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{{short description|Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of ''puja'', in which light is offered}} | |||
{{Other uses|Arti (disambiguation)}} | {{Other uses|Arti (disambiguation)}} | ||
{{italic title}} | {{italic title}} | ||
[[File:(1) Aarti Thali, Prayer Plate India.jpg|thumb|''Arti'' plate]] | [[File:(1) Aarti Thali, Prayer Plate India.jpg|thumb|''Arti'' plate]] | ||
'''''Arti''''' ([[Hindi]]: {{ | '''''Arti''''' ([[Hindi]]: आरती {{transliteration|hi|ISO|āratī}}) sometimes also [[Hunterian transliteration|spelled]] as ''aarti'', ''arati'', ''arathi'', ''aarati'', ''aarthi'', ''aarthy'', and ''arthy'' is a [[Hindu]] religious ritual of worship, often part of ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'', in which [[light]] (usually from a [[flame]]) is offered to one or more [[Hindu deities|deities]]. ''Arti(s)'' also refers to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when the light is being offered. | ||
==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
Arti is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word {{lang|sa|आरात्रिक}} ({{transliteration|sa|ISO|ārātrika}}) which means something that removes {{transliteration|sa|ISO|rātrī}}, darkness (or light waved in darkness before an icon).<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=आरात्रिक+&trans=Translate&direction=AU आरात्रिक] Sanskrit English Dictionary, Germany</ref><ref>James Lochtefeld, An illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, {{ISBN|0-8239-2287-1}}, page 51</ref><ref>Monier Williams Sanskrit Dictionary; Quote: ArAtrika n. the light (or the vessel containing it) which is waved at night before an icon; N. of this ceremony.</ref> A Marathi language reference says<ref>http://www.marathivishwakosh.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4661%3A2010-11-15-06-28-12&catid=2&Itemid=3 {{Bare URL inline|date=June 2022}}</ref> it is also known as {{transliteration|sa|ISO|Mahānīrāñjanā}} ({{lang-sa|महानीराञ्जना}}).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wikisource.org/wiki/Page:Konkani_Viswakosh_Vol1.pdf/191|title=Page:Konkani Viswakosh Vol1.PDF/191 - Wikisource}}</ref> | |||
''Arti'' is said to have descended from the [[Historical Vedic religion|Vedic]] concept of fire rituals, or ''homa''. 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 the Lord via the ''arti'' ceremony.<ref>Rosen, Steven (2006). ''Essential Hinduism''. Praeger Publishers. | ''Arti'' is said to have descended from the [[Historical Vedic religion|Vedic]] concept of fire rituals, or ''[[Yajna|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 the Lord via the ''arti'' ceremony.<ref>Rosen, Steven (2006). ''Essential Hinduism''. Praeger Publishers. {{page needed|date=September 2021}} {{ISBN|0-275-99006-0}}</ref> The word may also refer to the traditional Hindu devotional song that is sung during the ritual. | ||
==Practice== | ==Practice== | ||
''Arti'' can | ''Arti'' can range from simple acts of worship to extravagant rituals, but always includes [[Navratra Akhand Jyoti|jyot]] (flame or light). It is sometimes performed one to five times daily, and usually at the end of a ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|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. The priest circulates the plate or lamp to all those present. They cup their down-turned hands over the flame and then raise their palms to their forehead – the blessing has now been passed to the devotee. | ||
The ''arti'' plate is generally made of metal, usually silver, bronze or copper. On it must repose a lamp made of kneaded flour, mud or metal, filled with oil or ghee. One or more cotton wicks (always an odd number) are put into the oil and then lighted, or camphor is burnt instead. The plate may also contain flowers, incense and akshata (rice).<ref>Akshata: (Sanskrit) "Unbroken." Unmilled, uncooked rice, often mixed with turmeric, offered as a sacred substance during ''puja'', or in blessings for individuals at weddings and other ceremonies. This, the very best food, is the finest offering a devotee can give to God or a wife can give to her husband.