Deep Lakshmi Brass Oil Lamp - 11in Paavai Vilakku, Single or Set of 2

$120.00

A Deep Lakshmi, also called Deepalakshmi or, in Tamil, paavai vilakku (the lady lamp), is a brass figure of a woman holding a diya in both hands, lit at the entrance of a home or either side of a mandir. This one stands 11 inches tall in pure brass, with a conch-shaped hair ornament, a parrot on her shoulder and a single-wick diya held at her waist. Choose one lamp, or the set of two.

Product details

Height: 11 in
Base: 4.5 x 4.5 in, octagonal
Weight: 2,500 g per lamp (approx. 5.5 lb / 88 oz). The set of two is 5,000 g (approx. 11 lb)
Material: pure brass, antique gold finish with darkened engraved detail
Diya: single wick spout, held in both hands, holds about one teaspoon of oil
Base detail: stepped octagon, engraved with lotus petals
Options: Single (one lamp) or Set of 2 (two lamps)
Made in India

Why this one

2.5 kg in an 11-inch figure. That is about 5.5 pounds of brass in a lamp you can hold in one hand. On a 4.5-inch octagonal base it stands steady when lit, and nothing plated or hollow-cast weighs close to it.

The detail is cast and engraved, not painted. The pleats of her saree, the jewellery at her neck and arms, the feathers on the parrot and the lotus petals on the base are all raised in the brass and darkened in the recesses, so they stay visible from across a room.

The pair is mirrored. In the set, the parrot and the hair ornament sit on opposite sides of each figure, so the two face inward and frame a mandir or a doorway symmetrically.

Which one do I need

Lighting either side of a mandir or a doorway? Choose the set of two. Deep Lakshmi lamps are traditionally placed in pairs, and the set is mirrored for exactly that.

A single lamp for a shelf, a Golu step or a gift? Choose Single.

Where it works

Either side of a home mandir or pooja room, at the front door for Diwali and Karthigai Deepam, on a Golu step during Navratri, or on an entryway console where guests see it as they come in.

Gifting

A traditional gift for a griha pravesh (housewarming), a wedding, or a new bride setting up her first pooja room. It is also given for Diwali and Varalakshmi Vratam. The set of two makes the more complete gift, since the lamps are lit as a pair.

Questions people ask

Do I get one lamp or two?
Single is one lamp. Set of 2 is two lamps, made as a mirrored pair.

Is it solid brass?
It is pure brass. At 2,500 g for an 11-inch figure, the weight speaks for itself: a plated or hollow piece of this size would weigh a fraction as much.

What oil and wick does it take?
Ghee, sesame oil or coconut oil, with one cotton wick laid in the spout. The diya holds about one teaspoon of oil, enough for aarti or a short evening lighting. Top it up if you want it to burn longer, and never leave it lit unattended.

Can I dress her for Golu?
Yes. Customers dress her in a small saree or pavadai and doll jewellery for Navratri Golu, and some of their photos are in this listing. If she is dressed, do not light the diya, and keep the fabric away from any flame.

How do I clean it?
Let the diya cool, wipe out the oil with a paper towel, then dust with a dry cloth. Pitambari powder, Brasso or lemon and salt bring the shine back. Dry it thoroughly afterwards.

Will the finish change over time?
Brass darkens naturally. Polish it back with a standard brass cleaner if you prefer it bright, or leave it to deepen. Both are normal and neither harms the piece.

Can it go outdoors?
It is made for indoor use. Brass weathers and spots outdoors, so keep it sheltered if you light it on a covered porch for Diwali.

What if it arrives damaged?
Shipping is insured. Photograph the damage, email contact@urliutsav.com, and we will replace it or make it right.

Can I return it?
Yes, within 30 days in original condition and packaging. Return shipping is arranged and paid by the customer, so please check the size against your space first.