.png)
Spiritual Practices
Aarti
A legend about arti dates back to primitive man. During those years, mankind inhabited the caves, which were full of darkness. Even in the great realms of darkness, they placed an murti of God in the cave and were passionate about worshiping God. However, they were unable to view the idol in the dark. Hence, they used to collect firewood from the woods and light it up in the cave to offer services to God. When they wanted to gain darshan, they would lift the burning firewood and turn it towards the idol. Gaining darshan of the idol in the darkness granted them immense happiness. According to another legend, arti originated in ancient temples. During those days, sanctum used to be generally engulfed by darkness. When devotees would assemble in large numbers for darshan, the priest would light up a wick and rotate it towards the idol. Hence, the devotees would be able to have the darshan of God. This may have gradually resulted in the development of a Arti is a form of prayer to symbolize the entry or welcome of the God. Since light is the symbol of knowledge, it is said that the Lord will enter the soul only through the enlightenment of true knowledge. Thus, the ritual of spreading light with the help of a candle’s wick for the welcome of God is Arti. Arti is a form of prayer to symbolize the entry or welcome of the God. Since light is the symbol of knowledge, it is said that the Lord will enter the soul only through the enlightenment of true knowledge. Thus, the ritual of spreading light with the help of a candle’s wick for the welcome of God is Arti.
Arti means a song to praise the Lord, which comes from the depths of the heart. By igniting the flame of arti, devotees pray to the Lord, 'just as the light of the flame illuminates and obliterates the darkness, may this arti shed light on true knowledge and allow us to overcome the darkness of our ignorance.'
Why are instruments such as kettle drums, brass bells, and jhalar bells played during arti?
When humans achieve something, for example, a goal that they may have been working on for a long time or have received exceptional success in their field, the happiness at the moment can have the individual dancing instinctively. The person may also make weird sounds or clap their hands. Back in time, humans used such methods to express their happiness. Over time, it shifted to using instruments such as kettle drums, brass bells, jhalar bells, and conch shells to express joy.
A devotee has immense happiness that they have attained Maharaj. The use of instruments is a way of expressing this joy for the devotees. Instruments are also used to celebrate the victory of a king of this world, while Maharaj is the Supreme Lord. These instruments are played during arti to rejoice in the divinity. The sounds of the instruments allow unwanted thoughts to be cleared and provide a divine atmosphere for the devotee to connect with Maharaj. Therefore, to declare the divine attainment of the Lord and to create a sanctified aura, kettle drums, brass bells, Jhalar bells are played. Each of the instruments has its own individual purpose as below:
Brass Bell: This is played to invite Maharaj and to shun the evil. It is used to indicate fear and joy simultaneously. The sound of the brass bell is considered auspicious for the holy souls while unpropitious for evil.
Jhalar Bell: Jhalar bell is also played along with brass bell during the arti. A band is used to announce the arrival of a King’s rally to the town's people. Similarly, if only a brass bell is used during arti, the sound can only reach so far, but when it is used along with the Jhalar bell, the sound can now be heard much further.
Kettle Drum: Along with brass bell and jhalar bell, kettle drums are also played during arti. It is also used to announce the arrival of the divine Supreme lord, and its sound vibrates even further than the jhalar bell. This sound indicates that Supreme Lord Swaminarayan is giving His divine darshan and invites everybody to come.
Where and when to do arti?
In the Swaminarayan sampradaya, all Shikharbaddha mandirs follow five artis in a day. Whereas Harimandir follows twice a day. Moreover, one should devoutly perform arti twice a day at our Gharmandir in morning and evening. Apart from it, arti should also be performed at spiritual festivals, padhramnis, and at the end of Maha Pooja.
Five Artis:
1) Mangla Arti = Morning 6:00 o’clock
When Maharaj Wakes up in the morning.
2) Shangar Arti= In the morning between 8:00 to 8:30 am.
When Maharaj dawns divine attire along with ornaments.
3) Rajbhog Arti = Morning 11:00 am
After providing Maharaj afternoon Thal (lunch).
4) Sandhya Arti = Evening 7:00 pm
After providing Maharaj evening Thal (dinner).
5) Shayan Arti = At Night between 8:30 to 9:00 pm
At night before putting Maharaj to sleep.
These ritual of five artis were started by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and continue to be practiced dating.
Who can perform arti?
