Ārati — The Sacred Waving of Light
Ārati (Sanskrit: ā = around + ratrī = night/darkness; 'that which removes darkness' or possibly from āratrika = the waving lamp ceremony) is the devotional act of waving a lit flame — typically a camphor lamp (karpūra ārati) or multi-wicked oil lamp — in a clockwise circular motion before the installed deity. It is performed at specific junctures in temple and home worship.
The Symbolism of Ārati: The flame of ārati symbolises multiple truths simultaneously:
- Light dispelling darkness — Bhagavān's grace dispelling the devotee's ignorance (avidyā)
- The devotee's love — the burning lamp represents the heart burning with devotion
- Bhagavān's auspicious form — ārati reveals (by its light) the Lord's divine beauty
When Ārati Is Performed: In temple worship, ārati is offered at each sēvā (service period) — at dawn (thiruvanandal), morning (kālai śāndi), midday (ucchikālam), evening (sāyam rakṣai), and night (ardha jāmam). In home worship, ārati concludes the naivedyam and marks the moment of the Lord's gracious acceptance.
Receiving Ārati: Devotees hold both palms briefly over the ārati flame and then touch their eyes — receiving the light of Bhagavān's grace into their own vision. 'The ārati flame has been before the Lord's eyes; touching it to one's own eyes is requesting that one see everything through the Lord's vision.'