Oil lamp - Thookku vilakku

Oil lamp - Thookku vilakku

Kerala, India, late 18th century

Single piece. Bronze alloy. Size approx. 155mm x 115mm x 115mm. Weight approx. 1215g.

This impressive, old oil lamp comes from the tropical Malabar Coast state of Kerala, in southwestern India. Cast in bronze, this heavy, well-used oil lamp is in good condition. The elaborately crafted lamp has seven spouts for the hearts. The Malayalam name for the oil lamp, "Thookku vilakku", roughly translated as "hanging lamp", while "vilakku" simply means a lamp.

Symbol meaning

Oil lamps play a very important role during rituals and ceremonies, especially among the Hindus of Kerala. Lamps are an integral part of the temple and their symbolic presence is considered very important in the worship of various deities. The deep reverence for lamps and light itself is based on the symbolic idea of ​​man's journey from darkness and ignorance to the true brightness and awareness of light. A mantra found in the scriptures (Brhadāranyaka Upanisad, 1.3.28.) describes light as follows:

"Asato mā sadgamaya, tamaso mā jyotirgamaya, mrtyormā'mrtam gamaya."

Which roughly translated into Finnish means:

"Lead me from lies to truth,

From darkness to lead me into light,

"from death to immortality"

Ritual use

To the altar or shrine.