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Shardiya Navratri is set to begin in October. On this day, the Kalash (a sacred pot) will also be established. This auspicious festival of Navratri will be celebrated with full devotion and joy for a complete 10 days. During Navratri, people worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga with reverence. Those who observe a fast for the full nine days of Navratri light an Akhanda Jyoti (eternal flame) in their homes. The worship is considered incomplete without it. On the first day, after establishing the Kalash, the eternal flame should definitely be lit. Let us understand the rules and significance of lighting the eternal flame.
Importance of Lighting Akhanda Jyoti
According to Astrology and Vastu Shastra, lighting the Akhanda Jyoti during Navratri can dispel the darkness in life and mind. It is considered a symbol of driving away darkness from life. If you wish to worship the idol of Goddess Durga at home, you must light the eternal flame, and it should burn continuously for all nine days. If it goes out in between, it is considered inauspicious. Homes where the flame burns continuously for nine days are blessed with fortune and prosperity. Goddess Durga's grace will remain upon them.
Special Rules for Lighting the Akhanda Jyoti
On the first day of Shardiya Navratri, construct the Kalash after observing the auspicious time. There is a tradition of lighting the Akhanda Jyoti at the beginning of the worship, but there are also some rules to follow:
- If you wish to worship Goddess Durga at home, use only ghee, mustard oil, or sesame oil for the lamp.
- If you wish to light an oil lamp, place it to the right of the idol of Goddess Durga. When lighting a lamp with mustard oil or sesame oil, place it to the left of the goddess. Keep the lamp on black gram, rice, or black sesame seeds. Direct the flame towards the north, east, and west. Do not place the lamp facing south.
- Ensure that the lamp is kept burning for all nine days. Use a sufficient amount of ghee or oil.
- If the lamp goes out within nine days, you can apologize to Goddess Durga and relight it.
- If the lamp continues to burn after nine days, do not blow it out with your mouth; let it extinguish on its own.
Benefits of Lighting the Akhanda Jyoti
Lighting the Akhanda Jyoti in front of the idol of Goddess Durga during the auspicious occasion of Navratri brings happiness in life. By performing the worship with proper rituals, Goddess Durga blesses her devotees with a happy life. This will please Goddess Durga, and she will always keep her grace upon you. It drives away negative energy from the home, solves problems and obstacles, and can help alleviate financial difficulties.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.