Why Do We Perform Aarti? Complete Guide with Lyrics, Meaning, and Significance
Aarti (आरती) is one of the most beautiful and soul-touching traditions in Hinduism. Anyone who has visited a temple in India or participated in a household puja has surely experienced the moment when lamps are lit, bells start ringing, the conch is blown, and devotees sing in unison. This sacred ritual is known as Aarti, and it is considered the climax of worship, the final offering of love and devotion to the deity.
But many devotees, especially the younger generation, often wonder: Why do we perform Aarti? What is its deeper meaning? Let’s explore the significance of Aarti in detail, along with popular lyrics in Hindi, English transliteration, and English translation.
🔱 What is Aarti?
The word Aarti (आरती) comes from the Sanskrit term Ārātrika, meaning “removal of darkness.” At its heart, Aarti is a gesture of devotion where light from a diya (lamp) or camphor flame is offered to God. The flame represents the fire of knowledge and purity that destroys ignorance and negativity.
During Aarti, the lamp is moved in circular motions in front of the deity. This circular movement symbolizes the cycle of life and the eternal truth that God is at the center of the universe. Devotees usually sing hymns or specific Aarti songs praising the deity, while musical instruments like manjira, dholak, bells, and conch shells create a divine atmosphere.
🌸 The Spiritual Significance of Aarti
- Symbol of Light Over Darkness – The lamp’s flame represents knowledge, truth, and wisdom overcoming ignorance and fear.
- An Offering of Gratitude – By waving the flame before God, devotees symbolically offer their life, ego, and desires.
- Unity in Devotion – When devotees sing Aarti together, their voices merge into one, creating collective positive energy.
- Purification of Environment – The sound of bells and mantras, along with the fragrance of incense and camphor, cleanses the atmosphere.
- Divine Blessings – The light is later passed around devotees, allowing them to absorb the positive vibrations and feel protected.
🕉️ Aarti as the Completion of Puja
In Hindu worship, a puja generally begins with offerings like flowers, water, fruits, and incense. Aarti marks the final stage, where all elements come together. Without Aarti, the puja is considered incomplete.
When the Aarti is performed, devotees focus their eyes on the flame and deity, absorbing divine darshan (vision). Afterward, the flame is brought to the devotees, who cup their hands over it and touch their eyes or forehead, symbolizing receiving God’s blessings.
🌼 The Science Behind Aarti
- Sound Therapy: The rhythmic clapping and ringing bells during Aarti create sound vibrations that calm the nervous system and remove stress.
- Light and Focus: Staring at the flame during Aarti improves concentration and stabilizes the mind.
- Aromatic Healing: The burning of camphor and incense purifies the air and has antibacterial effects.
- Energy Circulation: The circular motion of the lamp is believed to distribute positive energy in all directions.
🌟 Why Aarti is Performed Daily
In temples and homes, Aarti is performed in the morning and evening as a daily act of devotion. Morning Aarti welcomes the divine energy for the day ahead, while evening Aarti is offered to express gratitude and seek protection during the night.
On special occasions and festivals like Diwali, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami, and Shivratri, elaborate Aartis are performed with great enthusiasm, sometimes accompanied by dance, music, and chants.
📖 Om Jai Jagdish Hare – Aarti Lyrics
In Hindi (Devanagari)
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे, स्वामी जय जगदीश हरे ।
भक्त जनों के संकट, दास जनों के संकट,
क्षण में दूर करे ॥ ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ॥
जो ध्यावे फल पावे, दुख बिनसे मन का ।
सुख सम्पत्ति घर आवे, सुख सम्पत्ति घर आवे,
कष्ट मिटे तन का ॥ ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ॥
English Transliteration
Om Jai Jagdish Hare, Swami Jai Jagdish Hare,
Bhakta jano ke sankat, daas jano ke sankat,
Kshan mein door kare, Om Jai Jagdish Hare.
Jo dhyaave phal paave, dukh binse man kaa,
Sukh sampatti ghar aave, sukh sampatti ghar aave,
Kasht mite tan kaa, Om Jai Jagdish Hare.
English Translation
O Lord of the Universe, we bow to You.
You remove the troubles of your devotees and servants in an instant.
Those who meditate on You obtain rewards,
Their sorrows vanish, happiness and prosperity fill their homes,
And the sufferings of the body disappear.
Lessons We Learn from Aarti
- Surrender – Just as the flame merges into the air, we must merge our ego into God’s will.
- Discipline – Performing Aarti regularly instills spiritual discipline in daily life.
- Unity – Aarti unites families and communities through collective devotion.
- Gratitude – Aarti reminds us to thank God for every blessing.
Conclusion
Aarti is more than just lighting a lamp – it is a symbolic offering of our entire being to God. It teaches us to live with light, wisdom, and gratitude. Whether sung in a grand temple with hundreds of devotees or whispered softly in a small home shrine, Aarti carries the same power to purify hearts and connect us with the divine.
So next time you sing “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” or wave a diya before your deity, remember: you are not just performing a ritual – you are celebrating light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and devotion over ego.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why do we perform Aarti in Hinduism?
Aarti is performed to honor deities and symbolize the removal of darkness with divine light. It represents devotion, gratitude, and the offering of one’s self to God.
2. What is the meaning behind the Aarti plate and diya?
The diya (lamp) represents light, knowledge, and purity. The circular movement of the plate symbolizes the eternal cycle of life and spreading divine energy.
3. Can Aarti be performed at home?
Yes, Aarti can be performed at home daily or during festivals. It is a way of inviting divine blessings into the household.
4. When should Aarti be performed?
Traditionally, Aarti is performed after a puja, usually in the morning and evening. Many families also perform it during special occasions like festivals or temple visits.
5. What are the benefits of performing Aarti?
Performing Aarti is believed to remove negativity, purify the surroundings, and fill the home with peace and positivity. It strengthens spiritual connection and devotion.
🪔 How-To: Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Aarti
Step 1 – Prepare the Aarti Thali
Arrange a diya with ghee or oil, cotton wicks, incense sticks, flowers, and kumkum on a plate.
Step 2 – Light the Diya and Incense
Light the diya and incense to represent purity, light, and fragrance.
Step 3 – Begin with Prayer or Mantra
Chant a mantra or shloka before starting the Aarti.
Step 4 – Perform Aarti in Circular Motions
Move the thali clockwise in front of the deity while singing the Aarti song. The circular movement symbolizes the cycle of life.
Step 5 – Offer the Flame to Devotees
After completing the Aarti, pass the thali so devotees can place their hands over the flame and touch their forehead, symbolizing blessings.
Step 6 – Distribute Prasad
Conclude by distributing prasad (offering) to everyone present.
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