Traditional
lamps used in South Indian homes and temples include the Kuthu Vilakku, also
known as the seven-wick columnar oil lamp. It is constructed of brass and has
five to seven wicks, each of which stands for a distinct aspect of human
existence, including the body, mind, intellect, ego, senses, emotions, and
soul. The lamp's design is intended to provide a touch of elegance to its
illumination. In many parts of South India, this light is also identified as a
Kathakali lamp due to its use during Kathakali performances. This lamp, with
its highly attractive and robust stand, signifies lighting and harmony within
oneself, spiritual enlightenment, and the manifestation of heavenly traits in
one's life.
A Beacon of Divine Light
Illuminate your sacred spaces and spiritual practices with this exquisite seven-wick brass ritual lamp. Crafted from pure brass, this lamp stands as a testament to enduring tradition and artisanal skill, its lustrous surface reflecting the warmth and sanctity of the flames it holds. The seven wicks symbolize various aspects of well-being and spiritual progress, offering a multitude of blessings and dispelling darkness, both literal and metaphorical.
In many cultures, lamps have been central to worship and celebration for millennia. They are not merely sources of light but conduits of divine energy, believed to ward off negative influences and invite prosperity. The act of lighting a lamp is often the first step in a puja or ritual, marking the beginning of a sacred endeavor. The seven-wick design, in particular, resonates with deeper spiritual meanings. In Hinduism, the number seven is considered auspicious, appearing in concepts like the seven chakras, the seven Rishi (sages), and the seven colors of the rainbow. Each flame, therefore, can be seen as representing a path towards enlightenment or a facet of the divine.Symbolism and Sacredness
The brass material itself carries significant cultural weight. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has been revered in Vedic traditions for its purity and its ability to conduct divine energy. It is believed to possess inherent spiritual properties, making it an ideal medium for sacred objects. The lamp's elegant stem, adorned with subtle, sculpted details, rises from a broad, stable base, ensuring its placement is both secure and visually striking. At the apex, the seven spouts are thoughtfully designed to hold each wick, allowing for a beautiful, even spread of light. This seven-branched structure can also be seen as an echo of the menorah, symbolizing light and hope across different spiritual traditions.
The practice of lighting lamps, or "deepam," is deeply ingrained in South Asian cultures. It is performed daily in homes and temples, during festivals like Diwali, the festival of lights, and during special ceremonies like weddings and anniversaries. The lamp's glow is thought to welcome deities, purify the atmosphere, and foster an environment of peace and devotion. This lamp, with its seven points of illumination, offers an amplified blessing, a more profound presence of auspicious energy within your home or place of worship.A Timeless Addition to Your Devotion
This seven-wick brass ritual lamp is more than just a decorative item; it is a functional piece of spiritual art that connects you to ancient traditions and imbues your surroundings with a sense of the sacred. Whether used for daily prayers, meditation, or special occasions, its radiant presence will enhance the spiritual ambiance and serve as a constant reminder of the light that guides us. Its substantial build and classic design ensure it will be a cherished part of your devotional practice for years to come, a beautiful and meaningful heirloom.The Power of Light: Understanding the Role of Oil Lamps in
Hinduism
Hinduism is a boon to human society for it guides everyone to
follow their Dharma and rise above the material concept of life.
Hinduism is also known as “Sanatan Dharma”. These are Sanskrit
terms in which Sanatan means “eternal” and Dharma means “Intrinsic
nature or occupation”. Thus it deals with the intrinsic nature or
the real identity of the living entities; that which can never be
taken away from them. The principles of Hinduism are given in the
Vedic literature or scriptures that are considered “Apaurusheya”;
they have not been written by any ordinary person but have been
compiled by Vyasadev, the literary incarnation of the Supreme Lord
Krishna. The word “Veda” means complete knowledge, both material
and spiritual. The knowledge in Vedic literature is so vast and
precise that if one looks carefully, he will notice that nothing
is sentimental or imaginary but is based on facts and truth. There
is a clear description and information about the identity of all
living beings, the nature of the Absolute Truth, the reason for
the existence of this world, the information about the world
beyond this universe, and the relationship between us and God, the
Absolute Truth.
Why do we light a lamp?
There are many rituals recommended in the Vedas for engaging our
body and mind in the service of God. One of them is the lighting
of ghee or oil lamps before the deity. According to the Vedic
injunctions, all auspicious functions begin with lighting a
lamp. It has a great spiritual significance. It is believed that
the light of the lamp symbolizes “knowledge”, the wick
symbolizes the false ego of the living entity, and ghee
(clarified butter) or oil symbolizes all the negative tendencies
(Anarthas) accumulated in the heart such as greed, lust, anger,
and envy. When the lamp is lit by spiritual knowledge, all the
Anarthas are exhausted, and the false ego, which is the root
cause of conditional life, is also burnt. Therefore, the lamp is
lit before the Lord as a sacrifice of our false ego in His
service. Just as the light of the lamp dissipates all darkness,
similarly, the light of knowledge dissipates ignorance of the
Jivas and enables us to realize our real identity and purpose of
life.
Why only an oil or ghee lamp?
One may question why only an oil lamp is lit before the Lord and
why not an artificial light source. This may sound logical but
lighting a lamp has a further spiritual significance. The flame
of the light in a lamp always burns upwards indicating that by
cultivating spiritual knowledge, one achieves the highest
perfection of life and is always victorious. Also, a traditional
lamp is the purest form of offering.
In almost every house of a follower of Sanatan Dharma, an oil or
ghee lamp is lit before the altar of the Lord or before the Tulsi
plant. Some people light it at dawn, some at dusk, and some people
prefer to light it at dawn and dusk. Either ghee or sesame oil can
be used to burn the wick. Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu or
Krishna) especially light a ghee lamp every day in the month of
Kartik to offer their love and devotion to the Lord.
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