Aarti at home: simple steps

Aarti is the waving of a lamp to honour the Lord. In a temple it comes with bells, conch and singing. It can be done simply at home too.

Getting ready

• Choose a fixed time, morning or evening.
• Clean the place of worship and wash your hands and feet.
• Keep a ghee lamp or camphor, a small bell, flowers and a plate ready.

The steps

• Light the lamp and place it on the plate in front of the deity.
• Ring the bell and sing an aarti song or the name of the Lord.
• Move the lamp in circles in the clockwise direction, a few times.
• End with a quiet moment and bow.
• After the aarti, bringing both hands near the flame and touching your eyes and forehead is called “taking the aarti”.

Safety

Keep the lamp away from curtains, paper and dry flowers, and out of reach of small children. Never leave a burning lamp alone after the aarti.