Deepa Jyoti Parabrahma — Evening Lamp (Deepa) Prayer — Word-by-Word Meaning
दीपज्योतिः परब्रह्म — दीप प्रज्वलन मन्त्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
दीपज्योतिः
deepa-jyotih
the light of the lamp
परब्रह्म
parabrahma
the Supreme Brahman
जनार्दनः
janardanah
Janardana (Vishnu), the refuge of all beings
दीपः
deepah
the lamp
हरतु मे पापं
haratu me papam
may it remove my sins
नमः अस्तु ते
namo'stu te
salutations be unto you (O light of the lamp)
शुभं करोतु
shubham karotu
may it bring auspiciousness
कल्याणम्
kalyanam
welfare, well-being
आरोग्यं
arogyam
health, freedom from disease
धनसम्पदः
dhana-sampadah
wealth and prosperity
शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय
shatru-buddhi-vinashaya
for the destruction of hostile/inimical intellect (enmity)
Complete Translation
The light of the lamp is the Supreme Brahman; the light of the lamp is Janardana (Vishnu). May the lamp remove my sins; O light of the lamp, salutations to you. May it bring auspiciousness, well-being, health, wealth and prosperity, and the destruction of all hostile intent; O light of the lamp, salutations to you.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Deepa-darshana / lamp-lighting shloka
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
Lighting the lamp at dusk is one of the oldest and most beloved rituals of the Hindu home. This verse accompanies the evening deepam, declaring that the flame is not merely fire but the Supreme Brahman and Lord Vishnu themselves, present as light. With it the devotee welcomes the divine into the home as day gives way to night, asking the lamp to dispel sin and darkness and to bring health, prosperity, auspiciousness and harmony. It is often recited together with 'Shubham Karoti Kalyanam,' the companion lamp-prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Deepa Jyoti Parabrahma?▼
It means: 'The light of the lamp is the Supreme Brahman; the light of the lamp is Vishnu (Janardana). May the lamp remove my sins; salutations to the light of the lamp.' The second verse prays that the lamp bring auspiciousness, health, wealth and the destruction of all enmity.
When is this prayer recited?▼
It is recited at dusk (sandhya kaal) while lighting the evening lamp before the household shrine. Lighting a lamp at the junction of day and night is considered especially sacred and auspicious in Hindu homes.
Why is the lamp worshipped as God?▼
Light symbolises knowledge, purity and the dispelling of darkness and ignorance. The verse declares the flame to be Parabrahman and Vishnu himself, so lighting the lamp is an act of worship that invites the divine presence and blessings into the home.
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