Arthi Procedures

[Kulasekhara Dasa]

Hare Krishna,
Why do we use various articles like deep arthi, dhoop arthi, vastra, argya,..during Arthi's? what is the purpose behind this? what does this articles signify? Do we have any quote or mentioned any where in pancharatra or padma samitha texts? and why only certain no of rounds what's the reason, who has introduced this? has this been mentioned in any scriptures, Krsna or Sri Raghunatha Battha Goswami?

[aishwarya]

Please find below the arati procedure:

How to offer each item?
Item How to Offer
Incense 4 circles to the lotus feet
2 circles to the navel
7 circles to the Lord’s whole body.
Lamp 4 circles to the lotus feet,
2 circles to the navel, and
3 circles to the Lord’s face;
7 circles to the Lord’s whole body.
Arghya 7 circles above the Lord’s head.

Then pour a small amount of the offered arghya into the visarjanéya-pätra before proceeding to offer arghya to the next personality.

Cloth 4 circles to the lotus feet,
2 circles to the navel, and
3 circles to the Lord’s face;
7 circles to the Lord’s whole body.
Flowers Offer 4 times to the Lord’s lotus feet.
Cämara Wave before the Lord a suitable number of times.
Vyajana Wave before the Lord a suitable number of times. Should not be offered in the winter season.

It is very important that we follow the prescribed number of rounds mentioned above. Srila Prabhupada (Deity or photo) and Lord Chaitanya ( Deity or photo ) also have to be offered full rounds as mentioned above on the way up.
Ref: The Process of Deity Worship (Original Arcana Paddhadi by Jayatirtha Das Adhikari – published during Srila Prabhupada’s time – pre 1977)

[aishwarya]

Pancharatrika vidhi gives us the practical application of service in Kali-yuga.

Performing an arati ceremony is like a ceremony being performed for Their Lordships who are invited as a guest to the temple or to one's house. The lamp offered is said that lights the way of the guest while they enter the altar, some devotees also say that it is an auspicious sign. Incense is offered to arise the fragrance in the place where Lordships are present. It basically keeps the surrounding environment clean and also pleasant, Arghya or the water is offered for their Lordships to wash hands and the cloth has two significances - wiping the hands after washing and offering a new cloth for Their Lordships. Flowers again are offered for the pleasure of Lord. It is also said that the flowers are the most important upachara in Vishnu worship. Chamara is offered as a sign of royal reception and it keeps the flies away. Vyajana is offered for cool and pleasing breeze.