Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the sacred five-day Diwali festival. On this day, devotees perform a special ritual known as Yama Deepa Daan — lighting a lamp dedicated to Lord Yama, the God of Death, to seek his blessings for protection, good health, and longevity.
This ancient tradition, when done with faith and devotion, is said to remove fear of untimely death and bring peace to the home.
🕯️ Significance of the Yam Diya
According to Hindu belief, lighting the Yam Diya on Dhanteras pleases Lord Yama and ensures safety and well-being for the family. It is a symbolic offering to dispel darkness, ignorance, and negativity. The lamp represents the eternal light of consciousness that conquers fear and death.
The ritual is performed in the evening, soon after sunset, when the energies of twilight (sandhya) are considered most auspicious.
🌿 Step-by-Step Ritual to Light the Yam Diya
1. Purify Your Home and Mind
Begin by cleaning your home and the area where you’ll light the lamp. Take a moment to calm your mind and offer a silent prayer to Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles.
2. Prepare the Lamp
Traditionally, devotees make a small lamp out of wheat flour dough. However, you may also use a clay or brass diya.
Place a cotton wick inside and fill it with sesame oil (til oil) — believed to please Lord Yama. Some families also use mustard oil or ghee depending on their custom.
3. Choose the Right Direction
Place the lamp outside the main entrance of your home, facing south — the direction ruled by Lord Yama.
If possible, set it near the threshold or in a corner where it can safely burn throughout the night.
4. Offer Prayers and Mantra
Before lighting, decorate the lamp with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers.
Then, light the wick with devotion and chant the traditional prayer:
“Mṛtyunā pāśa-daṇḍābhyāṃ kālena śyāmayā saha,
Trayodaśyāṃ dīpadānāt sūryajaḥ prīyatām mama.”
Meaning:
“On this sacred Trayodashi, I offer this lamp to Lord Yama — the son of the Sun God — with a prayer that he may be pleased and bless me with long life and protection from untimely death.”
You may also recite “Om Yamaya Namah” thrice while lighting the lamp.
5. Let the Lamp Burn All Night
Allow the lamp to burn until dawn. It is believed that an unbroken flame on Dhanteras night brings divine protection and ensures the family’s safety throughout the year.
🌸 Additional Tips
- Perform the ritual after sunset, preferably during the Pradosh Kaal (approximately 45 minutes after sunset).
- Avoid blowing out the lamp; let it extinguish naturally.
- You can also light additional diyas inside the home for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.
- Maintain a feeling of gratitude and peace while performing this ritual — it is not merely a custom but an act of divine remembrance.
🌞 The Deeper Message
Lighting the Yam Diya is not only a ritual but a reminder that life is sacred and fragile. The flame represents our soul — bright, steady, and pure. As the light burns through the night, it silently teaches us to remain steadfast amid darkness, knowing that divine protection surrounds us always.
May this Dhanteras bring light, longevity, and spiritual strength to your home. ✨
Wishing all my close followers – a very Happy Dhanteras and Happy Diwali! Remember the message that I want to give you is – NO MATTER HOW DARK IT GETS, STAY PATIENT. THE LIGHT WILL FIND YOU!
Shraddha Aur Saburi says Sai Baba. Aum Sai.
Jai Shri Ganesha. Jai Guru!