WHY DO WE LIGHT A LAMP ?

I wrote this post on Twitter today and received a lot of positive feedback, so I decided to blog it as well for the benefit of those not on Twitter.

शुभं करोति कल्याणं आरोग्यं धनसंपदः । शत्रुबुद्धि विनाशाय दीपज्योतिनमोऽस्तु ते ॥

In India we light a lamp daily before the altar of the Lord. Some houses light them twice - At Dawn and Dusk. Sometimes we maintain a lit lamp continuously (Akhanda Deepam). Prior to all auspicious functions, rituals and moments we light a lamp . Why do light a lamp?
Light symbolises "knowledge".
"Chaitanya" Lord is the illuminator of knowledge who dispels ignorance . Knowledge removes ignorance just like light removes darkness. " ज्ञान" is a lasting inner wealth with the help of which one can build outer wealth as well .
Thus knowledge backs all our actions - good or bad.
Now a days people light tea light candles ( Available in wholesale in Dmart ) in place of a traditional Diya . This is not correct , despite it being convenient. Let me explain why we shouldn't light a candle or an electronic bulb in front of the Lord. The use of a candle too would remove darkness . But there is a significance for lighting a "Lamp" .
The oil or ghee poured in the lamp symbolises our "Vaasana" or Negativity , the wick our "Ego" .When lit by spiritual knowledge ,our Vaasanas slowly get exhausted. So does our Ego.
Notice how we light our lamp? The flame always burns upright . The wick is never hanging down . Likewise in our life we must acquire knowledge which only takes us upwards in life towards higher ,better ideals .
Also the light is spread evenly throughout a dark room once the diya is lit. It doesn't reduce. This symbolises one knowledgeable person can enlighten so many others without his/her inner knowledge diminishing . It is the duty of the knowledgeable to help others.

So let us all light traditional diyas or lamps at home and revive this ancient tradition which has so much symbolism and spiritual significance!
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः ।