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) 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
When you chant 108 Potris, you are not just counting; you are enveloping the deity in a complete circle of gratitude and reverence.
: It is performed to dispel ignorance ("darkness") and bring spiritual awakening, harmony, and material abundance to the household.
Thiruvilakku Poojai is a sacred lamp-worship ritual dedicated to , 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: thiruvilakku poojai 108 potri in english
The magic of this poojai lies in the it demands. To chant 108 praises without rushing, you are forced to slow down. Each Potri is a bead on the necklace of your attention.
"Vilakke, Thiru Vilakke, Venthan Udan Pirrappe..." (O Lamp, O Sacred Lamp, born with the King...)
Thiruvilakku Poojai and the 108 Potri are an integral part of Hindu tradition and culture. The ritual and the verses are a powerful expression of devotion and praise to the deity, and are considered a means of spiritual growth and enlightenment. The English translation of the 108 Potri provided in this paper aims to make the sacred text more accessible to a wider audience, and to promote a deeper understanding of Hindu tradition and culture. Below is a sample of the 108 salutations
– Praise to the possessor of perfect virtues.
(Salutations to the giver of gold and truth)
It is believed that the lamp is not just an object, but a representation of the Goddess herself—often Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and prosperity. Performing this pooja with devotion is said to bring harmony to the family, health to the household, and prosperity to the home. : It is performed to dispel ignorance ("darkness")
In conclusion, the Thiruvilakku Poojai and its 108 Potri represent a beautiful synthesis of discipline, devotion, and community. Through the simple act of lighting a lamp and chanting these 108 praises, devotees seek a life filled with "good wealth, knowledge, and fame," ultimately aspiring for a disciplined and kind existence. line-by-line translation
Have you performed Thiruvilakku Poojai before? What changes did you notice in your home or mindset? Share your experience in the comments below.