Lamps in Buddhist rituals are an integral part of the worship and meditation of the deities and the Buddha. As a symbol of the light of inner wisdom and eternal devotion, lamps are included by the devotees in their daily routine, lit before the beginning of the meditation to fill the space with a sacred aura.

This antique brass lamp from Nepal is dedicated to the mighty protector god Mahakala, a manifestation of Shiva and a guardian deity in Vajrayana Buddhism. The miniature icon of Mahakala is placed on the top of the lamp, in his characteristic pose, with a skull crown and attributes, in a dynamic pose, on a lotus pedestal, surrounded by a floral aureole.

The icon of Mahakala is placed on another lotus platform, which is attached to the shallow lamp, shaped like an inverted lotus. The lamp base too has lotus details on it, added with refined incised lines. Due to its make and shallow space for the wick, the lamp appears to be a votive lamp, meant to be offered to the deity as a part of a larger ritual or upon the fulfillment of a wish.