Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c10.s1.68

c10.s1.68

Next comes the offering of light (Dīpana) and waving it in adoration before the image of the deity, directing the illumination from its feet to its eyes, with proper Mudrā and Mantra. In the light, which must be kept in a metal (and not earthen) receptacle (Dīpa-vṛkṣa), and never on bare ground, one may use camphor, ghee or scented oil. The offer of big lights (Mahādīpa), containing 108 Palas of oil and a wick of untorn cloth (vāsasā tu samagreṇa), is highly approved. The wick should not be double (ayugma); but red or blue wick is to be avoided, and torn, dirty and used cloth should not be employed in preparing it. One who reverentially illuminates the deity or his temple in the manner described acquires great religious merit, but one who wantonly puts out the light is liable to great sin and calamity.