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Vel (spear)-shaped lamp

Title

Year/Period

18th-19th centuries

Region

Tamil Nadu, South India

Object Type

ceremonial lamps

Material

bronze (metal)

Technique

casting (process), metalworking

Accession No.

2001-06589

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

Several types of lamps are used during the 'shodashopachara' puja, the 16 forms of Hindu worship in Tamil temples on special festive occasions. This 'vel' (spear)-shaped lamp has 27 wick holders set atop, hence it is called the 'natshatra deepam' for the 27 asterisms or stars of the Tamil calendar.Such lamps are used only for specific occasions in templed for which their symbolism becomes significant.