{"product_id":"annam-bird-brass-diya","title":"Annam Bird Brass Diya - 8.5in Kuthu Vilakku Oil Lamp","description":"\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003enilavilakku\u003c\/strong\u003e - the South Indian standing oil lamp - topped with the \u003cstrong\u003eAnnam\u003c\/strong\u003e, the mythical swan of Indian scripture said to be able to separate milk from water, and used as a symbol of discernment. This one stands 8.5 inches on a 5-inch base, in solid brass with a golden polish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight 8.5 in · base diameter 5 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight 1,410 g (approx. 50 oz \/ 3.1 lb)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: solid brass with a golden polish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForm: Annam bird nilavilakku (samai \/ kuthu vilakku)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSold as a single lamp, not a pair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandcrafted in India\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy this one\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1,410 g in an 8.5-inch lamp.\u003c\/strong\u003e That is 3.1 lb of brass in a piece you can hold in one hand, and it is why the lamp does not shift when you light it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Annam finial is the whole point.\u003c\/strong\u003e Most nilavilakku carry a plain flame-shaped tip or a peacock. The swan is the less common and more specifically South Indian choice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA 5-inch base on an 8.5-inch lamp\u003c\/strong\u003e - a wide footprint for the height, which is what keeps it stable on an uneven mandir shelf.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere it works\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pooja room or home mandir, an entryway console, or a dining table at a festival. At 8.5 inches it is the size that fits on a shelf, where a 32-inch floor samai will not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGifting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven at housewarmings, weddings and Karthigai Deepam. Buy two if the gift is meant to be a pair - lamps are traditionally lit in twos either side of a deity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I get one lamp or two?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOne. It is sold individually. Add two to your cart if you want the pair that is usually lit either side of an idol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the Annam bird?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA mythical swan from Indian scripture, said to be able to drink the milk from a mixture of milk and water. It stands for discernment - the ability to take what is true and leave the rest - which is why it appears on temple lamps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat oil and wick does it take?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSesame or coconut oil with a cotton wick, or ghee. The reservoir holds enough for a full evening of burning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it solid brass?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. At 1,410 g at 8.5 inches the weight confirms it - a plated or hollow piece of these dimensions would weigh a fraction as much.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I clean it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWipe out the cooled oil with a paper towel, then dust with a dry cloth. Pitambari powder, Brasso or lemon and salt all bring the shine back. Dry it thoroughly afterwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the finish change over time?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBrass 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it go outdoors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is made for indoor use. Brass weathers and spots outdoors, so keep it sheltered if you put it on a covered porch or patio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if it arrives damaged?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping is insured. Photograph the damage, email contact@urliutsav.com, and we will replace it or make it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I return it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes, within 30 days in original condition and packaging. Return shipping is arranged and paid by the customer, so please check the dimensions against your space first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree insured shipping across the USA and Canada. Ships from San Ramon, California, usually within one business day. Brass is heavy and we pack it accordingly - if anything arrives damaged, send us a photo and we will resolve it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee more brass decor and spiritual pieces in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/urliutsav.com\/collections\/brass-love\"\u003eBrass Love Collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Urli Utsav Decor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43368962818099,"sku":"annamdiya","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/1534\/2899\/files\/brass-annam-bird-diya3.jpg?v=1772436074","url":"https:\/\/urliutsav.com\/products\/annam-bird-brass-diya","provider":"Urli Utsav","version":"1.0","type":"link"}