In the times of Shriji Maharaj, brahmacharis use to perform pooja, Thal, and arti in Shikharbadd ha temples. Even today, only sants and brahmacharis can perform arti. In Harimandir where sants are absent, devotees can perform arti after showering and dawning clean clothes.
History of Arti in Swaminarayan Sampradaya
Sahajanand Swami was enthroned by Sadguru Ramanand swami as head of Sampradaya at Jetpur. After performing ceremonial rites, Sadguru Ramanand Swami had first ever performed the arti of Shriji Maharaj. Unfortunately, the verse of that arti were not texted in any of the scripture. After mentoring the succession, a paramhansas of Bhagwan Swaminarayan created new verses of arti. Referring to history, Sadguru Brahmanand swami has composed eight verses of Mangala arti, Shangar arti, and sandhya arti. Sadguru Muktanand swami has composed five verses of sandhya arti. Krushnanand Bhramchari and Sadguru Premanand swami have composed arti verses as well. However, the words of arti, ‘Jay Sadguru swami...’ initially composed by Sadguru Muktanand swami, is sung at all Swaminarayan mandirs up to date. The history behind its origination is interesting and fortune.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan had manifested on this earth with the prime purpose of granting salvation. To accomplish this purpose, Sadguru Ramanand swami handed over all the responsibilities. Within a short period of time, he stopped his human form. Soon after this, many of the Sadguru Ramanand swami's followers were confounded by young and newly recruited Sahajanand swami. On other hand, Bhagwan Swaminarayan showed his divine prowess to glorify his magnificence. On the 14th day of sadguru Ramanand swami's antardhyan, He, himself glorify the power of 'Swaminarayan’ Mahamantra. He explained importance and benefits of chanting this mantra. Until now, the followers had firm belief in Sadguru Ramanand swami as a Supreme God.
But this controversy, results in disbelief and hatred amongst the community. Whereas one who chanted the Mahamantra transfixed into a deep trance and experienced peace and tranquillity. This was just the beginning of the Samadhi episode in the Swaminarayan sampradaya. Nirvikalp Samadhi is a state of intense concentration achieved through meditation. It's the final stage in which one is totally united with God. In reality, this requires hundreds of years of disciplined practice.
However, Shriji Maharaj instantaneously started granting Samadhi to all, irrespective of one's worthiness. He granted Samadhi to everyone, including animals, birds, sinful beings, immoral beings, and many more. For Shriji Maharaj, Samadhi was so easy that He easily granted it by clapping hands, touching with a stick, the sound of footsteps, through touch, or even by sight. Ramanand Swami’s disciples were baffled at these new proceedings.
People started gossiping, “How can Samadhi be granted so simply? Sadguru Ramanand swami had never done anything as such. Alas, even the great yogis were not able to achieve this rare Samadhi. Infinite previous incarnations were also unable to do so. There is no mention of such Nirvikalp Samadhi in the scriptures too. How can Sahajanand Swami make it happen so easily? Surely there is the involvement of some kind of black magic. Sahajanand Swami is inexperienced and hence with such acts bring disgrace to this pure and pious sect established by Sadguru Ramanand swami.”
Everyone started getting suspicious. Who would control the situation now? Sadguru Ramanand swami’s chief disciples were Sadguru Muktanand swami, Madhavdas, and Parvatbhai, who decided, no matter how much glory Sahajanand swami shows, we will not lose the firm faith and devotion for Sadguru Ramanand swami.
However, there is a saying, “Even mountains move over a period of time.” Madhavdas eventually accepted Sahajanand Swami as the Supreme God. Only Sadguru Muktanand swami, who was the chief disciple of Sadguru Ramanand Swami, remained. He was also 23 years older than Shriji Maharaj. He was like a Gurubhai for Shriji Maharaj and hence was respected by everyone, including Maharaj Himself.
A massive community of Ramanand swami's disciples in Kutch were devastated after Ramanand swami's antardhyan Leela. Sadguru Muktanand swami was traveling to Kutch for comfort the disciples. On the way, some of the disciples complained that "Sahajanand swami grants Samadhi to everyone irrespective of whether one is worthy or not. How can this be possible? Surely, He uses some sort of sorcery and witchcraft. Religious foundations laid down by Sadguru Ramanand swami will get tainted by such acts. Who will stop Him? Since you are the eldest and highly esteemed, you can try to stop Him. Please tell Him to drop this Samadhi chapter.”
