A hanging dia that conveys the blessings of Lord Ganesha. When one thinks of a traditional Indian lamp, the image of a long stem and multi-wick dia trays usually come to mind. The lamp that you see on this page, however, is designed to be hung from a hook in the ceiling.
It is a relatively sizeable dia tray with a single wick. At the very centre of the shallow-bottomed dia tray, the fluid brass rises into a miniscule plinth-like structure. Atop this plinth is a seated chaturbhujadhari Ganesha. Despite the scale, this Ganesha murti has been executed with perfect iconographical detail and an expressive, childlike stance.
On either side of Ganesha, on the edge of the dia is perched a mythical floral creature. Betwixt their beaks and plumages is an ornate, kinked archway. A Kritmukham motif right above Ganesha’s head and a secure, interlocking chain to hold the dia in place whilst it hangs.
A Beacon of Divine Presence and Auspicious Beginnings
This exquisite hanging diya, crafted from radiant brass, is more than just a source of light; it is a sacred embodiment of divine blessings and a testament to masterful artistry. At its heart sits a beautifully rendered image of Lord Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles and the patron deity of new beginnings. His presence here is a powerful reminder of his grace, wisdom, and ability to pave the way for success in all endeavors. In Hindu mythology, Ganesha is revered as the son of Shiva and Parvati, often invoked before any significant undertaking, from the start of a journey to the inauguration of a new venture. His elephantine visage symbolizes intelligence and strength, while his broken tusk signifies sacrifice and the pursuit of knowledge.
––––––––––Intricate Craftsmanship for Sacred Spaces
The lamp itself is a marvel of traditional metalwork. The diya features a wide, shallow basin, designed to hold oil and a wick, from which a warm, inviting glow emanates. This basin is supported by a robust, circular base, adding stability and an elegant silhouette. Above the diya, an intricately designed arc frames the deity, reminiscent of the celestial arches seen in temple architecture. This graceful canopy is adorned with detailed carvings, featuring floral motifs and mythological creatures, possibly symbolic representations of protective spirits or celestial attendants. The entire structure is suspended by a sturdy brass chain, allowing it to be hung in prominent positions within your home or sacred space, casting its benevolent light and divine presence.
––––––––––A Symbol of Prosperity and Spiritual Illumination
The use of brass, a material highly valued in religious rituals across India, further enhances the spiritual significance of this diya. Brass is believed to possess purifying qualities and to attract positive energy, making it an ideal medium for devotional objects. The warm, golden hue of the brass reflects the auspiciousness associated with Lord Ganesha and the illumination provided by the lamp. This hanging diya is not merely decorative; it serves as a focal point for prayer, meditation, and the invocation of divine blessings. Lighting this diya is an act of inviting prosperity, wisdom, and protection into your life, mirroring the auspicious rituals performed during festivals like Diwali, the festival of lights, where diyas are lit in abundance to dispel darkness and usher in joy and good fortune. Its substantial size and detailed ornamentation make it a statement piece, capable of transforming any space into a sanctuary of peace and divine grace.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.
