Nilavilakku

2020-07-03T10:36:02Z

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[[File:Lady holding vilakku.jpg|thumb|Painting of woman holding vilakku.]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
'''Nilavilakku''' is a traditional [[oil lamp|lamp]] used commonly in [[Kerala]] as well as in [[Tamil nadu]] (called Kuthuvillakku).<ref name=Dance>{{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}}</ref> The traditional lamps which is lit during every auspicious occasions; in temples before the worship starts; at the official and unofficial functions.

==Etymology==
[[File:Nilavilakku_Different_sizes.jpg|thumb|Nilavilakku]]
[[File:Nilavilak, നിലവിളക്ക്.JPG|thumb|Syrian Christian Nilavilakku]]
[[File:Nilavilak,a tradition lamp.jpg|thumb|a lighted up nilavilakku]]
[[File:Aal vilakku.jpg|thumb|Bronze lamp used in Temples.]]
''Nilam'' in the [[Malayalam]]/[[Tamil language|Tamil]]<ref name=Dance/> language means ''floor or the ground'' and ''vilakku'' means lamp.

==Usage==
===Original usage in Hinduism===
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.

===Adoption by other religions ===

====Christianity ====
With the reach of Christianity in Kerala, [[Saint Thomas Christians]] (or Syrian 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. A special type of Nilavilakku, called [[Aal Vilakku]] is used in [[Temple]]s of [[South India]], especially in [[Kerala]].<ref>[http://www.jaya-he.com/aal-vilakku]|www.jaya-he.com/aal-vilakku</ref>

====Islam ====
It can find in some of the Muslim mosques like Ponnani Al Maqtoom Juma Masjid and Jarams (holy caves) in Kerala,

==See also==
* Other lamps
** [[Butter lamp]]
** [[Diya (lamp)|Diya lamp]]
** [[Nachiarkoil lamp]]
** [[Sky lantern]]
** [[Paper lantern]]
** [[Oil_lamp#Hinduism|Types of Indian oil lamps]]
* Related topics
** [[Aarti]]
** [[Diwali]]
** [[Rangoli]]
** [[List of light sources]]

==References==
<references />

{{commons category|Nilavilakku}}

[[Category:Culture of Kerala]]
[[Category:Types of lamp]]
[[Category:Indian furniture]]

{{India-culture-stub}}

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Nilavilakku