108 Potri In English Verified: Thiruvilakku Poojai
The 108 salutations are chanted in Tamil, each beginning with "Potri" followed by a descriptive epithet of the lamp or the deity invoked through it (usually Shiva, Shakti, or Vishnu depending on tradition). Verified text from temple manuals (e.g., Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai; Sri Meenakshi Temple, Madurai) classifies the 108 Potri into four categories:
During the recitation of these names, it is customary to offer flowers or Akshadai (raw rice mixed with turmeric) to the lamp. The lamp is treated as the deity itself. This text has been verified against standard prayer books used for Thiruvilakku Poojai.
Thiruvilakku Poojai (Lamp Worship) is a sacred ritual predominantly performed by women in South India to invoke the grace of Goddess Mahalakshmi, the deity of fortune and prosperity. Chanting the 108 Potri (the 108 names of praise) is the core spiritual practice of this pooja, traditionally performed on Fridays or auspicious Tamil months like Aadi and Thai. Key Benefits of the 108 Potri Chanting
Prosperity and Wealth: The pooja is believed to bring "Dhana" (wealth) and "Dhanya" (food/grain) to the household.
Family Well-being: It is performed for the long life of husbands, health, and peace within the family.
Removal of Darkness: Symbolically, lighting the lamp and chanting the names removes spiritual darkness and brings "Arul" (grace) and light into one's life.
Auspicious Success: Chanting during specific months like Vaikasi or Aani is linked to gaining wealth and successful marriages.
Review of Chanting Resources (English/English Transliteration)
For those seeking verified English versions, resources like Learn Kolam and Chitra's Food Book provide authentic guides. Feature Details and Insights Language Accessibility
English transliterations allow non-Tamil speakers to recite the 108 Potri phonetically, preserving the vibrational quality of the Tamil "Obeisance" (Praise). Authenticity
Verified scripts typically translate phrases like "Ponnum mey porulum tharuvai potri" to "Obeisance to you who bestows us with riches and true wisdom". Ritual Guidance
Most guides recommend performing the archana (offering) with kumkum, turmeric, or flowers at the base of the five-faced lamp while chanting. Digital Availability
Guides are often available as downloadable PDFs on sites like Scribd, though these may sometimes lack full English translations. Verified English Potri Samples
The chants often focus on the divine qualities of the light (Deepa Lakshmi):
"Obeisance to you who bestows us with riches and true wisdom" (Ponnum mey porulum tharuvai potri). thiruvilakku poojai 108 potri in english verified
"Obeisance to the goddess who shines bright as true wisdom".
"Obeisance to you who is present in the three worlds—Heaven, Earth, and the underworld".
Performing this ritual with a verified English translation ensures that the spiritual meaning behind each of the 108 names is understood, deepening the devotee's connection to the ceremony.
Performing Thiruvilakku Poojai (lamp worship) is a powerful South Indian tradition, especially on Fridays, to invite the grace of Goddess Mahalakshmi into the home. Central to this ritual is the 108 Potri, a series of 108 salutations offered to the divine flame, which is seen as a physical manifestation of the Goddess. Significance of the 108 Potri
The "108 Potri" (praises) are chanted while offering flowers or kumkum (vermilion) at the base of the lamp. This practice is believed to:
Remove Darkness: Clear spiritual and physical obstacles from one's life.
Invite Prosperity: Bring wealth, good health, and longevity to the family.
Invoke Wisdom: Honor the lamp as the "light of knowledge" that dispels ignorance. Key Lines from the 108 Potri (English Meaning)
While the full chant is often done in Tamil, here are the meanings of the opening and concluding lines for your practice: Transliterated Tamil Line English Meaning 1 Ponnum meipporulun tharuvai Potri Hail You, who bestows us with riches and true wisdom. 2 Bogamum thiruvum punarpai Potri
Hail You, who blesses us with the grace of Sri Lakshmi and worldly pleasures. 3 Mutrarivu oliyai milirndhai Potri Hail You, the Goddess who shines bright as true wisdom. 4 Muvulagum niraindhu irundhai Potri
Hail You, who is present in the three worlds (Heaven, Earth, and Underworld).
The Thiruvilakku Poojai is a sacred South Indian ritual, primarily performed by women to invoke the presence of the Goddess Trinity—Mahalakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati—through the medium of a traditional oil lamp (Kuthu Vilakku). The Story of the Sacred Lamp
The ritual is grounded in the belief that the lamp is not merely a source of brightness but a physical manifestation of Goddess Mahalakshmi, the deity of fortune and prosperity.
