Why Do We Perform Aarti?

Navratri is around the corner. Different people celebrate this festival with different purposes. Some see it as a time to enjoy playing the traditional ‘Garba’ all night long for 9 nights at a stretch, while others see it as a time to please and worship the Goddesses. And, when we think of worship, one thing that plays a very important part is the ‘Aarti’. During Navratri, you can also perform the Chandi Path at your home or office, which will help you obtain the grace of Maa Durga. You can be bestowed with happiness, peace of mind and success by performing the Chandi Path. MakeMyPuja Pandits will help you perform this ritual in the correct way to bring you the best outcomes.

Now, coming back to ‘Aarti’, it is a very important part of Hinduism. Whichever God one believes in – Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Ambe Mata, Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Hanuman or any other – they always perform the aarti while worshipping them. But, how many of us actually know the significance of Aarti or the reason why it is performed? Not many of us. But, we keep doing so because we are taught to worship our Gods that way. However, don’t you think you must understand the ritual before performing it so that you can perform it better and with even more faith? So, this blog will let you know why you must perform the ritual of Aarti.

What is Aarti?

The word ‘Aarti’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Aratika’ which means something that removes darkness. Aartis are performed by lighting wicks soaked in oil or ghee, thus eliminating darkness. It is generally comprised of 5 wicks, and at the end of the Aarti, camphor is also lighted. Sometimes or in some religious temples, the wicks are replaced entirely by camphor or dhoop, which are the fumes that come from burning coal. Apart from the platter of wicks, the Aarti has many other things included like flowers, peacock fan, bells and a small pot of water. As per the Bhagwat Gita, the Universe is made of five main elements – Sky (Akash), Wind (Vaayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi). Each constituent in the Aarti thaali signifies one of these elements. The bells represent Akash, the peacock fan signifies Vaayu, the lighted wicks represent Agni, the small pot of water represents Jal, and the flowers signify Earth. Apart from lighting these wicks, the devotees also sing to appease the Gods. Aarti is a spiritual connection between a devotee and the Lord. The thaali with the lighted wicks is moved in a clockwise circular motion around the deity, making it seem like the light from the lamp that forms a celestial circle that binds together the devotee and the Lord. This ceremony is also said to be the smaller version of the Vedic fire ritual called Yagya.

However, the Aarti is not restricted to worshipping God alone. It is also performed to welcome guests at home, a new addition into the family, the holy rivers, and to new possessions that we buy like vehicles, machines, instruments, etc. This is a way to keep us reminded that the Creator is the center of all activities. Aarti is thus an offering the Supreme Creator, the Deity. The celebration of divine light brings with it purity, positivity, fragrance, love and devotion.

Website: https://www.makemypuja.com/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makemypuja/