Lighting a lamp during puja seems simple, but small mistakes can reduce the spiritual benefits. From wick numbers to lamp direction, note the rules many people unknowingly overlook
Traditionally, before beginning worship of a deity, a small lamp or aarti is first lit in honour of Agni, the fire god. The flame should remain steady and bright throughout the puja. After lighting this primary lamp, worship in front of the main deity begins. Ancient scriptures mention that when the lamp is lit with devotion, Goddess Lakshmi is believed to bless the home and bring prosperity.Many people wonder how many wicks should be placed in a lamp. According to traditional beliefs, two wicks may be lit together in a single lamp so that they burn as one flame. For multi-wick lamps (Jyoti), three or five wicks are considered auspicious, as odd numbers are preferred. It is also advised not to mix oil and ghee in the same lamp. Ghee is associated with the sattva quality while oil represents rajo; combining them is believed to increase tamo energy, which may bring negative vibrations into the home.The direction in which the lamp is placed during puja is considered important. Traditional guidance suggests placing an oil lamp on the left side of the deity and a ghee lamp on the right. If the wick faces north, it is believed to help remove financial difficulties and increase prosperity. If someone in the house is unwell, lighting the lamp facing east is considered beneficial. North and east directions are believed to bring positive results, while facing south or west may lead to unnecessary difficulties.Sometimes the lamp may go out during puja due to wind or other reasons. This is often seen as accidental and not something to panic about. The recommended practice is to quietly apologise to the deity in your heart and relight the lamp calmly. However, if the lamp falls during aarti, some traditions advise chanting the deity’s name and performing a small peace ritual according to family customs or guidance from elders.When lighting a lamp near the Tulsi plant, it should not be placed directly on the ground. Traditionally, a small base is first made by placing unbroken rice grains (akshatas) on the ground, and the lamp is then placed on top of it. According to traditional beliefs, placing the lamp on akshatas symbolically invites Goddess Lakshmi to sit there and accept the worship with blessings.
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In Indian tradition, lighting a lamp at home every morning and evening has long been considered sacred. The flame symbolises the removal of darkness and ignorance while filling the home with positivity and light. However, devotion alone is not considered enough during worship. According to traditional beliefs described in Puranas and spiritual scriptures, certain rules should be followed while performing puja so that the worship brings peace, prosperity and happiness to the household.
