In Tamil devotional literature, Potri is equivalent to Namaha in Sanskrit. Each “Potri” is an acknowledgment of a specific power or attribute of the deity or object of worship.
When we say Thiruvilakku Poojai 108 Potri, we are systematically offering 108 verbal salutations to the sacred lamp. These are not random; they follow a rhythm that invokes the lamp's energy to manifest blessings—prosperity, health, wisdom, and protection.
The number 108 is sacred because:
Thus, chanting 108 Potris aligns the devotee with cosmic order.
"Thiru" means sacred, "Vilakku" means lamp, and "Poojai" means worship. This is not merely lighting a candle. It is an elaborate, loving invitation to the Divine to manifest as light.
Traditionally performed during twilight hours (sandhya kalam), especially on Fridays, new moons, or during holy months like Karthigai, this poojai involves:
Each "Potri" is an acknowledgment: "I bow to You," "Glory to You," "You are the Light that dispels darkness."
Before chanting the 108 Potri, it is essential to understand why the lamp is worshipped. In Hindu philosophy, light symbolizes knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The flame of the Thiruvilakku represents:
Performing Thiruvilakku Poojai is common during:
The 108 Potri is a condensed, powerful way to offer 108 salutations to the divine lamp, making it a complete sadhana (spiritual practice).
In the quiet corridors of Tamil Shaivite tradition, where oil lamps dance to the rhythm of ancient hymns, there exists a sacred practice that transcends mere ritual. It is called Thiruvilakku Poojai — the worship of the sacred lamp. And at its heart lies the chanting of the 108 Potri (Tamil: போற்றி), a powerful invocation of praise to the divine flame.
For many of us born outside India, or for younger generations who understand English more fluently than Tamil, accessing this profound practice can feel daunting. This post is an attempt to bridge that gap — offering the Thiruvilakku Poojai 108 Potri in English along with its spiritual essence.
Thiruvilakku Poojai 108 Potri in English is more than a sequence of words; it is a vibrating bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. In today’s fast-paced life, where artificial lights have replaced sacred lamps, rekindling this practice—even once a week—can transform your home into a temple of peace, prosperity, and protection.
The lamp asks for very little: a few drops of oil, a clean wick, and your sincere attention. In return, it offers immeasurable light. Begin tonight. Light a lamp. Chant one Potri, then ten, then all 108. Watch as darkness—both outside and within—slowly, steadily retreats.
Om Sri Thiruvilakku Devata Potri. Sarvam Sri Lakshmi Narayanaarpanamastu.
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The Thiruvilakku Poojai is a sacred Tamil tradition where the lamp (Vilakku) is worshipped as the divine embodiment of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Performed primarily by women, this ritual aims to bring prosperity, health, and family well-being by dispelling darkness and inviting divine light into the home. Central to this worship is the chanting of the 108 Potri, a set of 108 salutations that praise the various attributes of the Divine Mother. Significance and Benefits
Lighting the Kuthu Vilakku (traditional oil lamp) is more than a daily chore; it is an act of spiritual awakening.
Invoking Goddess Lakshmi: The lamp is considered the form of Deepalakshmi. Lighting it is said to invite Goddess Mahalakshmi into the house to grant the heart's desires.
Removing Obstacles: Chanting the 108 Potri helps clear spiritual ignorance and negative influences, fostering harmony within the family.
