Akhand Diya Navratri

The Akhand Jyot is a beacon of faith and protection during Navratri. For nine sacred days, it burns without a pause, filling the home with a sense of peace and divine presence. It’s a small act with big meaning- lighting the Jyot invites the Goddess into your life, keeping her light with you through every prayer, worry, and hope. As you care for this flame, you’re not just keeping a ritual alive; you’re nurturing your connection to the divine, trusting that her blessings will keep your spirit bright and protected.

What is the Meaning and Importance of Akhand Diya?

The Akhand Jyot, or eternal flame, is a powerful symbol during Navratri, representing a continuous, unwavering connection to the divine. The word ‘Akhand’ means unbroken, and ‘Jyot’ means flame, and together, they symbolize an unceasing light of devotion. By keeping this flame alive throughout Navratri, devotees aim to reflect the qualities of Goddess Durga- compassion, strength, and wisdom- into their lives.

More than just a ritual, lighting the Akhand Jyot is believed to bring positivity into the home, ward off negativity, and promote spiritual growth. It’s a way to keep the mind focused on purity and strength while welcoming divine blessings. In essence, it serves as a guiding light, reminding us to stay devoted, steadfast, and spiritually aligned during this sacred festival.

Benefits of Akhand Diya

Here’s why this practice holds such deep significance:

• Home Guardian: Placing the Akhand Jyoti in front of Goddess Durga’s picture is like giving your home a gentle hug of protection. Many believe it helps keep challenges away and brings a steady flow of happiness and success.
• Mindful Glow: The uninterrupted flame isn’t just pretty to look at. It’s meant to help you stay focused and clear-minded. As the light burns on, it’s thought to clear out negativity and old regrets, helping you stay on track spiritually.
• Wish Maker: There’s a sweet belief that if the Jyoti stays lit for all nine days, your sincere wishes might find their way to the Divine Mother. It’s a hopeful practice for making your dreams come true.
• Positive Energy: The light from the Akhand Jyoti is believed to cleanse your space, banishing any negative vibes and filling your home with a soothing, uplifting energy.
• Connection with the Divine: Fire, one of the five essential elements, is considered a powerful link to the creator. Lighting an Akhand Diya is believed to strengthen this divine connection.
• Health and Harmony: The continuous light is thought to dispel diseases and enhance overall well-being of the household.

How to Light Akhand Diya

Getting ready to light the Navratri Akhand Diya? Here’s how to make this beautiful tradition come to life in your home:

• Choose Your Lamp and Wick: Start by selecting a sturdy cotton wick or Mauli thread and pick out a beautiful lamp- of brass, silver, or earthenware. Each one carries its own charm and significance.
• Select and fill the Lamp with Pure Fuel: Brass, silver, or earthen lamps are ideal for lighting the Akhand Jyot. Use pure sesame oil, mustard oil, or ghee made from desi cow’s milk. The quality of the fuel ensures the flame burns steadily. For the Ghee diya benefits, using high-quality ghee will keep the flame steady and clean.
• Prepare the Chowki: Set up a clean altar (chowki) and draw an eight-petalled lotus (Ashtadal) with rice or gulal. This pattern symbolises purity, enlightenment, and harmony.
• Position the Lamp: Place the Akhand Diya at the centre of the Ashtadal, with a ghee diya on the right side of the Goddess and an oil diya on the left.
• Perform the Pooja: Apply a kumkum (roli) bindi to the lamp, offer rice for prosperity, and chant mantras while lighting the Jyot.
• Maintain the Flame: Regularly remove the burnt end of the wick with a stick, and refill the lamp with oil or ghee to make sure it stays lit.

You can also sow barley (Jowar) under the Kalash as a symbol of prosperity and the first crop of the season.

What to Do to Maintain the Jyot?

When lighting the Akhand Jyot, it’s important to follow these guidelines to make sure the ritual is being done with respect and purity:

• Maintain Purity: Handle the lamp and surroundings with reverence, ensuring cleanliness and focus.
• Keep the Wick Long: Use a sufficient length of wick so it burns for the entire nine days without going out.
• Monitor the Flame: Regularly check the flame and refill the lamp with oil or ghee to keep it burning uninterrupted.
• Use a Cover: Protect the flame by covering the lamp with glass or metal, ensuring it remains undisturbed.
• Soak Earthen Lamps: If using an earthen lamp, soak it overnight to prevent it from absorbing too much oil or ghee.
• Backup Lamp: When adjusting the Akhand Jyot wick, use a backup lamp to ensure the holy flame doesn’t extinguish.
• Let the Flame Burn Out Naturally: Once Navratri is over, allow the flame to burn out on its own.
• Maintain Satvic Practices: Observe fasting during the nine days to keep your body and mind pure.
• Set Your Sankalpa: Use Navratri pujas as an opportunity to take Sankalpa- set your intention from a place of peace and strength.

What Not to Do to Maintain the Jyot?

Avoid these mistakes to keep the sacred flame pure and undisturbed during Navratri:

• Keep Kids Away: Make sure children don’t play near the flame to prevent it from accidentally going out.
• Don’t Use Solid Ghee: Always melt ghee before pouring it into the lamp, as solid ghee may cause the flame to go out.
• Inauspicious Locations: Never place the Akhand Jyot near bathrooms or other inauspicious areas.
• Don’t Leave Unattended: Avoid leaving the Akhand Jyot burning unattended. This is considered disrespectful to the Goddess.
• No Non-Vegetarian Food: During Navratri, avoid non-vegetarian food, onions, and garlic as they are tamasic and can disturb the satvic nature of the ritual.
• Avoid Sunflower Oil: Do not use sunflower oil in the lamp; opt for sesame oil, mustard oil, or ghee instead.
• Keep It in Place: Do not move the Akhand Jyoti from its spot throughout the nine days of Navratri.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the Akhand Jyot goes out during Navratri?

If the Akhand Jyot goes out by mistake, relight it with reverence, apologising for the mistake, and offer prayers to continue the ritual.

How do you keep Akhand Jyot burning for a long time?

To keep the Akhand Jyoti burning steadily, use high-quality ghee and a well-sized wick. Regularly refill the ghee, add it gently, and keep the diya on a flat surface away from drafts. Use a glass cover for protection and replace the wick if needed. For longer burning, choose a larger glass or brass diya.