HanumanjikiArti

Aarti is an inseparable part of Hindu puja rituals. An aarti is usually performed after all the puja rituals are completed. It is performed by lighting an OIL lamp and circling it around the deity. APARTfrom oil lamps, dhuna, conch shell, agarbatthis are also offered during the aarti to the deity. Sometimes, an aarti is also performed for a person to guard him/her against evil eyes. The ritual of aarti is said to descend from the ancient Vedic fire rituals. Other views say that the practice started many centuries ago when the idol of the deities were kept inside the inner sanctum of the temple and an oil lamp was lit to lighten up the dark premises. When the devotees entered, the priest used to take the lamp near the deity for a clearer view. Gradually, this simple practice developed into a ritual.