Navratri Akhand Diya: Spiritual Meaning, Benefits, Rules, and Tips to Keep the Jyot Burning Nonstop for Nine Days

The festive season in India is about to begin, with Navratri and Durga Puja just around the corner. Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine forms, will begin on September 22 and conclude with Vijayadashami on October 2. 

Durga Puja celebrations will start on September 28, with Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami marking the most important days. Both festivals celebrate the victory of good over evil, with Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura being at the heart of the rituals.

Alongside the pujas, devotees observe many traditional practices, and one of the most important is lighting the Akhand Diya, or the eternal lamp, throughout the nine days.

What is an Akhand Diya?

The Akhand Diya is a lamp that is kept burning continuously during Navratri as a symbol of uninterrupted devotion to Goddess Durga. The concept comes from Akhand Jyoti, or eternal flame, which finds mention in spiritual texts like the Mantra Mahabodhi. It is believed that chanting mantras in front of fire or light enhances their power. A diya is the vessel used to hold the flame, and when it is kept lit for all nine days, it becomes the Akhand Diya. For devotees, it represents purity, power, and the constant presence of divine energy in their homes.

Why Do People Light an Akhand Diya?

Lighting an Akhand Diya during Navratri is believed to bring several blessings. Many families keep it to welcome wealth, health, and prosperity into their homes. It is also seen as a symbol of knowledge, removing ignorance and darkness from life. In Hindu spirituality, the flame of the diya is considered a form of goodness and good fortune, which is why it is placed in temples and home mandirs during festivals. For devotees, the diya becomes a way of inviting Maa Durga’s protection and positivity into the household.

Benefits of Keeping an Akhand Diya

The Akhand Diya is also called the eternal flame because it represents light, purity, and protection. According to spiritual beliefs, fire is one of the five essential elements, and keeping an eternal flame helps strengthen the connection with the creator. Devotees also believe that an Akhand Diya removes negative energies from the home, protects against diseases, and purifies the atmosphere. The ghee or oil used in the diya is said to kill harmful particles and fill the surroundings with positivity and peace.

Rules for Lighting the Navratri Akhand Jyoti

There are certain rules devotees follow when lighting the Akhand Diya during Navratri. Traditionally, the lamp should be made of silver, brass, or clay. If an earthen lamp is used, it should be soaked overnight in water so that oil does not leak out later. The diya must be placed on a raised platform or chowki, where an eight-petalled lotus is drawn with gulaal and rice. The diya is then placed on the right side of the goddess in the temple or home mandir. To ensure the flame lasts longer, devotees use a long and thick cotton wick along with mustard oil, sesame oil, or pure ghee. Regular monitoring of the oil level is important so that the flame never goes out.

How to Keep the Akhand Diya Burning Longer

Many families worry about how to keep the flame steady for all nine days of Navratri. One of the most important things is to use pure and high-quality ghee, which ensures a clean flame. The wick should be trimmed to the right length and kept away from being submerged in oil. When refilling the diya, oil should be added gently to avoid dampening the wick. Placing the lamp on a flat surface, away from doors and windows, helps protect it from the wind. After a few days, carbon tends to accumulate on the cotton wick, so devotees usually add a new wick and light it beside the old one to keep the diya burning without interruption. Some even place a cylindrical glass cover around the lamp for extra protection.

Choosing the Right Akhand Diya

Devotees today can choose from a variety of Akhand Diyas, including those made of brass, copper, and steel. Brass diyas, in particular, are considered to attract positive spiritual energy. Some modern diyas also come with an adjustable wick lifting screw, which makes it easier to maintain the flame without having to touch the wick directly. These lamps are also designed to prevent oil spillage, making them convenient for long-duration use during Navratri, Diwali, or Karwa Chauth.

Where to Buy Akhand Diyas

While Akhand Diyas are traditionally available in local markets near temples and puja stores, many families now prefer buying them online as well. If you know the material and type of diya you need, choosing the right one becomes easy. 

Whether purchased online or offline, what matters most is the devotion with which it is lit. For devotees, keeping the flame alive for nine continuous days during Navratri is a way of inviting