It is a common practice for a morning or evening worship ritual to end with an aarathi. This is the practice of having a small silver or brass plate with lighted wicks dipped in oil or clarified butter. The lighted plate is then moved in a circular motion facing the deity of worship.

The circular motion is usually done three times or sometimes more. The intent is symbolic. The reflection of light on the deity or vigraha is to remind us of the divinity and the characteristics we emanate from. The repeated circular motion is an opportunity to affirm our commitment to live by those divine characteristics.

After the circular motion, another common practice is to put our hand over the lighted wick flame and contemplate on the divine. This again is a practice to affirm our commitment.

aarathi is usually accompanied with mangalam, a devotional song of auspiciousness. mangalam is in praise of divinity and the characteristics of the deity we are worshipping. It is a salutation that we are worshipping the bundle of universal auspiciousness. The intent is for us to make a mental reminder – each moment and an instance is an auspicious one to perform righteous action.

From a practical standpoint, aarathi helps us to focus. As you see the lighted wick and resplendent form of divinity, there is a spurt of meditative energy. The energy leaves us refreshed with a sense of calm and bliss.

Variations:

o Earthen or metallic lamp can be substituted for the plate. Maintain the sanctity and symbolic nature by using cotton wicks and any type of edible oil.

o The number of lamps or wicks does not matter. Lighting one or a few is the same from a spiritual perspective. It is a personal preference.

aarathi is a recommended practice and falls in the category of ijya (engaging in the mode of worship)