Why is Performing Aarti Daily Beneficial in Hindu Culture?
Aarti is an integral part of Hindu culture and rituals. There is a tradition of performing aarti after every puja or auspicious occasion. The main idea behind it is to pay respect and gratitude to the Almighty for all the blessings bestowed on us in different forms. Aarti is a Sanatan Hindu ritual in which a lit wick, known as a diya, bati or Jyoti, is placed on a plate and rotated in a clockwise direction in front of a deity’s idol. Alongside, devotees sing a hymn dedicated to gods or goddesses, exalting and praising their glory and seeking the deity’s blessings.
Aarti is a symbol of light that eliminates darkness. Darkness is a symbol of negativity and evil deeds. The word Aarti originates from the Sanskrit word Aratrika (a+ ratri+ ka), which means the one that destroys the darkness of the night. Another meaning of the word Aarti is to increase the inclination or the love (i.e., A + Rati, where ‘A’ means to increase and ‘rati’ means inclination or love). Therefore, Aarti is performed very religiously and customarily to amplify the devotee’s inclination or love for his or her deity.
How and When is Aarti Performed?
Fire is the essential element of Aarti, revered for its purifying and cleansing properties. It creates a divine and celestial aura around the deity that is worshipped. As a result, performing Aarti leads to a positive and purified atmosphere around the deity, ultimately purifying the body, mind and soul of the devotees.
Camphor or kapoor, is sometimes substituted for a wick that burns completely when lit. This symbolises complete surrender to God. The fragrance of camphor, when burned, is believed to eliminate negativity and possess therapeutic properties. The complete burning of camphor signifies total submission, sacrifice of one’s ego and surrender to the divine presence, while simultaneously enhancing feelings of humility. It is a poignant reminder to devotees of their human nature and motivates them to overcome material wishes
This tradition of performing aarti also teaches devotees to lead a life similar to camphor, which burns completely to give light and continues to emit a pleasant fragrance even after it has disappeared. One should also strive to live a life dedicated to worshipping God, helping others, and leaving behind a legacy of good actions to be remembered long after death. The sacred ritual of Aarti connects devotees with their divinity. They involuntarily close their eyes while the aarti is performed, delve deep into their inner selves and seek spiritual connection.
How Do We Get Benefitted by Performing Aarti?
Regular or time-to-time rituals of aarti help people overcome the obstacles in their lives. Those who perform aarti with unwavering belief and determination can illuminate the way towards spiritual enlightenment. It serves as a divine channel between the devotee and the deity, guiding them along the journey to triumph and prosperity.
Aarti enhances the ardent and unwavering devotion and spirituality of the devotees, amplifying their sense of connection with the divine. The sense of being one with the divine not only strengthens them spiritually but also emotionally, religiously, and physically. Thus, Aarti is not only nourishment for the soul but is beneficial to overall health and well-being.
During the sacred ritual of Aarti, the Chaitanya, or consciousness of the deity, reaches its utmost powerfulness; thus, during this time, the seeker wants to reap the benefit. It is for this reason that devout individuals assemble at temples during this auspicious aarti time. The bhajans sung during aarti with intense devotion possess a divine power that charges the devotees and worshippers with an overpowering and elevating influence.
The subtle meanings of the words being used in the bhajans during aarti have immense significance that resonates through the idols of the deities and, in turn, reflects upon the devotees, leaving a lasting and positive impact on their souls. The bhajans during aarti carry the Satvagunas of the deities through the idols to the devotees, which serve to profoundly heighten their innate Satvik qualities.
The vibrations that emanate from these SatvikGunas create a protective shield around the soul of the one offering Aarti to God. This armour, called Tarangkavacha, acts as a formidable defence for the soul from negative influence.
Thus, a regular habit of performing Aarti in one’s home not only nourishes the body, mind and soul of an individual but also strengthens him or her in all aspects, leading to overall well-being, prosperity and success.
There are countless daily rituals followed in Sanatan Hindu culture, aiming for the universal well-being of individuals. For more guidance and insights into such dharmic and spiritual rituals and customs, you can consult our astrologers and pandits at NamoAstro.
