Thiruvilakku Pooja (Lamp Pooja)
Friday evening. On Fridays in the months of Aadi and Thai and on Pournami, it is also done in groups at temples.
Next: 13 November 2026, Friday · Aippasi 27
Significance
A simple and beautiful pooja where the kuthuvilakku itself is decorated as Amman and worshipped. You can do it at home, and women also do it together at temples.
Things you need
- Kuthuvilakku (tall brass lamp)
- Nallennai (sesame oil) or ghee, five wicks
- Turmeric, kumkumam, sandalwood paste
- Flowers
- Akshathai
- Fruit, kalkandu, betel leaves, areca nut
- Camphor
How to do it
- Polish the lamp well and place it on a manai or a large plate (thambalam).
- Put sandalwood paste and kumkumam on the base, the middle and the top of the lamp, and wrap flowers around it.
- First pray to Vinayagar. Then pour oil into the lamp and light the wicks.
- Say the Amman potri (names in praise of Amman) and do archanai with kumkumam at the base of the lamp.
- Offer fruit and kalkandu, and place the thamboolam.
- Show the camphor aarathi and pray for the good of your family.
- Give the archanai kumkumam to your family and to the guests.
This is only a general guide. If your family custom is different, follow that. Ask your elders and your priest.