❓ Prashnottari

Aarti is the ritual of lighting a lamp before God and offering it with reverence and devotion. During Aarti, the lamp is rotated in a specific pattern in front of the deity while singing hymns or verses of praise. In simple words, expressing one's faith, devotion, and surrender to God by rotating a lamp is Aarti.

Aarti is also known as 'Aratrika', 'Arartika', and 'Neerajana'. Generally, Aarti is performed at the end of worship, as it is considered an essential part of concluding and completing the worship.

According to religious beliefs, if any mistake or shortcoming occurs in the recitation of mantras, rituals, or procedures during worship, Aarti bestows completeness upon that worship. Highlighting the significance of Neerajana (Aarti), the Skanda Purana states:

Mantraheenam Kriyaaheenam Yat Kritam Poojanam Hareh।
Sarva Sampoornatameti Krite Neeraajane Shive॥

Meaning: Even if the worship of God is performed with deficiencies in mantras or rituals, performing Neerajana, that is Aarti, brings complete perfection to it.

Thus, Aarti is a devotional ritual performed at the end of worship, wherein a lamp is shown to God to express adoration and devotion. Furthermore, it is believed to fulfill and compensate for any shortcomings left in the worship.