
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 blend of sesame (gingelly), coconut, mahua (iluppai), castor and cow ghee used to light the vilakku. Each is offered for its own blessing, and together they give a flame that lights easily and burns steadily. Our blend follows this tradition and adds a touch of patchouli essential oil for a soft, earthy fragrance.
Why these five?
Sesame is the classic lamp oil and the base of the blend. Coconut lights easily and burns bright. Castor and mahua are heavier oils that draw up the wick slowly, keeping the flame calm. Cow ghee is the most auspicious offering for a deepam. The result is a lamp that is easy to light and holds a steady flame through aarti and evening prayer.
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.

