Place these items nearby when lighting lamps on Diwali; it will bring happiness and prosperity to your home..
The tradition of decorating one’s home and illuminating it with lights during Diwali is centuries old. On this festival, people not only clean their homes but also make preparations to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. It is believed that lighting lamps in the house on the night of Diwali fosters the flow of positive energy. Furthermore, religious traditions suggest placing certain specific items beneath the lamps. It is said that doing so ensures peace and happiness within the home and brings prosperity and abundance. Let us explore which items are considered auspicious to place beneath the lamps during Diwali.
What is the religious significance of lighting lamps on Diwali?
In Hinduism, Diwali is regarded as a festival of light, prosperity, and new beginnings. According to religious belief, when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile, the townspeople welcomed him by lighting lamps. The tradition of lighting lamps on Diwali is linked to this very event.
On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped in homes with prescribed rituals. Following this, lamps are lit at the main entrance, in the courtyard, and in various other parts of the house. In many families, there is also a tradition of maintaining an 'akhand jyoti' (an unbroken, continuous flame) as a symbol of auspiciousness. It is a deeply held religious belief that the light from these lamps dispels negativity and paves the way for happiness, peace, and prosperity in one's life.
Place puffed rice (lai), sugar drops (batashe), and rose petals beneath the lamps.
During the worship on Diwali, items such as puffed rice (lai), sugar drops (batashe), and rose petals hold special significance. According to religious tradition, placing these items beneath the lamps is considered auspicious. Sugar drops (batashe) are often included as an offering (bhog) to Goddess Lakshmi. Similarly, offering rose petals to the Goddess is an integral part of the worship rituals; the rose is associated with beauty, love, and purity. On the other hand, *lai* (puffed rice) prepared from paddy is considered a symbol of food, a bountiful harvest, and prosperity. It is believed that including these items in Diwali worship ensures abundance in the home and brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi upon the family.
Placing rice beneath a *diya* (lamp) is also considered auspicious.
In many religious traditions, placing rice beneath a *diya* during Diwali is regarded as a favorable practice. In Hindu worship, rice is referred to as *akshat*. During rituals, *akshat* is used for applying *tilak*, offered to deities, and utilized in various religious ceremonies.
According to religious beliefs, rice symbolizes completeness, purity, and prosperity. It is believed that placing *akshat* beneath a *diya* ensures a steady supply of food and wealth in the household and brings happiness and peace to the lives of family members. However, these beliefs are rooted in religious traditions.