Karthigai Deepam – Which Oil to Use for Lighting the Lamp, Its Benefits, and Oils to Avoid:

Karthigai Deepam – Which Oil to Use for Lighting the Lamp, Its Benefits, and Oils to Avoid:

Importance of Karthigai Deepam:
Karthigai Deepam, especially on the full moon day, is considered one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan. Lighting lamps on this day is believed to bring prosperity, spiritual illumination, and peace into one’s life. The oils used in lighting lamps play a vital role as they are believed to attract divine energies and positive vibrations.

Oils to Use for Lighting Lamps and Their Spiritual Benefits:

1. Sesame Oil (Nallennai):

• Why Use It?
  Sesame oil is considered the most suitable for lighting lamps as it produces steady, long-lasting light and is associated with purity and auspiciousness in spiritual practices.
• Benefits:
  • Brings peace of mind and harmony in relationships.
  • Removes negative energies and enhances positive karma.
  • Attracts divine energies to the home.

2. Ghee (Clarified Butter):

• Why Use It?
  Ghee is considered one of the holiest substances for lighting lamps. It symbolizes purity and is ideal for invoking divine blessings.
• Benefits:
  • Increases wealth and prosperity.
  • Brings good health, and blessings for children, and enhances overall well-being.
  • Removes negative energies and brings divine grace.

3. Cold-Pressed Oils (Marachekku Oil):

• Why Use It?
  Cold-pressed oils are natural and free from chemicals, making them ideal for spiritual practices like lighting lamps.
• Benefits:
  • Helps remove negative energies and attracts divine vibrations.
  • Brings clarity and mental peace.
  • Purifies the atmosphere around you.

4. Clove Oil (Ilavangai Oil):

• Why Use It?
  Clove oil is considered auspicious for worshiping deities, especially during the Karthigai festival.
• Benefits:
  • Increases financial prosperity and wealth.
  • Brings unity and harmony in family relationships.
  • Purifies the environment and invokes blessings.

5. Coconut Oil (Thengai Oil):

• Why Use It?
  Coconut oil is known for its purity and is ideal for spiritual purposes. It provides a natural, long-lasting flame.
• Benefits:
  • Removes negative energies from the home.
  • Enhances prosperity and brings good fortune.
  • Supports health and overall well-being.

Oils to Avoid for Lighting Lamps:

1. Refined Oil (Rabeen Oil):

• Why Avoid It?
  Refined oils contain chemicals and are processed in ways that reduce their spiritual purity.
  • They cannot attract divine energies or maintain the purity required for spiritual practices.

2. Castor Oil (Erand Oil):

• Why Avoid It?
  Castor oil is often considered impure for spiritual use.
  • It is believed to attract negative energies, which is why it’s better not to use it for lighting lamps.

3. Kerosene (Kerosene Oil):

• Why Avoid It?
  Kerosene oil, being highly flammable and impure, is unsuitable for spiritual rituals.
  • It is not considered holy and can pollute the spiritual atmosphere.

4. Cooking Oils:

• Why Avoid It?
  Oils meant for cooking, such as sunflower or vegetable oils, are processed and mixed with preservatives, making them unsuitable for lighting lamps.
  • They reduce the purity and sanctity of the lighting process.

Proper Direction and Method for Lighting the Lamp:

Direction to Face While Lighting the Lamp:

• East:
  • Facing east while lighting a lamp is considered auspicious as it attracts spiritual light and divine blessings.
• North:
  • Facing north is believed to bring prosperity, peace, and good luck.

Lamp Materials:

• Clay Lamp (Mann Vilakku):
  • Clay lamps are considered the most auspicious and pure for lighting during Karthigai Deepam.
• Brass or Silver Lamps:
  • These are also ideal for lighting during worship as they enhance the quality of the light and are spiritually powerful.

Mantras for Lighting the Lamp:

Deepam jyothir parampara,
Deepam sarve mamaapaham!
Deepam jyothir namostuthe!

Chanting this mantra while lighting the lamp enhances the spiritual power and brings blessings.

Spiritual Benefits of Lighting a Lamp on Karthigai Deepam:

1. Removal of Negative Energies:
   Lighting a lamp with the correct oil purifies the surroundings and drives away negative energies. It creates a peaceful and harmonious environment.
2. Prosperity and Wealth:
   The oil lamp attracts wealth and prosperity into the home, especially when ghee or sesame oil is used.
3. Divine Grace and Blessings:
   Lighting a lamp symbolizes the invitation for divine light to enter your life. It helps invoke the blessings of the deities.
4. Mental Clarity and Peace:
   The light from the lamp clears the mind, providing clarity and mental peace. It can help in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in life.

Conclusion:

For Karthigai Deepam, always choose pure, natural oils like ghee, sesame oil, or coconut oil for lighting the lamp. Avoid using refined or impure oils, as they diminish the spiritual energy and effectiveness of the ritual. By following these practices, you can invite divine grace, peace, and prosperity into your home and life.