Why We Light a Lamp (Deepam): Meaning, Oil, Wicks and Rules

We light a deepam to worship light itself as a form of the divine – the light that removes darkness and the knowledge that removes ignorance. In most Telugu homes the lamp is lit with cow ghee or sesame oil, using two cotton wicks joined together, in the morning and again at evening sandhya time. Details such as oil, number of wicks and direction vary a little between families.

What does lighting a lamp mean?

In Sanatana tradition the lamp is not just a source of light but a divine witness. No puja, vratam or auspicious event begins without it. The flame always rises upward, which elders explain as a reminder that our thoughts too should rise. A popular explanation says the oil stands for our tendencies (vasanas) and the wick for ego; as they burn to give light, we too should let go of ego to gain wisdom.

A lamp lit daily at home is considered a sign of auspiciousness and of Lakshmi's grace. That is why many families light a lamp at the threshold or by the tulasi kota at dusk. Karthika masam customs such as deepa danam and akasha deepam show how central the lamp is to Telugu devotional life.

Which oil should be used for the deepam?

Elders advise against using oil that has been used for cooking or leftover oil. Keep a clean oil set aside only for the lamp. If unsure, ghee or sesame oil is always a safe choice.

Wicks: types and how many to use

Types of wicks

• White cotton wicks: used daily in every home.
• Lotus stem wicks: used by some families in special pujas and Lakshmi worship.
• Banana fibre wicks: used in some regions for particular vratams.
• Turmeric or red wicks: used by some families in Ammavaru worship.

Number of wicks

In Telugu homes it is very common to twist two wicks together into a single flame. Some light two separate flames, and on festivals a five-faced (panchamukha) lamp with five wicks is popular. Many folk beliefs link different numbers of wicks to different results; these vary by region, so follow your family's practice.

Which direction should the lamp face?

Most families place the lamp so that the flame faces east; north is also considered auspicious. Many homes avoid the flame facing south. The lamp is placed on a plate, a small stool or a plate spread with rice rather than directly on the floor – a mark of respect that also keeps oil from spreading.

When should deeparadhana be done?

The evening lamp is called sandhya deepam. Elders suggest keeping the home calm at this time and remembering the Lord's name.

How to light the lamp correctly

1. Clean the lamp and apply dots of turmeric and kumkum.
2. Set it on a plate or small stool.
3. Pour oil or ghee and soak the wicks well.
4. Light it with a matchstick or from another small lamp; many families avoid lighting it from an incense stick.
5. Offer a flower and akshatalu, bow, and recite the lamp shloka.
6. Do not blow the lamp out with your mouth. Let it burn until the oil is used, or calm it gently with a flower.

Safety: keep the lamp away from curtains, paper and the reach of small children, and avoid leaving it burning unattended when no one is home.

The deeparadhana shloka and its meaning

A widely recited shloka when lighting the lamp is:

Shubham karoti kalyanam arogyam dhana sampadah

Shatru buddhi vinashaya deepa jyotir namostute

Meaning: Salutations to the light of the lamp, which brings auspiciousness, wellbeing, health and prosperity, and which destroys the feeling of enmity. Elders explain that the enemy here is less an outside person and more the hatred and negative thinking within us. If you do not know the shloka, simply bowing to the lamp and remembering the Lord is enough.

Key points

• The deepam symbolises knowledge, auspiciousness and divine presence.
• Cow ghee or sesame oil are the most common and safest choices.
• Two cotton wicks twisted together are typical in Telugu homes; a panchamukha lamp on festivals.
• The flame usually faces east or north.
• Light it during the morning puja and at evening sandhya.
• Do not blow it out, and always keep lamp safety in mind.