Aarti: Significance, Rituals, and Spiritual Benefits in Hindu Worship

Aarti is one of the most popular and significant Hindu rituals, symbolizing the amalgamation of the Pancha Bhutas, the five cosmic elements, especially Akash (ether). When the fire element is invoked, Akash also becomes dominant. Integral to the Shodasha Upachara (the 16 steps of a puja), Aarti is mentioned in many Puranas as an auspicious light that illuminates spiritual wisdom. Aarti is performed at the end of puja rituals, worship, or bhajan sessions to invoke divinity, express gratitude, and seek blessings. Through this immersive ritual, devotees offer their deepest devotion to the divine, which is why Aarti is also called ‘Niranjan’—meaning illumination with a specific purpose.

Purpose of Aarti

Aarti is performed:

• To praise and worship God
• To express gratitude
• To seek forgiveness
• To please or appease God

The Aarti Plate (Thali)

The Aarti thali is usually made of metals such as bronze, copper, or silver and includes various sacred items: a lamp, kumkum, sandalwood paste, flowers, thamboola, incense, a bell, and a glass of water (panchapatra). These items represent the five cosmic elements: ether (akash), wind (vayu), fire (agni), water (jal), and earth (prithvi). The choice of lamp and materials used in Aarti can vary. According to the Agni Purana, clarified butter (ghee) is used for the Aarti of deities, while oil or camphor is often used for individuals.

How Aarti is Performed for Deities

Aarti is typically performed twice a day—at sunrise and sunset—in households and five times a day in temples. The Aarti plate or lamp is waved in a clockwise motion around the deity, usually starting from the left side and repeating for three or five rounds. For gods, Aarti is performed in odd numbers, while for goddesses, it is in even numbers. Special pujas may involve a five-faced lamp, amplifying the energy created during the ceremony. After the Aarti is performed, the water from the panchapatra is circulated around the plate to pacify the fire, and the Aarti is offered to devotees.

Aarti as an Energy Technique

Scientifically, ancient temples used natural lighting, making an external light source like Aarti necessary to see the deity. Spiritually, Aarti is seen as a way to receive divine energy from the deity's aura. Burning pure cow ghee or camphor creates a positive, energy-filled atmosphere, which enhances the aura of devotees and helps align their thoughts with cosmic energy.

The Holy Vedas also describe fire as a powerful medium for energy transfer. The flame's ability to burn without leaving a trace symbolizes a life without ego, leading to spiritual enlightenment.

Imbibing Energy from Aarti

Accepting Aarti can cleanse our aura, removing negative emotions such as jealousy and bad thoughts. Placing palms over the Aarti flame and moving them around helps activate our body's energy centers, particularly the Sahasrar chakra at the top of the head. This practice is done with the affirmation: "May this light, which illuminated the Lord, also illumine my thoughts and actions, making me divine."

Slokas to Chant During Aarti

• "Na tatra suryo bhaati na Chandra taarakam
  Nemaa vidyto bhaanti kutoyamagnih
  Tameva bhaantam anubhaati sarvam
  Tasya bhaasa sarvam idam vibhaati"

  (or)

• "Sarva-Mangala-Maangalye Shive Sarvaatha-Saadhike
  Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Narayani Namostute!"