A Jwala Nhaykan &
Sinamu Pooja Set from Nepal is a sacred ensemble used in Hindu religious
rituals. The Jwala Nhaykan is a brass or copper mirror placed in front of the
deities to assist them with ornamentation. The Sinamu is a vermillion container
with a stupa-like lid. This ritual object is also placed beside the Jwala
Nhaykan. Both the items are placed on lotus stands, symboling wisdom and
devotion. The items carry an antique look, a testament to their long presence
in front of the deities.
Together, the Jwala
Nhaykan and Sinamu Pooja Set hold immense significance in Nepalese Hindu
traditions, facilitating the worshiper's connection with the divine and symbolizing
the cyclical nature of spiritual devotion.
Illuminating Devotion: A Nepalese Puja Set
This exquisite copper puja set from Nepal embodies the spiritual heart of the region, offering a profound connection to ancient traditions and sacred practices. The set includes two distinct pieces, each meticulously crafted to enhance your devotional rituals. The larger, flame-shaped lamp, known as the "Jwala Nhaykan," is designed to hold a flickering light, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and ignorance, and the illumination of the divine. Its ornate, embossed border, reminiscent of lotus petals or swirling clouds, speaks to the intricate artistry prevalent in Nepalese craftsmanship. This lamp serves as a focal point for meditation and prayer, drawing the gaze and the spirit towards a higher consciousness.The Ascending Pagoda Lamp
Complementing the Jwala Nhaykan is the "Sinamu," a tiered pagoda-style lamp. This piece, with its stacked levels and pointed finial, evokes the sacred stupas and temples that dot the Nepalese landscape. Each tier can be interpreted as a step on the path to enlightenment, or as layers of spiritual wisdom. The tiered design also suggests the elements and the cosmos, with the flame at its apex representing the divine spark that animates all creation. The robust, decorative base provides stability and grounding, anchoring the spiritual aspirations it represents. The patina acquired through time and use lends a sense of history and authenticity to this remarkable artifact.A Legacy of Light and Spirituality
In Nepalese culture, the offering of light is a fundamental act of devotion. Lamps are lit during pujas (worship ceremonies) to invoke deities, purify the atmosphere, and honor ancestors. The flame is seen as a manifestation of agni, the fire god, who carries offerings to the heavens and is a witness to all sacred acts. The intricate metalwork of this set reflects the deep reverence for deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and the various forms of the Goddess. The act of lighting these lamps is not merely decorative; it is a ritualistic offering, a prayer made visible. The materials themselves, particularly copper, are considered auspicious and believed to possess purifying properties, enhancing the sanctity of the ritual space. This set is more than just an object; it is a conduit for spiritual energy, a tangible link to centuries of faith and tradition passed down through generations in the heart of the Himalayas.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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