How many Diyas to Light in Dhanteras and Diwali?

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Everyone knows that Diwali is the festival of light. But, have you ever thought exactly how many Diyas should be lightened on this occasion? There is underlying confusion about this, people do not know about the significance of the numbers. Indeed, numbers are not out there for no reason. There is a significance behind each of them. For instance, there is the reason people do the mantra Jaap 108 times, there being 108 Upanishads. There is no such thing as coincidence in this grand and mighty Brahman. That includes building blocks of the universe – numbers, as well. Numbers have a distinct significance in our Sanatan Hindu scriptures. So, indeed there is a specific number for the Diyas to be lit during Dhanteras and Deepawali.

Deepawali or Diwali, a prominent Hindu festival, is celebrated not only in India but also across the world. This five-day festival begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj. It is a time when people light Diyas, starting with the ‘Yam Ka Diya’ on Dhanteras, believed to be lit for Yamraj, the God of Death. Each day of Deepavali holds unique significance, and the number and placement of Diyas are considered important to attract good luck and prosperity. Let us learn more.

26 Diyas for Dhanteras

According to astrology, Dhanteras holds a special tradition of lighting 13 Diyas at the main entrance and placing 13 Diyas in each corner of the house, totalling 26 Diyas. This ritual is believed to invite the presence of Maa Lakshmi, the Devi of wealth and prosperity. 

However, it’s important to note that ‘Yam Ka Diya,’ representing Yamraj, should be lit once all family members have returned home and finished their meals. An old Diya is typically used, filled with mustard oil and placed outside the house, facing the south direction, towards a garbage or drain.”

5 Diyas for Narak Chaturdashi

It’s a ritual to light 5 Diyas on the occasion of Narak Chaturdashi. Place one of these Diyas at the worship place of the house, the second one in the kitchen, the third one at the water point, the fourth one under a Peepal or Banyan Tree, and the last one at the main entrance of the house. The Diya lit on the main entrance should be four-faced and it should contain four long lights.

Diyas for Diwali

Diyas are kindled to extend a warm welcome to Goddess Lakshmi into the home during Diwali. The lighting ritual involves several steps: the first Diya is lit during the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the second is placed under the Tulsi plant, the third is positioned outside the main door, the fourth under the Peepal tree, the fifth at the nearest temple, the sixth near the garbage area, the seventh in the bathroom, the eighth on the parapet, the ninth near the walls, the tenth near a window, and the eleventh at the nearest crossroad. Additionally, it’s customary to light a lamp in the name of a goddess as part of this tradition.

Tips For Diyas Lightning

Following these simple yet meaningful tips for lighting Diyas can invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, bestowing health, wealth, and prosperity upon your home.

• Using pure desi cow ghee for lighting Diyas is highly recommended due to its divine properties and Satvik nature. In the absence of ghee, opt for mustard oil as an alternative; however, sunflower or any other refined oil should be avoided.
• Choose straight wicks over puffed wicks as they symbolise the pure fire element.
• Lighting an Akhand Diya on Diwali holds special significance. This eternal lamp, burning throughout the night, signifies the continuous illumination to welcome Devi Lakshmi and Bhagwan Ganesha. Remember to refill the Akhand Diya with ghee at regular intervals and keep it covered with a metal or glass lid. When replacing the wick, place a new one beside the old wick.

In case you have any confusion regarding any part, be it Diya lighting or Deepawali Puja, you can always get guidance from our expert pundits and astrologers. It is important to perform the most significant occasion in Hinduism in the correct ways. 

According to Vedic astrology, the ghee or oil in a Diya is believed to symbolise negativity within our minds, while the wick represents the soul. By lighting the Diya, we aim to remove this negativity from our minds and souls, creating space for positivity to enter. This Diwali, consider welcoming Goddess Lakshmi by lighting Diyas following these dharmic, aadhyatmik and astrological traditions, allowing the light to cleanse your inner self.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the importance of lightning Diyas at home?
A: As we kindle the Diya or lamp, it dispels the darkness from our homes, symbolically removing negative energies and vibes from our surroundings. The light emanating from the Diya represents knowledge, while the darkness it dispels symbolises ignorance.

Lighting a Diya at home not only illuminates the physical space but also activates the presence of the Sun in a person’s birth chart, enhancing its auspicious influence. The positive effects of the Sun can lead to a more regal and prosperous life.

The light within the lamp embodies the sacred element of Agni or fire, one of the essential components of the Panchtatva (five elements). This signifies that our environment becomes pure and sanctified after lighting the lamp, ushering in a sense of purity and piety

These are just some of the significances, there are more and they all bring goodness to you. So, use Diwali 2023 as an occasion to start the practice of Diya lighting at your place. The most auspicious occasion to start a good ritual.