The Light that is God

In Hindu temples one can often see the copper idols of ladies bearing lamps in both their hands held together. There is a tradition that the lit lamp should face a particular direction. If the lamp faces north, the devotee will be endowed with riches. If the lamp is lit facing east the aspirant can get rid of her sorrows. West will remove worries of debts. And the direction of South, which belongs to Yama, the lord of Death is forbidden and only where there is death the household lamp is lit facing the southern direction!

The cultural tradition of Hindu women not only expects her to light the Kuthu vilakku every day and worship the light, but rather enjoins them that they should see the presence of Goddess Herself in the lamp.

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