Nilavilakku

Nilaviḷakku {{Pronunciation |LL-Q36236 (mal)-Vis M-നിലവിളക്ക്.wav|Malayalam Pronunciation}}is a traditional lamp used commonly in Kerala as well as in Tamil Nadu, called Kuthuviḷakku in Tamil (குத்துவிளக்கு) . It is called Kundulu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is called Deepada Kamba (ದೀಪದ ಕಂಬ) in Karnataka{{Cite web|url=http://www.dancecostumesandjewelry.com/south-indian-traditional-nilavilakku-12-inch-tall/|title=South Indian Traditional Nilavilakku 12 Inch tall|last=RRV|website=www.DanceCostumesAndJewelry.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-11}} and Samai (समई) in Maharashtra.

In Odisha, its called Pilisajā/Pilibeṛhi (ପିଲିସଜା /ପିଲିବେଢ଼ି) in Odia. The traditional lamps which is lit during every auspicious occasions; in temples before the worship starts; at the official and unofficial functions.

Etymology

Nilam in the Malayalam/Tamil language means floor or the ground and vilakku means lamp.

Usage

=History=

Vilakku/dīpam (lamp) is one of five accessories of religious worship in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism; others being puṣpa (flowers), dhūpa (incense), gandhā (sandalwood paste) and nivedya (food). Worshipping deities with these five accessories is generally considered as a way for achieving the four ends of human life; dharma, artha, kama and moksha.Sociology of Religion in India (2001) - Page 287, M. G. Nayar

The Nilavilakku is integral to several rituals and ceremonies in Hindu families in Kerala. As the sun sets, young girls of the family bring the lighted lamps to the verandah of the house, continued with evening prayers. In the evening the ritual is repeated alongside evening prayers. In Hindu temples, various types of Nilavilakku like 'Kutthuvilakku', 'Thookkuvilakku' etc. are used and are very much related to the traditional beliefs and activities in Kerala.

Lighting the Nilavilakku on any occasion is believed to be auspicious. Nilavilakku plays an important role in the presentation of various art forms. The art forms are performed after lighting the lamp. In Kerala, many functions are inaugurated by lighting Nilavilakku.{{Cite news|url=http://neokerala.com/kerala-culture/nilavilakku-kerala-traditional-lamp/|title=Nilavilakku - The Kerala's Traditional Oil Lamp - Neokerala|date=2017-06-21|work=Neokerala|access-date=2018-04-11|language=en-US}} A special type of Nilavilakku, called Aal Vilakku is used in Temples of South India, especially in Kerala.[http://www.jaya-he.com/aal-vilakku]|www.jaya-he.com/aal-vilakku

Nilavilakku is usually made of bronze or brass. Usually cotton wicks doused in oil or ghee are used for lighting the lamp. There are three ways of lighting the lamp. In one, only one wick is lit and is directed towards the deity or sacred space and in another there are two lit wicks in two directions. The third alternative is with five wicks in five directions.

In Kerala, Saint Thomas Christians also started keeping Nilavilakku in their churches and homes. Traditionally, the nilavilakku is lighted and kept at the main front entrance of a home. Syrian Christian art forms like Margamkali and Parichamuttukali are performed around nilavilakku.

Gallery

File:WLA haa Kerala Tiered Lamp.jpg|13th century lamp, Kerala

File:Nilavilak,a tradition lamp.jpg|a lighted up nilavilakku

File:Brass Kuthuvillakku-1-tirunelveli-India.jpg|Kuthuvillaku, Tamil Nadu

File:Nilavilakku.JPG|Nilavilakku, Tamil Nadu

File:WLA haa Kerala Bronze Lamp.jpg|Bronze lamp in 13th century, Kerala

File:വിളക്കുകൾ.jpg|Nilavilakku lamps in typical Kerala style

File:Nilavilakku.jpg|Nilavilakku lamps, Kerala

File:Nirapara and Nilavilakku.jpg|Nirapara and Nilavilakku

File:Aal vilakku.jpg|Bronze lamp used in Temples.

File:Government college kasaragod 02.jpg|Hanging lamp

File:Hanging Lamps 1.JPG|Hanging lamps

File:Nilavilak, നിലവിളക്ക്.JPG|Nilavilakku in Church with Christian cross

References

https://www.kalkipuri.com/lamps/

Category:Culture of Kerala

Category:Types of lamp

Category:Indian furniture