Aarti

Aarti is a form of prayer, Hindu followers perform. Aartis are performed to show reverence to a particular deity and God. Aarti is performed to appease deity and seek his/her blessings. It is Hindu ritual in which a lamp containing a wick soaked in pure ghee is lit and offered to the God amidst the singing of devotional song dedicated to that particular deity. Songs sung during Aarti, praise the deity by describing their special features and their life.

Origin of Aarti:

Concept of Aarti came from the Vedas where fire rituals or “Homa’ are said to be very important part of Hindu rituals. Word “Aa” means towards and “Rati” means “the highest love for the god”. Aarti means highest love towards God. It is developed by singing devotional songs in praise of God.

Performing Aarti:

In Hindu homes, Aarti is performed daily, at least twice a day. In temples, it is performed up to five times a day. Aarti is performed during almost all the Hindu rituals and ceremonies. It is performed at the end of Puja or keertan.

For Performing Aarti, a lamp containing a wicked soaked in purified butter (Ghee) is lit. This lamp is placed in a plate and this plate is revolved in front of the idol or picture of a particular deity. This circulating of plate is done in the shape of sign of ‘ OM ’; the most auspicious letter for Hindus. This act of revolving the plate is accompanied by singing of devotional song. It is believed that, by doing so that plate attains the part of powers of that deity. Devotees present there cup there hands downwards over the flame of the lamp and raise their hands to forehead to seek blessings.

This ritual of waving flame in front of God makes the devotees immersed in the divine form of the God. Most common aarti “Om Jai Jagdish” which is devoted to Lord Vishnu and also it is a universal Aarti.