What is Arti ?
In Hinduism, Aarti (also spelled Arti or Arathi) is one of the most important and beautiful parts of daily worship. It’s a ceremonial offering of light to a deity, performed with devotion, gratitude, and reverence. Whether in temples or at home, the sound of ringing bells, rhythmic clapping, and devotional singing during Aarti creates a spiritual atmosphere that connects the devotee’s heart to the divine presence.
What is Aarti?
The word Aarti originates from the Sanskrit term “Ārātrika”, meaning the removal of darkness. It refers to the ritual of waving lighted lamps before the deity while singing hymns in praise. The flame symbolizes the light of knowledge and devotion that drives away the darkness of ignorance and negativity.
Aarti is performed at the end of most Hindu worship rituals (pujas), marking the conclusion of the ceremony and the acknowledgment of divine blessings.
The Symbolism of Aarti
Aarti is not just a ritual it’s a deeply symbolic act filled with spiritual meaning:
- 🔥 Light (Diya or Lamp): Represents divine illumination and purity of the soul.
- 🌸 Flowers: Symbolize love, beauty, and the offering of one’s heart to God.
- 💨 Incense (Agarbatti): Represents the spread of divine fragrance and purity of thought.
- 💧 Water: Represents life, cleansing, and surrender to the divine will.
- 🔔 Sound of Bells: Invokes divine energy and removes negative vibrations.
Through these elements, the devotee expresses complete devotion (bhakti) and surrenders ego, mind, and body to the Almighty.
How Aarti is Performed
The Aarti ceremony usually follows a structured process, although it may vary by tradition or region. Here’s a general outline:
- Lighting the Lamp:
The lamp (diya) is lit using ghee or oil, symbolizing the light of knowledge. - Invocation:
The deity’s presence is invoked through chanting and prayers. - Offering of Light:
The lit lamp is waved in a circular motion in front of the deity—clockwise—accompanied by devotional songs or Aarti bhajans. - Chanting and Clapping:
Devotees sing Aarti hymns with clapping, drums, and bells to create an uplifting atmosphere. - Distribution of Aarti Flame:
After the Aarti, the flame is passed among devotees. They cup their hands over it and touch their eyes or forehead, symbolically receiving divine blessings and energy.
When is Aarti Performed?
Aarti is performed at different times of the day, depending on the temple or tradition:
- 🌅 Morning Aarti (Prabhāt Aarti): To welcome the divine at dawn.
- ☀️ Midday Aarti (Madhyāhn Aarti): As a reminder of God’s presence in daily life.
- 🌇 Evening Aarti (Sandhyā Aarti): To express gratitude and seek protection as night falls.
- 🌙 Night Aarti (Shayan Aarti): Before the deity “retires” for rest.
In temples, Aarti is performed multiple times a day, while at home it’s often performed during morning and evening prayers.
Spiritual Meaning of Aarti
Aarti represents the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. The flame of the lamp reminds devotees to cultivate inner light and wisdom. The ritual teaches that just as the lamp burns selflessly to offer light, humans too should live a life of selfless service (seva) and devotion (bhakti).
When devotees sing Aarti together, it symbolizes the unity of collective consciousness many hearts joining in one rhythm of devotion.
Types of Aarti in Hinduism
There are numerous Aartis dedicated to different deities. Some of the most popular include:
- Ganesh Aarti: “Sukhkarta Dukhharta”
- Shiv Aarti: “Om Jai Shiv Omkara”
- Durga Aarti: “Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali”
- Vishnu Aarti: “Om Jai Jagdish Hare”
- Hanuman Aarti: “Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki”
- Sai Baba Aarti: “Aarti Sai Baba”
- Devi Aarti (Mahalakshmi Aarti, Saraswati Aarti, etc.)
Each Aarti holds a unique energy and purpose, invoking blessings, protection, or guidance from the deity.
Scientific & Psychological Aspects of Aarti
Interestingly, Aarti has scientific and psychological benefits too:
- The vibrations of bells and chants help calm the mind and focus attention.
- The light of the lamp stimulates positivity and peace.
- Aromatic incense purifies the air and uplifts mood.
- The collective chanting creates a frequency that promotes emotional harmony and reduces stress.
Thus, Aarti is not just a religious act it’s a holistic practice that benefits the body, mind, and spirit.
Conclusion
Aarti is one of the most sacred and blissful parts of Hindu worship. It represents gratitude, surrender, and divine connection. The ritual of light reminds every devotee that the divine resides within and by lighting the lamp of faith, one can dispel darkness and move closer to spiritual awakening.
Whenever you participate in Aarti, do it with full awareness and devotion for in that moment, your soul truly connects with the divine light.