𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 (𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭)

Every home in India from time immemorial has a tradition of lighting an oil lamp at dawn and at dusk known as Deepaaradhana. At homes some people burned lamps in front of God, while others lit lamps in front of Tulasi plant, in front of great rivers like River ganges and in some homes, individuals light the lamps either at dawn or at dusk.

The majority of people view performing Deepaaradhana as an everyday routine that is passed through generations, yet like with everything else in Sanatana Dharma, there is a strong reason behind it.

The most significant celebration that takes place in every temple is also the Deeparadhana.  Before the idol, modest lamps with a single flame to pyramidal towers with seven levels are waved, followed by the waving of camphor. Conches are blown and all of the bells sound when the deepam is presented to the idol, drawing everyone's attention to it.

One light is typically lit in the sanctum sanctorum during the day, making it completely dark. However, during Deeparadhana, a large number of lamps are lit up, filling the entire sanctum with magnificent, bright lights.  It also helps people admire and appreciate the intricate decorations that are meticulously created every day with silks, flowers, and jewelry.

Deeparadhana's significance however is considerably greater. Light is the very source of all possible life in the universe. Therefore, one worships the light as the Supreme Lord himself, the enlivener and illuminator of all knowledge. Similar to how light dispels darkness, knowledge is equally significant. One's inner ignorance is dispelled by it. True knowledge is a never-ending, ever-increasing prosperity that allows one to possess all material possessions. It also serves as a method to show appreciation for and acknowledge the superiority of light and knowledge over all other kinds of life on Earth. We light the lamp in order to pay respect to knowledge, which is the highest form of wealth.

Why not light an electric bulb instead? That also would eliminate the darkness, wouldn't it?

There is a deeper spiritual significance to the traditional oil lamp. The wick of the lamp represents the ego, while the oil or ghee represents our vaasanas, or bad tendencies. The vasanas are: Kama – Desires. Krodha – Anger. Lobha– Greed. Moha– Attachment. Mada – Ego. Matsarya -Jealousy .

The vaasanas gradually exhaust themselves and the ego too eventually dies when lit by spiritual awareness. A lamp's flame always burns upwards. Similar to this, we should seek knowledge that will lead us to higher/greater principles and goals.

All aspects of Deeparadhana, including the blowing of the conch, lighting of camphor and the ringing of bells also have scientific and significant aspects.

The sound from the conch is associated with the sacred syllable 'Om' which is believed to be the first sound of creation. The Shankha or conch marks the beginning of any auspicious work. The conch is seen to be the purest form of sound, bringing in new life and hope. This becomes much more potent as a result of the positive energy emitted by the temples, and as a result, it has a wonderful effect on the devotees.

Where the idol is located inside the temple, it is typically dark. When you open your eyes after praying, you should see the camphor that was burned for the Aarthi in front of the idol. Your sense of sight is activated by this light in the dark.

A Temple bell is another scientific phenomenon; it is not just your ordinary metal. It is made of various metals including cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and. manganese. The proportion at which each one of them mixed is real science behind a bell. These bells are each designed to emit a sound that is so distinctive that it can unite your left and right brain. When you ring the bell, it emits a piercing but enduring sound that lasts at least seven seconds in echo mode and is strong enough to affect your body's seven chakras or healing centers. Your mind becomes completely empty when the bell rings.  A state where you become extremely receptive. A deep state of awareness. The idol in the room absorbs all of the energy from the bell sound and camphor heat, vibrating the good energy for a specific period of time. When your five senses are awakened and you have awareness, you tend to absorb all these wonderful vibrations.

The priests in the temples of Kerala recite a very profound sloka from the Rig Veda every day during Deeparadhana (below with meaning). (Rig Veda is the oldest known scripture in Vedic Sanskrit that has been passed down orally since the second millennium BCE.)

This mantra is incredibly potent and significant, much like every prayer in the Hindu scriptures, as it too expresses an intention for the health and well-being of the entire planet.

Dhruvadhyaauhu
May this Universe be auspicious!

Dhruva Prithvi
May this entire earth be auspicious!

Dhruvasaparvata Ime
May the mountains that control the climate of this earth be auspicious!

Dhruvan Viswamitham Jagat
May all living beings in this world be auspicious!

Dhruvo Raja Vishamayam
May our rulers be auspicious!

Dhruvam Te Raja Varuno
May the lord who gives us water (Rain) be auspicious!

Dhruvan Deva Brihaspathi
May lord Jupiter (Guru or teacher) be auspicious

Brihaspati (Jupiter) appears in the Rigveda (pre-1000 BCE). He is described as a sage born from the first great light, the one who drove away darkness, is bright and pure, and carries a special bow whose string is rts or "cosmic order" (basis of dharma or righteousness). His knowledge and character is revered, and he is considered as Guru (teacher) by all Devas.

Dhruvam Ta Indrascha Agnischa
May Lord Indra (God of weather, thunder, lightning, storms) and Lord Agni (Fire) be auspicious!

Rashtra Dharayatham Dhruva
May this entire nation of mine be auspicious!

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu!
May everyone in this world and all the worlds be happy and peaceful