Kerala Traditional Brass Oil Lamp
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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.

Kerala Traditional Brass Oil Lamp

$81.75
$109
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

This brass Kerala Vilakku, also known as a Kathakali Vilakku, dates back to the heyday of Kerala's ceremonial theatre Kathakali. The only source of illumination for Kathakali performers before the invention of lighting was an oil lamp positioned at the front of the stage. To fully illuminate the face of the artist posing in front of it, it had to be around a meter tall. Traditionally, the lamp is made of bronze and burns coconut oil. There are currently brass versions of the same item. Cotton fibers that have been tightly wound are used to make the wicks. This practical lighting plays a big role in ceremonies. They still serve as the traditional festive lighting source and give forth a consistent amount of light.

Size:
11 Inch
12 Inch
15 Inch
19 Inch
22 Inch
Specifications
ZDZ949
Brass
Height: 11.00 inch
Width: 3.00 inch
Depth: 2.00 inch
Weight 710 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 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 Tradition and Spirituality

Invite an aura of sacredness and timeless beauty into your home with this exquisite brass oil lamp, a true embodiment of Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Crafted from high-quality brass, this lamp is more than just a source of light; it is a vessel for devotion, a conduit to the divine, and a testament to centuries of artisanal craftsmanship. The lustrous sheen of the brass, meticulously polished, reflects the warmth of the flame and imbues any space with a sense of tranquility and auspiciousness.

Echoes of Mythology and Ritual

In the heart of Kerala, the Nilavilakku, as this type of lamp is traditionally known, holds a place of profound significance. Its presence is almost indispensable during religious ceremonies, festivals, weddings, and other auspicious occasions. The lighting of the lamp is a symbolic act, representing the dispelling of darkness and ignorance, and the illumination of knowledge and prosperity. It is believed that the flame of the lamp invokes the blessings of the gods and goddesses, creating a sacred atmosphere conducive to prayer and meditation. Ancient texts often speak of lamps as representing the soul, the divine light within, and the connection between the earthly and celestial realms. Some traditions associate the different parts of the lamp with various deities, further deepening its spiritual resonance. The act of lighting the lamp is often accompanied by the chanting of mantras and prayers, creating a powerful spiritual experience.

Artistry in Every Detail

This lamp showcases the dedication and skill of artisans who have passed down their knowledge through generations. The graceful, fluted stem rises from a stable base, leading to a broad, tiered receptacle designed to hold oil and a wick. The pinnacle of the lamp is crowned with a sharp, tapering spire, symbolizing the upward journey of the soul towards enlightenment. The intricate detailing on the stem, with its rhythmic grooves, speaks volumes about the meticulous care taken in its creation. Each curve and contour is a testament to traditional design principles, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional perfection. The sturdy brass construction ensures its longevity, making it a cherished heirloom to be passed down through families, carrying with it the stories and blessings of its past.

A Versatile Symbol of Light

Beyond its ceremonial use, this brass oil lamp serves as a stunning decorative piece, adding a touch of ethnic charm and sophistication to any interior. Whether placed in a puja room, living area, or entryway, it becomes a focal point, drawing the eye with its elegant form and radiant glow. The gentle flicker of the flame can create a serene and inviting ambiance, perfect for quiet contemplation or for creating a warm atmosphere during gatherings. It is a beautiful reminder of India's enduring artistic traditions and a tangible connection to a heritage that values light, knowledge, and spiritual well-being. Its timeless appeal ensures it will complement a variety of decor styles, from traditional to contemporary, adding a unique cultural dimension.

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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