Morning Aarti

The morning aarti does not need to be long. Five minutes, done with attention, carries further than half an hour done while thinking about the day ahead.

What you need

• A small brass or kansa diya
• Ghee and a cotton wick
• An aarti bell
• Fresh water in a panchapatra

The practice

Bathe, then face east. Light the wick and let the flame settle. Ring the bell with the left hand — continuously, not in bursts — while the right hand circles the lamp clockwise before the deity: three small circles at the feet, two at the waist, one at the face, then seven that take in the whole form.

Close by cupping both palms briefly over the flame and touching them to your eyes. Offer the water, and sit for one quiet minute before you stand.

Written with Sri Venkatesh Bhattar, who has served at the Chamarajpet temple for thirty-one years.