Exploring the Correct Way of Performing Aarti: Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise Rotation of Diya and Agarbatti

During the practice of Hindu worship, Aarti or Harati is a significant ritual that involves invoking divine blessings and removing negativity. Understanding the proper sequence and direction of the Aarti is crucial for its effectiveness and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore whether clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation of diya and agarbatti is the correct way to perform Aarti, backed by insights from Sanatan Dharma and the cultural and religious context.

The Significance of Aarti in Hindu Worship

Aarti is an upachara or observance performed during the worship ritual to invoke the divine blessings of a deity. This ritual involves waving a lit diya (oil lamp) and agarbatti (incense stick) in a clockwise direction around an image or idol of the deity. The practice of Aarti is believed to create a protective shield of divine light, removing negative energies and offering reverent salutations to the divine. Aarti follows the sequence of worship mentioned in various texts, including the Puranas and Hindu scriptures.

The Art of Performing Aarti

Aarti involves not only the correct sequence but also the direction in which the Aarti is performed. In the Sanatani system, the important point to note is the positioning of the worshipper and the deity. Aarti is traditionally performed in a specific direction based on the position of the worshipped deity and the lit object in the hand of the priest or the devotee.

Clockwise Rotation

In general, Aarti is performed in a clockwise direction, which means the worshipper waves the diya and agarbatti around the deity, keeping the deity to the right side. This direction corresponds to the natural flow of cultural norms and practices. Clockwise rotation represents clockwise parikrama, which is the traditional form of parikrama or circumambulation in Hindu temples and shrines. The significance of clockwise rotation lies in the belief that it symbolizes the journey towards the divine, promoting positive energy and blessings.

During the Aarti, the diya is moved over the deity starting from its feet, upwards to the crown, and then down again to its feet. This path is known as nirajanam and is believed to cleanse the surroundings and the devotees of negative influences. The agarbatti is lighted during the Dhupam, which is part of the Aarti ritual. The incense stick is waved in synchronization with the diya to create a harmonious and invocative atmosphere.

Anti-Clockwise Rotation and Nazar-utArnA

In certain special contexts, such as nazar-utArnA. Nazar-utArnA is a ritual aimed at neutralizing the evil eye. In this context, anti-clockwise rotation of the diya and agarbatti is practiced. The term nazar-utArnA refers to the technique of countering the negative influence of the evil eye. The anti-clockwise direction is believed to reverse the negative effects and protect the devotees from harm.

According to scriptures and cultural practices, the ritual of nazar-utArnA involves specific mantras and movements. In performing the nazar-utArnA Aarti, the priest or the worshipper would hold the diya and the agarbatti in a way that the motion of the light moves in a direction opposite to the usual Aarti. This direction is believed to counteract the negative influence of the evil eye and restore peace and well-being.

Understanding the Divine Perspective

According to the Sanatana Dharma, the concept of an evil eye is itself a misapprehension. The divine view of the world is delineated in the Bhagavad Gita, where Arjuna witnesses the divine form of Krishna in the Viswaroopa Darshan. This transcendent vision underscores the omnipresence and all-encompassing nature of the divine. In this divine perspective, there is no room for negativity or evil. The act of performing Aarti, whether in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, is a symbolic gesture of invoking divine blessings and removing any perceived negative influences.

The act of nirajanam during the Aarti is not about glorifying the deity but about negating or countering the negativity present in the surroundings and the devotees. By performing the Aarti in the correct direction, whether clockwise or anti-clockwise, the devotee symbolically removes any negative energies and brings positivity and light into their lives.

Conclusion

The practice of Aarti involves a balance of cultural and spiritual significance. While the clockwise rotation is the traditional and most commonly observed direction, the anti-clockwise rotation is used in specific rituals like nazar-utArnA. The choice of direction is not only about following a rule but also about the intent and context of the ritual. Understanding the historical and cultural context of Aarti can deepen the significance of this practice in one's spiritual journey. Whether you perform the Aarti in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, the ultimate goal is to seek divine blessings and foster a positive aura around oneself.

In conclusion, the correct way of performing Aarti depends on the specific ritual and context. For general worship, performing Aarti in a clockwise direction is recommended, but for rituals like nazar-utArnA, an anti-clockwise direction is pertinent. This practice, rooted in Sanatana Dharma, can help devotees maintain a spiritual balance and enhance their well-being.