The Maavilakku, a rice flour lamp, holds great significance during the Tamil festival of Purtassi. It’s a symbol of purity and devotion. This traditional lamp is made with rice flour, ghee or butter and jaggery or honey and you can aslo use condensed milk. The lamp represents purity in both the ingredients used and the intention behind the offering.
During Purtassi, which is a month-long fasting period, devotees abstain from meat and certain foods. They offer Maavilakku to seek blessings and purification from Lord Vishnu. Lighting the Maavilakku is a way to illuminate one’s spiritual journey during this sacred time.
To make the Maavilakku lamp , follow these steps:
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Cup Rice Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Thill (Sesame Seeds)
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons Ghee or Melted Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon Elachi (Cardamom)
- 1 Wick
- 1 Tablespoon Condensed Milk
- Ghee To Place In The Lamp
METHOD
- In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of rice flour and sesame seeds.
- Gradually add the melted ghee or butter to the rice flour mixture. Mix it thoroughly to form a crumbly texture.
- Next, add the honey and condensed milk to the mixture to help bind the ingredients. Add in the cardamom (elachi). Knead the mixture well to form a smooth, pliable dough. Depending on the humidity, you may require 1 more tablespoon of honey. Once the mixture comes together and can be shaped into a ball, it is ready.
- Shape the ball into a Maavilakku lamp. You can create a traditional lamp shape or experiment with your own design.
- Place a cotton wick in the centre of the lamp, along with some ghee or butter. Place the lamp in the fridge to firm up.
- Your Maavilakku lamp is now ready to be used for your prayer.
Remember to handle the dough gently to create the desired shape, and feel free to personalise your lamp design as you like.
Here is a video to follow along with the recipe : https://youtube.com/shorts/OpBMcA1bf8Y?si=OyqFQjyRqB-g61ic