</ref> In some temples, a plate is not used and the priest holds the ghee lamp in his hand when offering it to the Deities. | The ''arti'' plate is generally made of metal, usually silver, bronze or copper. On it must repose a lamp made of kneaded flour, mud or metal, filled with oil or ghee. One or more cotton wicks (always an odd number) are put into the oil and then lighted, or camphor is burnt instead. The plate may also contain flowers, incense and akshata (rice).<ref>Akshata: (Sanskrit) "Unbroken." Unmilled, uncooked rice, often mixed with turmeric, offered as a sacred substance during ''puja'', or in blessings for individuals at weddings and other ceremonies. This, the very best food, is the finest offering a devotee can give to God or a wife can give to her husband.</ref> In some temples, a plate is not used and the priest holds the ghee lamp in his hand when offering it to the Deities. | ||
The purpose of performing ''arti'' 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 symbolises the [[Mahābhūta|five elements]]: | The purpose of performing ''arti'' 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 symbolises the [[Mahābhūta|five elements]]: | ||
# Space ({{ | # Space ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|akash}}) | ||
# Wind ({{ | # Wind ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|vayu}}) | ||
# Fire ({{ | # Fire ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|agni}}) | ||
# Water ({{ | # Water ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|jal}}) | ||
# Earth ({{ | # Earth ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|prithvi}}) | ||
Community ''arti'' is performed in the mandir; however, devotees also perform it in their homes. | Community ''arti'' is performed in the mandir; however, devotees also perform it in their homes. | ||
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''Arti'' can be an expression of many things including love, benevolence, gratitude, prayers, or desires depending on the object it is done to/ for. For example, it can be a form of respect when performed to elders, prayers when performed to deities, or hope when performed for homes or vehicles. Emotions and prayers are often silent while doing ''arti'', but this is determined by the person carrying out the ritual or the holiday involved. It's also believed that goodwill and luck can be taken through symbolic hand movements over the flame.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://aajtak.intoday.in/story/what-is-the-rules-and-significance-of-doing-aarti-tpra-1-1019315.html|title='Rules and significance of Aarti|work=Indiatoday|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref> | ''Arti'' can be an expression of many things including love, benevolence, gratitude, prayers, or desires depending on the object it is done to/ for. For example, it can be a form of respect when performed to elders, prayers when performed to deities, or hope when performed for homes or vehicles. Emotions and prayers are often silent while doing ''arti'', but this is determined by the person carrying out the ritual or the holiday involved. It's also believed that goodwill and luck can be taken through symbolic hand movements over the flame.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://aajtak.intoday.in/story/what-is-the-rules-and-significance-of-doing-aarti-tpra-1-1019315.html|title='Rules and significance of Aarti|work=Indiatoday|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref> | ||
When ''arti'' is performed, the performer faces the deity of god (or divine element, e.g. Ganges river) and concentrates on the form of god by looking into the eyes of the deity (it is said that eyes are the windows to the soul) to get immersed. The flame of the ''arti'' illuminates the various parts of the deity so that the performer and onlookers may better see and concentrate on the form. ''Arti'' is waved in circular fashion, in clockwise manner around the deity. After every circle (or second or third circle), when ''arti'' has reached the bottom (6–8 o'clock position), the performer waves it backwards while remaining in the bottom (4–6 o'clock position) and then continues waving it in clockwise fashion. The idea here is that ''arti'' represents our daily activities, which revolves around god, a center of our life. Looking at god while performing ''arti'' reminds the performer (and the attendees of the ''arti'') to keep god at the center of all activities and reinforces the understanding that routine worldly activities are secondary in importance. This understanding would give the believers strength to withstand the unexpected grief and keeps them humble and remindful of god during happy moments. Apart from worldly activities ''arti'' also represents one's self - thus, ''arti'' signifies that one is peripheral to godhead or divinity. This would keep one's ego down and help one remain humble in spite of high social and economic rank. A third commonly held understanding of the ritual is that ''arti'' serves as a reminder to stay vigilant so that the forces of material pleasures and desires cannot overcome the individual. Just as the lighted wick provides light and chases away darkness, the vigilance of an individual can keep away the influence of the material world.