Performing aarti and offering prayers to the Lord are important parts of devotional service. Pancharatrika Vidhi, the system of Deity worship followed in ISKCON and many Vishnu temples, guides these practices. When followed under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master, it purifies us and gradually elevates us to the spiritual platform of devotional service.
This guide explains how to perform aarti at home according to this authorised system of Deity worship.
Items Required for Aarti at Home
According to Vaishnava tradition, followed in ISKCON and other temples, the following are the items required for performing aarti at home.
1. Home Altar: It includes the spiritual master, the worshipable Lord, and His pure devotees
- Pictures of the guru-parampara’s five acharyas (beginning with Srila Prabhupada) and the Six Goswamis.
- Pictures/ deities of Srila Prabhupada, Pancha Tattva, Krishna-Balarama or Radha-Krishna, and Lord Narasimhadeva.
- A pot of Tulasi Maharani plant.
2. Aarti Plate: A clean copper plate to arrange the offerings in order.
3. Incense Sticks and Holder: Keep three incense sticks and a holder to place them in after offering.
4. Ghee Lamp and Wicks: Prepare a lamp with cotton wicks soaked in ghee.
- A single-wick or five-wick lamp for home aarti.
- A matchbox to light the lamp and incense.
5. Achamana Cup and Spoon: A small cup containing fresh water, with a spoon, for performing achamana and purifying the offering articles.
6. Asana: A kusha grass mat for achamana and worship.
7. Bell: A small bell to ring with the left hand while offering each item with the right hand.
8. Water-Offering Conch and Stand: A small conch for offering fresh water to the Lord.
- A stand to hold the conch.
- A separate pot of fresh water to fill it.
9. Clean Handkerchief: A small, clean cloth reserved for offering to the Lord during aarti.
10. Fresh Flowers: Fragrant flowers arranged on a small plate for offering.
11. Blowing Conch: A separate conch to sound at the beginning and end of aarti.
- A water-filled vessel for rinsing it.
- A bowl to collect the rinsing water.
12. Chamara: A chamara to wave gently before the Lord.
13. Peacock-Feather Fan: A fan to offer during warm weather; it is not used in cold weather.
How to Do Aarti at Home Step by Step
Begin with the purificatory process of achamana before worship, and offer each item seven times clockwise before Srila Prabhupada, Panch Tattva, and then Lord Krishna. Follow these steps to perform aarti at home.
- 01
1. Clean Yourself and Prepare the Altar
Take a bath, wear a clean dhoti and chadar, and apply tilak while chanting the Vaishnav tilak mantra. Arrange the aarti offering items in the order: incense, ghee lamp, water-filled conch, handkerchief, flowers, chamara, and peacock fan. - 02
2. Perform Achamana
Sit on the asana made of kusha grass and perform the achamana for purification before rendering service to the Lord. - 03
3. Offer Obeisances to the Acharyas
Offer obeisances to Srila Prabhupada and the guru-parampara. Pray for permission and blessings to assist in the Lord’s worship. - 04
4. Sound the Conch and Open the Altar
Sound the conch three times from outside the altar. Rinse it over the collection bowl, place it on its stand, and clean your hands by sprinkling a few drops of water. - 05
5. Follow the Offering Method for Each Item
Stand on your asana, just near the side of the altar. Hold the offering in your right hand and ring the bell with your left hand. Before lifting each offering, sprinkle a few drops of achamana water on your right hand and the offering.
Present it through the spiritual master and Lord Chaitanya before offering it to the main Deities. Afterwards, offer the Lord’s prasada to Tulasi Maharani, the guru-parampara, from senior to junior, and to all the devotees assembled. - 06
6. Offer Incense
Begin by offering three incense sticks and gently wave out the flame without blowing on them.
Move steadily and attentively. After completing the offering, place the incense in its holder. - 07
7. Offer the Ghee Lamp
Offer the ghee lamp seven times clockwise around the Lord’s whole form. After showing it to the assembled devotees, give it to another devotee to offer it to Srila Prabhupada and devotees as the prasad. - 08
8. Offer Water in the Conch
Fill the small conch with fresh water and move it clockwise seven times before the Lord, holding it carefully so the water does not spill. Do not pour the water over the pictures or Deities. After offering, place the conch back on its stand.
The same water as the prasad is sprinkled on the heads of devotees to honour it. - 09
9. Offer the Handkerchief
Take the clean handkerchief and offer seven clockwise circles around the Lord’s whole form. The cloth represents service offered after the bathing. - 10
10. Offer Flowers
Take the flower or flower plate and offer seven clockwise circles around the Lord’s whole form. Afterwards, place the flowers respectfully at His lotus feet. - 11
11. Offer the Chamara
Wave the chamara gently before the Lord with smooth, sweeping movements. - 12
12. Offer the Peacock Fan
During warm weather, offer the peacock-feather fan after offering chamara. Do not offer the peacock fan in the cold weather, since its purpose is to cool the Lord. - 13
13. Complete the Aarti
Sound the blowing conch three times again. Offer prayers and obeisances, asking forgiveness for mistakes made during the service.
Conclusion
With these items and simple steps, you can perform aarti at home. Take your time to learn, ask experienced devotees for help when needed, and offer everything to the Lord with love and care. Involve your family and make aarti a regular part of your daily worship.
