Thiruvilakku | Poojai 108 Potri In English
Below is a faithful English rendition of the traditional Tamil Potri — easy to chant and contemplate. (Note: Different lineages may have slight variations. This is one complete version.)
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.
Q1: Can I chant Thiruvilakku Poojai 108 Potri in English without knowing Tamil? Yes! The English transliteration given above is phonetically accurate. The power lies in intention and vibration, not native fluency. Over time, you can learn the Tamil script for deeper connection.
Q2: How long does chanting 108 Potri take? Depending on speed, 15–25 minutes. A slower, meditative pace with breath awareness takes around 30 minutes.
Q3: Can I use a single wick lamp? Yes, but for Thiruvilakku Poojai, a lamp with at least two or five wicks is ideal – one representing the soul, others the deities.
Q4: Is this only for Goddess Lakshmi? No. The lamp is non-sectarian. It invokes Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, and Ganesha simultaneously. It is suitable for any tradition.
Q5: What if I miss a day? No ritual binding. You can start again the next auspicious day. Consistency matters, not perfection.
Below is the authentic version of the 108 Potri for Thiruvilakku as used in Tamil Hindu households and temples. Each line begins with the word "Potri" (போற்றி) followed by an attribute. Chant with devotion, facing east or north, in front of a lit lamp decorated with kumkum and sandal paste.
A note on pronunciation: “zh” in Tamil transliteration is a soft retroflex sound (like “l” but with tongue curled back). “a” as in “father,” “e” as in “hey,” “i” as in “pin.” thiruvilakku poojai 108 potri in english
The word Potri (போற்றி) in Tamil means "Hail," "Glory," or "Praise." It is a way of glorifying the deity’s qualities, actions, and mercy.
The number 108 holds immense mystical significance in Sanatana Dharma:
When you chant 108 Potris, you are not just counting; you are enveloping the deity in a complete circle of gratitude and reverence.
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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(greetings/salutations) provided in English transliteration for ease of recitation, followed by their general meanings. 108 Thiruvilakku Potri (Transliteration) Each line should begin with " " and end with " " (meaning "Praise be to" or "I salute"). Om Ponmanaichemmaiye Potri Om Pugazhniraintha Punniyaye Potri Om Arulperum Jothiye Potri Om Anbin Uruve Potri Om Arivin Sudare Potri Om Inba Nilaiye Potri Om Eeswariye Potri Om Uyirin Unarve Potri Om Ulaga Nayakiye Potri Om Engum Nirainthaye Potri Om Ezhaigalin Arulaye Potri Om Iyngaran Thaaye Potri Om Oruperum Porule Potri Om Oli Mayamane Potri Om Karunai Kadale Potri Om Mangala Jothiye Potri Om Mahalakshmiye Potri Om Durga Deviye Potri Om Kalaimagale Potri Om Gnana Vilakke Potri
(...continuing through 108 salutations addressing the lamp as the source of wealth, wisdom, and protection) Key Meanings of the Praises The 108 names describe the divine attributes of the light: Arivin Sudar: The flame of wisdom. Anbin Uruvam: The embodiment of love. Mangala Jothi: The auspicious light that brings prosperity to the home. Arul Perum Jothi: The great light of divine grace. Ulaga Nayaki: The leader/mother of the entire universe. Significance and Ritual
Worshipping the lamp collectively is believed to bring peace to the world and well-being to the family. Ideal Time: Usually performed on , especially during the Tamil months of (July–August) and (January–February). Procedure: Below is a faithful English rendition of the
A lamp is lit with cotton wicks and oil/ghee. Devotees offer flowers (archana) for each of the 108 names.
Thiruvilakku Poojai, the worship of the sacred lamp, is a profound spiritual practice in Tamil culture, symbolizing the invitation of Goddess Lakshmi into the home to dispel darkness and bring prosperity. Performing this pooja with the 108 Potri (names of praise) in English allows those who are not fluent in Tamil to connect deeply with the divine vibrations of the ritual. The Significance of Thiruvilakku Poojai
The lamp (Vilakku) is not just a source of light; it represents the Supreme Goddess. The five wicks of the lamp symbolize the five elements and the five senses. Lighting the lamp daily, especially on Fridays, Full Moon days (Pournami), and during Karthigai Deepam, is believed to bring peace, health, and wealth to the household. Preparing for the Poojai
Cleanliness: Clean the brass or silver lamp (Kuthu Vilakku) and apply sandalwood paste and kumkum (vermilion) dots.
Placement: Place the lamp on a wooden plank or a leaf spread with raw rice.
Oil & Wick: Use ghee or gingelly oil (sesame oil) with cotton wicks.
Offerings: Keep flowers, incense, fruits, and a sweet offering (Neivedhyam) ready. Thiruvilakku Poojai 108 Potri (English Transliteration)
When chanting these, offer a flower or a pinch of kumkum to the base of the lamp for every "Potri." Om Ponnumaniye Potri Om Porul Kviyale Potri Om Mangala Jothiaye Potri Om Malar Magal Thaye Potri Om Karunai Kadale Potri Om Kanchi Kamakshiye Potri Om Madurai Meenakshiye Potri Om Kasi Visalakshiye Potri Om Annapooraniye Potri
Om Arul Jothiaye Potri(...continuing through the traditional 108 praises...)
[Note: For a full ritual, practitioners typically recite the complete list of 108 names which invoke the various attributes of the Goddess as Light.] Meanings Behind the Chant
The word "Potri" translates to "Praise be to You" or "Hail." Thus, chanting 108 Potris aligns the devotee with
Om Ponnumaniye Potri: Praise to the one who is as precious as gold.
Om Arul Jothiaye Potri: Praise to the Divine Light of Grace.
Om Illara Vilakke Potri: Praise to the lamp that brightens the home. Benefits of Chanting in English/Transliteration
While the traditional roots are Tamil, the intention (Bhava) is what matters most. Reciting the 108 Potri in English script helps:
Accuracy: Ensures correct pronunciation for non-Tamil speakers.
Focus: Allows the devotee to focus on the deity rather than struggling with the script.
Inclusion: Helps the younger generation and global devotees participate in ancestral traditions. Conclusion
The Thiruvilakku Poojai is a meditative process that transforms the atmosphere of a home. By reciting the 108 Potri, you are essentially acknowledging 108 different ways the Divine Light protects and guides your life. Whether you chant in the original Tamil or use an English guide, the Goddess resides where the lamp is lit with true devotion.
While we light a physical lamp, the ultimate teaching of Thiruvilakku Poojai is that you are the lamp. Your body is the stand, your heart is the wick, your breath is the oil, and your consciousness is the flame.
The 108 Potri are the sparks that keep that flame alive.
Will you light your inner lamp today?
Have you performed Thiruvilakku Poojai before? What changes did you notice in your home or mindset? Share your experience in the comments below.
Jothi Potri! (Hail to the Light!)







