Light A Hindu Candle Online

Within Hindu traditions, the act of lighting a flame is a sacred one. While candles themselves are not a central feature of Hindu traditions, the symbolic use of the light they offer still plays a role in expressing devotion and within the spiritual practice as a whole. From the soft flicker of a diya to the glow of incense sticks in temples, light is seen as the destroyer of darkness in Hinduism, both in a physical and spiritual sense.

At Memoria, we offer a way of lighting a Hindu candle for families and individuals to honour loved ones online. This personal act of remembrance embraces the universal symbolism of light being a pathway to peace, all whilst allowing you to reflect and connect with the divine at the same time.

Why Do Hindus Light Candles?

In Hinduism, light holds a profound spiritual meaning. It is able to symbolise purity, knowledge, wisdom and divine presence, with Hindu candles being referred to as diyas. These traditional, small clay lamps are filled with ghee or oil, which is rather different to standard candles. These Hindu candles are used during religious rituals, especially during major festivals like Diwali. This is the festival of lights, with streets, temples, and homes all being illuminated to welcome blessings from the divine, happiness, and overall prosperity.

The flame of a Hindu candle represents the fire god Agni, with these being considered the messenger between the spiritual worlds and humans. When Hindus light a candle or lamp, they invite peace, clarity, and spiritual awakening into their space. This is a way of offering to the Gods as well as being a sign of devotion. Although they are not traditional to Hinduism, candles have been adapted for certain rituals in which they are more practical substitutes for incense sticks or oil lamps.

Why Are Candles Not Used In Hindu Temples?

Hindu temples typically avoid candles in favour of diyas and camphor flames, as these are more deeply rooted in their practices. This is partially down to the fact that oil lamps are considered pure, something which aligns them more with sacred ritual conduct. Instead of Hindu candles, the ghee and oils used in diyas are thought to carry spiritual energy, with the clean burning flame being more symbolic of divine radiance in turn.

Moreover, each element of Hindu temples is steeped in purity. Fire rituals require offerings that are made into consecrated flames. Camphor, which does not leave any ash, is used in ceremonies instead. While Hindu candles may seem more accessible, they actually lack the ritual significance and connotations that traditional flame sources hold in Hinduism, something which sees them rarely used within temples.

The Significance Of Lighting Incense In Hinduism

Alongside flame, Hindu incense plays a critical role in the religion's worship. Instead of using a Hindu candle, such as a diya, lighting sticks of incense during prayer and meditation is much more significant. The rising smoke is believed to carry the prayers of individuals to the heavens, something which acts as a spiritual conduit between the gods above and the humans below.

One way in which Hindu incense differs from Hindu candles is through the different fragrances used, with things such as jasmine and sandalwood often being used to purify the air and create a sacred atmosphere. Unlike Hindu diyas, incense is tied to sensory devotion, with it engaging both the eyes and the nose, something which is part of daily worship.

Personal Hindu Candle Lightings At Memoria

While traditional practices in Hinduism focus on the use of oil lamps and incense, Memoria still offers a respectful and inclusive way to light Hindu candles. This helps to capture the spirit of light, something which is a symbol of remembrance and divine presence, which can be especially powerful during times of loss.