The Kuthu Vilakku, or Peacock Oil Lamp, is a traditional lamp used in South Indian houses and temples. It is made of brass and has five wicks, each representing a different part of human life: body, mind, intellect, ego, and soul. The Anam(peacock), a legendary bird, represents grace and sophistication. The idea behind the lamp is sprinkling the light of the lamp with some dignity. This lamp with an exquisite and sturdy stand represents the illumination and harmony of oneself, with the spiritual enlightenment, and the expression of divine attributes in one's life.
A Beacon of Divine Radiance
Elevate your sacred space with this exquisite brass oil lamp, a testament to artisanal craftsmanship and spiritual significance. The lamp's design is crowned by a majestic peacock, a creature deeply revered in Hindu mythology. In Indian lore, the peacock is often associated with Lord Krishna, who is frequently depicted with a peacock feather adorning his crown, symbolizing divine beauty, grace, and protection. It is also believed to be the mount of Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, music, arts, and wisdom, further imbuing this lamp with an aura of enlightenment and auspiciousness.Symbolism and Spiritual Connection
The five wicks of this lamp are not merely functional; they represent the five vital senses, which, when directed towards the divine through devotion and spiritual practice, lead to inner harmony and liberation. The flickering flames symbolize the dispelling of darkness, both physical and metaphorical, illuminating the path towards truth and spiritual awakening. The use of brass, a metal considered sacred and pure in many traditions, enhances the lamp's ability to channel positive energies, making it an ideal addition to any puja room, meditation space, or devotional altar.Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage
Each lamp is meticulously crafted from high-quality brass, a material known for its durability and lustrous sheen. The intricate detailing of the peacock, from its regal crest to its flowing tail feathers, speaks to the skill of the artisans who have preserved ancient metalworking techniques through generations. The fluted stem and layered base add to the lamp's elegant profile, making it a striking decorative piece as well as a sacred object. This lamp embodies the rich cultural heritage of India, where the tradition of lighting oil lamps is a practice woven into the fabric of daily life and religious observances. Bringing this lamp into your home is an invitation to connect with this timeless legacy of devotion 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.
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