How many wicks should a diyā have, and which wick should I use?

one wick is enough for daily pūjā; two, five or more are used by custom for festivals or particular deities.

For everyday worship, a single wick in a small diyā is complete. Many homes use two wicks twisted together or facing each other, and five-wick (pañca-mukhī) lamps are common for ārati and festivals. Some families light a four-sided lamp facing all directions on special days, or a lamp with many wicks for Dīpāvalī and Kārttika. These numbers vary by region and household, and none is wrong.

Cotton wicks are the norm. Round, flower-shaped wicks (phūl-battī) are usually used with ghee, and long wicks with oil. Some use special wicks such as lotus-stem fibre on particular occasions, as a family custom.

Practical tips: trim the wick so the flame is steady and not smoky, never leave a lamp near curtains or within reach of small children, and use a lamp with a stable base. A single clean, bright flame offered with love is enough.

Phūl-battī for ghee, long wick for oil · Source: common family practice

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