How does Nilavilakku, the traditional Indian lamp, get its shape?

“The Nilavilakku denotes the Hindu trinity of Brahma/Vishnu/Shiva. The base represents Brahma, the stem represents Vishnu, the head represents Shiva, the wicks represent Parvathi and the heat represents Lakshmi. This is the meaning of the Hindu lamp. The Hindu lamp is so beautiful in concept and design.”

Etymology- ‘nilam’ in the Malayalam language means ground and vilakku means lamp. The word stems from the older cognate Tamil language. == Nilavilakku usage == The Nilavilakku is integral to all rituals and ceremonies in a traditional Malayali Hindu family

In Hindu households, by around evening time, it is a ritual that the young girls should light it and keep it in the veranda of the house after which the whole family will offer their evening prayers being seated adjacent to the lamp by chanting hymns and holy verses. Most Hindu art forms are performed after lighting Nilavilakku.

Like most other Hindu religious symbols later turning out to become identities of patriotism and Indian culture, Nilavilakku too has now become an integral part of most governmental, formal and informal ceremonies in Kerala and elswhere.

NilaVilakku or Oil Lamps are usually lit during the transition period(sandhikal). The transition period (Sandhikal) is the period of 48 minutes, that is, two Ghatikas, before the sunrise and after the sunset. The transition period is Raja-Tama predominant. Influence of negative energies is more in this period. To get protection from these,Dharma has given importance to abiding by Conducts (Acharpalan) in this period. Scriptures have described various Conducts (Achars) to be performed in the evening, so that there are good impressions (Sanskars) on man and he becomes equipped with good Achars, he is able to perform spiritual practice (Sadhana) in addition to getting protection from the negative energies.

*After lighting the lamp Hindu’s chant the following shloka or prayer:::

"Deepajyothi Parabrahma, Deepajyothi Janardhana, Deepo me hara tu paapam, Deepa Jyothir Namostute "

meaning : I salute the Brahman, the sustainer of the creation, in the form of this light. I salute the Lord, may He destroy afflictions resulting from my omissions and commissions.

Cotton Wicks and their significance:

Single wick (Eka Mukha Deepam) for normal benefit.
Two wicks (Dwimukha deepam) brings harmony and peace in the family and relatives.
Three wicks (Trimukha Deepam) Blesses with progeny.
Four wicks (Chathurmukha deepam) brings allround prosperity and Sumptuous food.
Five wicks (Panchamkukha deepam) showers akhanda aishwaryam or Wealth.
Six wicks (Shanmukha deepam) blesses with Akhanda Gyana (Knowledge) & Vairagyam (Renunciation).