Arti (Hinduism)

"[11]Aarti ranges from simple acts of worship to extravagant rituals, but almost always includes a jyoti (flame or light).

[11] It is performed during most Hindu liturgies and occasions, and often involves circling a diya (lamp) clockwise before a murti or icon of a deity, accompanied by hymns.

[12][8] After waving the lamp before the deity, it is brought to the devotee, who then briefly places the palmar surface of both hands above the sanctified flame to receive its warmth.

The devotee may then raise their hands in supination, bringing both palms toward to their forehead in a gesture of self-purification, and connection with the Divine.

[12] The diya (lamp) used for aarti is most often made of brass, or other materials, and holds a cotton wick soaked in camphor, ghee, or oil.

[13] The purpose of aarti is waving light in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein the faithful become immersed in a God's divine form.

[11] Traditional Arti is an expression of many aspects including love, benevolence, gratitude, prayers, or desires depending on the object it is done for.

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.

In most temples in India, arti is performed at least twice a day, after the ceremonial puja, which is the time when the largest number of devotees congregates.

[17][18] Amritsar Sikhs sing Arti kirtan, which comprise a few shabads from Guru Nanak, Ravidas and other Bhagats and Gurus.

An exception is the Nihang order, whose members first recite Aarta (prayers derived from banis in the Dasam Granth and Sarbloh Granth – scriptures of secondary and tertiary importance in the faith), and as in Hindu practise, employ diya, flowers, conch shells, bells, incense during the ritual.