Arti (Hinduism)

Arti (also spelled Aarti, Arati, Arathi, Aarthi (in Hindi: आरती ārtī)) is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (clarified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Artis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when lamps are being offered.

Etymology

The word Arti is derived from the Sanskrit word Aratrika (आरात्रिक), which means something that removes Rajas, the darkness of ignorance. Another origin could be from the Sanskrit word Aa (towards) + Rati (the highest love for God), which symbolizes the act of moving closer to the divine by showing the highest love for God.

Practice

Arti is performed and sung to develop the highest love for God. Aarti is generally performed two to five times daily and usually at the end of a puja (prayer session) or bhajan session. It is performed during almost all Hindu ceremonies and occasions. It involves the circulating of an 'Arti plate' or 'Arti lamp' around a deity and is generally accompanied by the singing of songs in praise of that deity.

The purpose of performing arti is to ward off evil forces and welcome in positive energy. By singing these songs, devotees pay respect to the gods, express their love and gratitude, and seek protection and blessings.

Components

The Arti plate typically contains:

• A lamp made of brass, silver, or a similar metal.
• Wicks soaked in ghee or camphor.
• Flowers, incense, and akshata (rice).

The light emitted from the lamp symbolizes the removal of spiritual darkness and the songs are meant to invoke the best qualities of the deity being worshiped.

Significance

In Hinduism, light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness, ignorance. The ritual of Arti signifies the removal of darkness by true spiritual enlightenment. It symbolizes the five elements:

• Earth (the solid wick used in the lamp),
• Water (the liquid ghee or oil in the lamp),
• Fire (the lighted lamp),
• Air (the oxygen feeding the flame),
• Ether (the spiritual significance of the ritual).

Performing Arti is also a way for devotees to receive blessings from the divine. The act of looking at the lit lamp and then touching the eyes is a gesture of seeking the divine's blessing to illuminate one's vision with knowledge and understanding.

Variations

Arti is performed differently in various parts of India. For example, the Sikh version of the Arti sung in Gurdwaras incorporates passages from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture. In some temples, aarti is performed with much pomp and ceremony, involving elaborate rituals including multiple priests.

In Popular Culture

Arti has been depicted in various Bollywood movies and is a common practice observed in the depiction of Hindu rituals and ceremonies, showcasing its integral role in Hindu culture and tradition.

See Also

• Puja (Hinduism)
• Bhajan
• Diya (lamp)
• Hindu temple
• Indian festivals