Did you know that on Dhanteras, Lord Yama (the god of death) is worshipped by lighting a diya in the evening? It may sound surprising, but it's true. This diya, also known as Yama deepam or Yamadeepam, is lit with mustard oil and placed in the south.
It is believed that placing it on the night wards off the fear of death and ensures the well-being of the family members.
Let's understand this tradition, its significance and the correct way to perform it.
The Mythological Connection Of Lighting Yama Deepam On Dhanteras
The ritual of lighting the diya on Dhanteras finds its roots in an ancient legend surrounding King Hima and his sixteen-year-old son.
According to the horoscopic prediction, the prince was cursed to die of a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. Determined to save him, the young bride devised a plan. She kept her husband awake throughout the night by singing devotional songs.
She also gathered every piece of gold, silver, and ornament in the palace and kept it on their doorstep. She also lit dozens of brass and clay diyas.
When Lord Yama arrived disguised as a serpent to claim the husband’s life, he was dazzled by the golden glow and unable to cross the threshold. When dawn broke, the horoscope predicting her husband's death had passed.
To mark this victory, people began lighting a dedicated lamp for Yamraj on the evening of Dhanteras.
The Significance of Lighting Yama Diya
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day festival of Diwali. During this time, people pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. However, ancient sages believed that wealth is useless without longevity and good health.
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So, lighting the Yama Deepam on Dhanteras is a symbolic prayer to Yamraj, asking him to protect families from untimely loss, grant longevity, and invite blessings of safety and well-being into the home throughout the coming year.
Lighting the Yama Deepam on Dhanteras is a symbolic prayer to Yamraj (Image: Pexels)
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How To Light The Yama Diya Correctly
To ensure the protection of family members from the God of Death, here are the few steps one must follow while lighting the yama deepam:
Step | What To Do | Why It Is Done |
1. The Diya | Use a large, four-faced clay diya. | It represents vigilance in all four cardinal directions. |
2. The Oil And Wicks | Fill with mustard oil and insert four cotton wicks | Mustard oil is believed to ward off negative energies. |
3. The Timing | Light it late in the evening at dusk or night, after the main Lakshmi or Kuber Puja | Signifies guarding the home during the dark hours. |
4. The Location | Place it outside the house near the main entrance or balcony | Yamraj's diya should never be kept inside the main living area or the puja room. |
5. The Direction | Point the diya toward the South | According to Vastu, South is governed by Lord Yama. |
Note: Once the Yama Diya is lit and placed outside, family members should avoid going out of the house or looking directly back at the lamp.
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Thus, lighting the Yama Deepam on Dhanteras guards against untimely death and brings good health to the household for the coming year.
FAQs
1. On which day of Diwali is the Yama Diya lit?
The Yama Diya is lit on the evening of Dhanteras. In some regional traditions, it is also lit on Chhoti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi).
2. Can we keep the Yamraj Diya inside the home temple?
No. The Yama Diya should always be placed outside the main entrance of the home, facing south.