In the month of Aadi, communal pujas such as the Kuthuvilakku Puja are performed on Tuesdays and Fridays at various Shakti Temples throughout the State. The pujas are performed for the well being of home and family or sometimes for the fulfilment of individual desires, such as a young girl wanting a husband or desiring children in a marriage.
The most common among all lamps is the Kuthuvilakku. The name is derived from the fact that these lamps were originally spiked into the ground. They are now stand-alone pieces with ornate decorations, but the name has remained through the ages. The lamp has five bowls on the top and there is a trim pedestal fixed firmly on a heavy circular base.
These lamps are used in common households and are also used on ceremonial platforms. The Kuthuvilakku is usually decorated on the top with structures of the "hamsa" (mythical swan) or with other religious symbols.
The photographs in this posting, are of the Kuthuvilakku Puja performed on Friday, 19th July 2016 in the Kalayana Mandapam, 3rd Prakaram of Arunachaleswarar Temple.
To find out more about the different types of lamps used in Tamil Nadu homes and Temples, go to this previous link here.
To find out how to perform a Kuthuvilakku Puja at home, go to this link here.
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Devotees get benefits by performing Mahalaxmi Thiruvilakku Pooja. However specific benefits for each month are listed below:
Chithirai: Blessed with increased production of Pulses.
Vaigasi: Blessed with Money
Aani: Blessed with Marriage
Aadi: Blessed with Long Life
Aavani: Blessed with New Born Children
Purataasi: Blessed with more Cows
Aipassi: Blessed with Food
Karthigai: Blessed with Moksha
Margali: Blessed with Good health
Thai: Blessed with Victory in life
Maasi: Blessed with removal of sins.
Panguni: Blessed with Dharma
Thiruvillaku Pooja can also be performed on Ammavasi and pournami days.
