Aarti is an ancient form of Hindu puja. Its origin is traced
to the Dravidian culture. Aarti is also known as Artrik, Artikya or
Mahaniranjana. During worship in Hindu religion an aarti is performed when a
flat silver, copper or gold platter with tiny containers with lighted wicks is
moved in a clockwise direction before the murti (idol). It is performed to
bring good luck, longevity, peace, prosperity and happiness.
While performing aarti, devotional songs are sun to the
rhythm of cymbals, ringing of bells or the beating of drums etc.
The aarti is performed to atone for our misdeeds and seek
redemption.
Aarti is also performed to honor kings, commanders of armies,
pandits, scholars and other important dignitaries.
It is believed that Aarti was originally performed to ward
off the evil eye of spirits, imps and other evil persons.
For some communities it is customary to perform aarti before
the bride and groom during marriage ceremony. This is to bring prosperity and
happiness in the lives of newly weds.
It must be noted that the devotionals songs that are chanted
while performing puja is also known referred as aarti.