Why do we light a lamp, burn camphor and perform Aarti?

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The performance of Arati has a very deep spiritual significance. The lamp's

light denotes the "Atman" (the self). The circumambulation of the lamp infront

of the deity signifies that we (Atma) are a part of ParamAtma (God )and we

should always contemplate (DhyAn) on him.

In the "MahA nArAyaNa upanishad", the "Atma" is said to be dwelling deep inside

the heart cavity - "hrdayAkAsha", in the form of a bright flame, just as big as

our thumb:

"anguShTa mAtrAm puruShOnguShTancha samAShrithah"

Hence the Arti or circumambulation signifies internal yOga in which the aspirant

has to "look" inwards, permeating through the different "kOShas" (sheaths)

starting from the "anna maya kOSha" (the gross body) till the "Ananda maya

kOSha" (the subtle body of bliss). This is very beautifully explained in the

"Taittareeya upaniShad", "MahA nArAyaNa upanishad", "LalithA sahasranAma" etc.

This seems exactly what MaharShi YAjnavalkya preached to his wife:

"AtmA vA ArE draShtavyah, ShrOtavyO, manThavyo, nidhidhyasitavyah"

(contemplate on the Atman, listen to the Atman, ponder on the Atman, and posses the Atman)

Having worshipped the Lord with love, lit by the lamp we see the beauty of the

Lord in all his glory. The singing, clapping is associated with the joy that

accompanies the vision of the Lord.

Aarti being performed with Camphor has a spiritual significance. Camphor burns

itself out completely without leaving a trace. Camphor represents our VAsanAs,

(unmanifest desires). So also if we were to take refuge in the Lord, obtain

knowledge, these desires will get burnt out. Al though the camphor burns itself

out, it emits a nice perfume. On a human plane it means that we should sacrifice

ourselves to serve society, in the process spread the perfume of love and

happiness to all.

We close our eyes while performing the Aarti as if to look within. The Self or

Atman is within us. . Self realization can be achieved by knowing thyself, with

the flame of knowledge. At the end of the aarti we place the hands over the

flame and touch our eyes and top of the head. It means that may the light that

illumined the Lord light up my vision, may my thoughts be pure and beautiful.

With the Aarti comes the flame which signifies light. There can be light in our

lives only if we have knowledge. In an era of darkness there would be

ignorance, we would be perpetually running to fulfill our vasanas resulting in

unhappiness and stress all around.

R.Srinath srinath_atreya Want to chat instantly with your online

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