Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are also considered auspicious for lighting at home. When lighting diyas on Fridays, it is better to use ghee than oil, if possible.

[READ: What Does Deepam Represent, Why Malayalis Light Nilavilakku]

When Should I Start Lighting Diyas?

The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home.

What time should we light the diya in the evening?

An ideal time would be to light the diya at least half an hour before sunset - this is the golden gateway - when the colour of the sky changes completely.

Can we do pooja at 3 am?

Yes you can do pooja at 3 am - from 3.30 am onwards, as it is considered to be Bramhamuhurtham, a sacred time to undertake meditation, prayer and sadhana.

Is it Brahmamuhurta at 3 am?

It is believed that Brahmamuhurta begins at around 3.30 am.

Can we light diyas at 4pm?

Typically, we don't see sunset at 4 pm. If sunset is at 4 pm, you can light diya.

How long do you let your diya burn?

This varies from one person to another. It is important to decide how you want to do this. You cannot extinguish it at different times each day - be punctual with your sadhana and completion of your prayers - this is important to your routine. Most people let the deepam or diya burn out naturally. In some homes, it is extinguished gently immediately after prayers are completed. In my parents' home, the diya is gently extinguished only before everyone goes to sleep. Most importantly, trust your heart as that is where your Ishta Devata resides.

When to light a lamp in the puja room?

Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset.

Whatever you do, offer it with sincerity and love in your heart. Our Devatas are watching, they know when we offer mechanically.

You maybe wondering, "How do they know?"

[READ: Ganesh Worship, Bhadrakali Worship, Gayatri Mantra]

Because Devatas are not separate from us - they are indwellers of our heart. They know exactly what we are thinking, why are we making offerings.

That is why it is important to make offerings with purity of mind and body.

As Mary Oliver says, "Attention is the beginning of devotion."

Even if it is a leaf that you are offering, as Sri Krishna tells Arjuna in the Bhagawad Gita, do it with absolute love in your heart.[READ: Bhima's Devotion]

If you found this useful, SHARE this article with your loved ones so that more people offer 'Sandhya Vandanam' and evening prayers.

[READ: Story of Lord Krishna and a Thief]

Remember, the words of Einstein, "Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of Truth."

Trust your heart, learn through your own experiences and trust your own self first.

Stay blessed and happy as you light the lamp every day.

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