Devotional Songs
Aarti — Sacred Devotional Songs
Aarti is a Hindu ritual of offering light to deities, accompanied by devotional songs praising their glory. Performed morning and evening, aarti is one of the most intimate acts of bhakti — the heart's direct expression of love and gratitude toward the divine.
Jai Ganesh Aarti
जय गणेश जय गणेश आरती · Lord Ganesha
Jai Ganesh Aarti is the most widely sung devotional prayer to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Sung at the beginning of every puja and ceremony, it invokes Ganesha's blessings for success, wisdom, and auspicious beginnings.
Jai Ambe Gauri Aarti
जय अम्बे गौरी आरती · Goddess Durga / Ambika
Jai Ambe Gauri is the most beloved Aarti of Goddess Durga, sung across India especially during Navratri. It praises the Divine Mother in all her forms — Gauri, Ambika, Jagdamba — and seeks her grace, protection, and blessings.
Om Jai Shiv Omkara Aarti
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा आरती · Lord Shiva
Om Jai Shiv Omkara is the most sacred Aarti of Lord Shiva, the Mahadeva. Sung especially on Mondays, Mahashivratri, and Sawan, it praises Shiva as the supreme cosmic consciousness — Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh in one.
Om Jai Jagdish Hare Aarti
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे आरती · Lord Vishnu / Narayana
Om Jai Jagdish Hare is the most widely recited Vishnu Aarti, sung in virtually every Hindu household during daily prayers. It praises the Lord of the Universe and seeks blessings for the removal of suffering, fulfilment of desires, and liberation.
Lakshmi Aarti — Jai Lakshmi Mata
लक्ष्मी आरती — जय लक्ष्मी माता · Goddess Lakshmi
Jai Lakshmi Mata Aarti praises Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, fortune, and beauty. Sung on Fridays, Diwali, and during Lakshmi Puja, it attracts prosperity, removes financial difficulties, and brings domestic happiness.
Hanuman Aarti — Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar
हनुमान आरती — आरती कीजै हनुमान लला की · Lord Hanuman
Hanuman Aarti praises Lord Hanuman as the embodiment of devotion, strength, and protection. Sung on Tuesdays and Saturdays, after reciting Hanuman Chalisa, it invokes Hanuman's blessings for courage, health, and removal of all obstacles.
How to Perform Aarti
- 1.Light a ghee or camphor lamp (diya) and place it on a plate
- 2.Ring a bell or play music to invite the deity's presence
- 3.Circle the lamp clockwise 7 times before the deity while singing the aarti
- 4.Pass the lamp to all present — everyone takes warmth from the flame (darshan)
- 5.Offer flowers, incense, and conclude with a prayer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the difference between Aarti and Chalisa?
Aarti is a short devotional song (5-15 verses) sung during the lamp-offering ritual, typically lasting 5-10 minutes. A Chalisa is a longer devotional hymn of exactly 40 verses (Chalis = forty) recited as a dedicated prayer session. Both are forms of bhakti but serve different ritual purposes.
Q.Can I perform aarti without a lamp?
While the lamp (diya) is central to the aarti ritual, you can sing the aarti with incense sticks or flowers as an offering if no lamp is available. The devotion and intention behind the ritual matter most. Over time, try to incorporate a proper ghee lamp for the full ritual experience.