The Waving of Lamps
Maṅgaḷārāti (also called dīpārādhana or nirājana) is the ritual of waving lit oil lamps (or camphor flames) before the deity in gentle circular motions, accompanied by the ringing of bells, blowing of conch shells, and recitation of hymns. It is both an offering (the light itself, the heat, the fragrance of camphor) and an auspicious act (maṅgala) that removes inauspiciousness from the environment.
The Symbolism of Light
The offering of light to the Lord is rich in theological meaning. The Lord is self-luminous (svayaṃjyoti); offering a lamp to Him is symbolically absurd — how can a lamp illuminate the sun? Yet the gesture is meaningful: the devotee offers the small light of their consciousness and devotion to the infinite Light, acknowledging that all light, including one's own awareness, is a fragment of the Lord's radiance.
Structure in Temple Worship
In temple and home tiruvārādhana, the offering of light is performed according to the relevant Āgama and inherited practice. The number and kind of lamps, their order, the use of camphor, and the accompanying mantras or Divya Prabandham recitation vary; one fixed fivefold sequence should not be presented as universal for every worship session.
Congregation and Prasāda
Following the maṅgaḷārāti, the lamp is typically brought to the congregation, and devotees extend their hands over the flame and touch their eyes — receiving the Lord's light (tejo-prasāda) into themselves. This participatory moment is among the most cherished in Sri Vaishnava temple practice.