Gurbani Word Of The Day: aartee

???? (aartee)
Meaning: noun: Aarti, ceremony of waving a platter containing incense, flowers, lamps, etc. in a circular motion in front of an image or idol; lamp-lit worship service.

Quote:
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kaisee aartee hoi. bhav kha??naa teree aartee.
O Destroyer of fear, the Divine! What a wonderful Aarti of Yours is being performed (intuitivelyby your creation). – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 13

Message: Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual of worship. It involves holding a plate in which a lit lamp, flowers and incense etc. are placed, and moving it in a circular manner in front of a deity. Congregational singing of songs in praise of that deity follows. �

In doing so, the lamp/plate is supposed to acquire the power of the deity. The priest then takes this to the devotees present. By cupping their hands over the flame and raising their palms to their forehead, a blessing is believed to pass to each devotee.

On a visit to Jaganath Puri temple, Guru Nanak Sahib did not perform the Aarti. When questioned by the priests, he replied that the One Almighty pervades the whole universe. How then can a small plate and lamp be enough for His worship?

He explained that nature as a whole is performing Aarti. The sky is the tray upon which the sun and moon are the lamps and the clusters of stars are the jewels placed on the tray. The natural fragrance of sandalwood in the air is the incense. The entire vegetation is like a bunch of flowers as His offering. The sounds of the universe are the celestial songs being sung in His praises. In comparison to such a vast and natural Aarti, rituals performed by humans in His praise are insignificant.

In each of us lies the light of the Divine. Through the Guru�s teachings the light is illuminated and shines forth. We become conscious of His presence in and around us in myriad of forms. Living in this light, in harmony within His creation, guided by His wisdom and thirsting for His blessings, is our true worship or Aarti.

Etymology: From Sanskrit aaraatrik (the ceremony of waving a lamp in front of an image at night) ? Prakrit aarattiy ? Kashmiri aaratee (a special kind of address to a god) ? Nepali aarati (the song sung at this ceremony), Sindhi and other languages aaratee (the ceremony of waving a lamp).