Light a candle for a prayer request: the diya and prarthana
In Hindu homes, lighting a candle for prayer means lighting a diya. Prayers to say as you light it, the Shubham Karoti mantra, and a prayer read on air.
To light a candle for a prayer request, light a small lamp, hold the person in your mind, and say a few words for them. In Hindu homes this lamp is the diya, and the prayer is a prarthana: you can light one at home tonight, and if you wish, have your prayer read aloud on Mahakatha Radio, followed by a mantra chosen for the person you love.
Why we light a lamp when we pray
In many traditions a flame stands for a prayer that keeps going after the words end. In Hindu practice the diya is lit at dawn and at dusk, at the start of every puja, and whenever someone needs to be held in prayer. The flame is understood as light that pushes back darkness, both outside and within, and many families see the lamp itself as a form of the divine.
You do not need a temple or a priest. A clay diya with ghee or sesame oil and a cotton wick is traditional. A tea light or a simple candle is fine if that is what you have. What matters is the attention you bring to it.
Prayers to say as you light the diya
These are short, in plain English, and you can say them aloud or silently. Put the person's name where it says name.
For someone who is unwell
As this small flame rises, I hold name in my heart.
May their body find rest and their mind find peace.
Give strength to those who care for them,
and let them feel that they are not alone.
For someone going through a hard time
I light this lamp for name, who is carrying something heavy.
Where there is fear, bring a little courage.
Where there is confusion, bring a little light.
Let this flame keep watch when I cannot.
In memory of someone
This light is for name, whom we miss.
Thank you for the years we shared and the love that stays.
May they be at peace, and may we carry their kindness forward.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
For a special day
On this day I light a lamp for name.
May the year ahead be gentle and full of good things.
May they be safe, healthy and loved,
and may they always find their way home to joy.
For the whole family
I light this lamp for all of us under this roof,
and for those we love who are far away.
Keep us kind to one another, patient and well.
May this light stay with each of us today.
A mantra for lighting the lamp
Shubham Karoti Kalyanam
शुभं करोति कल्याणमारोग्यं धनसंपदा । शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते ॥ दीपज्योतिः परब्रह्म दीपज्योतिर्जनार्दनः । दीपो हरतु मे पापं दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते ॥ Shubham Karoti Kalyanam Arogyam Dhanasampada, Shatrubuddhi Vinashaya Dipajyotir Namostute, Dipajyotih Parabrahma Dipajyotir Janardanah, Dipo Haratu Me Papam Dipajyotir Namostute
"I bow to the light of this lamp, which brings what is good, health and plenty, and ends ill will. This light is the Supreme, this light is Vishnu. May this lamp take away my wrongs; I bow to its light." Many families chant it every evening as the lamp is lit at dusk. Listen on Mahakatha.
Asato Ma Sadgamaya
असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मा अमृतम्गमय। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥ Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya, Mrityor Ma Amritamgamaya, Om Shaanti Shaanti Shaantihi
"Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. Peace, peace, peace." From the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, traditionally chanted for clarity and freedom from fear. Listen on Mahakatha.
How to light a diya for someone
- Choose a quiet moment, at sunrise or sunset if you can. Any time is fine.
- Clean the place where the lamp will sit: a puja shelf, a windowsill or a plate.
- Light the diya and sit for a moment. Picture the person's face.
- Say one of the prayers above, then chant Shubham Karoti once, or Om three times.
- Sit with the flame for a minute or two. You might keep Mahakatha Radio playing softly.
- Let it burn safely. Never leave a flame unattended, and keep it away from curtains and children.
If your family has its own custom, follow it.
Have your prayer read aloud on air
If you would like others to hold the prayer with you, there are two ways.
- Have it read aloud on air. Offer a prayer from ₹251 or $7. It is written gently into a short prayer, read aloud during Prayer Requests at 7:00 am or 7:00 pm India time, and followed by a mantra chosen for the person. We email you when it airs, so you can light your diya and listen together. Offer a prayer
- Add it to the prayer wall for free. A short line, such as "For Amma, strength this week", goes on the prayer wall, where other listeners can hold it too.
Read more on how offering a prayer works, or see our prayers for healing and for family.
Questions people ask
What is the meaning of lighting a candle for prayer?
The flame stands for the prayer itself, a small light that keeps going after the words end. In Hindu homes the diya also stands for knowledge driving away darkness, and lighting it for someone is a way of saying, "I am holding you in my heart."
When should I light a prayer lamp?
Traditionally at dawn and at dusk, when Hindu homes light the evening lamp. But you can light one at any quiet moment, especially when someone you love needs a prayer.
What prayer should I say before lighting a candle for my board exam?
Say a short prayer to Saraswati, such as "Saraswati Namastubhyam", or simply ask for a calm mind and a clear memory. Our prayer for exams page has more you can use.
What are prayer candles called?
In Catholic churches they are called votive candles, lit as an offering with a prayer. In Hindu homes and temples the lamp is a diya or deepam, and the evening lamp ritual is often called sandhya deepam.
Can I light a diya for someone of another faith?
Yes. A prayer offered with love is welcome in every tradition. Use simple words that the person or their family would be comfortable with.
Do I have to be Hindu to offer a prayer on Mahakatha Radio?
No. Anyone can offer a prayer for someone they love. It is read in plain English and followed by a mantra chosen for them.