vilakku

Vilakku is a lamp used in Hindu religious practice in parts of South Asia, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The word vilakku, from Tamil and Malayalam, refers to a lamp or light. In traditional use, a vilakku is an oil lamp with a cotton wick, typically dipped in sesame oil, coconut oil, or ghee. The body of a vilakku can be made from clay, brass, bronze, or copper, and forms range from small diya-like lamps to large ceremonial lamps.

Two well-known forms are the nilavilakku and the kuthu vilakku. Nilavilakku is a tall, often multi-tiered brass lamp associated with Kerala temples and households, lit during auspicious occasions and rituals. In Tamil households, kuthu vilakku is a stand-mounted lamp with several wicks used in daily worship and during festivals. Both forms symbolize the dispelling of darkness and the invitation of divine presence.

Usage and significance are central to the ritual context. Vilakku lighting accompanies pujas (worship), archana (devotional songs), weddings, temple consecrations, and festivals. The act of lighting a vilakku is meant to bring auspiciousness, knowledge, and prosperity, and it is commonly observed at the start of ceremonies and prayers.

Modern practice often supplements traditional oil lamps with electric lights, but the symbolic and ceremonial role of vilakku remains important in many communities. Traditional vilakkus, along with modern replicas, continue to be used in homes and temples during religious observances and cultural celebrations.