How to Light the Yam Diya on Dhanteras | Step-by-Step Yama Deepam #dhanteras #diwali2025

Summary

This video explains the sacred ritual of lighting the Yamadya on Dhanatas, a day marking the beginning of Diwali. Devotees light a lamp dedicated to Lord Yama, seeking blessings for protection, longevity, and good health. The ritual involves purifying the space, preparing the lamp with sesame oil, and offering prayers to Lord Yama. The lamp is placed facing south, and the flame is kept burning until dawn. The practice symbolizes dispelling darkness and negativity, and is a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of faith and patience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dhanatas (Dhanatrayodashi) marks the beginning of the 5-day Diwali festival and involves a special ritual called Yama Deep Dan.
• 😀 The ritual aims to seek blessings from Lord Yama, the god of death, for protection, good health, and longevity.
• 😀 Lighting the lamp on Dhanatas removes the fear of untimely death and brings peace to the home.
• 😀 The lamp symbolizes eternal light that dispels darkness, ignorance, and negativity, representing the light of consciousness.
• 😀 The ritual is typically performed in the evening after sunset, as the energies during twilight are considered most auspicious.
• 😀 The traditional lamp is made from wheat flour dough, but clay or brass lamps are also used. Sesame oil is the preferred oil to use for lighting.
• 😀 The lamp should be placed outside the home facing south, the direction ruled by Lord Yama, for optimal blessings.
• 😀 Decorate the lamp with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers, and offer prayers for long life and protection from untimely death.
• 😀 The mantra 'Omaya Omaya Omya' should be recited three times while lighting the lamp.
• 😀 The lamp should burn through the night, as an unbroken flame is believed to bring divine protection and ensure safety for the family.
• 😀 The ritual is also a reminder to block negative influences and focus on maintaining a community of positive, growth-oriented individuals.

Q & A

What is the significance of Dhanatas or Dhanatraodashi in the Hindu tradition?

Dhanatas marks the beginning of the Diwali festival and is observed to seek blessings from Lord Yama for protection, good health, and longevity. The day is dedicated to lighting a lamp (yamadya) to dispel fear of untimely death and bring peace to the home.

What is the main purpose of lighting the yamadya on Dhanatas?

Lighting the yamadya on Dhanatas pleases Lord Yama and is believed to ensure safety and well-being for the family. The lamp symbolizes the eternal light of consciousness that conquers fear, death, and darkness.

When is the best time to perform the ritual of lighting the yamadya?

The yamadya ritual should be performed after sunset, preferably during the Praos Kal, which is approximately 45 minutes after sunset. This time is considered most auspicious.

What materials can be used to prepare the lamp for the ritual?

Traditionally, the lamp is made from wheat flour dough, but you can also use a clay or brass dya. The lamp should have a cotton wick and be filled with sesame oil, as it is believed to please Lord Yama.

Why is sesame oil used in the yamadya lamp instead of other oils like mustard oil or ghee?

Sesame oil is specifically mentioned because it is believed to please Lord Yama, which is essential for the ritual. However, some families may use mustard oil or ghee depending on their customs.

Where should the yamadya lamp be placed during the ritual?

The lamp should be placed outside the main entrance of the home, facing south, as Lord Yama is believed to rule the south. If possible, place it near the threshold or in a safe corner where it can burn throughout the night.

What prayers and mantras are recited during the ritual of lighting the yamadya?

During the ritual, you can offer a prayer to Lord Yama, saying: 'On this sacred Thayodashi, I offer this lamp to Lord Yama, the son of the Sun God, with a prayer that he may bless me with long life and protection from untimely death.' Additionally, the mantra 'Omaya Omaya Omya' is recited three times while lighting the lamp.

What is the significance of not blowing out the lamp?

The lamp should not be blown out but allowed to extinguish naturally. An unbroken flame throughout the night symbolizes divine protection and ensures the safety of the family for the coming year.

Why is it important to maintain a positive and peaceful mindset during the ritual?

Maintaining positivity and peace during the ritual ensures that it is not just a custom, but a true act of divine remembrance. It is believed that staying positive and blocking negativity in life brings spiritual strength and success.

What is the deeper message behind the ritual of lighting the yamadya?

The deeper message of the ritual is a reminder of the fragility and sacredness of life. The light of the lamp represents the soul, which should remain steadfast and pure, even amid darkness. The ritual teaches us patience, faith, and the belief that divine protection surrounds us always.