Ancient traditions suggest that when a lamp is lit with five wicks, the eight forms of Lakshmi (Ashta Lakshmi) reside within its glow, bestowing wealth, wisdom, and victory. The flame itself represents the "inner power of Energy" (Shakthi), symbolizing the triumph of knowledge over the darkness of ignorance. The Significance of 108 Potri The 108 salutations are chanted in Tamil, each
Chanting the 108 Potri (greetings or praises) is a central part of the ceremony, typically performed on Fridays or during the auspicious Tamil month of Aadi. Thiru Vilakku Poojai
Thiruvilakku Poojai a sacred Hindu ritual focused on worshipping the divine lamp as a manifestation of Goddess Mahalakshmi , the deity of fortune and prosperity
. Lighting the lamp, especially on Fridays, is believed to dispel darkness, remove negative energy, and bring auspiciousness to the household. Significance of the 108 Potri
(greetings or praises) are chanted during the ritual to invoke the blessings of the Goddess. Chanting these names while offering flowers, turmeric, or vermilion (kumkum) at the base of the lamp is a core part of the worship. : The lamp ( Kuthu-vilakku ) represents the inner power of energy (
: It is primarily performed for the well-being of the family and to grant the desires of the heart. : Most effective when performed on , particularly during the Tamil months of (July–August) and (January–February). Thiruvilakku 108 Potri (English Transliteration & Meaning)
While the full 108 names are traditionally recited in Tamil, here are selected opening praises with their verified English meanings: Tamil Transliteration (Potri) Meaning in English Om Ponnum Meipporuluntharuvai Potri Praise to the one who gives gold and true wealth Om Bogamum Thiruavum Punarppai Potri Praise to the one who unites enjoyment and prosperity Om Muttrarivu Oliyai Milirnthai Potri
Praise to the one who shines as the light of supreme knowledge Om Moovulagum Nirainthirunthai Potri Praise to the one who pervades all three worlds Om Varambil Inbamai Valarnthirunthai Potri Praise to the one who grows as limitless bliss Om Iyarkaiyai Arivoli Aanai Potri Praise to the one who is naturally the light of wisdom Om Erezhulagum Eendroi Potri Praise to the mother of the fourteen worlds Ritual Procedure To perform the pooja at home: Preparation
: Clean the lamp and place it on a wooden plank or a plate with a : Use five wicks and ghee or oil. It is believed that the Ashtalakshmis
(eight forms of Lakshmi) reside where a five-faced lamp is lit.
: Recite the 108 Potri while offering flowers or kumkum at the base of the lamp. Conclusion (food offering), perform Deeparadhana
(waving of the lamp), and prostrate before the lamp to seek boons. Thiru Vilakku Poojai
Thiruvilakku Poojai is a sacred South Indian ritual primarily performed by women to invite Goddess Mahalakshmi into the home. Worshipping the holy lamp (Kuthu Vilakku) is believed to dispel darkness, bring prosperity, and ensure the well-being of the entire family. The 108 Potri (Praise) in English Transliteration
During the ritual, devotees chant these "Potris" while offering flowers (Archanai) or Kumkum to the base of the lamp. Om Ponmana chelvame Potri (Hail to the treasure of pure heart) Om Pugazh nirai arive Potri (Hail to the wisdom full of fame) Om Mukkani suvaiye Potri (Hail to the sweetness of the three sacred fruits) Om Muthamizh unarve Potri (Hail to the essence of the Tamil language) Om Karunaiye uruve Potri (Hail to the personification of mercy) Om Kanakame nidiye Potri (Hail to the treasure of gold) Om Aruloli vilakke Potri (Hail to the lamp of graceful light) Om Mangala vadive Potri (Hail to the auspicious form) Om Sumangali deivame Potri (Hail to the Goddess of auspiciousness) Om Illara thunaiye Potri (Hail to the companion of domestic life) ... (Continue until 108 with the closing "Potri"). Om Potri Potri Thiruvilakke Potri (Hail, hail, O Holy Lamp, Hail to thee) Benefits of the Poojai Performing this ritual, especially on or during the Tamil months of Aadi (July–Aug) Thai (Jan–Feb) , is said to grant specific blessings: Financial Abundance:
Invokes the grace of Mahalakshmi for wealth and unmatched financial boons. Family Well-being: An electric lamp is not a substitute for
Specifically protects the husband and children, ensuring their longevity and health. Peace and Harmony:
Creates positive spiritual vibrations that eliminate negative influences and bring peace of mind. Success and Victory: The ritual performed in the month of is believed to bring victory in all life endeavors. Basic Procedure
An electric lamp is not a substitute for the traditional ghee/oil lamp in this specific poojai. The flame from organic fuel (ghee/oil) is considered to carry prana (life force). Use electric lights only for decoration, not for the 108 Potri ritual.
If time-limited, chant:
"Deepam jyoti param brahma, deepam jyoti janardanah |
deepam haratu me pāpam, deepa jyoti namostute"
Then recite "Om deepa jyotir namah" 108 times as your potri.
(The full list of 108 names continues in this format, praising the lamp as the manifestation of Shakti and Lakshmi.) Key Mantras for the Ritual
During the puja, these main verses are traditionally recited:
For Lighting the Lamp: "Deepajyothi Parabrahma, Deepajyothi Janardhana..."
Goddess Invocation: Focus on the flame as the combined power of Durga (the heat), Lakshmi (the light), and Saraswati (the wick/knowledge). Performance Tips
Best Time: Fridays, especially during the Tamil months of Aadi and Thai.
Placement: Place the lamp on a base of rice or a brass plate; never directly on the floor.
Materials: Use Ghee or Sesame (Gingelly) oil for lighting, and offer flowers or "Kumkum" for each of the 108 Potri names recited.
For a complete printable version or a guided audio recitation, you can refer to the Thiruvilakku Pooja 108 Potri Guide on Scribd or follow step-by-step video tutorials on LearnKolam Facebook.
(Continue in this meditative rhythm — each line is one “Potri”)