Direction and deities.

The directions of the lamps must also be taken into account when offering prayers to the god. Every direction has a unique benefit to offer the worshipper.

1. EAST – It is believed that lighting lamps facing the direction East, relieves a person from all evils.
2. WEST- Lamps facing the west relieves from various navagraha dhoshas.
3. NORTH – prayer offered by lighting lamps facing the north brings about wealth and prosperity
4. SOUTH – It is generally not recommended to light lamps facing the south.

Wicks and their Significance

So, what are the various types of wicks (Thiri) that can be used for lamps?

• Cotton wick – Most people use the cotton wick for igniting the lamps. The use of cotton wicks relieves a person from adversities caused by ancestral karmas, lineage related problems, etc. Hence this is best suited for worship.
• White cloth wick – The use of white cloth wick gives optimum benefits for a person’s prayers. The white cloth can be dipped with Panner (Rose Water) and used as wick upon drying.
• Red cloth wick – It is believed that the wick made from red cloth can relieve various problems related to marriage and infertility.
• Yellow coloured wick – The wick made from yellow coloured cloth has special benefits. It is said to bring victory and luck for those using it for lighting lamps. It is also said to aid in overcoming diseases, evil biddings, and fear over enemies.
• Wick from plantain stem – Wicks can be made from drying the plantain stem. Upon beating them finely, it can be used for lighting lamps. These wicks are said to relieve a person from ancestral curses and other hindrances in life such as infertility, family problems, etc.

There are also specific slokas that are meant to be chanted upon lighting the lamp in front of the deities. These slokas are believed to possess divine powers and are said to fill the air around the house with positivity, thus bring goodness and prosperity to the worshipper and his family.