Several types of lamps are used during the 'shodashopachara' puja, the 16 forms of Hindu worship in Tamil temples on festive occasions. This one is called the 'purushamriga deepam’, a composite of lion (hind legs and tail) and human upper body. He holds a lamp and a bell in his hands.The 'thiruvasi' or the arched structure at the back has space for five wicks implying the five elements of nature. Such lamps are used only for specific occasions in temples when their symbolism becomes significant.
