Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp

The Southern States of India are known to place a lot of significance on extensive prayers, worship, rituals, and ceremonies that help in invoking divine deities. Gajalakshmi bronze Oil lamp (Gajalakshmi Vilakku) is one of the commonest household lamps used in South India for worshipping deities. The word Gajalakshmi is made up of two words, “Gaja” meaning elephant and Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The highlight of this Bronze Oil lamp is its impressive backdrop. Here, Goddess Laxmi is flanked by gigantic elephants on either side of the Goddess.

Oil Receptacle

This Gajalakshmi Vilakku is basically a lovely looking, impressive oil receptacle. The backplate of this stunning diya is framed by prabhavali. This is topped by Kiritmukha. This lamp is a fine object of prayers and worshipping the deities. It is available in just the way deities of South India are framed.

The lamp has two attendants at Prabhavali’s base holding a lamp. There are multiple layers at the base decorated with lovely beads. The lamp looks simply spectacular and add spirituality to the area where it is placed.

The lamp has another interesting feature which is a Gajalakshmi Vilakku figure perched at the back of Gajalakshmi Oil Diya. This unusual detailing adds to the aesthetic appearance of the lamp.

Ritual Gajalakshmi Villaku

This Gajalakshmi bronze Oil Diya is lit twice in a day. The morning prayer begins with lighting the lamp and starting the ritual worship. The second time, it is lit in the evening when devotees invoke Goddess Laxmi to bless them and shower her blessings on them.

Significance of Gajalakshmi Vilakku

The Gajalakshmi Oil lamp (Gajalakshmi Vilakku)  is considered as a vehicle or a carrier through which devotees access the divine. These lamps are predominantly used in temple, spiritual, and religious settings and considered as necessary for the propitiating the Gods. Many festivals are incomplete without these Gajalakshmi Oil lamps.

It plays a vital role in allowing the faithful Hindu devotees to focus on the nature and image of the divine deity. In many Hinduism practicing devotees’ homes, this Brass oil lamp is found in their homes or prayer areas and used for aarti ritual. This lamp helps the devotees seek blessings from the Lord Almighty.

This lamp changes its form depending on the religious ceremony where it is used. The significance of this Gajalakshmi Oil Diya lies in the fact that it carries divine light. The light preserved in this lamp signifies the presence of the deity.

Aesthetic Value of Gajalakshmi Vilakku

This Gajalakshmi Oil lamp also has immense aesthetic lamp. Available at many online and offline stores, it is an epitome of artistic luxury. Many people buy these lamps as a religious and decor object. It is majorly bought by those who love collecting collectibles, exquisite pieces of art, artefacts, home décor objects and more.

What is a Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp?

A Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp is a traditional South Indian brass oil lamp that flaunts the goddess Lakshmi with elephants (Gaja), symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. These lamps are used primarily for prayers, festivals, and as ornaments in homes and temples.

What are the various types of Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps?

Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps are offered in many types: vintage, handmade, premium, and designer. Some of them include South Indian art patterns, while others are for particular usage purposes or even specific for the prayer room to be placed indoors.

Which materials comprise Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps?

These are primarily of brass and bronze, thus quite strong and bright in elegance. The fine detailing and smooth finishes use the best brass, and some variants may even come with a brown finish or an antique look that would appeal to the eyes further.

How do I place a Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp at home?

The oil lamp, Gajalakshmi Vilakku, is used mainly as an attribute of God to provide religious or spiritualistic utility. This would mean using it in rooms meant for prayers, in the temple, or even in altars. It can also be kept as a piece in living rooms, entrances, offices, and even kitchens to give the ambiance a traditional or good touch.

How do I take care of and maintain a Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp?

Clean the Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp often with a soft cloth. If necessary, use a mild brass cleaner and polish to shine. Never expose your Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp to harsh chemicals; store it in a dry place to prevent tarnishing.

What's unique about the South Indian art style of Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps?

South Indian art style is true to life, characterized by intricate designs and close attention to detail. Oil lamps are usually combined with traditional motifs, made symbolic by featuring the goddess Lakshmi accompanied by elephants.

Do Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps make good gifts?

Yes, Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp makes excellent gifts as occasion-based daylights in housewarmings, weddings, festivals, or even as a corporate gift. It is treasured for its spiritual value and beauty and becomes a well-thought gift for friends and family.

How shall I take the size that suits my house?

Selecting a Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp depends on the placement and room's space: big lamps are suitable for more excellent prayer rooms or bigger living rooms, but the smaller ones perfectly fit into small-sized tables or mantels. Style and design ought to complement existing décor.

How much do Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps cost?

The Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps vary in price by size, material, and artwork. The basic one available in the market begins at around ₹700, and you can get a premium or class one up to ₹5,400. The price also varies for the finish; in this case, you would get it in antique finish or polished finish and various others.

Will Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps be used outdoors?

While mainly used indoors, it can be situated outside if the lamp is covered from adverse weather. To avoid oil spillage, it must be kept in a dry place, free from wind.

What are the benefits of using the Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp in my prayasam?

It is believed that during prayer, the Gaja Lakshmi vilakku oil lamp attracts good energy and the boon of goddess Lakshmi. It promotes a peaceful, sacred environment where one's soul feels spiritual. The light of the oil lamp represents the destruction of darkness and the inflow of divine knowledge and prosperity.

How does the Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp connect to Hindu Festivals?

It is primarily used for Diwali, Navaratri, and Lakshmi Puja. It is believed to have brought good fortune and blessings. The elements of wealth and prosperity are part of these auspicious occasions related to the symbolism of the lamp.

What does a handmade Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp look like in construction?

Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps are made with utmost care using traditional methods. When brass or bronze is molded and shaped, exquisite carving or embossing of the goddess Lakshmi and other motifs is done. Once shaped, they can be an antique and brushed finish.

How do you light a Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamp?

Put a little oil in the bottom part of the lamp; sesame or coconut oils are preferably used. Now, place a wick in the middle and ignite it. Then, place it on firm ground so that it does not fall over. Be on the lookout so it does not burn off in front of you.

What are the types of Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps available, and how can I procure them?

Gajalakshmi Vilakku Oil Lamps are available in different kinds, such as antique, handmade, high-end, and decorative. Some may have fine pieces of South Indian artwork, while others may be as simple as old ones. There are lamps available in different sizes and finishes, such as brown and polished brass, and at different prices. IndianShelf is an online marketplace where people can buy handcrafted and traditional Indian art and decor items. This website provides various oil lamps at Gajalakshmi Vilakku, mostly decorative and functional, used as prayer lamps.

Other Types of Bronze Oil Lamps You Can Buy On Indianshelf

Indianshelf offers different types of Handmade Bronze Oil Lamps or Villku other than Gajalakshmi Vilaaku like Kamatchi Vilakku, Mayur South Indian Oil Lamp, Nilavilakku Oil Lamp, Thooku Vilakku, Kuber Villaku, Diwali Diyas and many more.