Types of Deepak: A Guide to Brass Diyas and Their Uses
The different types of deepak are distinguished mainly by their shape, the number of wicks they hold, and whether they are meant for everyday lighting or for keeping a flame burning continuously. Broadly, they fall into three groups: everyday diyas, akhand deep designed for a long-lasting flame, and decorative or deity-associated forms used on particular occasions.
Updated July 2026
Deepak, diya, akhand deep: what the words mean
A deepak or diya is simply an oil lamp used during puja, festivals and other traditional occasions. An akhand deep is a specialised form designed to keep an uninterrupted flame burning for an extended period, such as through a puja, overnight, or during the nine days of Navratri in many homes.
In everyday conversation, the words deepak and diya are often used interchangeably. Both describe the same basic object: a small lamp that holds oil or ghee and a cotton wick.
An akhand deep, however, serves a different practical purpose. Compared with a standard diya, it usually has:
- A deeper bowl or reservoir to hold more oil
- A stable, wider base
- A design that helps protect the flame from light draughts
- In some styles, a cover or chimney that reduces disturbance to the flame
Understanding these basic terms makes it much easier to identify the different types of diya available today.
Types of Deepak for Everyday Use
Everyday brass diyas are designed for regular household use, with each style offering a slightly different shape, capacity or appearance. Many of these names have been familiar to Indian families and shopkeepers for generations.
Niranjan
The Niranjan is the classic everyday deepak and remains one of the most widely recognised diya names.
It has a simple bowl with a pointed wick holder and a broad, stable base. Its uncomplicated design makes it suitable for regular daily use in household shrines. For many families, this is the standard brass diya for puja that remains in use throughout the year.
NNS Deepak
The NNS Deepak is a plain, lightweight variation intended for everyday use.
Its simpler construction makes it easy to handle, clean and store. Many households keep several of these for regular lighting, especially where multiple diyas are used each day.
Laxmi Deep
The Laxmi Deep is commonly associated with Lakshmi puja and Diwali.
It often includes decorative detailing connected with Goddess Lakshmi while retaining the familiar diya shape. In many homes, this style is brought out during festive celebrations while continuing to serve as a practical oil lamp.
Kuber Deep
The Kuber Deep is associated in many homes with prosperity-related customs.
Its design is generally more decorative than a standard Niranjan, making it a popular choice during festive occasions and special pujas.
Kachhua Kuber Deep
The Kachhua Kuber Deep, or tortoise Kuber Deep, combines the Kuber lamp with a tortoise-shaped base.
The tortoise, or kachhua, appears in several traditional decorative motifs, and this design has become popular in many households looking for a more ornamental diya. The lamp itself functions like a regular oil lamp while offering a distinctive appearance.
Bangla Deep
The Bangla Deep is known in some regions by this style-based name.
It has its own characteristic proportions and decorative profile that distinguish it from the simpler Niranjan. Shopkeepers often recognise it immediately by its traditional styling rather than by its function.
Poona Deep
The Poona Deep is another regional style, known in some regions by this name.
Like the Bangla Deep, it reflects a recognised traditional design rather than a different method of use. Families often choose it simply because they prefer its shape or because it matches local custom.
Chaumukha Deepak
The Chaumukha Deepak is designed with four wick holders.
Instead of supporting a single flame, it allows four wicks to burn together. In many homes, this type of diya is brought out during festivals, larger family pujas and other occasions where a more prominent lamp is preferred.
Agal Deep
The Agal Deep has a deeper body than many everyday diyas.
The larger oil capacity allows it to burn longer before refilling, making it practical for longer prayers while still remaining suitable for everyday household use.
Akhand Deep Types
An akhand deep is designed to keep a flame burning for extended periods. The most important differences between models are oil capacity, stability, and how well the design protects the flame from air movement.
Nanda Deep
The Nanda Deep is one of the best-known akhand deep designs and is available across a wide range of sizes.
Its deeper oil reservoir makes it suitable for longer burning periods than a standard diya. Because of its versatility, it is among the most common choices for households that regularly keep an akhand jyot.
Gol Jyoti
The Gol Jyoti features a rounded body with generous oil capacity.
Its balanced shape and stable base have made it one of the most commonly recognised continuous-flame lamps. The rounded reservoir also makes refilling straightforward when required.
Om Goblet
The Om Goblet combines a goblet-shaped profile with the Om symbol.
The raised bowl sits on a stem, giving it a taller form while keeping the practical features expected from an akhand deep. It is often selected by those who prefer a taller lamp.
Om Akhand Deep
The Om Akhand Deep follows the same general purpose while incorporating the Om motif into its design.
Like other continuous-flame lamps, it focuses on holding enough oil while offering good stability for extended use.
Udappi
The Udappi is recognised by its pot-shaped form.
