Why do we light a lamp?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna Dear Readers,

We begin a fresh topic on Hinduism in this post. The topic is in a question & answer format and the questions are based on certain customs and traditions that are followed everyday in every house amongst Hindus.

We hope this series will:

1. Clarify doubts in the minds of those who repeatedly question the customs and traditions in Hinduism &
2. Quench the thirst of those eager to know more about Hinduism

Let us look at the first question:

1. Why do we light a lamp?

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 commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion. Such occasions include starting of a new business or venture, first day of job, buying a new house, buying a new vehicle etc. But what exactly is the reason behind it? Let us see…

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 achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.

Now, even a small child may have a very logical question in his/her mind. Why not light a tube light or a neon light? Why only a lamp?

To know the answer and the hidden deep meaning behind this wait for our next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post the herb we will tell you about is known as Chhuimui also known as Lajjalu and Lajwanti (Mimosa Pudica in Latin).

1. It is a plant akin to Touch-Me-Not or jewel Weed
2. Its leaves collapse on human touch but regain position after some moments
3. It has excellent properties of stopping bleeding whether from piles or the womb
4. The juice of its leaves is effective in dealing with delirium of fever
5. Powdered seeds of the plant are effective in leucorrhoea spermatorrhoea

That concludes the post for the forthnight. Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam