HANDMADE BRONZE KAVARAVILAKKU WITH MOTTU SHAPE ON TOP | 3 LAYER LAMP

Handcrafted Bronze Kavaravilakku with Mottu Shape: A Traditional Three-Layer Temple Lamp from Alackal Bell Metals, Mannar, Kerala

In the heart of Kerala, amidst its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, lies a tradition of exquisite craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. One such masterpiece of Kerala’s metalworking legacy is the handcrafted bronze Kavaravilakku with Mottu shape, a unique and intricate three-layer lamp. These lamps hold a significant place in the temples of Kerala, symbolizing both spirituality and artistic excellence. Manufactured by Alackal Bell Metals in Mannar, Kerala, these lamps are highly revered not just for their functionality but also for their artistic beauty and traditional craftsmanship. This blog will explore the history, significance, and the unique features of these handcrafted lamps while also highlighting the importance of Alackal Bell Metals as a renowned name in Kerala’s bell metal industry.

Understanding the Kavaravilakku: A Temple Lamp of Kerala

The Kavaravilakku is a traditional lamp used in temples across Kerala. It is a symbol of divine light, used in rituals, prayers, and offerings to gods. The name "Kavaravilakku" comes from the words "Kavara," meaning a small platform or pedestal, and "vilakku," meaning lamp. These lamps are primarily made of bronze, which is considered auspicious in Hindu rituals due to its durability and association with the elements of earth, fire, and air. The Kavaravilakku is an essential part of the pooja rituals in temples, particularly during festivals, celebrations, and daily offerings.

The bronze Kavaravilakku is distinguished by its elaborate design and multiple layers, each holding significance. The three layers symbolize different aspects of spiritual and material life. At the top, the lamp is often crowned with a Mottu shape, a round structure that adds a touch of artistic flair to the design, symbolizing the Sun, a celestial entity believed to purify and enlighten all forms of life.

The Bronze Mottu Shape: Symbolism and Design

The Mottu shape is a round structure, often designed to represent the sun or the moon, both of which are integral in the spiritual beliefs of Hinduism. The circular design is symbolic of infinity, with no beginning and no end, representing the eternal nature of the divine light that the lamp embodies. In the three-layered Kavaravilakku, the Mottu shape sits at the very top of the lamp, crowning the structure with its simplicity and elegance.

The round shape of the Mottu not only enhances the aesthetic beauty of the lamp but also serves a functional purpose. It helps in diffusing the light evenly, creating a more harmonious and sacred ambiance in the temple. The smooth, round design reflects the purity and completeness of the divine, aligning with the ideals of spiritual perfection.

The Three-Layered Lamp: Spiritual Significance

The three-layered Kavaravilakku has significant spiritual meaning in Kerala’s temples. Each layer of the lamp represents an essential aspect of the temple's offerings and rituals. Typically, the first layer holds the oil and the wick, while the second and third layers provide the additional capacity to hold more wicks, enhancing the overall brightness of the lamp.

1. First Layer: This layer holds the essential oil, often gingelly oil, which is the preferred oil for burning wicks in temples. The oil symbolizes the richness of life and the illumination of knowledge.

2. Second Layer: The second layer is designed to hold additional wicks, allowing for more flames to be lit. This represents the spread of divine light, the unity of multiple forms of devotion, and the collective energy of the devotees.

3. Third Layer: The third and final layer is often the largest and most robust. It signifies the culmination of spiritual effort, the ultimate goal of enlightenment, and the infinite expansion of divine presence in the physical and spiritual world.

Each layer of the three-layered lamp has a symbolic function, but together they create a beautiful and harmonious representation of spiritual illumination. The flames that burn in the layers of the lamp are said to purify the surroundings and bring positive energy to the space, making these lamps an essential part of temple worship in Kerala.

Alackal Bell Metals: The Legacy of Craftsmanship in Mannar, Kerala

Located in the town of Mannar in Kerala, Alackal Bell Metals is a name synonymous with superior craftsmanship in the traditional bell metal industry. This family-run workshop has been producing handcrafted metal artifacts, including Kavaravilakkus, for over a century. The artisans at Alackal Bell Metals specialize in creating bell metals, an alloy of copper and tin that is known for its strength, durability, and distinct tonal qualities.

