Where there is light, darkness cannot survive—this is the deep significance of lighting a flour lamp (aata diya) during Pitru Paksha. Scriptures mention that remembering ancestors, performing Shradh, Tarpan, and making donations in these 16 days brings immense blessings. Even a small flour lamp lit with devotion is said to bring happiness, peace, and prosperity into the home.
🌼 Importance of Flour Lamp in Pitru Paksha
Lighting a flour lamp at the main entrance of the house is believed to please the souls of ancestors. Along with their satisfaction, positivity, peace, and harmony also enter the home. The flame of the lamp is said to remove negative energies and fill the atmosphere with divine vibrations.
According to scriptures, when a person leaves the world, the body made of five elements (Panchabhautik Sharir) is dedicated to fire. But to satisfy the subtle body (Sukshma Sharir), a ritual using flour lumps is performed. This is why flour lamps hold such a sacred place in Pitru Paksha.
🙏 Ancestors’ Presence and Blessings
From Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya, the 16 days of Pitru Paksha are observed. It is believed that during this period, ancestors visit their descendants’ homes. Lighting a flour lamp at the entrance is considered a respectful welcome, which makes the ancestors extremely happy.
🕯️ Correct Way to Light the Lamp
Place the lamp at the main entrance of the house.
Preferably, light it in the east or north direction.
Evening time is considered the most auspicious.
Flour lamps are said to be more effective than clay lamps since flour is considered symbolic of the body, which pleases the ancestors’ subtle form.
🌟 Benefits of Flour Lamp in Pitru Paksha
Spreads divine light and positivity.
Removes conflicts and negativity in the family.
Strengthens husband-wife relationships.
Helps in the growth of family lineage.
Ensures peace, prosperity, and blessings from ancestors.
This is why the tradition of lighting a flour lamp in Pitru Paksha continues with deep devotion and unbroken faith.
FAQs on Lighting Flour Lamp in Pitru Paksha
Q1. Why is a flour lamp lit in Pitru Paksha?
A flour lamp is lit to please the ancestors. It is believed to remove negativity, bring peace, prosperity, and strengthen family harmony.
Q2. Where should the flour lamp be placed in Pitru Paksha?
The flour lamp should be placed at the main entrance of the house, preferably facing east or north direction. Evening time is considered most auspicious.
Q3. What is the difference between a flour lamp and a clay lamp in Pitru Paksha?
Flour lamps are considered more powerful than clay lamps because flour is symbolic of the human body, which pleases the ancestors’ subtle body.
Q4. What benefits are believed to come from lighting a flour lamp?
It is believed to eliminate family disputes, sweeten husband-wife relationships, ensure growth of lineage, and bring blessings of peace and prosperity.
Q5. For how many days should a flour lamp be lit in Pitru Paksha?
Ideally, the lamp should be lit daily during the 16 days of Pitru Paksha to gain maximum blessings from ancestors.
