Under the Latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya entitled ‘Exhibit of the Week’ the “Annam Vellaku” (A Decorative Brass Lamp) collected from 2010. The Community of Tamilians, Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu. It’s Measurement Height - 78 cm., displayed in the audience as the first Exhibit of the month of November, 2021 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
In this regard Dr. Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that The lamp has always been considered auspicious as a symbol of Surya and Agni, and the Hindus have regarded fire and oil as sacred cosmic elements since ancient times. Oil lamps are referred to as Diya, Deepa, Diva, or Deepam, and lighting a lamp is a common practice for performing daily worship. In addition, the illumination of the lamp instills a sense of well-being in the home. It is done with a belief to construct a divine protective shield for family members of the house and to keep the harmful energies away.
Annam is a decorative brass lamp with a round base having branches taking off from the central stem at two distinct levels. Annam is being reckoned to the motif of celestial bird used in the lamp as an auspicious element. The iconic Annam perches the top of the central axis of the lamp while others rest on the top of each branch. It is considered to be the bird that can separate good from evil. All the branches extend to hold one bowl with five spouts and wicks convenient for filling oil and lighting.