Its rounded body naturally provides additional oil capacity, making it suitable where a longer-lasting flame is preferred without frequent refilling.
Matki Lamp
The Matki Lamp also follows a pot-shaped design.
Its appearance resembles a traditional earthen pot while offering the practical advantages of a deeper oil reservoir. In many collections, it sits alongside the Udappi as another popular akhand deep style.
Salai Akhand Deep
The Salai Akhand Deep is distinguished by its taller stemmed construction.
The raised bowl sits above a wider base, which helps maintain stability during extended burning.
Choosing the right akhand deep
When selecting an akhand deep, appearance is only one consideration. Three practical factors matter more:
- Choose an oil capacity suited to how long you expect the flame to burn.
- Look for a broad, stable base that reduces the chance of accidental tipping.
- Consider whether the design provides some protection against light indoor draughts.
These practical features usually make a greater difference than decorative details.
Choosing the Right Size and Quantity
Deepaks are generally available in numbered sizes, allowing families and shopkeepers to choose according to the occasion rather than following one standard size.
Smaller diyas are commonly used in larger numbers to decorate entrances, balconies, rangolis or pathways during festivals.
Medium-sized diyas often become the everyday choice for the home shrine because they balance oil capacity with ease of handling and cleaning.
Larger deepaks are usually selected as the main lamp for household puja spaces, temples or community halls where a more prominent diya is preferred.
During festivals such as Diwali, many families buy multiple diyas together. The exact number varies widely according to household tradition, available space and personal preference rather than any universal custom.
Why Brass Remains the Traditional Choice
Brass has long been the preferred metal for deepaks because it withstands repeated heating without warping, develops a warm golden appearance suited to puja settings, and remains durable for many years with regular care.
Unlike materials intended for short-term use, a well-maintained brass diya often becomes part of a family's regular festival and daily puja collection for generations.
If you are weighing brass against other traditional metals for pooja items, see the fuller comparison in brass vs bronze.
Which Deepak for Which Occasion
Choosing the right diya is usually more about practical use than strict tradition. The table below sets out common preferences seen in many homes rather than fixed rules.
| Occasion | Suitable choice |
|---|---|
| Daily household puja | Niranjan |
| Diwali | Laxmi Deep or Chaumukha Deepak |
| Navratri or an akhand jyot | Nanda Deep |
| Temple or community hall | Gol Jyoti or a larger Nanda Deep |
| Gifting or a new home | Kachhua Kuber Deep or Om Goblet |
A deepak is usually chosen alongside the other items on the altar, so it helps to plan it as part of the wider set covered in pooja thali essentials.
Caring for Your Deepaks
Regular cleaning helps preserve both the appearance and performance of brass diyas. Oil residue and soot should be removed periodically, especially after festivals when lamps are used more frequently.
Before seasonal celebrations, many families clean their complete collection together. Between uses, storing deepaks completely dry helps reduce tarnishing and keeps them ready for the next occasion. For detailed cleaning methods, refer to the brass care guide.
Bringing it together
A well-chosen diya often becomes part of family traditions for many years. Whether it is a simple Niranjan for daily worship or a larger Nanda Deep for an akhand jyot, understanding the different designs makes selection much easier.
HV Metals offers a wide range of brass deepak, akhand deep and other puja metalware in multiple sizes, supplied to the trade across India. The collection includes traditional everyday diyas as well as specialised continuous-flame lamps suited to different household and institutional requirements. Explore the range or become a dealer to know more.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a deepak and an akhand deep?
- A deepak or diya is the general term for an oil lamp used during puja and festivals. An akhand deep is a specialised lamp designed to keep a flame burning continuously for much longer. It usually has a deeper oil reservoir, a stable base, and sometimes a cover that helps protect the flame.
- Which diya is best for Diwali?
- For many families, the Laxmi Deep is a popular Diwali choice because of its association with Lakshmi puja. The Chaumukha Deepak, with its four-wick design, is also commonly used during festive lighting. The preferred style usually depends on family tradition and personal preference rather than any fixed rule.
- What is a Nanda Deep?
- The Nanda Deep is one of the most widely used forms of akhand deep. It is designed with a larger oil reservoir so that the flame can continue burning for longer periods. Available in many sizes, it is commonly chosen for extended pujas and akhand jyot traditions.
- How many diyas should I buy for Diwali?
- There is no standard number. In many homes, the quantity depends on the size of the house, the decorations planned, and family custom. Some families light only a few diyas around the shrine, while others decorate entrances, balconies, windows and rangolis with many lamps.
- Why are diyas made of brass?
- Brass has traditionally been preferred because it handles repeated heating well, retains its shape over years of use, and develops the warm golden appearance many families associate with puja. With regular cleaning and dry storage, a brass diya can remain part of household traditions for generations.
HV Metals
Brass, copper, stainless steel and bronze metalware, supplied to the trade across India since 1960.