Aarti & Bhajan Library
Complete traditional aartis, bhajans and chants with lyrics in Sanskrit/Hindi and English.
About Aarti
Aarti is the offering of light — a lamp of camphor or ghee circled before the deity while a hymn is sung, usually closing a puja or marking morning and evening worship. The song shares the name of the ritual, which is why "Om Jai Jagdish Hare" is simply called an aarti.
How aarti is performed
The lamp is moved in a clockwise circle before the image, traditionally beginning at the feet, while a bell is rung and the hymn is sung. At the end the flame is offered to those present, who pass their hands over it and touch their eyes and forehead — receiving the light that has been offered to the Divine. Aarti is commonly performed at dawn and at dusk.
Aartis by day and deity
Many households keep a weekly rhythm: Ganesha on Wednesday, Vishnu on Thursday, Hanuman on Tuesday and Saturday, Shiva on Monday, Devi on Friday. Well-known aartis include Om Jai Jagdish Hare for Vishnu, Jai Ganesh Deva for Ganesha, Om Jai Shiv Omkara for Shiva, Jai Ambe Gauri for Durga, and Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to know the whole hymn?
- No. Aarti is usually sung together, and most people learn by joining in. Following the words while the lamp is offered is enough to begin with.
- Is aarti done morning or evening?
- Both are traditional. Temples typically perform several through the day; at home, morning and evening are the common times, and many families keep only the evening one.