After hearing such complaints, Sadguru Muktanand swami decided to examine the situation. however, there was nothing unknown to Him. In reality, Sadguru Muktanand swami has an ever-oneness with Maharaj i.e., Anadimukta . But Sadguru Muktanand swami rolled a dramatic play on worldly stage. Though possessing a divine attribute, He showed human trait.
Sadguru Muktanand swami listened to everyone and decided to reprimand Sahajanand Swami and make Him stop this Samadhi chapter. He postponed the trip to Kutch and hurried towards Kalwani village in Sorath. Maharaj recognized that something was wrong from the hurried strides of Sadguru Muktanand swami. Hence asked, “Swami, why have you come here? Were you not supposed to go to Kutch? Why are you in such a rush?"
Sadguru Muktanand swami replied in a fury, "Let's talk about that later!! First tell me about what You are doing in satsang. Stop all this Samadhi business that You have started. Is Samadhi so easy to achieve? It takes hundreds of years to achieve even one minute of Samadhi, and You have started granting Samadhi to everyone? Stop all this right now.” Shriji Maharaj did not utter anything in between.
Respectfully and calmly, Shriji Maharaj said, “Even I do not understand swami, how this Samadhi is happening. If You resolve to do so, then even You will be able to grant Samadhi to anyone.” As soon as Sadguru Muktanand swami resolved about granting Samadhi, Shantanand swami experienced Samadhi. Maharaj said, “Swami! What have you done?” Sadguru Muktanand Swami annoyed on seeing this.
The following day Sadguru Muktanand Swami went to Khakhra forest on the banks of the Meghavati river for the morning rites. The sun had not risen yet, and hence the whole jungle was plunged in darkness and silence. Suddenly it seemed as if something hustled amongst the trees. Sadguru Muktanand Swami acknowledged it as the movement of some animal. However, it happened again, and Muktanand Swami became sure of someone else’s presence in the jungle.
A familiar and pleasant voice struck Sadguru Muktanand Swami’s ears. “Muktanand Swami,” it was the voice of Sadguru Ramanand Swami. Muktanand Swami thought, “How is that possible? Am I hallucinating?” When Muktanand swami gazed in the direction of the sound, He became speechless. Sadguru Ramanand Swami was standing with a slight smile and a bit of rage on His face.
Muktanand Swami fell at the feet of Ramanand Swami. Ramanand Swami raised Muktanand Swami and said, "Have you forgotten My words so soon? Did I not say that Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the Supreme God? He is the ultimate and Supreme incarnator of all the incarnations. There are infinite muktas like Me who are His mere servants. Hence, from now onwards, you will not doubt Him in any aspect. I may be Your Guru, but He is My Guru. He is everyone's Sadguru. So now go and please Him.”
Upon hearing this, Sadguru Muktanand Swami was ecstatic. His doubts were swept away, and He felt peaceful. His vision towards Shriji Maharaj took a divine turn. Muktanand Swami became sentimental.
He took a bath in the Meghavati river while taking pride in that He had attained the Supreme Lord, who is the incarnation of all incarnations. Swami plucked beautiful flowers from the jungle and made a garland with loads of affection and love. He could not hold Himself any longer. He was restless to see Maharaj and please Him, and with such divine thoughts, Sadguru Muktanand Swami started walking towards the assembly.
Maharaj was already seated in the assembly in Kalvani along with sants and devotees. Sadguru Muktanand Swami arrived with a floral garland and started performing dandvat (prostrations to God, as a form of respect). Maharaj looked towards Muktanand Swami. Seeing this, everyone’s eyes turned towards swami and started wondering, "What will swami do now? Will He scold Maharaj now?” However, Muktanand Swami started walking towards Maharaj and offered the garland with the utmost respect.
At that moment, Muktanand Swami felt great turmoil within, ‘How to please the Supreme Lord? Which words do I use? What should I pray? How shall I describe the glory of the Supreme incarnator in words?' Suddenly swami's eyes turned towards arti.
Using arti as the medium to please Maharaj, Sadguru Muktanand Swami started singing an arti verse with immense divine affection. This arti is none other than the legendary and glorious verse of the Swaminarayan sampradaya, whose lyrics are; “Jay Sadguru swami… Jay Sadguru swami...,
Sahajanand dayalu, balwant bahunami…”
At that moment, the whole atmosphere turned divine. Sadguru Muktanand Swami had unveiled the true divine form of Shriji Maharaj. Everyone understood the glorious and immeasurable divinity of Shriji Maharaj through Muktanand Swami’s words. Hence, the whole Swaminarayan Sampradaya got the gift of divine arti through the wonderful divine act between Maharaj and Muktanand Swami.
