Aarti is the Hindu ritual, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. It is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals, or home. The word may also refer to the traditional Hindu devotional song that is sung during the ritual. Aarti is performed and sung to develop the highest love for God.
“Aa” means “towards”, and “rati” means “the highest love for God” in Sanskrit.
The purpose of performing Aarati is the waving of lighted wicks before the deities in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in God’s divine form. it symbolizes the five elements.
5 Elements of Aarti
(1) Earth: the element earth in aarti is represented by offering Flowers.
(2) Water: the element of water is represented by the water itself
(3) Fire: The element of Fire is represented by the ghee lamp or Diyo.
(4) Air: the element of air is represented by the smell of Camphor or the oil used.
(5) Ether/ space: the ether is represented by the chiming bells.
(6) Ego: the representative of the ego is in bowing down to the deity.
The importance of aarti are:
(1) Light the lamp or Diya: in front of the deity, because fire has the ability to purify us from inside and outside.
(2) Blow Conch: blowing conch during aarti or puja will create an aura, that is full of divinity and invoke God.
(3) Self Cleaning: Make sure that you have cleansed yourself, before performing the aarti. Wear clean clothes; also keep a pure and clean mind and thoughts while performing aarti.
(4) Offer leaves and Flowers: While doing the aarti, offer varied flowers and leaves of Peepal and mango trees, because mango leaves have a long life span and it does not get rotten easily.
(5) Bowing down: Bowing your head in reverence is also necessary. It shows the dedication and devotion of devotees during the performing of aarti.
Benefits of performing Aarti:
1. The daily Aarties help in removing all the obstacles in life.
2. The regular aarti will enhance your health and bring peace of mind.
3. The Aarties protect us from bad luck and gives us the courage to face difficulties in life.
4. Bless you, with boons, for example, if performing an aarti of Goddess; you will get the boon of financial gains.
5. The Aarties take you closer to your God, and enable you in attaining Moksha.
Har Har Har Mahadev Aarti by Jagjit Singh
Har Har Har Mahadev Aarti Lyrics in English
Har har har Mahadev
Shiv Shankar Adi Dev
Parmeshvar Akhileshvar
Tandav Priye Shashishesvar
Har har har Mahadev
Shiv Shankar Adi Dev
Vishvadhaar Vishvanath
Gangadhar Dheernath
Har har har Mahadev
Shiv Shankar Adi Dev
Jatajoot Chandradhari
Deenan Ke Hitkari
Har har har Mahadev
Shiv Shankar Adi Dev
Gauri pati Nandieshwar
Shaleshwar Jagadeeshwar
Har har har Mahadev
Shiv Shankar Adi Dev