108 Potri In English Repack - Thiruvilakku Poojai

Om. Let my mind be the wick, my ego the ghee,
and my devotion the flame.
I offer this light to the Divine Mother.

The most powerful segment of the Thiruvilakku Poojai is the recitation of the 108 Potri (also known as Ashtottara Shatanamavali). The word Potri in Tamil is a reverential salutation—a humble “Hail to Thee” or “Glory to You.”

While chanting the 108 names of a deity (Ashtottaram), the devotee offers a flower or a pinch of kumkum to the lamp with each name. This act creates a unique vibration that aligns the body, mind, and cosmos.

“Potri” (also spelled “Pothri” or “PooTri” in some transliterations) means “victory,” “hail,” or “salutation.” The 108 Potri is a litany of 108 praises that glorify the deity being worshipped — commonly Goddess (Amman/Durga/Parvati) in thiruvilakku ceremonies, or other deities depending on regional custom. The number 108 is spiritually significant in Hinduism — symbolizing completeness and cosmic wholeness — so the sequence is both a devotional chant and a meditative practice. thiruvilakku poojai 108 potri in english repack

Approximately 15–25 minutes, depending on speed of recitation.

The "108 Potri" refers to the recitation of 108 sacred names or praises (Potri translates to 'praise' or 'salutations'). This is a standard numerological motif in Hinduism—there are 108 Upanishads, 108 dance postures in Bharatanatyam, and 108 beads in a mala.

Why 108? Mathematically, the number 108 represents the universe. In the context of the Poojai, reciting 108 Potri serves a psychological purpose. The repetition creates a cyclical rhythm that calms the "monkey mind." As the devotee chants each name, they offer a flower or a grain of akshata (sacred rice) at the feet of the lamp. The most powerful segment of the Thiruvilakku Poojai

The English transliteration of the 108 Potri often follows a beautiful, poetic structure. While the specific verses can vary by region and family tradition (some dedicated to Lakshmi, others to Durga or Saraswathi), the essence remains the same.

A typical segment of the Potri in English reads like this:

Om Sakthiye Potri Om Parvathiye Potri Om Ambigaiye Potri Om Narayaniye Potri Om Sakthiye Potri Om Parvathiye Potri Om Ambigaiye

However, during the Thiruvilakku Poojai, the praise often elevates to describe the attributes of the Goddess as she resides in the light:

Om Jyoti Swaroopiniye Potri (Salutations to her who is the embodiment of light) Om Annapooraniye Potri (Salutations to the giver of food/sustenance) Om Mangala Roopiniye Potri (Salutations to the auspicious one)

Do not panic. Relight it, chant Potri #97 (“Hail to the lamp reborn from a matchstick”), and continue.

Light all 5 wicks. Each wick faces a direction. Recite 5 Potri – one for each wick:

Chant (Potri 4-8):