Ghee lamp or oil lamp — which is better for daily pūjā?

ghee is considered best, but a sesame- or mustard-oil lamp is fully traditional; light whichever you can sustain.

Cow’s ghee is traditionally regarded as the purest fuel for a lamp, linked with sāttvic qualities and used in most important pūjās. Sesame oil is equally classic, especially in South Indian homes and temples, and is commonly offered for Śani and Hanumān. Mustard oil is widely used in North and East India. Many families light a ghee lamp for the main deity and an oil lamp at the door or tulasī.

A popular custom places the ghee lamp to the deity’s right (your left) and the oil lamp to the deity’s left, but this is a family practice, not a firm rule. Avoid refined or reused cooking oil and synthetic wax where you can.

What matters most is a clean lamp, a steady flame and regular lighting. If ghee is costly or unavailable, a simple oil lamp lit every day with devotion is a perfect offering.

Sesame oil: traditional for Śani and Hanumān · Source: common family and temple practice

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