not the ignition tool.
How To Light Incense
Hold the incense at a slight angle and expose it to the flame for 5–10 seconds until the tip glows red.
Light incense in the East or Northeast corner near the altar, allowing smoke to rise.
Extinguish the flame by waving the hand rather than blowing directly.
Prefer natural incense sticks and proper holders for safety and purity.
Traditions
Incense symbolises the air element (Vayu) and complements fire, earth, water, and space during worship.
Light incense with the right hand and let it burn fully. Extinguishing midway is believed to disrupt spiritual energy.
Common times to light incense include morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening (Sandhya).
Lighting an odd number of sticks (1, 3, 5, or 7) is considered auspicious depending on the deity or occasion.
Are Lighters Allowed In Hinduism And Other Religions?
Hinduism does not mandate matches over lighters. Both are accepted if used respectfully for puja. Vaastu Shastra advises against storing flammable items in prayer areas, but using a lighter for incense or lamps is fine.
Other religions, like Orthodox Judaism, restrict ignition on specific days (Shabbat), but there’s no general ban on chemical lighters.
Forums and spiritual communities agree. Using lighters for puja items is acceptable. Tamil Brahmin traditions, Reddit discussions, and other sources confirm that modern lighters are fine as long as they are dedicated to worship. No major spiritual leader forbids them.
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December 05, 2025, 07:00 IST
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