Antique Brass Vishnu Oil Lamp (Diya), India (9571B)

Description

Metal oil lamps (diyas) made for deities in Hinduism are recognized by distinct designs, symbols or figures which identify specific deities to  devotees wish to offer their prayers used in homes and temples for daily prayers (puja). This heavy brass antique votive Vishnu diya has a shallow yoni shaped cup, short walls and projecting snout that stores oil and holds the wick. The yoni is the shape of  the womb or vagina, the ultimate symbol of fertility in Hindu and Buddhist iconography as early as the 2nd century B.C.E. The ornately shaped back panel topped by a lotus bud displays the Vishnu symbol consisting of three lines: two outer ones joined below and a straight one dividing them. This is the mark or tilak stamp called Sricharanam (sri for auspicious and charanam for feet) Vishnu devotees wear on their forehead to indicate their spiritual affiliation. The forehead between the eyebrows is the body’s most significant chakra with reserves of spiritual power and devotion.The outer lines represent the feet of Nayarana, one of Vishnu’s nine incarnations (avatars); the center dividing line symbolizes Vishnu’s consort Laxmi (Lakshmi), goddess of wealth, fortune and fertility who promises both material and spiritual fulfillment. Together they are the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies of a blessed Hindu marriage.  Vishnu diyas are an integral part of a devotional tradition by a major Hindu denomination whose followers are called Vaishnavites or Vaishnavas. Devotees consider Vishnu and his incarnations the Supreme Hindu Lord tasked with protecting and preserving the universe.