Vaishno Mata Aarti
The Vaishno Mata Aarti, also known as the Attka Aarti, is a deeply revered and sacred ritual performed at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. Nestled in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, the shrine attracts millions of devotees annually, drawn by the divine aura of Mata Vaishno Devi, believed to be a manifestation of the Hindu Goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati. The Aarti, performed twice daily, is a cornerstone of the spiritual experience at the shrine, offering devotees a chance to connect profoundly with the divine.
Vaishno Mata Aarti
Jai Vaishnavi Mata,Maiya Jai Vaishnavi Mata।
Hatha Joda Tere Age,Aarti Main Gata॥
Shisha Pe Chhatra Viraje,Muratiya Pyari।
Ganga Bahati Charanana,Jyoti Jage Nyari॥
Brahma Veda Padhe Nita Dware,Shankara Dhyana Dhare।
Sevaka Chanwara Dulavata,Narada Nritya Kare॥
Sundara Gufa Tumhari,Mana Ko Ati Bhave।
Bara-Bara Dekhana Ko,Ai Maa Mana Chave॥
Bhavana Pe Jhande Jhulen,Ghanta Dhwani Baje।
Uncha Parvata Tera,Mata Priya Lage॥
Pana Supari Dhwaja Nariyala,Bhenta Pushpa Meva।
Dasa Khaden Charanon Mein,Darshana Do Deva॥
Jo Jana Nishchaya Karake,Dwara Tere Ave।
Usaki Ichchha Purana,Mata Ho Jave॥
Itani Stuti Nisha-Dina,Jo Nara Bhi Gave।
Kahate Sevaka Dhyanu,Sukha Sampatti Pave॥
Significance of the Vaishno Mata Aarti
The Aarti at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is not merely a ritual but a profound spiritual event that symbolizes devotion, purification, and divine communion. It is believed that during the Aarti, all gods and goddesses are present in the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Griha) of the holy cave, making it an auspicious time for devotees to seek blessings. The ritual is dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, known as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata (the Mother who fulfills all wishes), and is a testament to the unwavering faith of her devotees.
Timing and Schedule of the Aarti
The Vaishno Mata Aarti is conducted twice daily, once in the morning before sunrise and once in the evening after sunset. The timings vary slightly between summer (March to September) and winter (October to February) due to changes in sunrise and sunset times. According to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), the official governing body of the shrine, the Aarti schedule is as follows:
- Morning Aarti:
- Starts at 6:20 AM and concludes around 8:00 AM (both summer and winter).
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Evening Aarti:
- Summer: Starts at 7:20 PM and ends around 8:30 PM.
- Winter: Starts at 6:20 PM and ends around 8:00 PM.
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Devotees participating in the Aarti are required to report to the Durga Bhawan Reception 30 minutes prior to the start of the ritual (i.e., 5:50 AM for morning Aarti and 5:50 PM/6:50 PM for evening Aarti, depending on the season). During the Aarti, regular darshan (visitation to the holy cave) is suspended to maintain the sanctity of the ritual.
The Aarti is broadcast live on the Shraddha MH One devotional channel and can also be viewed through the official SMVDSB app, allowing devotees worldwide to participate virtually.
Spiritual and Cultural Impact
The Vaishno Mata Aarti is more than a ritual; it is a bridge between the devotee and the divine, fostering a sense of peace, gratitude, and spiritual awakening. The intimate setting of the Atka area, the rhythmic chanting of mantras, and the distribution of Prasad and Charanamrit create a deeply personal connection with Mata Vaishno Devi. For many, the Aarti is a moment of surrender, where worldly worries dissolve, and the heart is filled with devotion.
Culturally, the Aarti reinforces the rich traditions of Sanatan Dharma, with its emphasis on ritual purity, communal worship, and the glorification of the Divine Feminine. The lyrics of Om Jai Vaishnavi Mata resonate with devotees across India and the diaspora, sung during festivals, personal prayers, and community gatherings.
Booking the Attka Aarti: Process and Costs
Participation in the Attka Aarti is a privileged experience, limited to a small number of devotees due to the sanctity and space constraints of the Atka area near the holy cave. The SMVDSB manages the booking process, offering both online and offline options. Here are the key details:
- Cost: The fare for the Attka Aarti is INR 2,000 per person per session. Children below 10 years are exempt from charges.
- Availability: Only 100 tickets are available per session (morning and evening), totaling 200 tickets daily. Due to high demand, early booking is essential.
- Group Attka Aarti: A special scheme allows a group of up to 4 pilgrims to participate in the Aarti with complimentary dormitory accommodation at Manokamna Bhawan.
- Online Booking:
- Visit the official SMVDSB website (www.maavaishnodevi.org) or the SMVDSB mobile app.
- Create a personal account, navigate to the “Aarti Booking” section, select the date and session, and complete the payment.
- Tokens for online bookings are distributed at Durga Bhawan Reception at 7:00 PM for the next morning Aarti and 11:00 AM for the same day’s evening Aarti.
- Offline Booking:
- Non-Refundable Policy: Aarti tickets are non-refundable, non-cancellable, and cannot be preponed or postponed.
- Queue Management: Devotees are assigned token numbers to form a queue at Room No. 8 near Kalka Bhawan (5:30 AM for morning Aarti, 6:00 PM for evening Aarti).
For the month of June 2025, online bookings for Aarti and other shrine services will open on April 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Devotees are advised to book only through the official SMVDSB website or app to avoid unauthorized third-party services.