The process of creating handcrafted Kavaravilakkus begins with the selection of the finest quality metal, followed by the careful melting and molding of the metal into the desired shapes. The artisans at Alackal Bell Metals are well-versed in the intricate art of metalworking, utilizing traditional techniques passed down through generations. The process requires great skill and precision to ensure that every piece is perfect, from the Mottu shape at the top to the layers of the lamp, ensuring it burns efficiently and lasts for decades.

Crafting the Perfect Kavaravilakku: The Art of Metalworking

The art of crafting a bronze Kavaravilakku is a meticulous process. The first step involves casting the bell metal, a traditional process that is still followed by the artisans at Alackal Bell Metals. The bell metal alloy consists primarily of copper and tin, which gives the lamp its characteristic golden hue and strength. The artisans mix these metals in precise proportions and then heat the mixture until it reaches the correct temperature for casting.

Once the metal is molten, it is poured into molds to form the shape of the lamp. The Mottu shape at the top of the lamp is molded separately and then attached to the rest of the structure. After the lamp is molded, it undergoes a series of processes, including polishing, engraving, and finishing. The intricate designs on the lamp’s surface are hand-carved by skilled artisans, often featuring delicate patterns inspired by nature and religious motifs.

The final product is a stunning, handcrafted lamp that embodies the essence of Kerala’s rich metalworking tradition. These lamps are not just functional objects but also works of art that represent the spiritual depth and artistic skill of the Kerala craftsmen.

The Role of the Kavaravilakku in Kerala Temples

In Kerala, temples are not just places of worship but also cultural hubs where traditional rituals, music, dance, and art are celebrated. The Kavaravilakku, with its elegant design and symbolic significance, plays an important role in the temple’s daily rituals. The lamp is placed on a small platform during pooja ceremonies, and the light it emits is believed to purify the surroundings and bring divine blessings.

The use of the three-layered lamp in Kerala temples is particularly significant during festivals and special occasions, when the temple is beautifully lit with hundreds of these lamps. The Mottu shape on top of each lamp reflects the belief that the light emanating from these lamps brings the blessings of the gods and illuminates the minds of the devotees.

Furthermore, the Kavaravilakku is also used in temple processions, where it is carried by devotees or temple priests to signify the presence of divine light and power. During temple festivals, these lamps are placed in the temple courtyards, where they create a mesmerizing display of light, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the occasion.

Benefits of Using Handcrafted Bronze Lamps

1. Longevity: Handcrafted bronze lamps are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. Unlike cheaper, mass-produced alternatives, these lamps can last for generations, becoming cherished heirlooms passed down through families.

2. Aesthetic Appeal: The craftsmanship involved in creating these lamps ensures that each one is unique. The intricate designs and the Mottu shape add to their beauty, making them an attractive addition to any temple or spiritual setting.

3. Spiritual Connection: The use of bronze, a metal that has been historically associated with temples and sacred rituals, adds a layer of sanctity to the lamp. The light from the lamp symbolizes divine energy, creating a spiritual atmosphere in temples.

4. Eco-Friendly: Being made from natural metals, these lamps are a sustainable choice compared to modern lighting options. The bronze lamps can be reused and recycled, making them an eco-friendly option for religious and spiritual spaces.

The handcrafted bronze Kavaravilakku with Mottu shape is a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Kerala. Manufactured by Alackal Bell Metals in Mannar, these lamps are not just functional objects but also works of art that embody the values of craftsmanship, tradition, and spirituality. Whether it’s the three-layered design, the symbolic Mottu shape at the top, or the skillful work of the artisans at Alackal Bell Metals, these lamps hold a special place in the temples of Kerala, symbolizing divine light, knowledge, and purification.

If you are looking to add a piece of Kerala’s heritage to your temple or home, a handcrafted bronze Kavaravilakku from Alackal Bell Metals is an investment that will last for generations, illuminating your space with both spiritual and artistic light.