Auspicious Timing: While it can be performed daily, it is most powerful on Fridays, especially during the Tamil months of Aadi and Thai, and during Full Moon (Pournami) days. Thiruvilakku 108 Potri in English (Transliteration)
Below is a selection of the traditional 108 Potri transliterated into English for those who wish to chant without reading Tamil script:
Om ponnum meipporuluntharuvai Potri (Salutations to the giver of gold and truth)
Om bogamum thiruvum punarppai Potri (Salutations to the bestower of pleasures and wealth)
Om muttrarivu oliyai milirnthai Potri (Salutations to the one who shines with supreme wisdom)
Om muvulagunirainthu irunthai Potri (Salutations to the one pervading all three worlds)
Om varambil inbamai valarnthu irunthai Potri (Salutations to the one who grows as limitless joy)
Om iyarkaiyai arivoli aanai Potri (Salutations to the one who is the natural light of knowledge)
Om eerezhu ulagam yeendrai Potri (Salutations to the creator of the fourteen worlds)
Om pirar vayamaagaa periyoy Potri (Salutations to the great one who is independent)
Om perinba perukkai polinthai Potri (Salutations to the one showering supreme bliss)
Om perarul kadalaam porule Potri (Salutations to the essence of the ocean of grace)... (continuing until 108) In Tamil devotional literature, Potri is equivalent to
Om Olivalar Vilakke Potri (Salutations to the ever-brightening lamp) How to Perform the Poojai at Home
To conduct a simple yet effective Vilakku Poojai at home, follow these steps outlined by practitioners on platforms like Chitra's Food Book and Learn Kolam:
Friday Lakshmi Pooja At Home – Thiruvilakku Pooja Procedure
Thiruvilakku Poojai a sacred ritual centered on worshipping the divine lamp as an embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi to bring prosperity and peace to the home
. While typically performed on Fridays, it is especially significant during the Tamil months of (July–August) and (January–February). Preparation for the Poojai Cleanliness : Clean the pooja area and the lamp (
). Traditional brass or silver lamps are preferred over stainless steel. : Place a wooden plank or peeta over a
(rangoli). Some practitioners spread a cup of raw rice on a banana leaf and place the lamp on top.
: Use ghee or sesame oil with at least 5 wicks (or a minimum of 2). Ensure the lamp faces East or North Decoration
: Adorn the lamp with sandalwood and kumkum dots, and decorate it with fresh flowers. 108 Potri (Praise) - English Transliteration During the
(offering), you chant the 108 names while offering flowers or kumkum at the base of the lamp. Below are the starting lines for the transliterated chants: Om Ponnum meipporulun tharuvai Potri (Giver of gold and true wealth) Om Bogamum thiruvum punarpai Potri (Giver of enjoyment and prosperity) Om Mutrarivu oliyai milirndhai Potri (Shining as the light of supreme knowledge) Om Moovulagum nirainthirundhai Potri (You who pervades the three worlds) Om Varambil inbamai valarnthirundhai Potri (You who grows as boundless bliss) Om Iyarkaiyai arivoli aanai Potri (You who became the natural light of wisdom) Om Eerezhulagam eendrai Potri (The creator of the fourteen worlds) Om Pirarvayamaga periyoi Potri (The great one who is independent) Om Perinbap perukkai pozhindhai Potri (You who glows as a flood of supreme bliss) Om Perarutkadalam perarule Potri (The great ocean of supreme grace)
Full lyrics can be found in specialized collections like the Thiruvilakku Vazhipaadu 108 Potri PDF on Scribd. Poojai Procedure
Thiruvilakku Poojai (lamp worship) is a sacred ritual predominantly performed by women to invite the grace of Goddess Mahalakshmi
into their homes. Lighting the lamp is believed to dispel darkness (ignorance) and bring health, wealth, and prosperity to the family. Thiruvilakku 108 Potri (English Transliteration & Meaning)
The "Potri" (meaning "Obeisance" or "Praise") consists of 108 salutations to the divine flame. Below are selected verses from the prayer: English Transliteration English Meaning Om Ponnum mey porulum tharuvai Potri
Obeisance to You who bestows us with riches and true wisdom. Om Bogamum thiruvum punarpai Potri
Obeisance to You who grants both material pleasures and divine grace. Om Mutrarivu oliyai milirndhai Potri Thus, chanting 108 Potris aligns the devotee with
Obeisance to You who shines as the light of complete knowledge. Om Moovulagum nirainthirunthai Potri
Obeisance to You who is present throughout the three worlds. Om Om enum porulai ulloi Potri
Obeisance to You who is the essence of the sacred "AUM" mantra. Om Mangala nayagiye mamani Potri
Obeisance to You, the auspicious Leader and the great jewel. Om Illaga vilakkam iraivi Potri Obeisance to You, the Goddess who is the light of our home. Om Mandhiram "AUM" il uraippai Potri Obeisance to You who dwells within the "AUM" mantra. Om Thiruvarul poliyum dheepame Potri Obeisance to the lamp that showers divine grace. How to Perform Thiruvilakku Poojai at Home The pooja is traditionally performed on , particularly during the auspicious months of (July-August) and (January-February).
