Light Yama’s Lamp on Chhoti Diwali and Ward off the Fear of Untimely Death

Chhoti Diwali Yam Deep Daan: The second day of the five-day Diwali festival is Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, Kali Chaudas, and Roop Chaudas. Chhoti Diwali is not only a festival of lighting lamps but also a festival of spiritual power. On this day, special worship is offered to Yamaraj. This day is a day to dispel darkness. Therefore, all deities who dispel fear and ward off the evils of enemies are worshipped, such as the Goddess Kali, Lord Krishna, Hanuman, Rudra, and Yama Devta.

On this day, it is customary to light lamps in the home in the evening. A special lamp called Yamadeep is lit. Yamadeep is not just an ordinary lamp but also an ary lamp that protects against untimely death. Lighting Yamadeep shows ancestors the path to salvation, appeasing them and eliminating the sins of ancestors.  On the night of Chhoti Diwali, when light is spread all around, this lamp is lit in the south direction. This lamp not only dispels darkness but also ignites the light of righteousness, which is why this offering is given importance on this day.

Read More: Why is Hanuman worshipped on Chhoti Diwali? Learn the significance of offering vermilion

Why is Yama worshipped on Chhoti Diwali?

According to legend, a king had a son. He celebrated his son’s wedding with great pomp. On the fourth day of the wedding, his son died from a snake bite. It is said that the king’s son had already been cursed to die from a snake bite. However, the king’s daughter-in-law was a virtuous soul and saved her husband through her good deeds.

On the day of her husband’s death, the king’s daughter-in-law lit a Yama lamp outside her house and dedicated it to Yamaraj, hoping to bring him back to life. This offering not only pleased Yamaraj but also satisfied the ancestors, who blessed the king’s son with a long life. This tradition has been followed ever since.  Lighting the Yama Deep on this day protects against untimely death and brings happiness and peace to life.

Benefits of lighting the Yama Deep

• Lighting the Yama Deep eliminates the fear of untimely death.
• The souls of ancestors find peace.
• The family that lights the Yama Deep is blessed with happiness and prosperity because the Yama Deep is lit in the south direction, and the south direction is loved by Kubera, Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi, and others.
• In this way, not only is Lord Yama pleased, but Goddess Lakshmi, Kali, and Kubera are also blessed with happiness and prosperity.

Method of lighting the Yama Deep on Narak Chaturdashi

• On the evening of Narak Chaturdashi, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
• After this, light the lamp outside the main door of the house, facing south.
• This lamp should be made of clay, use mustard oil, and add black sesame seeds.
• Make four wicks for the lamp, symbolizing the four directions.
• While lighting this lamp, chant a mantra “Mrityun Dandapashaabhyaan Kalen Shyamaya Saha.  Trayodashyan Deepdanat Suryajh Preetaam Mam.”dedicated to Yama.
• Try to keep it burning all night and never extinguish it.
• If possible, use a large lamp that can hold more oil so that the lamp burns throughout the night.
• The next morning, immerse this lamp in a sacred place or place it under a tree.

Special Measures to Please Yama

• You can also do some special things to please Yama on Narak Chaturdashi:
• On this day, while offering a lamp in the south direction, add black sesame seeds and honey to the lamp and offer water to Yama.
• In the evening, light lamps in all corners of the house, especially those that are always dark.
• Donating lamps to the needy on this day brings the blessings of Yama. It is said that donating earthen lamps to the poor pleases Yama and he bestows his blessings.
• Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa or Mahamrityunjaya at night on Narak Chaturdashi also pleases the gods and dispels the fear of untimely death.

Overall, the Yam Deep (the lamp) on Chhoti Diwali not only liberates one from the fear of death but also dispels the darkness of the soul. This lamp reminds one that one’s life is precious and should always be dedicated to the establishment of truth, service, and righteousness. Along with worshipping Yamraj on this day, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and meditating on Mahadev also dispel the fear of enemies and death.

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FAQ – Chhoti Diwali Yam Deep Daan