The Akhand Jyoti, a continuously burning flame lit during Navratri and other sacred Hindu rituals, holds deep spiritual significance. It represents the eternal presence of the Divine Mother—an unbroken source of light, purity, and protection. Devotees believe that maintaining this sacred flame invites prosperity, strength, and divine blessings into the home while warding off negativity.
Significance of the Akhand Jyoti
Lighting the Akhand Jyoti during Navratri signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It embodies the eternal energy of the Goddess, guiding devotees toward spiritual growth and inner peace. As long as the flame burns uninterrupted, it is believed that divine grace continues to illuminate the home and heart of every worshipper.
Preparing the Akhand Jyoti
Setting up the Akhand Jyoti requires care, purity, and devotion. A brass, copper, or earthen lamp is preferred for the ritual. The lamp is filled with pure cow ghee or mustard oil, and a thick cotton wick or moli (sacred thread) ensures it burns steadily.
The diya is placed on a clean chowki decorated with rice, sindoor, or gulal in the form of an ashtadal lotus, symbolising purity and auspiciousness. Traditionally, the lamp is positioned on the right side of the Goddess Durga idol or image, representing the source of energy and light.
Ritual and Chanting
Before lighting the lamp, devotees perform a short puja by offering roli, akshat, and flowers, accompanied by sacred mantras like:
“Shubham Karoti Kalyanam Arogyam Dhan Sampada, Shatru Buddhi Vinashaya, Deepa Jyoti Namostute.”
This prayer seeks blessings for health, wealth, and peace. During Navratri, the Akhand Jyoti is often lit while worshipping Goddess Durga in her nine forms, symbolising her eternal presence in every flame.
Maintaining the Sacred Flame
The lamp should never be allowed to extinguish. Devotees refill it with ghee or oil before it runs low and trim the wick gently to maintain a clean, steady flame. If maintenance is required, a backup lamp should be lit to preserve the sanctity of the ritual. The space around the diya should remain clean, calm, and filled with devotion.
The Blessing of the Akhand Jyoti
Maintaining an Akhand Jyoti is believed to invite abundance, harmony, and divine protection into the home. It purifies the mind, uplifts the spirit, and keeps the household connected to sacred energy throughout the nine days of Navratri.
Feature Image Credit: Vecteezy.com (free for commercial use)
