Those of us who were raised on the Indian subcontinent know all about oil lamps. They were an intrinsic part of daily life. We encountered oil lamps at home at the family altar, which almost no home, however poor or rich was without. We encountered oil lamps at our friends homes, even in schools and offices, where they were lit at ceremonial functions. Even the shops had, and many still do, their own little altar with a steady flame burning bright. In the community at large, oil lamps are burned at time of birth and death, at marriages and at house warming ceremonies.
There are the basic one flame lamps, and there are some that have little wedges for multiple wicks heads, for flames jutting out all around the lamps edges. In temples, especially in South India there are huge ornate brass lamps, sitting atop carved pedestal like bases.
Of-course oil lamps are a staple at the millions of temples and in the myriads of churches across India. Devotees flock to them crossing the borders of religious affiliation, lighting lamps and candles to seek divine intervention. Their abiding faith as un-flickering as the flames burning bright. There is a special solace in the light emanating from these gracious utensils fashioned of clay, metal and stone.
Traditionally ghee was used in India instead of oil, and still is for all sacred ceremonial purposes. A true union of natures bounty and natural elements, the essence of our beings.
Copyright© 2012 by Veenu Banga
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