Lamppuja

Lamppuja, or lamp puja, is a ritual practice in Hindu worship centered on offering light to deities or sacred images. It is performed in homes, temples, and during various ceremonies as a common element of daily devotion and festive rites.

The core of lamppuja involves lighting lamps, usually clay diyas filled with ghee or oil and wicks. Lamps may be arranged in rows or circular patterns and are often accompanied by incense, flowers, water, and food offerings. The ritual commonly includes devotional songs, mantras, and an aarti, in which the lamps are waved before the deity while bells and singing accompany the procession of lamps.

Symbolically, the lamp represents auspiciousness and purity. The light is seen as a manifestation of divine presence, the removal of spiritual and material darkness, and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. Lighting lamps is believed to invite blessings and to purify the surroundings.

Contexts and regional variations: Lamppuja is an integral part of many Hindu practices, from daily household puja to special occasions such as Diwali, Durga Puja, and Navratri. In different regions, lamps may be offered to various deities, including Lakshmi for prosperity, Saraswati for knowledge, or Ganesha to remove obstacles. The form and materials of the lamp can vary, with clay diyas, brass or bronze lamps, and either oil or ghee as fuel.

Safety and practicality: Lamps require careful handling of fire, proper ventilation, and attention to extinguishing flames after the rite. Overall, lamppuja emphasizes illumination, reverence, and the symbolic role of light in spiritual practice.