Traditional use, symbolism, and significance
– Clay diyas are lit during prayers, rituals, and ceremonies.
– They represent enlightenment, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom.
– Diyas symbolize the triumph of light over dark and good over evil.
– Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the return of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.
– Diyas are associated with Lakshmi in Hindu iconography and worship.
Festivals and decoration
– Diwali is a major festival where diyas are used for decoration.
– The name Diwali means ‘row of lights’ in Sanskrit.
– Karthikai Deepam is another festival where diyas are lit.
– Houses are adorned with small diyas during Diwali.
– Diyas are placed at boundaries and entrances.
Worship and rituals
– Lit diyas are used in temples for daily morning rituals.
– Diyas placed before deities during prayer are called arati.
– Butter lamps are used in Tibetan Buddhist offerings.
– Diyas are used to bless worshippers.
– Diyas are an important part of worship and prayer rituals.
Hindu rituals and types of diyas
– Lighting diyas is part of Hindu religious rituals related to birth.
– Different materials are used to make diyas, including earthenware and brass.
– Patravali floating lamps made from leaves are also used.
– Diyas with one, two, four, five, or seven wicks are made.
– Ornamental lamps like the Nachiarkoil or Annam lamp have unique designs.
– Kiln-fired earthenware lamps are common.
– Metallic lamps with multiple wicks, like Samai, are also popular.
– Other materials like stone are used to make permanent lamps.
– Diyas with different wick designs are made.
– Ornamental lamps come in various designs, such as the Nachiarkoil lamp.
Festivals and their association with diyas
– Diwali is a major festival where diyas are used for decoration.
– Karthikai Deepam is another festival where diyas are lit. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diya_(lamp)
A diya, diyo, deya, deeya, dia, divaa, deepa, deepam, deep, deepak or saaki (Sanskrit: दीपम्, romanized: Dīpam) is an oil lamp made from clay or mud with a cotton wick dipped in oil or ghee. These lamps are commonly used in the Indian subcontinent and they hold sacred prominence in Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain prayers as well as religious rituals, ceremonies and festivals including Diwali.