Thiruvilakku Poojai is a sacred lamp-worship ritual dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, primarily performed by women to invoke prosperity, health, and peace for their families. It is most auspiciously performed on Fridays, especially during the Tamil months of Aadi (July–August) and Thai (January–February). Core Procedure of Thiruvilakku Poojai Performing the pooja traditionally involves these steps:
Preparation: Clean the brass lamp (Kuthu Vilakku) and decorate it with Sandalwood paste (Manjal) and Vermillion (Kumkum).
Setting the Scene: Draw a Hridaya Kamalam (Lotus) kolam in front of the pooja room and place the lamp on a plate or wooden plank (Manai) over it.
Lighting: Fill the lamp with ghee or oil, use five wicks, and light all five faces.
Archana: Chant the 108 Potri while offering flower petals (Uthiri Poo) or kumkum at the base of the lamp.
Offerings: Present Neivedyam (sweet pongal, payasam, or fruits) and perform Deeparadhana (camphor waving). 108 Thiruvilakku Potri (English Transliteration)
Below is a sample of the 108 salutations commonly used during the lamp worship. Each line begins with "Om" and ends with "Potri" (meaning "Praise be to thee"). Potri (Transliteration) Meaning (English) Om Ponmanaivilakke Potri Praise to the golden lamp Om Aruloliye Potri Praise to the light of grace Om Mahalakshmiye Potri Praise to Goddess Mahalakshmi Om Sarvamangalaayai Potri Praise to the one who bestows all auspiciousness Om Ashtalakshmiye Potri Praise to the eight forms of Lakshmi Om Gnana Vadive Potri Praise to the embodiment of wisdom Om Jyothi Mayame Potri Praise to the one filled with divine light Om Kula Vilakke Potri Praise to the lamp of our lineage Om Mangala Nayagiye Potri Praise to the leader of all auspicious things Om Shanthi Swaroopiye Potri Praise to the embodiment of peace
For the complete list of 108 names, you can refer to specialized devotional guides on platforms like Scribd or Learn Kolam. Significance of the 5-Faced Lamp
Each flame lit on the lamp represents a specific direction and blessing: East: Removes sorrows and grants wealth. West: Protects against enemies and bad omens. North: Brings marriage and childbirth blessings. South: Bestows longevity and good health. Upward: Represents the union of the soul with the divine. Thiru Vilakku Poojai
In the heart of South Indian Hindu tradition, particularly within Tamil Nadu and the global Tamil diaspora, the term Thiruvilakku Poojai carries profound spiritual weight. "Thiru" denotes sacredness, "Vilakku" means lamp, and "Poojai" refers to worship. Therefore, Thiruvilakku Poojai is the sacred ritual of worshipping a lit lamp—usually a traditional agal vilakku (clay or brass lamp) fueled by ghee or oil.
When combined with "108 Potri," the ritual elevates into a powerful devotional chant. "Potri" is a Tamil word meaning "salutations" or "glory." The number 108 is considered highly auspicious in Hindu cosmology, representing the 108 divine names, the 108 energy lines (nadis) in the human body, and the 108 beads in a Japa mala.
This article provides a complete, English-language guide to Thiruvilakku Poojai 108 Potri—its significance, step-by-step procedures, the actual 108 Potri lyrics in English, and the benefits of performing this radiant worship.
The term "Thiruvilakku" translates to "Sacred Lamp" in Tamil ("Thiru" meaning sacred/holy, and "Vilakku" meaning lamp). "Poojai" refers to the ritual of worship. Thus, Thiruvilakku Poojai is the ceremonial worship of the holy lamp, most commonly performed to honor Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, or Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), and sometimes to invoke the blessings of ancestors.
Unlike other forms of worship that involve complex offerings, the lamp is considered a direct manifestation of divine consciousness. It represents the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the ushering in of light (knowledge and prosperity). The number 108 holds profound significance in Sanatana Dharma, representing the 108 Upanishads, the 108 marma points in the body, and the 108 beads of a japa mala.
