The Sacred Oils Described in Hinduism and Their Spiritual Significance
Among various offerings made to Hindu Gods, certain oils and fats hold a special place. These are favored not only by human devotees but also by the divine. This article delves into the significance and unique properties of some of the most revered oils and their use in Hindu practices.
Popular Oils in Hindu Worship
Several oils are highly prized in Hindu worship, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Some of the most popular include ghee, coconut oil, and sesame oil, which are favored by the gods for their various spiritual and health-promoting qualities.
1. Ghee - Known for its ability to increase spiritual awareness and promote mental clarity, ghee is a sacred food of the Devas. It is burnt in the ritual of Aarti and used as libation or anointment in various ceremonies. Ghee is particularly favored for offerings to Gram Devta, Trimurti, Kubera, and Kuldevta.
2. Coconut Oil - Esteemed for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and its ability to improve cognitive function, coconut oil is often used in rituals. It can be applied to the forehead to calm a racing mind and relieve worry or anxiety. Coconut oil is favored by various deities, such as Ganesha, Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi.
3. Sesame Oil - Revered for its stress-reducing effects and ability to improve overall mood, sesame oil is used in various rituals to appease Shiva, Narayana, and Saturn. It is also believed to remove obstacles and keep away poisonous snakes.
Sandalwood Essential Oil for Prayers and Meditation
Another essential oil that holds great significance is Sandalwood essential oil, which has been linked to prayer, meditation, and devotion for centuries. When applied to the forehead, it calms a racing mind, relieves worry or anxieties, and facilitates the release of the mind/ego, making space for the divine presence. We recommend buying sandalwood essential oil from VedaOils.
Oil Lamps in Hindu Worship
A central element in Hindu worship is the oil lamp or Deepak. Oil lamps, such as Diya and Deepam, are lit during worship and are believed to increase sattvik vibrations in the surroundings. Lighting an oil lamp can elevate your mood and provide a feeling of serenity and peace associated with divine interventions. The lamp can be lit using various oils, including ghee, coconut oil, and sesame oil.
The Spiritual Significance of Various Oils
Each oil has its own spiritual significance and can be used to please specific deities:
Castor Oil - For harmonious relationships with kin. Sesame Oil - For mitigating evil. Coconut Oil - For concentration and peace of mind. Mahua Illupai Oil - For prosperity and wealth. Rice Bran Oil - As a humble offering to Goddess Anna Lakshmi. Ghee - Sacred food of the Devas, used in Aarti and offerings.In addition to using the appropriate oil, the wicks used in the lamps also hold significance:
Single Wick (Ek Mukhi) - For normal benefits. Two Wicks (Dvimukhi) - Brings harmony and peace in all kinds of relations. Three Wicks (Trimukhi) - Blesses with progeny. Four Wicks (Chaturmukhi) - Brings all-round prosperity and sumptuous food. Five Wicks (Panchmukhi) - Showers Akhand Aishwaryam or Wealth. Six Wicks (Shastmukhi) - Blesses with Akhand Gyan Vairagyam.Furthermore, the type of lamp used also matters significantly. Different types of lamps serve different purposes, such as:
Gold Lamps - For wealth, business expansion, and prevention of diseases like cancer. Silver Lamps - Safe guard against poverty. Iron Lamps - For tantra and Saturn troubles. Earthen/Bronze Lamps - For rigorous religious rituals. Lemon Lamps - For tantric purposes, appeasing Alakshmi, and exorcism. Betel Leaf Lamps - To ward off evil spirits. Peepal Leaf Lamps - To destroy disease-carrying pathogens.Conclusion
By understanding the spiritual significance and properties of these sacred oils, one can enhance their worship and rituals, making them more effective and meaningful. Whether you are a devoted follower or simply curious about Hinduism, embracing these practices can enrich your spiritual journey. So, lit an oil lamp and light up your life today!