Rinse the raw rice well (few times)
Soak the rice for at least one hour
After an hour drain the water and discard (using a colander if needed)
Spread the rice with hands and slightly tilt and keep colander to discard the excess water
Spread the rice on a towel and let it dry for 12 - 15 minutes. Excess water will be dried but If you take the rice in your hand, slight moisture (dampness can be felt in hands)
Grind it immediately in a mixie for a smooth rice flour
Place a parchment paper or a wide plate and sieve the rice for a smooth rice flour
If you get lumps crush it with hands and grind the lumps and sieve again
Transfer the smooth rice flour into a maavilakku plate
Add country sugar and mix well
Mix well the moisture in the country sugar helps for kneading
Add cardamom powder and mix well
After the mass of flour holds shape add little ghee and mix well
If you want the maa vilakku to hold shape after storing use unmelted ghee but if you prefer powdered maavu use melted ghee
I added around 3 teaspoon of melted ghee and kneaded
Split into two equal portion and roll into a ball or lamp shape
Make a small dent at the top for lighting the lamp
Add ghee in the dent and keep panju thiri
We make a garland by combing panju thiri and keep kumkum in between and place it around the maavilakku
Maavilakku is ready for deepam / pooja