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South Indian Puja Lamp (Valakku)

$142.50
$190
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEH84
Brass Statue
Height: 21 inch
Width: 7 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight 1.90 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
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 Divine Light

This exquisite brass puja lamp, known as a *Valakku* in South India, is more than just a decorative item; it is a conduit for spiritual illumination and a testament to centuries of tradition. Crafted from lustrous brass, its intricate design and substantial form speak to the reverence and artistry invested in its creation. In Hindu culture, the lamp holds profound symbolic meaning, representing knowledge, purity, and the dispelling of ignorance and darkness, much like the Vedic concept of *Jyoti* or divine light that guides us towards truth. The origin of lamp lighting in rituals can be traced back to ancient times. Lord Krishna himself states in the Bhagavad Gita, "I am the light of the sun and the moon" (Chapter 15, Verse 12), highlighting the divine essence embodied in light. The lighting of a lamp before embarking on any auspicious undertaking or during daily worship is a practice steeped in belief, signifying the presence of the divine and the removal of obstacles. This *Valakku*, with its elegant silhouette, stands as a beautiful embodiment of this sacred tradition, ready to grace your home or sacred space.

Craftsmanship and Symbolism

The detailed carvings and the tiered structure of this lamp are characteristic of traditional South Indian craftsmanship. The flared base provides stability, while the central column rises with gracefully curved sections, culminating in a bowl designed to hold oil and a wick. Atop this, a decorative finial adds a touch of regal elegance. Each element is meticulously shaped, reflecting the artisan's dedication to creating an object of both beauty and spiritual significance. The choice of brass itself is not arbitrary; it is a metal believed to possess purifying properties and is often associated with auspiciousness and divine energy in Indian households. The warm, golden hue of the brass evokes the radiant glow of the sun, a primary source of life and light.

A Ritual Essential

In countless South Indian homes and temples, the *Valakku* is an indispensable part of daily rituals and special ceremonies. It is lit during festivals like Diwali, the festival of lights, where it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, much like the legend of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. It is also an integral part of wedding ceremonies, housewarmings, and other significant life events, marking new beginnings and inviting prosperity. The flickering flame of the lamp is believed to be a focal point for meditation and prayer, helping to create an atmosphere of peace and devotion. Bringing this *Valakku* into your home is not merely acquiring an artifact; it is inviting a timeless tradition and a source of auspicious energy.

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.
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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.
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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