Home

Nilavilakku

Nilavilakku is the traditional floor lamp of Kerala, India. Typically made of brass or bronze, it is a floor-standing device with a broad base and a tall central stem from which several arms extend to hold oil lamps. It is filled with sesame oil or coconut oil, using cotton wicks that are lit during ceremonies. Smaller versions may be kept in puja rooms or at the entrance of homes for daily or special occasions.

The lamp is an important symbol in Kerala Hindu rituals. Lighting a Nilavilakku marks the auspicious beginning

Large versions, known as valiya vilakku, are used for major occasions in temples or community spaces, while

of
events
such
as
weddings,
temple
festivals,
Vishu
(the
Malayalam
New
Year),
Onam,
and
other
rites.
The
glow
of
the
lamp
is
associated
with
divine
presence
and
prosperity,
and
the
act
of
lighting
is
often
accompanied
by
prayers
and
offerings
to
Lakshmi,
the
goddess
of
wealth.
smaller
lamps
are
common
in
households.
The
Nilavilakku’s
design
and
use
reflect
Kerala’s
ritual
culture
and
its
emphasis
on
welcoming
light,
purification,
and
hospitality.
It
remains
a
central
element
in
traditional
ceremonies,
symbolizing
the
triumph
of
light
over
darkness
and
the
invocation
of
auspiciousness.