Every religion has its symbolic meaning for an oil lamp. It is found that oil lamps were used not only for lighting in the house or for work but also in rituals of many religions. Lighting an oil lamp is a symbol of light that lights the way for wise and righteous as per Judaism culture. Hindus who have been using oil lamps ceremonially for thousands of years believe that a deep spiritual dimension can be achieved by using firelight for religious and cultural ceremonies. During the Vedic period (1500-500BCE) oil lamps emerged in India. Lightening an oil lamp is an integral part of Indian life. The light of the lamp leads us from darkness towards the light, which gives a message of peace and light to the man.

Several different forms of oil lamps are there, from the traditional round or pear-shaped dish to one with intricate styles and figures. These lamps are decorated with elaborate designs, auspicious motifs, or deities. Woman holding the vessel in her hands is a far older tradition of oil lamps. Oil lamps suspended by chains from the roofs and ceilings of temples, home puja rooms are known as Paavai vilakku and Thookku vilakku. A handicraft brass lamp called a Nachiarkoil lamp is exclusively made in Nachiarkoil town in Tamil Nadu, India. It is made in different sizes and consists of four parts, which are screwed together. Nachiarkoil lamp is a hollow cast. These lamps are extensively decorated. The Tamil Nadu Crafts Development Corporation Ltd. is in these lamps' productions for more than four decades.

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