Wonders of Arti
Today, this hymn is recited daily in the entire tradition. But how serious are we about understanding the greatness of this hymn? Have we ever examined it? Come, let us see how Gurudev Bapji guides us through a single line.
“અડસઠ તીરથ ચરણે કોટિ ગયા કાશી.”
“adsath tirath charane koti gaya Kashi.”
In the feet of Shriji Maharaj, not just sixty-two pilgrimage places, but countless pilgrimage places exist. Sixty-two is significant, that's why Swami said it. If there are countless pilgrimage places at the feet of our beloved deity, then it is not necessary for his devotees to undertake such journeys.
શ્રીજીમહારાજમાં શું ઓછું છે ? શું આપણે આશ્રિત તરીકે કોઈ જાતનો વિચાર જ નહિ કરવાનો ? શું મુક્તાનંદ સ્વામીની આરતી ફક્ત બોલવા માટે જ છે ?
થોડુંક કાંઇક વિચારીયે તો ખરા ! અડસઠ તીર્થ જે શ્રીજીમહારાજના ચરણમાં છે તેની વાત જવા દો. સદ્.ગોપાળાનંદસ્વામીના ચરણની પણ વાત જવા દો. સંપ્રદાયના એક સામાન્ય ખેડૂત જેવા જણાતા મુકત સમા કણબી હરિભકત પર્વતભાઇના ઘેર, અડસઠ તીર્થો એમના ચરણોમાં આળોટવા આવતા, એવું સંપ્રદાયનો ઇતિહાસ કહે છે. તો પછી પર્વતર્ભાઇને જે શ્રીજીમહારાજ મળ્યા હતા એજ મહારાજ આપણને નથી મળ્યા ? શું આપણે એમના હરિભકત નથી ? અરે, આપણને તો મૂર્તિમાં રાખ્યા છે. આ આપણી મસ્તી છે. અને છતાં જો હજુ જયાં-ત્યાં જવાનાં લાવાંઝાવાં થતાં હોય કે હરડકા ઊપડતા હોય તો પછી આપણે શ્રીજીમહારાજના આશ્રિત શાના ? આપણે ભકત શાના ? કયાં ગયું આપણા ઇષ્ટદેવના સર્વોપરીપણાનું ગૌરવ કે કયાં ગઇ આપણા ભકતપણાની ગરવાઇ ? જેને શ્રીજીમહારાજે મૂર્તિમાં રાખ્યો હોય એ શું પરોક્ષ તીર્થની રમણ રેતીમાં આળોટે કે પછી શ્રીજીમહારાજની મૂર્તિના સુખમાં રમણ કરે ?
We sing the glory of Jairam Brahmachari daily...
“તપ રે તીરથમાં હું કાંઇ નવ જાણું,
સ્હેજે સ્હેજે રે હું તો સુખડાં રે માણું.”
I don't seek anything new in pilgrim journeys, my peace of pilgrims is within the darshan of my deity.
Mangla Aarti
"Mangla Aarti" is recited in our organization as follows, describing the auspicious attributes of the divine form from the tip of their nail to the top of their crest.
Jay Mangalakari Prabhu (2) Jay Ghanashyama Dayalu (2)
Jay Jay Sukhkari... Jay
Mangalrup Anupama, Nakhshikha Mangal Che (2)
Sukhada Deva Mangal (2) Murti Mangal Che... Jay 01
Mangal Mukhkamal Joi, Sukhmaan Theejun Chu (2)
Naasa Nayan Bhrakuti (2) Bhaale Reejun Chu... Jay 02
Mangal Hridaykamal Par, Stan Mangal Shobhe (2)
Chaati Oopdati Kanthe (2) Munijan Sau Lobhe... Jay 03
Mangal Hastkamalma, Rekhaon Nyaari (2)
Kaanda Konni Ne Baahu (2) Bal Bharyu Bhaari... Jay 04
Mangal Naabhi Kamal Par, Trivali Mangal Che (2)
Shyam Kati Par Dhooti (2) Udar Mangal Che... Jay 05
Mangal Charan Kamalma, Chihn Bhala Sol (2)
Ghoonti Phana Ne Jangha (2) Jaanu Che Gol... Jay 06
Mangalmay Moortinu, Je Darshan Karshay (2)
Daasanudaas Kahe Rasbas (2) Thai Sukhman Tharshay... Jay 07
Shangar Aarti:
When the Supreme Lord adorns Himself with garments and ornaments, and presents divine darshan to His devotees, the Shangar Aarti is performed. In this Aarti, the divine form, embellished with love, shines brilliantly, captivating the minds of devotees.
