During the Sharadiya Navratri, there is a tradition of lighting an *Akhand Jyoti* (an eternal, uninterrupted flame) while worshipping Goddess Durga. Many devotees express their faith by keeping a lamp lit before the Goddess for nine days. According to religious beliefs, this flame symbolizes auspiciousness, light, and positive energy. However, the lamp might sometimes go out due to a gust of wind, a shortage of ghee or oil, or an issue with the wick. In such situations, devotees often have questions about what this means. Let us understand what should be done if the *Akhand Jyoti* extinguishes and what precautions are necessary when lighting it.

Is it inauspicious if the *Akhand Jyoti* goes out?

The *Akhand Jyoti* holds a special place in religious traditions, but it is not appropriate to attribute its extinguishing to some untoward event in every instance. Often, there are ordinary reasons behind it, such as exposure to wind, a lack of fuel, or the wick not burning properly. Instead of panicking, one should understand the reason why the lamp went out and carefully relight it. Faith, devotion, and mental concentration are considered paramount in worship.

How should the *Akhand Jyoti* be relit if it goes out?

1. Keep your mind calm:
First, instead of getting anxious, remember Goddess Durga and offer a silent prayer.

2. Clean the lamp: If there is a burnt wick or any other obstruction in the lamp, remove it carefully. Ensure the vessel has cooled down before touching it.

3. Add a new wick and ghee: Place a new cotton wick as needed and fill the lamp with sufficient ghee or oil. Ensure the lamp is placed securely.

4. Relight the flame: You can relight the *Akhand Jyoti* using the flame from another lit lamp. Afterward, fold your hands and worship Goddess Durga. 5. Chant the mantra: Depending on your faith, you may chant the mantra 'Om Dum Durgayai Namah' 11 or 21 times. This can bring peace of mind and help maintain focus during the worship.

Precautions while lighting the Akhand Jyoti

Place the lamp on a sturdy and level platform. Keep it away from curtains, paper, and other flammable objects. Ensure adequate protection against the wind and periodically check the level of ghee or oil. Do not leave the lamp unattended.

If the Akhand Jyoti goes out during Navratri, instead of panicking, relight it safely. Beliefs regarding this matter may vary across different traditions.

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