The Different Types of Deepam and Their Meaning

Deepam or very commonly known as diya, are clay or mud oil lamps which have many more names. Diyo, Deya, Deeya, Dia, Deepa, Divaa, Deep, Deepak and Saaki are some of the other names of Deepam.

Commonly used in India, Deepam has significance in religions of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain prayers, religious traditions and holy ceremonies.

The History Of The Deepam

As the epic tale states that when Lord Rama won the battle against Ravana and achieved the victory of good over evil, then whilst their return, the entire Ayodhya was shining bright with lights to celebrate the homecoming of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, after 14 years of exile, by lighting Deepams everywhere. To date, Hindus and many people of other religions celebrate the glorious festival of Diwali by lighting these oil lamps, clay diyas , Diwali diya or Deepams and adorning their homes, offices, and various other spaces. Deepams are used in religious practices and rituals like Pooja and Aarti, and every morning and evening, Deepams are lit in temples and many households in India. The warm and bright glow from the deepams is believed to bring enlightenment, prosperity, wisdom and knowledge and is regarded as the most auspicious element.

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The Different Types Of Deepams

There are various types of Deepams available that are used in temples all over India. Check out some of the most renowned deepams and learn more about them.

Kamakshi Deepam

Kamakshi Deepam is also known as Kamakshi Vilakku. It is a divine oil lamp used in Pooja and for decorative purposes in houses and offices. You can differentiate a Kamakshi deepam from other Deepams easily as these lamps have the engravings of Devi Kamakshi on them. The stature of Kamakshi Devi is equal to that of Lord Shiva. Yoni Puja, or womb worship, is the centre of Kamakshi and Kamakhaya. It is also believed that if Kamakshi Deepam or Kamakshi Vilakku is burnt during the time of Navratri, all your sins burn away in the fire of the Deepam.

Kubera Deepam

Kubera deepam is known to bring luck, prosperity and wealth. These metal deepams can be used daily for financial growth and debt-free life. This lamp is mighty and significant for Kubera Puja. It is best for pure ghee or gingelly oil. It can burn continuously for approximately 2 hours. This brass lamps invokes the blessings from goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for material and wealth. As a token of respect for Lord Kubera, light the Kubera deepam (Kubera Diya) and incense sticks and offer Lotus petals to them.

Kartika Deepam

Kartika Deepam is similar to Diwali for Hindus living in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Sri Lanka. This festival of lights takes place on the day of the Full Moon of the Kartika month, also known as Kartika Pournami. It is celebrated by creating Kolam (Rangoli) and lighting agal vilakku (oil lamps), pooja, lighting bonfires and more.

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Lakshmi Deepam

Lakshmi deepam is another kind of deepam with the goddess Lakshmi carved on it. Along with Lakshmi deepam, you can also get Ashtalakshmi Deepam. Lighting this deepam provides eight benefits: granary wealth, courage, child progeny, knowledge and wisdom, success, fame and fortune, and material and spiritual wealth.

Yama Deepam

Yama Deepam is well renowned as Dhanteras. Yam is worshipped by the devotees so that they can be safe and sound. During Yamadeepdaan, a small deepam is lit to worship and pay respect to Lord Yama, known as Yama Deepam.

Vishnu Deepam

Vishnu deepam is celebrated with pomp and glory. The Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, the Lord of Protector, sent King Bali to the underworld. The day is known as Karthikai Deepam, celebrated by decorating houses and temples with oil lamps.

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Akhanda Deepam

Akhanda deepam is a symbol of Lord Srinivasa, which is why it should be lighted with maximum practice in the house. The place or the paatra where the deepam is placed is very sacred as it is the seat for Srinivasa. An Akhanda deepam is always kept on a high-raised platform.

Maha Deepam

On the day of Kartika, a massive divine lamp is lit on both temples, visible for many miles. This is known as a Maha deepam. It is an essential ceremony of Arunachal mountain.

Durga Deepam

To keep the evil spirits and negativity away, lemon deepam is lit during Durga Pooja. Those who will light lemon deepam will excel in their studies and find a suitable marriage partner; families will prosper and have a sound and healthy life.

Ganga Deepam

The floating deepams in the Holy River Ganga are known as Ganga deepam. This ritual is done for the excellent health and well-being of loved ones.

Shiva Deepam

Shiva Deepam is similar to Kartika deepam as the deepam lit during the Kartika season is devoted to Lord Shiva.

Pooja Deepam

Pooja deepam is an oil lamp lit to bow down, respect knowledge, and remove darkness from homes. It spreads light and positivity while keeping the negativity and evil eye away and burning it from the house.

Jyoti Deepam

Jyoti deepam is also known as Akhanda Deepam, which is lit in a very proper and respectable manner.

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All these kinds of deepams (lamp diya) are available in the market, and you can shop for them online. Other than these, you can look forward to famous South Indian deepams like Thooku Vilakku, Nilavilakku, Mayur South Indian lamps, Gajalakshmi Vilakku, Kamatchi Vilakku oil lamps. Artisans in India handcraft these; they have intricate detailing and are aesthetically pleasing to be added to your home temples and mandirs.