Prayers(Arti)

The arti ceremony is said to have descended from the ancient Vedic concept of fire rituals, or homa.
In Sanskrit, the word ‘arti’ – transcribed as ‘aarati’ – is composed of the prefix ‘aa’, meaning complete, and ‘rati’, meaning love. The arti is thus an expression of one’s complete and unflinching love towards God. It is sung and performed with a deep sense of reverence, adoration, and meditative awareness.

Like other Hindu rituals, the arti has profound spiritual sentiments underlying it.

Just as the wicks burn in the service of the Deities, devotees pray that they, too, can selflessly offer themselves in the service of God.

And as the wicks eventually burn themselves out, devotees pray their ego can similarly be eradicated through such service and humble worship.