What is Aarti?
Importance of Aarti, with complete details and method
Aarti is an integral part of Hindu religious traditions, symbolizing faith, devotion, and culture. It is a sacred ritual in which devotees honor God by lighting lamps, burning incense, and singing praises of divine qualities and deeds. More than just a religious practice, Aarti fosters a spiritual connection with the divine.
Meaning and definition of Aarti
The word “Aarti” comes from the Sanskrit term “Aartik,” which means removing sorrow, pain, or difficulties. When a devotee surrenders to God’s feet and sings His praises in a rhythmic manner, it is called Aarti.
Purpose of Worship
- Aarti is a way to seek the grace and blessings of the deity.
- It strengthens one’s connection with God through sincere devotion and reverence.
- Worship helps in cultivating inner peace, positivity, and spiritual growth.
When is Aarti Performed?
The timing of Aarti varies based on place and tradition.
Types of Aarti in Hindu Religion
- Morning Aarti (Pratah Aarti): Performed at sunrise to awaken the deity.
- Evening Aarti (Sandhya Aarti): Performed at sunset as an expression of gratitude to the deity.
- Night Aarti (Shayan Aarti): Performed at night to offer rest to the deity.
- On Special Occasions: During festivals, yajnas, havana, kathas, weddings, or the completion of auspicious events.
In temples, Aarti is performed 2 to 5 times a day, whereas in households, performing Aarti in the morning and evening is considered auspicious.
Who Can Perform Aarti?
No special qualification is needed. Any devotee can perform it, whether a priest, householder, seeker, or any other believer. There are no restrictions based on age, gender, or social status.
Is it necessary to bathe before Aarti? Yes, both physical cleanliness and mental purity are essential before performing Aarti. Once bathed, one should maintain appropriate behavior and devotion before starting the ritual.
Where is Aarti Performed?
- In Temples: Conducted daily in the morning and evening.
- In Household Worship: Performed in front of a deity’s idol or picture at the home’s worship place.
- At Pilgrimage Sites: Such as Haridwar, Varanasi, Dwarka, Ujjain, etc.
- During Special Ceremonies: Like Yajnas, Havana, Kathas, Satsangs, Kirtans and Hindu Marriages Etc.
Why Should We Worship God?
The primary purpose of worship is to express gratitude and awaken spiritual energy.
Benefits of Worship (Aarti Benefits)
- Enhances mental peace and concentration.
- Eliminates negative energy and promotes positivity.
- Strengthens the spiritual connection between the devotee and God.
- Purifies and sanctifies the environment.
Aarti can be performed for any deity. Some major types of Aarti include:
- Aarti for the presiding deity
- Aarti for family deities (Kuldevi & Kuldevta)
- Aarti for holy texts
- Aarti for saints and ascetics
- Aarti for celibates (Brahmacharis)
- Aarti for sacred rivers, mountains, trees, cows, Tulsi, Shaligram, etc.
- Aarti for newly acquired items considered to embody Lakshmi and divine blessings
How to Perform Aarti?
- Purification: Clean the worship area, prepare lamps, incense, flowers, and bells.
- Light the Lamp: Use ghee or oil and place it before the deity.
- Begin the Aarti: Ring the bell and blow the conch.
- Rotating the Lamp: Circle the lamp around the deity’s idol, focusing on the head, heart, and feet three times.
- Singing Aarti Hymns: Devotees sing Aarti while clapping.
- Using Musical Instruments: Bells, cymbals, mridang, and jhanjh are played.
- Final Step: Conclude Aarti with “Hari Om” or “Jai Kara” chants.
- Receive Blessings and Prasad: Devotees take blessings by placing their hands over the flame and then touching their foreheads, followed by the distribution of prasad.
Famous Aartis in Hindu Religion
- “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” – Aarti of Lord Vishnu
- “Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva” – Aarti of Lord Ganesha
- “Jai Shiv Omkara” – Aarti of Lord Shiva
- “Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki” – Aarti of Lord Hanuman
- “Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali” – Aarti of Goddess Durga
- “Ganga Maiya Ki Aarti” – Aarti sung at pilgrimage sites
Aarti is not just a ritual but a profound expression of love, devotion, and faith. It uplifts the spiritual energy of the devotee, purifies the mind, and enhances the sanctity of the surroundings. In Indian culture, Aarti holds a special place, being an essential part of daily spiritual practices.
Therefore, whenever you perform Aarti, do so with complete devotion and sincerity to experience its divine blessings and transformative energy.