Why Do We Light 13 Diyas During Diwali? Understanding The Meaning Behind This Tradition

Diwali, the much-anticipated and cherished Hindu festival, is just around the corner. This joyous celebration, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is a symbolic triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Diwali transcends cultural and social boundaries, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together in a spirit of unity and jubilation. Among the numerous rituals and customs that make up this vibrant festival, the lighting of diyas holds a place of great significance. This article delves into the practice of lighting 13 diyas during Diwali, exploring the beliefs and symbolic importance behind this age-old tradition.

# The Significance of Diwali : A Celebration of Light and Positivity

Diwali, often referred to as the "Festival of Lights," embodies the core values of Hinduism and represents a profound celebration of positivity and hope. It is a time when people adorn themselves in new clothes, illuminate their homes, and partake in festivities that illuminate the spirit.

# The Illumination of Diyas: A Central Tradition of Diwali

Lighting diyas is one of the most sacred customs during Diwali. These small oil lamps symbolize protection against negative energies and evil spirits while representing kindness and purity. The age-old practice is rooted in ancient Hindu beliefs and carries immense significance.

# Why 13 Diyas? The Belief Behind the Number

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that lighting 13 diyas during Diwali brings blessings of good health and prosperity. The significance of this number is deeply ingrained in the culture, as 13 is considered one of the luckiest numbers in India. Each of the 13 diyas plays a unique role in this auspicious tradition, offering specific blessings and protections:

1. Protection from Untimely Death
On Dhanteras, 13 old or used clay diyas are lit in the presence of the entire family, facing south near the trash outside the house. This first diya is lit to ward off untimely death and ensure the family's protection.

2. Invoking Good Luck
The second diya is filled with ghee and placed in front of the home's mandir or another suitable spot on the night of Diwali, symbolizing the invocation of good luck.

3. Seeking Lakshmi's Blessings
The third diya is lit in front of Goddess Lakshmi to seek her blessings for wealth, prosperity, and success.

4. Peace and Happiness
The fourth diya is placed in front of the holy basil plant, known as Tulsi in India. It signifies peace and happiness for the family residing in the home.

5. Protection from Evil Spirits
The fifth diya is positioned in front of the home's front door to ward off evil spirits and infuse life with happiness, joy, and love.

6. Beneath the Peepal Tree
The sixth diya is traditionally placed beneath a peepal tree and lit with mustard oil, symbolizing recovery from financial and health challenges.

7. Lighting in a Temple
The seventh diya is to be lit in any temple near the home or one of personal choice.

8. Warding Off Negative Energy
The eighth diya is lit close to the trash, serving as a safeguard against negative energy and evil spirits.

9. Outside the Washroom
The ninth diya is lit outside the washroom to bring positive energy and prosperity into the household.

10. Rooftop Protection
The tenth diya is positioned on the rooftop, symbolizing protection from all forms of negative energy.

11. Window of Defense
The eleventh diya is lit and placed on a window, providing protection against dark and malevolent energies.

12. Top Floor for Good Health
The twelfth diya is situated on the top floor of the house, believed to bring good health to the inhabitants.

13. Decorative Crossroads
The thirteenth and final diya is used for adorning the home's crossroads, ushering in positive vibes and good fortune.

Lighting these 13 diyas during Diwali not only serves as a sacred tradition but also a profound act of invoking blessings, protection, and positivity into one's life. As the festival of lights approaches, these symbolic lamps continue to dispel darkness and illuminate the path to a brighter and more prosperous future.