‘Thiru-vilakku’ or ‘Kuthu-vilakku’ is an artistically crafted lamp (Deepa, in Sanskrit), which invariably finds a place in the shrines, especially, in South Indian Hindu homes. It is the symbol of Mahalakshmi, the deity of Fortune and Prosperity. Thiruvilakku Pujai aims at collectively worshipping Mahalakshmi, mostly in temples, by a large number of women at a time.

Thiruvilakku Pujai is organized and performed by womenfolk alone. Each woman brings a Thiruvilakku, invokes the presence of Mahalakshmi in it, and worships Her. Started with 108 Thiruvilakkus, this puja has gradually gained momentum, and presently performed with 1008, 2007, 5004, and sometimes up to 10008 Thiruvilakkus at a time.

Deepa pujas are performed by women every month in temples. It is used to promote divine patriotism among women.