Branching
oil lamps, also known as Ashtothira Deepams, are often made of brass or bronze.
They get their name from the 108 wicks that hang from the branching metal
handles of the lamps. These lamps may have fewer wicks, yet they are still
known as Asthothira Deepam. The 108 candles pay homage to the divine number
108, which is related to the 108 Mukhya Shivaganas and the 108 edges of Lord
Vishnu's sacred discus, Sudarshan Chakra. The spiritualism of this brass lamp
has been accentuated in this lamp with the help of the sacred images of
peacocks and Lord Ganesha. The picture of Lord Ganesha on the lamp's crown
offers warmth to the lamp with Shubh or auspiciousness.
A Beacon of Auspicious Beginnings: The Ganesha Multi-Wick Brass Lamp
Embrace the divine presence of Lord Ganesha with this magnificent multi-wick brass lamp, a testament to traditional craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. Standing tall and commanding, this lamp is not merely a source of light but a powerful symbol of prosperity, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles, invoking the blessings of the elephant-headed deity in your sacred space.
The centerpiece of this exquisite creation is a finely detailed idol of Lord Ganesha, seated in a contemplative posture at the apex. His presence is a constant reminder of his role as the Vighnaharta, the remover of hindrances, making this lamp an ideal addition to any home or puja room, especially for the inauguration of new ventures or beginnings. The intricate detailing of Ganesha's form, from his trunk to his multiple arms, speaks volumes of the artisan's skill and dedication.An Emblem of Light and Grace
The lamp's structure is a symphony of gracefully curving arms, each culminating in a wick holder, designed to cast a warm and inviting glow. These arms are adorned with delicate motifs, possibly inspired by the natural world or traditional artistic patterns, further enhancing the lamp's aesthetic appeal. The presence of smaller, sculpted birds perched upon some of the arms adds a whimsical yet elegant touch, hinting at the harmony of nature often associated with divine spaces. The entire structure is cast in lustrous brass, a material revered in Indian culture for its purity, durability, and its ability to hold and radiate divine energy. The rich, golden hue of the brass catches and reflects the light, creating a mesmerizing interplay of shadows and brilliance.Illuminating Tradition and Ritual
In Hindu tradition, lamps, or *diyas*, are central to worship and auspicious occasions. They symbolize knowledge, purity, and the dispelling of darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The act of lighting a lamp is considered a sacred ritual, inviting positive energies and divine blessings. This multi-wick lamp, with its numerous flames, amplifies this symbolism, promising an abundance of light and good fortune. It echoes the grandeur of ancient temples and traditional homes where such lamps were a constant fixture, filling the air with a serene and spiritual ambiance. Imagine this lamp gracing your altar during Diwali, the festival of lights, or during a puja ceremony, its multiple flames dancing to the rhythm of mantras, creating an atmosphere of profound devotion and peace. Its sheer size and the meticulous craftsmanship make it a statement piece, capable of transforming any environment into a sanctuary of 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.
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