Badrinath Aarti
The Lord Badrinath Aarti, also referred to as Shri Badrinath Ji Ki Aarti, is a revered devotional hymn sung in praise of Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Badrinarayan at the sacred Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand, India. This aarti holds profound spiritual significance for devotees, serving as a soulful expression of reverence, gratitude, and surrender to the divine. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), the Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, forming part of the Char Dham Yatra and the Panch Badri circuit. The aarti, with its melodious verses and deep spiritual resonance, is an integral part of the temple’s daily rituals, connecting devotees to the divine presence of Lord Vishnu.
The Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badrinarayan, is steeped in mythology and history. According to legend, Lord Vishnu meditated in this region, and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, transformed into a Badri (jujube) tree to shield him from harsh weather, giving the place its name, Badrikashram or Badrinath. Another tale credits Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher-saint, with discovering a black Shaligram stone idol of Lord Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda River and enshrining it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. In the 16th century, the idol was moved to the present temple by the King of Garhwal.
॥ Badrinath Aarti ॥
Jai Jai Shri BadarinathaJayati Yoga Dhyani॥
Jai Jai Shri BadarinathaJayati Yoga Dhyani॥
Jai Jai Shri Badarinatha…॥
Nirguna Saguna Swarupa,Medhavarna Ati Anupa।
Sevata Charana Surabhupa,Gyani Vigyani॥
Jai Jai Shri Badarinatha…॥
Jhalakata Hai Shisha Chhatra,Chhavi Anupa Ati Vichitra।
Baranata Pawana CharitraSakuchata Barabani॥
Jai Jai Shri Badarinatha…॥
Tilaka Bhala Ati Vishala,Gala Mein Mani Mukta-Mala।
Pranatapala Ati Dayala,Sevaka Sukhadani॥
Jai Jai Shri Badarinatha…॥
Kanana Kundala Lalama,Murati Sukhamaki Dhama।
Sumirata Hon Siddhi Kama,Kahata Guna Bakhani॥
Jai Jai Shri Badarinatha…॥
Gavata Guna Shambhu, Shesha,Indra, Chandra Aru Dinesha।
Vinavata Shyama HameshaJori Jugala Pani॥
Jai Jai Shri Badarinatha…॥
The Aarti Meaning and Significance
In Hindu worship, an aarti is a ritual where light (usually from a lamp with wicks soaked in ghee or oil) is offered to a deity, accompanied by devotional songs or hymns. The word aarti derives from the Sanskrit term arati, meaning the act of dispelling darkness through divine light. The Lord Badrinath Aarti is performed to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu, seeking spiritual enlightenment, inner peace, and liberation (moksha).
Spiritual Importance
- Expression of Devotion: Singing the aarti is a heartfelt act of surrender, aligning the devotee’s mind, body, and soul with divine vibrations. It fosters a sense of oneness with Lord Vishnu, who is revered as the preserver of the universe.
- Cleansing and Blessings: Devotees believe that participating in or listening to the aarti purifies the soul, washes away sins, and invites divine grace for prosperity and spiritual growth.
- Connection to Badrinath: The aarti encapsulates the sanctity of Badrinath as a spiritual haven, with its lyrics often describing the temple’s serene Himalayan setting and the divine aura of Lord Badrinarayan.
When and Where It Is Performed
The aarti is performed daily at the Badrinath Temple during specific rituals:
- Morning Aarti (Mahabhishek): Conducted after the Abhishek ceremony, where the idol is bathed with holy water from the Alaknanda River, adorned with ornaments, and worshipped with Vedic chants.
- Evening Aarti (Shayan Aarti): Sung to “put the deity to rest,” marking the close of the day’s rituals. This aarti is particularly significant, as it is performed publicly, allowing devotees to participate.
Rituals Associated with the Aarti
The Badrinath Aarti is embedded in the temple’s elaborate daily rituals, performed with precision and devotion:
Morning Rituals
- Mahabhishek: The idol of Lord Badrinarayan is bathed with holy water, milk, and other offerings, followed by the recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu).
- Alankar Darshan: The deity is adorned with flowers, ornaments, and silk garments, preparing for the morning aarti.
- Aarti: The Mahabhishek Aarti is sung, accompanied by the waving of Diya, bells, and Vedic chants.
Evening Rituals
- Geet Govind: Hymns from Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda are recited, celebrating Lord Vishnu’s divine love.
- Shayan Aarti: The evening aarti, performed before the temple closes at 9:00 PM, is a public event where devotees join in singing Pawan Mand Sugandh Sheetal. The deity is then covered with sandalwood paste, which is distributed as prasad the next day during Nirmalaya Darshan.
Special Occasions
- Badri-Kedar Utsav: A week-long festival celebrating Badrinath and Kedarnath, where the aarti is sung during grand processions and cultural performances.
- Temple Opening and Closing: The aarti marks the ceremonial opening of the temple in April–May (on Akshaya Tritiya) and its closure in November (on Bhatridwitiya or later), drawing thousands of devotees.
Visiting Badrinath for the Aarti
- Location: Badrinath Temple, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, accessible via motorable roads from Joshimath (44 km) or Rishikesh (297 km).
- Best Time: May to June (pleasant weather) or September to October (post-monsoon clarity). Avoid peak crowds during July–August.
- Timings: Morning aarti around 6:30 AM after Mahabhishek; evening aarti at 8:30–9:00 PM. Check with the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) for exact schedules.
