Mankind has a close association with light and fire. The mesmerizing effect of the flame is both engaging and inspirational. The rich tales of oil lamps exist throughout the cultures and narratives. These include those from India to Rome and from China to Arab civilizations. Oil lamps were once an object of art and a spiritual realization that were used to brighten the path of human existence. Today the usage of these lamps is limited to festive occasions or for home decor purposes.

An oil lamp is a special kind of lamp that makes light using special oil. People have used these lamps from ancient times, even though we don't use them as much today. Oil lamps have three main parts: a place for the oil, a unique string called a wick, and a tall, glass chimney. The wick goes through a part that holds fire and soaks up the oil. The chimney helps the air move and makes the oil burn to make light.

Oil lamps make rooms bright when there's no electricity, like when the lights go out or in places far away from cities. They can be a backup light if the power goes out suddenly. Some oil lamps look very nice and fancy. They can make a room look extra special and lovely.

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There are different types of oil lamps:

Kerosene oil use a kind of oil called kerosene. People often use them when they go camping or when there's an emergency.

Aladdin lamps are special lamps that have a special way of making the light very bright. People like to use them to make their rooms look beautiful.

Bronze oil lamps are sturdy and can be used as indoor and outdoor decor.

In this article, we will talk about different types of traditional lamps and uses.

Significance of  Oil Lamps

Cultures and civilizations have high regard for fire. In India, the same is useful for religious ceremonies and festive occasions. For Indians, these oil lamps or diyas are much more than a source of light as it is regarded as a medium of spiritual realization and growth.

Apart from this, these have been used in the following way -

As a medium of sharing fire

These lamps were considered an effective way to transport fire instead of flaming torches. In their simplest form, these were crafted from sea shells, coconut and carved stones. These could have oil or animal fat to ensure the burning of the flame.

For Spiritual Awakening

The lighting of the oil lamps Diyas is considered auspicious and can negate destructive forces present around the house. Spiritually, the same is thought to induce trance and cleanse the aura of a room.

These also symbolize the birth of the universe and new beginnings and are an easy way to please your ruling deity. These oil lamps for home decor are finding takers despite the popularity of the electric alternatives.

For Marking Important days

For Indians, oil lamps have held high regard beginning from their initial use during the Vedic period. Further, Deepak, Deepam, Diyas were smaller versions of these lamps that were lit to signify an important event or festival. During major religious ceremonies and temples, an everlasting form of these called the Akhanda Diya is lit. This is thought to signify the importance of knowledge and power. These help to vanquish darkness and ignorance while bringing in abundance and growth.

Dispels darkness

Lighting these lamps helps to dispel darkness and ignorance. Oil lamps in the shape of women called Paavai Vilakku have found their place in major Hindu temples. Similarly, Thookku Vilakku is a hanging oil lamp that can be placed using chains from the roofs of temples, households, etc. Lighting these helps to perish ego, negativity and other vasanas that plague the human mind.

As a symbol of deities

Goddess Rajarajeshwari - a combined form of the three major Indian Goddesses - Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, is considered the ruling deity of the oil lamps. It is believed that she resides in the flames of the lamp. She bestows wisdom, wealth and prosperity to the household. Thus, the same help to enhance the quality of the life of the household members.

Type of oil lamps

As stated above, oil lamps have a major significance in Indian culture. Hence, each region has its own form of the lamps to please their ruling deity. Thus, one can choose from the traditional round diyas to ones in intricate patterns. While earthen diyas can be designed from stone or clay, the expensive versions come from metals like brass, copper, bronze, etc.

Often the lamps sourced from antique dealers and online stores come with elaborate, intricate patterns, religious designs, auspicious motifs like Ganesha, etc.

Top oil lamps for home decor include the following -

Gajalakshmi Vilakku oil lamp

Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp has been used to worship Goddesses.

This form of lamp is popular around Kerala as a medium to please Goddess Lakshmi. Often brass and bronze versions of these with Devi Lakshmi sitting in Lotus are popular.

These oil lamps can be an integral part of your prayer room or can be placed on the porch as a sign of reverence. Lighting these on a regular basis can dispel ignorance and bring knowledge and wisdom.

Kamatchi Vilakku oil lamp

Kamatchi Vilakku oil Lamp or Kamakshi Deepam is popularly used as a symbol of pleasing Devi Kamakshi. Often Her statue is engraved on the lamp and makes for a beautiful gift as a home decor item during the festive season.

Before installing the lamp, it must be worshipped with flowers and other sacred offerings. By lighting the same, the entire place is filled with a wealth of light and understanding. Burning on an everyday basis helps to eradicate worries and ignorance.

Mayur South Indian oil lamp

Mayur South Indian oil lamp or Peacock Diya Stand is a beautiful take on peacocks. The elegant lamp is a popular form of lamp that is used by top educational institutions and government bodies to signify auspicious beginnings.

The defining feature of the lamp is the intricate patterns, handcrafted peacocks, grooves and finesse. Unlike the traditional versions of the lamp, these can be tall and have a five-faced diya with peacock figurines.

This lamp is thought to remove darkness and gloom from the place.

Nilavilakku oil lamp

Nilavilakku oil lamp is a traditional lamp used in Kerala and Tamil Nadu also know as Kerala Diya. These are lit during special occasions or at temples.

The same is made from either brass or bronze and is lighted using cotton wicks doused in oil. The traditional approach is to keep these at the entrance of the house and lit in the evening.

Thooku Vilakku

Thooku Vilakku is the traditional hanging lamp from Kerala. The same is a symbol of positivity, wealth and knowledge.

The lamp (Vilakku) can have 5-7 grooves for lighting on special events and occasions. The design has another layer of hidden grooves that collects oil inside and then again help in lighting the same. Often the lamp is hung using a link chain. Modern hanging oil lamps can be placed at the entrance or balcony to brighten your spaces.

Hanging oil lamps

With a traditional and elegant-looking lamp, it becomes easy to make a strong impression and grace. Unlike the traditional versions, these are versatile and elegant, and that double as a wonderful gift.

These help to create a calm and meditative atmosphere in the Puja room. These are handcrafted to create a meditative atmosphere, making it easy to accent your home.

When choosing any hanging lamp, it is important to choose the ones made from premium bronze or sturdy base to ensure safe handling. It helps to avoid spilling the oil during everyday use.