Aarti is an important part of prayers and pujas to Shiva.
Devotees have doubts as to how many number of times Arati should be performed
to the Shivling. Aarti Gumana is performed daily in Hindu homes. Gumana means
to go in circle.
One has to wave Aarti eleven times around the Shivling. 11 Times is the number suggested by pandits and elders.
The same number of times one should wave the Aarti around
paintings, pictures and murti of Shiva.
While waving the Arati one chant the Shiva Panchakshari
Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya.