Pt Sri Pranesh Achar (Ananda Rangan)
Pooja
The answer is as follows. Iron is also a metal. In the Padma Samhita, it is stated: “Lohajān dīpakān stambhān”, which means lamps made of metal are acceptable. Since iron is a metal, it is included in this category and therefore can be used.
Especially for Lord Shani, it is customary to light a lamp made of iron, using sesame oil and a wick made from sesame seeds tied in cloth. In some rituals, iron is also given as a form of charity. Therefore, iron is not a forbidden or impure metal.
However, for the regular worship of God, if no other lamps (such as those made of copper, brass, silver, or gold) are available, then an iron lamp may be used out of necessity. In unavoidable situations, there is no problem in lighting an iron lamp.
Still, it is stated that lamps made of better metals such as copper, brass, silver, and gold give progressively greater spiritual merit. Likewise, lamps lit with ghee or oil are said to yield greater spiritual benefit.
