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

[Guest guest]

GoddessDurga, Srinath Ram Atreya

<srinath_atreya> wrote:

 

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 friends? Get the FREE

Messenger

--- End forwarded message ---