ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
(O Lord, do not keep
me in (the Phenomenal World of) Unreality, but lead me to the Reality (of
Eternal Self),
Keep me out of (the
Ignorant State of) Darkness and lead me to the Light (of Spiritual Knowledge),
Keep me out of (the World of) Mortality and into the World of Immortality (of
Self-Realization), Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.
The main role of a lamp
is to bring the soul from darkness toward light. This brass
lamp with five wicks serves the purpose with perfection. With a simple
circular oil container and five wicks distributed at regular intervals giving
the look of a flower, this lamp is placed on a plate for ease of arti. It is a
simple yet elegant piece to be added to the personal worship space.
Illuminating Tradition with the Panchamukhi Diya
Invite the divine presence and sacred glow into your home with this exquisite Panchamukhi Diya, meticulously handcrafted from pure brass. The term "Panchamukhi" translates to "five-faced," signifying the five heads of Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in the Hindu pantheon. This diya, with its distinct five openings, is more than just a lamp; it's a symbol of Shiva's pervasive energy and the five cosmic functions he embodies: creation, preservation, destruction, obscuration, and liberation.
The artistry of this diya speaks volumes about its heritage. Each piece is lovingly shaped and polished by skilled artisans in India, carrying forward generations of traditional craftsmanship. The lustrous brass, known for its purity and auspiciousness, lends an enduring radiance to the piece, making it a timeless addition to your sacred space. The accompanying plate, adorned with a delicate embossed pattern, serves as a protective and decorative base, catching any overflow of oil or wax and further enhancing the diya's aesthetic appeal.
––––––––––Symbolism and Significance
The act of lighting a diya is deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality. It symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, both literal and metaphorical, representing the victory of light over ignorance, good over evil, and knowledge over despair. The Panchamukhi Diya, in particular, is believed to invoke Lord Shiva's blessings for strength, wisdom, and protection. It is often lit during auspicious occasions, festivals like Diwali, and daily prayers to create a serene and spiritual ambiance.
In ancient texts, brass was considered a sacred metal, capable of conducting divine energy. Its use in religious artifacts is believed to amplify prayers and attract positive vibrations. The five faces of the diya can also be interpreted as representing the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and ether – signifying the all-encompassing nature of the divine. Placing this diya in your puja room, living space, or any corner of your home can purify the atmosphere and usher in an aura of peace and prosperity. Its compact size makes it versatile, fitting perfectly on altars, shelves, or even small tables. Embrace the spiritual significance and the artisanal beauty of this handcrafted Panchamukhi Diya, a beacon of light and tradition.The Power of Light: Understanding the Role of Oil Lamps in
Hinduism
Hinduism is a boon to human society for it guides everyone to
follow their Dharma and rise above the material concept of life.
Hinduism is also known as “Sanatan Dharma”. These are Sanskrit
terms in which Sanatan means “eternal” and Dharma means “Intrinsic
nature or occupation”. Thus it deals with the intrinsic nature or
the real identity of the living entities; that which can never be
taken away from them. The principles of Hinduism are given in the
Vedic literature or scriptures that are considered “Apaurusheya”;
they have not been written by any ordinary person but have been
compiled by Vyasadev, the literary incarnation of the Supreme Lord
Krishna. The word “Veda” means complete knowledge, both material
and spiritual. The knowledge in Vedic literature is so vast and
precise that if one looks carefully, he will notice that nothing
is sentimental or imaginary but is based on facts and truth. There
is a clear description and information about the identity of all
living beings, the nature of the Absolute Truth, the reason for
the existence of this world, the information about the world
beyond this universe, and the relationship between us and God, the
Absolute Truth.
Why do we light a lamp?
There are many rituals recommended in the Vedas for engaging our
body and mind in the service of God. One of them is the lighting
of ghee or oil lamps before the deity. According to the Vedic
injunctions, all auspicious functions begin with lighting a
lamp. It has a great spiritual significance. It is believed that
the light of the lamp symbolizes “knowledge”, the wick
symbolizes the false ego of the living entity, and ghee
(clarified butter) or oil symbolizes all the negative tendencies
(Anarthas) accumulated in the heart such as greed, lust, anger,
and envy. When the lamp is lit by spiritual knowledge, all the
Anarthas are exhausted, and the false ego, which is the root
cause of conditional life, is also burnt. Therefore, the lamp is
lit before the Lord as a sacrifice of our false ego in His
service. Just as the light of the lamp dissipates all darkness,
similarly, the light of knowledge dissipates ignorance of the
Jivas and enables us to realize our real identity and purpose of
life.
Why only an oil or ghee lamp?
One may question why only an oil lamp is lit before the Lord and
why not an artificial light source. This may sound logical but
lighting a lamp has a further spiritual significance. The flame
of the light in a lamp always burns upwards indicating that by
cultivating spiritual knowledge, one achieves the highest
perfection of life and is always victorious. Also, a traditional
lamp is the purest form of offering.
In almost every house of a follower of Sanatan Dharma, an oil or
ghee lamp is lit before the altar of the Lord or before the Tulsi
plant. Some people light it at dawn, some at dusk, and some people
prefer to light it at dawn and dusk. Either ghee or sesame oil can
be used to burn the wick. Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu or
Krishna) especially light a ghee lamp every day in the month of
Kartik to offer their love and devotion to the Lord.
Upload an Image