Rajbhog Aarti:
During the midday meal, after offering the meal platter to the Supreme Lord, the Rajbhog Aarti is performed. Through this Aarti, a divine opportunity is obtained to please the Supreme Lord after offering Him the platter.
Sandhya Aarti:
In the evening, when the daily activities wind down and families come together to seek divine presence, the Sandhya Aarti is performed. The atmosphere of the Sandhya Aarti is tranquil and uplifting, fostering peace and contentment.
Jay Sadguru Swami, Prabhu Jay Sadguru Swami;
Sahajanand Dayalu (2) Balvant Bahunami... Jay Sadguru Tek
Charan Saroj Tamara, Vandu Kar Jodi (2)
Charane Shish Dharyathi(2) Dukh Nakhyaan Todi... Jay Sadguru 01
Swaminarayan Sukhadata, Dwijakul Tanu Dhari (2)
Paamar Patit Uddharya(2) Aganit Narnari... Jay Sadguru 02
Nitya Nitya Nautam Leela, Kartaa Avinaashi(2)
Adsath Tirath Charane (2) Koti Gaya Kaashi... Jay Sadguru 03
Purushottam Pragatnun, Je Darshan Karashe(2)
Kaala Karmathi Chhuti(2) Kutumb Sahit Tarashe... Jay Sadguru 04
Aa Avasar Karunanidhi, Karuna Bahu Kidi(2)
Muktanand Kahe Mukti (2) Sugam Kari Sidhi... Jay Sadguru 05
This Sandhya Aarti, composed by Sadguru Brahmanand Swami, is recited in many temples during the evening. In this Sandhya Aarti, the greatness of Shriji Maharaj is clearly explained. After completing the assembly in Surendranagar, whenever this Sandhya Aarti is recited, Gurudev Bapji, while reciting each line of this Aarti, raises one arm, sways his hand, and signals towards the loud words. When the Aarti is being sung vigorously, a radiant smile of contentment appears on his face, bestowing blissful blessings upon all.
Shayan Aarti
During the divine moments of peaceful bedtime, the Shayan Aarti is performed to Maharaj. Through the Shayan Aarti, one seeks the divine blessings of Maharaj as he prepares to rest. It is a precious opportunity to behold the serene countenance of Maharaj and experience his blissful blessings, offering liberation from the anxieties and afflictions of the world each day. It alleviates all sorrows.
Opinion of HDH Swamishri on Aarti
During the time of Aarti, all activities should be halted, and one should engage in the Aarti of Maharaj. With eyes closed, hands folded, whether at home, in the temple, involved in any service, or even outside, it's essential to participate in the Aarti punctually.
Why is the water-filled conch circled around the flame of arti?
The flame of arti has been in contact with the divine murti of God. This makes the flame develop a spiritual association with God. The water-filled conch is circled around the arti to ensure that this spiritual connection stays intact. When the devotees are offered the arti, they bow down with deep faith with both hands and then place the hands on their heads. This makes the devotee experience divinity.
Why are the hands placed on the head after bowing to arti’s flame?
God’s form is supremely divine. The arti is enriched with divinity after coming in contact with God's Murti. By placing the hands on the head, the devotee tries to transfer that divinity to themselves. Hence, arti is supposed to be crowned to experience holiness.
Why Take the Aarti Flames to the Forehead?
In connection with the Nirguna (attribute-less) form of Maharaj, the Aarti too becomes Nirguna and divine. Every devotee brings this light into their vision. With both hands, they take the Aarti flames and touch them to their forehead. This is done with the sentiment that, just like the Aarti flames, they too become Nirguna, and divine light manifests within their heart.
Why Offer Money During Aarti?
During Aarti, devotees offer money because they are given the opportunity to directly praise Maharaj, and this brings immense joy to the Lord. Since this divine pleasure is given freely, devotees wish to offer something to God in return. Therefore, they contribute financially during Aarti.
After understanding the true significance of Aarti, every family should regularly perform Maharaj's Aarti at home, both in the morning and evening, to gain its invaluable benefits.
Thus, Aarti is an integral part of the temple. It is also an essential part of a devotee's daily routine. The joy derived from performing Aarti with true reverence for Maharaj's glory is indescribable.
