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40" Kerala Vilakku Pooja Oil Lamp

$909.75
$1213
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

This Kerala Vilakku or Kathakali Vilakku made in brass is a relic of the golden age of Kathakali, a Kerala ceremonial theatre. Before the introduction of lighting, Kathakali artists relied solely on an oil lamp placed at the front of the stage. It had to be about a meter tall so that it can brighten the face of the artist posing properly in front of it. The lamp is traditionally constructed of bronze and burns coconut oil. Nowadays, brass variants of the same are available. The wicks are manufactured from tightly wrapped pieces of cotton. These useful lamps are also a significant feature of ceremonies. They provide a steady light and are still used for traditional holiday illumination.

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Specifications
MIT419
Brass
Height: 40 inch
Width: 11 inch
Depth: 11 inch
Weight 18.25 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 9 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Beacon of Sacred Light and Divine Presence

In the rich tapestry of Indian culture, the auspicious glow of a lamp signifies more than mere illumination; it embodies hope, knowledge, and the dispelling of darkness, both literal and metaphorical. This magnificent Kerala Vilakku, crafted from gleaming brass, stands as a testament to this profound tradition. With its commanding height and intricate detailing, it is not just a functional oil lamp but a significant cultural artifact, destined to be a focal point in any sacred space. The Vilakku, particularly this stately version from Kerala, holds a special place in Hindu rituals and domestic life. Its presence is believed to invite divine blessings and purify the surroundings. In ancient tales, lamps are often associated with the goddesses of wealth and prosperity, like Lakshmi, whose gentle light is said to guide devotees towards enlightenment and abundance. The act of lighting the Vilakku is a deeply symbolic gesture, representing the awakening of consciousness and the banishing of ignorance, much like the story of the sage Agastya, who, through his penance and wisdom, is said to have consumed the ocean, thereby removing obstacles and bringing clarity. The flame itself is often seen as a representation of the divine spark within, a connection to the eternal.

An Emblem of Kerala's Artistic Heritage

The artistry of this Kerala Vilakku is evident in its elegant silhouette and the meticulous craftsmanship of its brass construction. The fluted base provides a stable and majestic foundation, rising into a gracefully tapering stem adorned with finely detailed rings. This ridged pattern not only adds visual interest but also speaks to the skilled hands that shaped the metal, a tradition passed down through generations of artisans in Kerala. The upper portion features a broad, circular receptacle for oil, designed to hold ample fuel for extended periods of burning, ensuring an unbroken effulgence. Topped with a tapering spire, the lamp evokes a sense of aspiration and spiritual ascent. The polished brass catches and reflects light, creating a warm, inviting glow that enhances the spiritual ambiance of any environment.

A Vessel for Devotion and Celebration

This Kerala Vilakku is more than an object of beauty; it is an invitation to engage in sacred practice. Whether placed in a temple, a prayer room at home, or used during significant festivals and ceremonies, it serves as a powerful conduit for devotion. During festivals like Diwali, the festival of lights, or Onam in Kerala, these lamps are lit in abundance, transforming homes and public spaces into magical realms of flickering flames. The ritual of lighting the lamp before commencing any auspicious undertaking, from a prayer to a new venture, is believed to invite positive energy and ward off negativity. The continuous burning of the lamp is also a symbol of unwavering faith and a constant reminder of the divine presence that watches over us. Its substantial size makes it a statement piece, capable of elevating the aesthetic and spiritual value of any setting it graces.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
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