<ref name="rosen">Rosen, Steven. Essential Hinduism. 1st. Westport: Praeger Publishers, 2006.</ref> | When ''arti'' is performed, the performer faces the deity of god (or divine element, e.g. Ganges river) and concentrates on the form of god by looking into the eyes of the deity (it is said that eyes are the windows to the soul) to get immersed. The flame of the ''arti'' illuminates the various parts of the deity so that the performer and onlookers may better see and concentrate on the form. ''Arti'' is waved in circular fashion, in clockwise manner around the deity. After every circle (or second or third circle), when ''arti'' has reached the bottom (6–8 o'clock position), the performer waves it backwards while remaining in the bottom (4–6 o'clock position) and then continues waving it in clockwise fashion. The idea here is that ''arti'' represents our daily activities, which revolves around god, a center of our life. Looking at god while performing ''arti'' reminds the performer (and the attendees of the ''arti'') to keep god at the center of all activities and reinforces the understanding that routine worldly activities are secondary in importance. This understanding would give the believers strength to withstand the unexpected grief and keeps them humble and remindful of god during happy moments. Apart from worldly activities ''arti'' also represents one's self - thus, ''arti'' signifies that one is peripheral to godhead or divinity. This would keep one's ego down and help one remain humble in spite of high social and economic rank. A third commonly held understanding of the ritual is that ''arti'' serves as a reminder to stay vigilant so that the forces of material pleasures and desires cannot overcome the individual. Just as the lighted wick provides light and chases away darkness, the vigilance of an individual can keep away the influence of the material world.<ref name="rosen">Rosen, Steven. Essential Hinduism. 1st. Westport: Praeger Publishers, 2006. {{page needed|date=September 2021}}</ref> | ||
''Arti'' is not only limited to god. ''Arti'' can performed not only to all forms of life, but also inanimate objects which help in progress of the culture. This is exemplified by performer of the ''arti'' waving ''arti'' to all the devotees as the ''arti'' comes to the end – signifying that everyone has a part of god within that the performer respects and bows down to. It is also a common practice to perform ''arti'' to inanimate objects like vehicles, electronics etc. at least when a Hindu starts using it, just as a gesture of showing respect and praying that this object would help one excel in the work one would use it for. It is similar to the ritual of doing auspicious red mark(s) using ''kanku'' (''kumkum'') and rice. | ''Arti'' is not only limited to god. ''Arti'' can performed not only to all forms of life, but also inanimate objects which help in progress of the culture. This is exemplified by performer of the ''arti'' waving ''arti'' to all the devotees as the ''arti'' comes to the end – signifying that everyone has a part of god within that the performer respects and bows down to. It is also a common practice to perform ''arti'' to inanimate objects like vehicles, electronics etc. at least when a Hindu starts using it, just as a gesture of showing respect and praying that this object would help one excel in the work one would use it for. It is similar to the ritual of doing auspicious red mark(s) using ''kanku'' (''kumkum'') and rice. | ||
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==''Arti'' songs== | ==''Arti'' songs== | ||
[[File:Aarti-dance-bangalore-2009.jpg|thumb|''Arti'' dance in Bangalore, 2009.]] | [[File:Aarti-dance-bangalore-2009.jpg|thumb|''Arti'' dance in Bangalore, 2009.]] | ||
