Title
Camphor burner
Year/Period
18th century
Region
Tamil Nadu, South India
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H:7.5 x L:24.5 x W:12.5
Accession No.
1998-01081
Collection of
Several types of lamps are used on special festive occasions. This meru deepam or bronze camphor burner is square-shaped in the shape of a pyramid or Mount Meru. Three-tiered, it has 26, 16 and 9 tubular wick holders on it and is used during the shodashopachara puja (16 types of ritualistic worship). Such lamps are seen even today in most temples in south India and Singapore. These lamps are waved before the deity for the general well being of everyone.
