A beautifully patterned piece in brass, this
Vaishnava lamp
is a little temple in itself - the plate backdrop forms a beautiful tip on the
top making two peacocks adjoined. Swami Venkateshwara is carved in the focal
center, and below him are the revered Vaishnava Icons - Sudarshan Chakra, Namam,
and Panchajanya. A must-have for your temple, it lights in the name of Hari.
A Glimpse of Divine Radiance
This exquisite brass lamp is more than just a source of light; it is a testament to devotion and a tangible connection to the divine. At its heart stands Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji, the presiding deity of the Seven Hills of Tirumala. The intricate depiction of the Lord is rendered with exceptional detail, capturing His serene yet powerful presence. The ornate arch behind the deity evokes the grandeur of the Tirumala temple itself, a sacred pilgrimage site for millions. The craftsmanship evident in every curve and contour speaks of generations of artistic tradition, where metal is transformed into a vessel of spiritual significance.Symbolism and Significance
Lord Venkateshwara is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. His legend is rich with tales of divine intervention and immense compassion for humanity. One popular narrative recounts how Vishnu, in His form as Venkateshwara, borrowed wealth from Kubera, the god of wealth, to finance His earthly manifestation. This association with wealth and prosperity makes offerings to Venkateshwara particularly auspicious. Lighting a lamp in His presence is believed to invoke His blessings, bringing good fortune, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. The lamp itself, a traditional diyar, symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, both literal and metaphorical, and the illumination of knowledge and wisdom. The brass material adds to its sanctity, as brass is considered a pure metal in Hindu traditions, often used in religious ceremonies and for crafting deities.
Artistry and Devotion
The base of the lamp is a masterpiece of decorative artistry. Its sturdy foundation is adorned with a profusion of floral motifs and symbolic patterns, each meticulously carved to create a rich tapestry of texture and design. The traditional Indian motifs, often found in temple architecture and sacred art, contribute to the overall aura of sanctity and timeless beauty. This lamp is designed to be a focal point in any puja room, altar, or spiritual space, inviting contemplation and prayer. Its dimensions make it a substantial yet elegant piece, capable of holding a flame that will cast a warm, inviting glow, reminiscent of the eternal lamps that burn in ancient temples. Owning this lamp is not merely acquiring an object; it is embracing a piece of cultural heritage and a conduit for spiritual connection.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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