Have you ever wondered why devotees offer Aarthi at Hindu temples ? Aarthi (also spelled as Arati or Aarti) is a Hindu ritual of worship that involves waving a lighted lamp or plate in front of a deity or a person. It is usually performed at the end of a puja (prayer) or bhajan (devotional song) session, or during special occasions such as festivals, ceremonies, or birthdays. Aarthi is a way of expressing gratitude, devotion, and love to the divine or the honored person.
Significance of Aarthi
Aarthi has several meanings and significances in Hinduism. Some of them are:
- Aarthi means "remover of darkness" or "light waved in darkness". It symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of wisdom and knowledge. By waving the light in front of the deity, the devotee seeks the blessings of the divine to enlighten their mind and soul.
- Aarthi also means "a humble and plaintive cry". It represents the yearning of the devotee for God's grace and mercy. By singing songs of praise and glory, the devotee expresses their longing and surrender to God. Aarthi is a way of communicating with God and seeking His guidance and protection.
- Aarthi is also a symbolic offering of the five elements to God. The lighted lamp or plate contains various items that represent the five elements: space (akasha), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (jal), and earth (prithvi). The lamp itself represents fire, which is the source of light and energy. The oil or ghee in the lamp represents water, which nourishes life. The wick in the lamp represents earth, which supports life. The air that makes the flame flicker represents air, which sustains life. The space around the lamp represents space, which contains everything. By waving these items in front of the deity, the devotee offers their entire existence and all facets of material creation to God.
Types of Aarthi
There are different types of Aarthi depending on the occasion, the deity, and the region. Some of the common types are:
- Mangala Aarthi: This is performed in the morning as a way of welcoming and honoring the deity. It is also done to invoke auspiciousness and prosperity for the day.
- Shringara Aarthi: This is performed in the afternoon as a way of adorning and beautifying the deity. It is also done to express love and admiration for the deity.
- Sandhya Aarthi: This is performed in the evening as a way of thanking and bidding farewell to the deity. It is also done to seek peace and protection for the night.
- Shayan Aarthi: This is performed at night as a way of putting the deity to sleep. It is also done to express devotion and surrender to the deity.
The procedure for performing Aarthi may vary slightly depending on the tradition and preference, but generally it involves the following steps:
- The devotee prepares a plate or a lamp with oil or ghee, one or more wicks, flowers, incense, rice grains, turmeric powder, vermilion powder, camphor, etc.
- The devotee lights the lamp or plate and holds it in their right hand.
- The devotee sings an Aarthi song that praises and glorifies the deity or person.
- The devotee waves the lamp or plate in a circular motion in front of the deity or person, starting from their feet and moving up to their head and back down again.
- The devotee then passes the lamp or plate to other devotees who repeat the same process.
- The devotee then places the lamp or plate near the deity or person.
- The devotee then cups their hands over the flame and touches their forehead with their palms, receiving the blessings of the deity or person.
Mangala Aarthi
Mangala Aarthi is a type of Aarthi that is performed in the morning as a way of welcoming and honoring the deity. It is also done to invoke auspiciousness and prosperity for the day. Mangala means "auspicious" or "blessed" in Sanskrit.
Mangala Aarthi is usually performed after waking up the deity from their sleep by ringing bells, blowing conch shells, chanting mantras, etc. The devotee then offers fresh flowers, water, milk, honey, yogurt, fruits, sweets, etc. to the deity as part of their morning worship. The devotee then performs Mangala Aarthi by waving a lighted lamp or plate in front of the deity while singing a song that expresses gratitude and joy for the deity's presence and grace.
Why devotees offer money to Aarthi plate
Devotees offer money to Aarthi plate as a way of expressing their gratitude and generosity to the deity or person. It is also a way of seeking blessings and prosperity from the deity or person. Money is considered as a form of energy or shakti in Hinduism, and offering it to the deity or person is a way of sharing and multiplying that energy.
Offering money to Aarthi plate is also a way of practicing detachment and charity. The devotee acknowledges that everything belongs to God and nothing is theirs. The devotee also shows their willingness to help others who are in need. Offering money to Aarthi plate is a way of purifying one's mind and heart from greed and selfishness.
Offering money to Aarthi plate is also a way of participating in the ritual and receiving its benefits. The devotee touches the money to the flame and then to their forehead, symbolizing the transfer of divine energy and grace. The devotee then places the money on the plate or gives it to the priest or the person who performed the Aarthi. The money is then used for various purposes such as maintaining the temple, supporting the priests, feeding the poor, etc.
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