Hinduism has a long tradition of ''arti'' songs, simply referred to as ''arti'', sung as an accompaniment to the ritual of ''arti''. It primarily eulogizes | Hinduism has a long tradition of ''arti'' songs, simply referred to as ''arti'', sung as an accompaniment to the ritual of ''arti''. It primarily eulogizes the deity that the ritual is being offered to, and several sects have their own versions of the common ''arti'' songs that are often sung on chorus at various temples, during evening and morning artis. Sometimes they also contain snippets of information on the life of the deity. | ||
The most commonly sung ''arti'' is that which is dedicated to all deities | The most commonly sung ''arti'' is that which is dedicated to all deities called [[Jai Jagdish Hare|Om Jai Jagdish Hare]], known as "the universal ''arti''". Other arti's are used for other deities as well such as Om Jai Shiv omkara, Om Jai Lakshmi mata, Om Jai Ambe gauri, Om Jai Adya Shakti, Om Jai Saraswati Mata, Om Jai Gange Mata, Om Jai Tulsi Mata and Om Jai Surya Bhagvaan. In [[Ganesha]] worship, the ''arti'' "[[Sukhakarta Dukhaharta]]" is popular in Maharashtra. | ||
In [[Swaminarayan]] Mandirs, [[Jai Sadguru Swami]] is the ''arti'' that is sung. In most temples in India, ''arti'' is performed at least twice a day, after the ceremonial ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'', which is the time when the largest number of devotees congregates. | In [[Swaminarayan]] Mandirs, [[Jai Sadguru Swami]] is the ''arti'' that is sung. In most temples in India, ''arti'' is performed at least twice a day, after the ceremonial ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'', which is the time when the largest number of devotees congregates. | ||
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In Sikhism the ''arti'' sung is [[Gagan mein thaal]]. | In Sikhism the ''arti'' sung is [[Gagan mein thaal]]. | ||
==''Arti'' in Gaudiya Vaishnavism== | ==''Arti'' in Gaudiya Vaishnavism== | ||
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==''Arti'' dance in Durga ''puja''== | ==''Arti'' dance in Durga ''puja''== | ||
{{See also|Natyashastra}} | {{See also|Natyashastra}} | ||
During the Bengali festival [[Durga puja|Durga ''puja'']] ritual drummers – ''[[dhaki]]s,'' carrying large leather-strung ''[[Dhak (instrument)|dhak]]'', show off their skills during ritual dance worships called ''arti'' or ''Dhunuchi dance''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gupta|first=Shobhna|title=Dances of India|year=2002|publisher=Har-Anand Publications Pvt Ltd|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788124108666|page=71}}</ref> | During the Bengali festival [[Durga puja|Durga ''puja'']] ritual drummers – ''[[dhaki]]s,'' carrying large leather-strung ''[[Dhak (instrument)|dhak]]'s'', show off their skills during ritual dance worships called ''arti'' or ''Dhunuchi dance''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gupta|first=Shobhna|title=Dances of India|year=2002|publisher=Har-Anand Publications Pvt Ltd|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788124108666|page=71}}</ref> | ||
==''Arti'' in Sikhism== | ==''Arti'' in Sikhism== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Aarti}} | {{Commons category|Aarti}} | ||
* [https://archive. | * [https://archive.today/20130414072731/http://www.bhujmandir.org/library/read/articles/aarti Article about Aarti] | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090623073553/http://www.godandguru.com/artis/index.html 30 Hindu Deities Aarti] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090623073553/http://www.godandguru.com/artis/index.html 30 Hindu Deities Aarti] | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060111090050/http://www.atmajyoti.org/vi_india_videos.asp Ganges Arati Video] QuickTime streaming video of worship of the [[Ganges]] in [[Haridwar]] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20060111090050/http://www.atmajyoti.org/vi_india_videos.asp Ganges Arati Video] QuickTime streaming video of worship of the [[Ganges]] in [[Haridwar]] | ||
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20181015152943/https://www.houseofgod.co/entity/aarti Aarti of all Hindu god] | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20181015152943/https://www.houseofgod.co/entity/aarti Aarti of all Hindu god] | ||
{{Worship in Hinduism}} | {{Worship in Hinduism}} | ||