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{{short description|Hindu | {{short description|Hindu ritual of light-waving}} | ||
{{Other uses|Arti (disambiguation)}} | {{Other uses|Arti (disambiguation){{!}}Arti}} | ||
{{italic title}} | {{italic title}}{{More citations needed|date=January 2023}}[[File:(1) Aarti Thali, Prayer Plate India.jpg|thumb|''Arti'' plate]] | ||
[[File:(1) Aarti Thali, Prayer Plate India.jpg|thumb|''Arti'' plate]] | |||
'''''Arti''''' ( | '''''Arti''''' ({{Lang-hi|आरती|translit=Ārtī}}) or '''''Arati''''' ({{Lang-sa|आरति|translit=Ārati}})<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Woodhead |first1=Linda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6qJeCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA68 |title=Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations |last2=Partridge |first2=Christopher |last3=Kawanami |first3=Hiroko |date=2016-01-13 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-43960-8 |pages=68 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Monier-Williams |first=Sir Monier |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lscX55ssDNsC&pg=PA94 |title=Brahmanism and Hinduism: Or Religious Thought and Life in Asia |date=2004 |publisher=Cosmo |isbn=978-81-7755-873-9 |pages=94 |language=en}}</ref> is a [[Hindu]] ritual employed in worship, often part of a ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'', in which light (usually from a flame) is ritually waved for the veneration of [[Hindu deities|deities]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Michaels |first=Axel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PD-flQMc1ocC&pg=PA232 |title=Hinduism: Past and Present |date=2004 |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-0-691-08952-2 |pages=232 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flood |first=Gavin D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KpIWhKnYmF0C&pg=PA209 |title=An Introduction to Hinduism |date=1996-07-13 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-43878-0 |pages=209 |language=en}}</ref> ''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). | 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>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 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 ''[[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 | ''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 God 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. | ||
[[File:Holy Smokes! 01.jpg|thumb|Arti performed in Rishikesh]] | |||
==Practice== | ==Practice== | ||
''Arti'' can range from simple acts of worship to extravagant rituals, but always includes [[Navratra Akhand Jyoti| | ''Arti'' can range from simple acts of worship to extravagant rituals, but always includes [[Navratra Akhand Jyoti|jyoti]] (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 | 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 ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian| | # Space ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|akasha}}) | ||
# Wind ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|vayu}}) | # Wind ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|vayu}}) | ||
# Fire ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|agni}}) | # Fire ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|agni}}) | ||
# Water ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian| | # Water ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|jalam}}) | ||
# Earth ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|prithvi}}) | # Earth ({{transliteration|sa|hunterian|prithvi}}) | ||
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''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. | ||
== | ==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 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. | 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. | ||
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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. | 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, [[ | In [[Swaminarayan]] Mandirs, [[Jay 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 [[Pushtimarg]] Havelis, ''arti'' is performed by a sole ''mukhiyaji'' (priest) while "Haveli Sangit" (''kirtan'') is being sung. Devotees only watch the ''arti'' being done and do not get to take a major part in it. During bhajan or utsavs (festivals) celebrated at home, "Jai Jai Shree Yamuna" is sung while devotees perform ''arti''. It is said that Sandhya ''arti'' is done to see if Lord [[Shrinathji]] had gotten hurt while playing outside because it is performed after sundown. | In [[Pushtimarg]] Havelis, ''arti'' is performed by a sole ''mukhiyaji'' (priest) while "Haveli Sangit" (''kirtan'') is being sung. Devotees only watch the ''arti'' being done and do not get to take a major part in it. During bhajan or utsavs (festivals) celebrated at home, "Jai Jai Shree Yamuna" is sung while devotees perform ''arti''. It is said that Sandhya ''arti'' is done to see if Lord [[Shrinathji]] had gotten hurt while playing outside because it is performed after sundown. | ||
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In Sikhism the ''arti'' sung is [[Gagan mein thaal]]. | In Sikhism the ''arti'' sung is [[Gagan mein thaal]]. | ||
== | ==Gaudiya Vaishnavism== | ||
{{multiple image | {{multiple image | ||
| footer = ''Arti'' steps | | footer = ''Arti'' steps | ||
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In [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism]], ''arti'' refers to the whole ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' ritual, of which offering the lamp is only one part. A [[shankha]] (conch) is blown to start the ''arti'', then an odd number of incense sticks are offered to the deity. The lamp is offered next, and then circulated among the devotees. A conch is then filled with water, and offered; the water is then poured into a sprinkler and sprinkled over the devotees. A cloth and flowers are then offered, and the flowers are circulated to the devotees, who sniff them. The deity is then fanned with a camara whisk, and a peacock fan in hot countries. | In [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism]], ''arti'' refers to the whole ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' ritual, of which offering the lamp is only one part. A [[shankha]] (conch) is blown to start the ''arti'', then an odd number of incense sticks are offered to the deity. The lamp is offered next, and then circulated among the devotees. A conch is then filled with water, and offered; the water is then poured into a sprinkler and sprinkled over the devotees. A cloth and flowers are then offered, and the flowers are circulated to the devotees, who sniff them. The deity is then fanned with a camara whisk, and a peacock fan in hot countries. | ||
== | ==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]]'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> | 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> | ||
== | ==Sikhism== | ||
[[Amritsar]]i Sikhs have not been performing ''arti'' as Hindus perform, but instead sing ''arti kirtan'', which are a few shabads from [[Guru Nanak]], [[Ravidas]] and other Bhagats/Gurus. Nihangs recite Aarta before arti which includes some more shabads from the [[Dasam Granth]] and [[Sarabloh Granth]]. According to them, ''arti'' is the ''arti'' of divine wisdom, which is in form of Guru Granth Sahib. The concept is similar to bowing before Guru Granth Sahib on knees. Nihangs perform Aarti similar to how Hindus do (using lamps, incense, flowers, bells, conch shells at specific parts of the ceremony) | [[Amritsar]]i Sikhs have not been performing ''arti'' as Hindus perform, but instead sing ''arti kirtan'', which are a few shabads from [[Guru Nanak]], [[Ravidas]] and other Bhagats/Gurus. Nihangs recite Aarta before arti which includes some more shabads from the [[Dasam Granth]] and [[Sarabloh Granth]]. According to them, ''arti'' is the ''arti'' of divine wisdom, which is in form of Guru Granth Sahib. The concept is similar to bowing before Guru Granth Sahib on knees. Nihangs perform Aarti similar to how Hindus do (using lamps, incense, flowers, bells, conch shells at specific parts of the ceremony) | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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{{Worship in Hinduism}} | {{Worship in Hinduism}} | ||
{{Hinduism_footer_small}} | {{Hinduism_footer_small}} | ||
[[Category:Aarti | [[Category:Aarti]] | ||
[[Category:Hindu music]] | [[Category:Hindu music]] | ||