Introduction: How to Offer an Arti

Various Saints and evolved devotees have composed devotional Artis (hymns in praise of the Lord) from approximately the twelfth century onwards. They are thereby making available a beautiful and easy medium to light the lamp of devotion in the hearts of worshippers and enable them to invoke and imbibe the grace and blessings of a Deity by offering Arti. Singing an Arti conceived with the resolve of Saints accomplishes these objectives, but only when it is sung from the heart and as per the science of Spirituality.

An act is done with the heart only when its importance is genuinely understood. Explaining the science or principles in such things helps in early imprinting of its importance on the mind. With this objective, the science of Spirituality explains the various acts to be performed while offering Arti. In worship it is very important to perform each act as per the science of Spirituality. Many are not aware of various facts; for example, while offering Arti to God, one can move the platter in a clock-wise circle from the anahat chakra (at the heart area) to the adnya chakra (mid-brow region) of the Deity or that one must perform circumambulation after Arti. If these facts are not known they will not be performed or will be performed incorrectly. In this special issue on Arti, one will understand how to perform all the actions pertaining to Arti as per the science of Spirituality. If every one tries to perform the Arti with intense yearning and as per the science of Spirituality, then it will lead to an increase in collective spiritual emotion which will further activate the Deity's principle and everyone will benefit from it. Similarly, the atmosphere will get purified and become Sattva predominant.

We pray at the holy feet of the Guru that may everyone understand and perform Arti in accordance with the science and experience an increased awakening of their spiritual emotion. – Editor

(Ref:  Sanatan's Publication - 'How to Offer an Arti')