The Chettikulangara Devi Temple in Alappuzha District, Kerala, is renowned for its monumental oil lamp, known as the ‘Kathuvilakku,’ which can accommodate over 1,000 wicks.
This lamp stands approximately 3.3 meters (10 feet 10 inches) tall and is constructed from 1,500 kg of gunmetal. Its design features 13 tiers, each resembling the branches of a banyan tree. The lowest tier has a circumference of 2.1 meters (6 feet 10.7 inches) and holds 101 wicks, while the topmost tier is over a meter wide and holds 53 wicks.
The Kathuvilakku is traditionally lit during the annual ‘Kumbha Bharani’ festival, attracting thousands of devotees who participate in the ritual of lighting the wicks. This event is a significant cultural and religious gathering in the region.
