 |
| Aarti on the banks of the ganges. thehindu.com |
Aarti is simply an expression of love, devotion gratitude, etc. Thus performance of Aarti in the Hindu society means everything. It is believed that it brings to the families prosperity, peace of mind, good health, longevity and drive away evil forces..........
 |
| Aarti in Hinduism britannica.com |
 |
| Hindu devotees hold earthen lamps www.telegraph.co.uk |
Above image: Hindu devotees hold earthen lamps as they perform Maha Aarti ritual in Shertha, near Ahmadabad, Gujarat. Ganesh Chathrthi festival. India. Aarti, in Hindu and Jain rites, the waving of lighted lamps before an image of a god or a person to be honored.........
The Hindu Ritual of Aarti: Light, Love, and Devotion
The Hindu ritual of Aarti (also spelled arthi), where light is waved before a deity or object of veneration, is a profound and ubiquitous expression of faith and devotion across the Indian subcontinent. Originating from the ancient Vedic concept of the homa (fire ritual), the term itself is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Aaratrika', which literally means "something that removes ratri (darkness)." Symbolically, this ritual represents the vanquishing of ignorance and the acknowledgment of God's central role in the universe.
Significance and Etymology
The Sanskrit term Aarti is composed of "aa" meaning 'towards' and "rati" meaning the 'highest love' for God. At its core, Aarti is a ceremonial act of love, gratitude, and complete surrender (bhakti). The act involves offering light—traditionally from a cotton wick soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor—to the deity. Though the specific styles and purposes may vary regionally, the fundamental sentiment of offering and reverence remains consistent throughout India.
During the ritual, the light source is placed on an Aarti plate (thali), often made of brass, copper, or silver, which also contains other auspicious items like flowers, incense, and akshata (unbroken rice). As the priest or devotee performs the Aarti, traditionally waving the plate in a circular, clockwise motion around the deity, devotional songs (bhajans) in praise of the God or Goddess are sung, often in chorus. This combination of visual focus, melodic rhythm, and bhava (facial expressions and gestures) ensures the devotee’s mind is "transfixed on God," thereby improving concentration and permeating the body with a sense of happiness and peace. The circular motion is symbolic, affirming that the Almighty is the center stage, while human beings revolve in His proximity, enjoying divine bliss and grace.
Social and Auspicious Applications
While Aarti is a mandatory ritual at the conclusion of puja or bhajans in the temple (typically performed one to five times a day), its significance extends far beyond temple premises and formal worship. In Hindu society, Aarti is woven into the very fabric of social and personal life, serving multiple protective and celebratory functions:
Warding off Evil and Seeking Blessings: It is performed to ward off evil eyes or to seek divine blessings when a person embarks on a challenging task.
Life Events: Aarti is compulsory during major festivals and social events like weddings and Graha Pravesam (moving into a new home).
Personal Milestones: It is a vital ritual when a mother returns home with her newborn baby from the hospital, or when a newly-wedded couple visits their parents' home for the first time, performed for their longevity, prosperity, and happy married life.
Veneration of Objects: Interestingly, the expression of love and reverence through Aarti is not restricted to deities; it is also performed before animals like cows and even inanimate objects such as motor vehicles, tractors, and factory machines, acknowledging them as sources of livelihood and prosperity.
Transmission of Blessings
A crucial part of the ritual occurs after the light is offered to the deity. The priest or performer shows the Aarti plate to the assembled devotees, who then typically cup their hands over the flame and gently touch their forehead. This gesture is a way of seeking and receiving the holy blessings (prasad) from the deity, symbolically taking the sanctity of the blessed light into themselves.
Ultimately, the performance of Aarti is believed to bring families prosperity, peace of mind, good health, and longevity. Most importantly, the light—which drives away darkness—is symbolic of dispelling ignorance and arrogance, instilling humility, confidence, and generating the positive thoughts necessary for individuals to reach their goals. based on old post May 07,2016 navrangindia.blogspot.com
