brass temple oil lamp, also known as a diya or deepak, often used in Hindu religious practices. Key features and information:
Material:
Made of brass, a metal chosen for its ductility and ability to create intricate designs.
Design:
Features a decorative backplate with deity figures and a bowl-shaped base to hold oil and a wick.
Purpose:
Used for lighting during puja (worship) and festivals like Diwali, symbolizing prosperity and the light of faith.
Usage:
The bowl is filled with oil (such as mustard oil, which is significant in poojas) and a wick is lit to produce a flame.
Symbolism:
In Hinduism, the lamp represents the human body and the flame symbolizes the soul.
Cleaning:
Can be cleaned with soap and water or household cleaners to remove kerosene residue.
Historical Context:
Oil lamps have been used for centuries for lighting homes, temples, and streets.