As the flames light up
So does my heart
As the melody unfolds
So does my awareness
As the river flows
So do my tears, unabashedly
And I wipe them away
As it washes away my sins
Cleansing, calming, cathartic moments
Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when lamps are being offered.
Aarti is derived from the Sanskrit word ārātrika, which means something that removes rātrī, darkness (or light waved in darkness before an icon).
Aarti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals, or homa. In the traditional aarti ceremony, the flower represents the earth (solidity), the water and accompanying handkerchief correspond with the water element (liquidity), the ghee or oil lamp represents the fire component (heat), the peacock fan conveys the precious quality of air (movement), and the yak-tail fan represents the subtle form of ether (space). The incense represents a purified state of mind, and one’s “intelligence” is offered through the adherence to rules of timing and order of offerings. Thus, one’s entire existence and all facets of material creation are symbolically offered to the Lord via the aarti ceremony.
https://randomrantsruminationsramblings.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/spontaneous-combustion/
Had a similar experience while watching the Ganga Aarati on the banks of Rishikesh!
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Thanks! I wrote this about Rishikesh in fact – was there last week, although I know the image isn’t from there.
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Wonderful!
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😊
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Beautiful aarti description. Would love to have your opinion on any of my recent posts.
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Thank you 😊
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Brilliant poem and Aarti is a wonderful composition for the one and only God. Great post Kunal.
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True, Kamal. Thanks & God bless you!
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Welcome Kunal, a great day to you dear.
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Thanks again, Kamal
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Welcome.
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The Ganga aarti is an experience words can’t describe and when we humans choke on words we express through the eyes. Well said kunal.
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It truly is, Aseem. Thanks & God bless you & the family 🙏🏽
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What a beautiful explanation of the aarti. Loved the poetic thoughts as well.
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Thank you, Sonya! Something magical about the place which I can’t describe: I’m sure you’ve felt it at certain times too.
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Pious and serene words.
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Thank you!
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Beautiful/thoughtful – words, image and narrative. 🙂
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Thanks, Lola
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Beautifully poignant.
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Thanks. That was in Rishikesh last week – a world away from our big, bad city
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Lovely post. Great pic
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Thanks, although the pic isn’t mine – it’s from google and it’s Haridwar or Vrindavan
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Kunal after reading your post the significance of the ritual takes a new turn.
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Thank you, aunty V! How have you been? We were in Rishikesh last week and this is an outcome… 😊
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Hi! Thanks all is well enjoying a pleasant spell after a harsh winter in Shimla. Ganga Aarti is really a beautiful experience though it’s been a long time since I witnessed it.A few days ago I was on Devi darshan all over Himachal it so surprising you become an entirely different person once you there but sadly once we are back in our familiar surroundings we forget everything. You created the same thoughts and pictures .A very beautiful and soothing post.
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Thanks
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It’s beautiful Kunal….wonderful narration. Btw…my hometown is very close to Rishikesh….Dehradun ! Were you also there last week ?
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Thank you! Yes, last week. My younger sis lives in D’Dun 😊
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Fabulous!
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Thanks 🙏🏽
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Simply mindboggling Kunal. I think I can learn a lot from you about our Rituals. God Bless.
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Thanks, but I’ve researched this and then posted
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Where is your fav hangout
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This was Rishikesh- love the place! A relief from B’bay. But I also love NY, HK, Bali, Kerala, Rajasthan, the mountains… 😊 And in Bombay, I’m a townie at heart, grew up there. Bandra sucks
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Mountains for me too. Town, where
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Napeansea Rd
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Oh wow ! Lucky you.
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This is a wonderful poem. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks so much!
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[…] Tears of Homecoming […]
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[…] Dissolution is the Solution Giving It All Away PILGRIM HEART SALUTATIONS TO SHIVA Tears of Homecoming By the Ganga Night of the Third Eye Where I’m At Heaven & Earth […]
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