Arti (Hinduism)

Arti (आरती) or Arati (आरति) is a Hindu ritual employed in worship, often part of a puja, in which light (usually from a flame) is ritually waved for the veneration of deities. Arti(s) also refers to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when the light is being offered. Sikhs also perform Aarti in the form of Aarti Kirtan which involves only devotional singing but Nihang Sikhs specifically perform Aarta which uses light as well. Arti is derived from the Sanskrit word आरात्रिक (ISO) which means something that removes ISO, darkness (or light waved in darkness before an icon). A Marathi language reference says it is also known as ISO (महानीराञ्जना). Arti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals, or homa/yajna. In the traditional arti ceremony, the flower represents the earth (solidity), the water and accompanying handkerchief correspond with the water element (liquidity), the ghee or oil lamp represents the fire component (heat), the peacock fan conveys the precious quality of air (movement), and the yak-tail fan represents the subtle form of ether (space). The incense represents a purified state of mind, and one's "intelligence" is offered through the adherence to rules of timing and order of offerings. Thus, one's entire existence and all facets of material creation are symbolically offered to God via the arti ceremony. The word may also refer to the traditional Hindu devotional song that is sung during the ritual. Arti can range from simple acts of worship to extravagant rituals, but always includes jyoti (flame or light). It is sometimes performed one to five times daily, and usually at the end of a puja and bhajan session (in northern India). It is performed during almost all Hindu ceremonies and occasions. It involves the circulating of an "arti plate" or "arti lamp" around a person or deity and is generally accompanied by the congregation singing songs in praise of that deva or person - many versions exist. In most versions the plate, lamp, or flame represents the power of the deity.