This brass lamp with a Lord Ganesha figure at the crown is designed in the style of traditional Nepalese Sukunda lamps. The Sukunda lights are indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley's Newar people. They serve a variety of religious and social functions. Sukundas are crucial in numerous Newar rites, including birth, marriage, and death. This lamp, with its distinctive golden patina and black deposits at the curvatures, is a lovely complement to everyday worship practices. The snake hood is another common characteristic of Sukunda lamps, and the tail serves as a handle. These lights are both ceremonial items and works of art.
A Divine Illumination: The Ganesha Serpent Lamp
Immerse your sacred space in divine radiance with this exquisite brass lamp, meticulously crafted in Nepal. At its heart sits Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom, depicted in his benevolent form. This is no ordinary depiction; Lord Ganesha is crowned by the protective embrace of a five-hooded serpent, known as a Naga. The serpent, a powerful symbol in Hindu mythology, represents cosmic energy, infinity, and the cyclical nature of time. Its presence here signifies Lord Ganesha's dominion over all forces, both terrestrial and celestial, and his ability to shield devotees from harm and ignorance.Symbolism and Auspiciousness
The five hoods of the serpent are often interpreted as representing the five kleshas (afflictions) of the mind – ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and the desire for existence – which Lord Ganesha, with his divine wisdom, transcends. This lamp, therefore, becomes a potent reminder of the path to spiritual liberation and inner peace. In ancient tales, serpents were revered as guardians of treasures and hidden knowledge. The Naga’s sheltering presence over Ganesha further amplifies his role as the remover of impediments, illuminating the way for devotees to attain their goals. The intricate detailing on the lamp, from the carved scales of the serpent to the divine ornamentation adorning Ganesha, speaks to the masterful artistry of Nepalese craftsmen, who imbue each piece with spiritual significance and cultural heritage.A Beacon of Devotion
This brass lamp is more than just a decorative item; it is a vessel for devotion and a conduit for blessings. Light a lamp here, and invite the auspicious presence of Lord Ganesha into your home or place of worship. It is believed that offering a lamp to Ganesha on auspicious occasions, such as Ganesha Chaturthi, pleases the deity immensely and earns his favor. The gentle flicker of the flame, reflected in the polished brass, creates an ambiance of serenity and spiritual connection. This piece is perfect for puja rooms, meditation spaces, or any area where one seeks to cultivate an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, and divine protection. It serves as a tangible connection to the rich tapestry of Hindu traditions and a beautiful testament to the enduring power of faith. Crafted with reverence and skill, this Ganesha Serpent Lamp is an heirloom that will bring light and blessings for generations to come.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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