About Aarati
Aarti (also spelled Arti or Arati) is a significant and popular Hindu ritual of worship. It's often called the "ceremony of lights."
Here's a breakdown of what Aarti is and its significance:
What it is:
- Offering of Light: The central element of Aarti is the offering of light from a flame (fueled by ghee, oil, or camphor) to deities, sacred images (murtis), or even revered individuals. This light is waved in a clockwise, circular motion.
- Accompanied by Sound: Aarti is almost always accompanied by devotional songs (aarti hymns or bhajans), chanting of mantras, and the playing of musical instruments like bells, drums, gongs, and conch shells.
- Part of Puja: It's often performed at the conclusion of a larger worship ritual (puja) or a devotional singing session (bhajan).
- Symbolic Offerings: Beyond the flame, other auspicious articles may be offered, such as incense, water, flowers, and sometimes a white cloth or a fan (chamar). These elements represent the five elements of the world (space, air, light, water, and earth) and symbolize the offering of all creation to the deity.
Meaning and Significance:
- Complete Love and Devotion: The word "Aarati" is derived from Sanskrit, with "aa" meaning "complete" and "rati" meaning "love." Thus, Aarti is an expression of complete and unwavering love, gratitude, and reverence towards God.
- Dispelling Darkness: The flame in Aarti symbolizes the light of knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance. It's believed to purify the mind and surroundings, inviting positive energy.
- Divine Presence: By waving the light, devotees aim to become immersed in the divine form of the deity. The flame illuminates the various parts of the deity, allowing for better concentration and darshan (sacred viewing).
- Humility and Surrender: Aarti signifies the surrender of the ego to the divine. It's an act of humility, recognizing that one is peripheral to the divine and keeping the ego in check.
- Seeking Blessings: After the Aarti, the lighted wicks are often passed around the congregation. Devotees cup their hands over the flame and then touch them to their eyes and head, symbolizing the reception of blessings and purification from the deity through the flame.
- Connection to Vedic Fire Rituals: Aarti is believed to have descended from ancient Vedic fire rituals (homa or yajna).
- Reinforcing Vigilance: It serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and prevent worldly pleasures and desires from overcoming the individual, just as the flame dispels darkness.
- Scientific Aspect: Some believe the burning of ghee and camphor during Aarti emits positive vibrations and purifies the atmosphere.
Aarti can range from simple acts of worship performed daily in homes to elaborate rituals in temples, performed multiple times a day (e.g., Mangala Aarti at dawn, Rajbhog Aarti at midday, Sandhya Aarti at dusk, Shayan Aarti before bedtime). It is a profound spiritual experience that fosters a deep connection with the divine.