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Shastra Principles of Lighting the Puja Diya & Auspicious Directions

Ghee vs. Oil lamps, ideal wick orientations (East/North), suitable metal lamps, and sacred verses.

Editorial Board (Scriptural Reference: Skanda Purana)
Key Scriptural Insights:
  • Place Ghee Diya on the practitioner's left, Oil Diya on the right.
  • Orient the wick flame to the East (Knowledge) or North (Abundance).
  • Never ignite one lamp directly from another lamp.
  • Place a seat of rice grains (Akshata) or flowers beneath the Diya.

A sacred Diya symbolizes divine knowledge, dispelling darkness and ignorance: "Deepam Jyoti Param Brahma Deepam Jyotir Janardanah".

Place pure cow ghee lamps to the Deity's right (practitioner's left) and sesame/mustard oil lamps to the Deity's left (practitioner's right).

Point the flame towards the East (for wisdom & vitality) or North (for prosperity). Never point the wick toward the South.

Brass, bronze, clay, or silver lamps are highly auspicious. Avoid cracked lamps.

Authentic Scriptural Source

Skanda Purana · Vishnu Dharmottara Purana