

A pyramid that
carries forward.
- Scan to see who gave it
- Thank them, one hand to another
- Pass the lineage on
One of one hundred, hand-crafted in South India.
Video Testimonials
FAQs
What is Pancha Deepam oil?
Pancha Deepam (pancha deepa ennai) means "five lamp oils": the traditional set of sesame (gingelly), coconut, mahua (iluppai), castor and cow ghee used to light the vilakku. Each is offered for its own blessing. Our blend is built on this tradition and adds a touch of patchouli essential oil for a soft, earthy fragrance.
Why these five?
Each of the five has its own place in lamp-lighting tradition, from sesame as the everyday oil to ghee as the most auspicious offering. See "The five traditional lamp oils" in the description above. Castor and mahua are thicker oils, traditionally chosen for a slow, steady flame.
Which oils should not be used for the deepam?
Many households avoid groundnut, sunflower and palm oil for the deepam (mustard oil is customary in parts of North India). Paraffin, liquid mineral oil and refined blends are also best kept out of a pooja lamp. Pancha Deepam Oil contains none of these: only cold-pressed sesame, coconut, mahua and castor oils, pure cow ghee and a touch of patchouli.
Is it cold-pressed? Does it contain paraffin or synthetic fragrance?
The sesame, coconut, mahua and castor oils are cold-pressed, which keeps them unrefined and free of chemical solvents, and the ghee is pure cow ghee. There is no paraffin, liquid mineral oil, rice-bran filler or synthetic perfume; the fragrance comes only from patchouli essential oil. The blend is made and bottled at our ashram.
Which lamps can I use it in?
Any oil lamp: clay agal vilakku and diyas, brass kuthuvilakku, kamakshi vilakku, akhand diyas and Panchagavya lamps. Use a cotton wick and top up the oil before it runs low.
Why does the oil look cloudy or thick in cool weather?
Cow ghee and coconut oil both thicken when it is cold, so in winter the oil may turn cloudy or leave a soft layer at the bottom. This is natural and a sign there are no additives. Warm the capped bottle in lukewarm water and shake gently before use. Store tightly closed, away from direct sun and open flame.
Is there a prayer for lighting the lamp?
Many families say this verse as they light the deepam:
दीपज्योतिः परब्रह्म दीपज्योतिर्जनार्दनः।
दीपो हरतु मे पापं दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Deepajyotih Parabrahma, Deepajyotir Janardanah;
Deepo Haratu Me Papam, Deepajyotir Namostute.
Meaning: the light of the lamp is the Supreme; may it remove all darkness. I bow to the light of the lamp.

