Vishnu Aarti – (Om Jai Jagdish Hare)
The ॐ जय जगदीश हरे (Om Jai Jagdish Hare) Aarti is one of the most revered and widely performed devotional hymns in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Sung as a part of the Aarti ritual, this hymn holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees across India and the global Hindu diaspora.
Vishnu Aarti
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare, Swami! Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Bhakta Janon Ke Sankata, Kshana Mein Dura Kare॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Jo Dhyave Phala Pave, Duhkha Vinase Mana Ka।
Swami Duhkha Vinase Mana Ka।
Sukha Sampatti Ghara Ave, Kashta Mite Tana Ka॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Mata Pita Tuma Mere, Sharana Gahun Main Kisaki।
Swami Sharana Gahun Mein Kisaki।
Tuma Bina Aura Na Duja, Aasa Karun Jisaki॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Tuma Purana Paramatma, Tuma Antaryami।
Swami Tuma Antaryami।
Parabrahma Parameshwara, Tuma Sabake Swami॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Tuma Karuna Ke Sagara, Tuma Palana Karta।
Swami Tuma Palana Karta।
Mein Murakha Khala Kami, Kripa Karo Bharta॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Tuma Ho Eka Agochara, Sabake Pranapati।
Swami Sabake Pranapati।
Kisa Vidhi Milun Dayamaya, Tumako Main Kumati॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Dinabandhu Dukhaharta, Tuma Thakura Mere।
Swami Tuma Thakura Mere।
Apne Hatha Uthao, Dwara Pada Tere॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Vishaya Vikara Mitao, Papa Haro Deva।
Swami Papa Haro Deva।
Shraddha Bhakti Badhao, Santana Ki Seva॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Shri Jagadisha Ji Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Nara Gave।
Swami Jo Koi Nara Gave।
Kahata Shivananda Swami, Sukha Sampatti Pave॥
Om Jai Jagadisha Hare।
Origins and Historical Context
The Om Jai Jagdish Hare Aarti was composed by Pandit Shardha Ram Phillauri, a Punjabi poet, scholar, and writer, in the late 19th century. Pandit Phillauri, born in 1837 in Phillaur, Punjab, was a multifaceted personality known for his contributions to literature, spirituality, and social reform. He is also credited with writing one of the earliest Punjabi novels, Bhagyawati. The Aarti was first published in his collection of hymns, Sikhya Sagar, and gained widespread popularity due to its simple yet profound lyrics and its universal appeal.
Unlike many traditional Aartis that are specific to particular deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, or Lord Shiva, Om Jai Jagdish Hare is addressed to Lord Vishnu in his cosmic form as the “Jagdish” (Lord of the Universe). However, its inclusive nature allows devotees to offer it to other deities as well, making it a versatile hymn for daily worship, festivals, and special occasions.
The Aarti is believed to have been written in the context of the Bhakti movement, which emphasized personal devotion and direct communion with the divine, free from rigid rituals and caste distinctions. Its composition in simple Hindi made it accessible to the masses, contributing to its widespread adoption across North India and beyond.
Performance of the Aarti
The Om Jai Jagdish Hare Aarti is typically performed during the evening or morning puja (worship) in homes and temples. The ritual involves the following steps:
- Preparation: A small altar is set up with an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu or another deity. Lamps (usually made of brass or clay) are filled with ghee or oil and lit.
- Singing the Aarti: The hymn is sung, often accompanied by the ringing of bells, clapping, and the playing of musical instruments like the harmonium, tabla, or manjira (cymbals).
- Waving the Lamp: The lit lamp is waved in a circular motion before the deity, symbolizing the offering of light and devotion.
- Distribution of Prasad: After the Aarti, blessed food (prasad) is distributed among the participants as a symbol of divine grace.
