Why Lighting The Akhanda Jyoti During Navratri Is Significant – News18

Sharadiya Navratri, commencing on October 15th this year and culminating in the celebration of Dussehra on October 24, is a period of immense significance in Hindu culture. One of the enduring customs during this festival is the lighting of the Akhand Jyoti, an eternal flame. This act carries profound symbolism and spiritual importance, as it is believed to dispel darkness from the body and mind, representing the removal of darkness from one’s life. Keeping the Akhand Jyoti aflame throughout the nine days of Navratri is considered highly auspicious, as its extinguishment within this period is viewed as inauspicious. This continuity of the flame is thought to bestow happiness, peace, and prosperity upon the household and invoke the blessings of Mother Durga. Let’s delve into the specific rules and associated benefits of lighting the Akhand Jyoti during Sharadiya Navratri:

Sharadiya Navratri, set to begin on October 15, is marked by the installation of the Kalash at an auspicious time and a tradition of lighting the Akhand lamp during the puja. Astrology and Vastu Acharya Pramod Kumar Aggarwal from Agra emphasize the importance of following specific rules when lighting the Akhand Jyoti.

When performing Durga Puja at home, it is essential to use pure desi ghee, mustard oil, or sesame oil to ignite the Akhand lamp on the first day. These specific oils are considered appropriate for this sacred purpose.

Place a lamp fueled by pure ghee on the right side of Goddess Durga and an oil lamp on her left side. On these lamps, arrange some rice, black sesame seeds, or urad dal. The direction of the flame can be oriented towards the east, north, or west, but it should not face south.

It is crucial to ensure that a substantial amount of ghee or oil is present in the lamp to sustain it for the entire nine-day duration. To prevent the lamp from extinguishing, it should be covered with a glass chimney.

If, at any point during the nine days, the lamp happens to go out, it is vital to seek forgiveness from the Mother Goddess and relight the lamp.

If the lamp continues to burn even after the completion of the nine days, it should not be extinguished by blowing or any other means. Instead, one should patiently wait for it to extinguish on its own.

According to Pramod Kumar Agarwal, the act of lighting the Akhand lamp during Navratri is believed to usher light and happiness into one’s life. It helps preserve the blessings of the Mother, dispels negative energy, and clears obstacles from the home. Furthermore, it is associated with the attraction of financial prosperity. When Maa Durga is worshipped diligently following Navratri rituals for the entire nine days, it is said to please the Goddess, leading to her blessings for a joyful and content life for her devotees.