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What is the reason for the candles or lights lit on the desk of the chazzan (prayer leader)?

In a shul today I saw candles lit on a table at least 6 feet from the reader. Does that fulfill the purpose of the lights?

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I know that it is at least a Chabad custom-and possibly others as well-to light (I think six) candles when an avel is davening from the amud. – Daniel Aug 31 '12 at 14:22
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How is a question about a specific Minhag (5 candles?) in a specific branch of Hasiduth the same as a question about a similar (generic light) custom in the broader swath of Jewry? – Seth J Aug 31 '12 at 14:41
@avrohom, can you specify if this is something you've seen generally, or if you're asking the same question as the one asked about the Lubavitch custom of lighting 5 candles for an Avel? – Seth J Aug 31 '12 at 14:42
@SethJ Well I was thinking that maybe this is what the OP was seeing. I personally have never seen such a thing in any other setting, but that's not to say that it does not exist. – Daniel Aug 31 '12 at 15:55
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@AvrohomYitzchok, (1)I didn't think so. (2)Specifically 2 candles? I think it's a good question, and not a dupe. – Seth J Aug 31 '12 at 17:15
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