A lamp occupies pride of place in the Indian home. It is a source of organic illumination, a symbol of all that is sattvik - awareness (as opposed to ignorance) and stillness. The dia is a sattva-rajas-tamas composite and espouses sattva as the ultimate state of being. The lamp that you see on this page would be a fine addition to your space, given the sheer aesthetics pouring forth from the composition.
It is a tall, thick-set number with a long stem. Each section of the same features dense latticework that results in the shape of stylised vines and luxuriant leaf projections. The bottommost section is a shallow-bottomed stand that is carved with embossed lotus petals. Miniscule lotus petals are to be found at the multiple junctures along the stem of this lamp. Finally, at the crest of the lamp is a handsome peacock, its plumage flaring into the winds. Despite the scale, it has been sculpted with a remarkable degree of symmetry and attention to detail.
Fashioned from copper, this lamp is a striking silver monotone. In the Indian sculptural tradition, copper is a rare medium, and requires a considerable level of skill and experience to work with. The sheer proportion of latticework in this lamp makes it a work of art that is at once functional and a collectible.
An Emblem of Celestial Beauty and Divine Light
This exquisite handmade copper statue, meticulously crafted and adorned with intricate latticework, is more than just a decorative piece; it is a vessel of tradition, a symbol of auspiciousness, and a testament to the enduring artistry of skilled hands. Standing tall and commanding attention, it evokes an aura of sacredness and elegance, making it a striking centerpiece for any discerning collection or sacred space.The Regal Peacock: A Symbol of Grace and Divinity
Crowning this magnificent creation is the majestic figure of a peacock, its tail feathers fanned out in a breathtaking display of intricate detail. In many cultures, particularly in India, the peacock holds profound symbolic significance. It is often associated with royalty, beauty, grace, and immortality. Lord Krishna is frequently depicted with a peacock feather adorning his crown, signifying divine love and auspiciousness. The peacock's vibrant plumage and proud stance are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. This handcrafted representation captures the very essence of the peacock's regal charm, transforming the statue into a guardian of peace and prosperity.Intricate Craftsmanship: A Symphony of Silver and Detail
The body of the lamp is a masterpiece of traditional metalwork. From the broad, octagonal base to the uppermost bowl, every surface is adorned with a tapestry of finely wrought patterns. Delicate floral motifs intertwine with flowing vines and leaves, creating a mesmerizing visual texture that draws the eye and invites contemplation. The latticework is not merely decorative; it suggests an ethereal quality, as if the very light it is designed to hold would filter through in a dance of shadows and illumination. This level of detail is a hallmark of true artisan skill, where each indentation and curve tells a story of dedication and mastery passed down through generations.A Beacon of Tradition and Spirituality
This statue is deeply rooted in the rich heritage of ritual and worship. In ancient traditions, lamps played a crucial role in ceremonies, lighting the way for deities and illuminating the path of spiritual seekers. The act of lighting a lamp is often symbolic of dispelling darkness, both literal and metaphorical, and invoking divine presence. This particular piece, with its elevated design and symbolic peacock finial, suggests a connection to higher realms and a celebration of the divine feminine, often represented by the beauty and nurturing aspects of nature. It is a piece that can be used in puja ceremonies, meditation spaces, or as a powerful accent in home decor, infusing the environment with a sense of peace, devotion, and artistic grandeur. This handmade copper statue is not just an object of beauty but a tangible link to a timeless legacy of faith and artistry.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.
