Swamimalai artisans make 160kg bronze lamp for Malaysian temple

The renovation work of the Batu Malai (Batu caves) Subramaniar temple in Malaysia in view of its consecration is under way and one of the devotees, Samuvel Shanmuganathan, who wanted to donate a traditional lamp, approached bronze icon artisan brothers D Radhakrishnan, D Srikandan and D Swaminathan sthapathis of Swamimalai three months ago and ordered the lamp. Based on the requirements of the temple, the sthapathis have made the bronze oil lamp measuring 3-ft in height and weighing 160kg. The lamp valued at Rs 4.5 lakh can hold 50 kg of oil.

Samuvel Shanmuganathan had informed the sthapathis that the lamp would be placed in the main shrine and would stay lit continuously. A large vel (spear) has been incorporated in the lamp besides the images of a peacock and a cock. The oil holding portion is covered so that devotees do not pour oil directly in the lamp.

The lamp would be shipped to Singapore in a day or two, according to the sthapathis.