Shri Hari Mandir Aarati
Aarati is one of the most important parts of worshipping God in a temple. It is our tradition to perform Aarati of those who are very dear to us because we wish the best for those we love. We are happy when they are, and want to take on their grief and that they remain happy.
Hence, by carrying out Aarati, we express our unity with them. This is why we encircle the Aarati lamp and then take our hands over our head, as if to signify that we are willing to take on their grief. The gathering of the light in cupped hands and transferring that to the forehead and crown of the head is also symbolically asking for the light to gift divine vision and for those thoughts to be moral and beautiful.
At the conclusion of the Aarati, we recite the Mantra Pushpānjali, prayer with an offering of flowers, in which we say a prayer for the happiness and prosperity of our loved ones.
