Aarti and bhajan are both devotional practices, and they often appear in the same gathering, but they are different things with different roles.
What is an aarti?
An aarti (from Sanskrit aratrika) is a ritual of offering light. The priest or devotee waves a lit lamp, usually a ghee or camphor lamp, in front of the deity in a clockwise circular motion, often with a bell, while a fixed devotional song is sung. It is one of the sixteen upacharas of a formal puja and usually comes near the end.
Key features:
- It is a ritual act with a lamp, not just a song.
- The text is fixed and well known, such as Om Jai Jagdish Hare or Jai Ganesh Deva.
- It follows a set moment in the puja and is usually followed by prasad.
What is a bhajan?
A bhajan is a devotional song, in any language, in praise of a deity or a saint. It may be performed at any time, alone or in a group (satsang or kirtan), with or without instruments, and there is no fixed text or ritual action. Bhajans range from the works of Meera, Kabir, Surdas and Tulsidas to modern compositions.
Key features:
- It is a musical offering, with no required lamp or ritual action.
- The text is open: thousands of bhajans exist for each deity.
- It can be sung any time, at home, in a temple or on a journey.
Side by side
| | Aarti | Bhajan |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Ritual of light with a song | Devotional song |
| Lamp | Yes | Not needed |
| Text | Usually fixed | Open-ended |
| Place in a puja | Near the end | Any time |
| Typical setting | Puja, temple, home | Satsang, kirtan, home |
Can you do both?
Yes. A common household pattern is to sing a few bhajans during or after the puja, then close with the aarti. Neither replaces the other.
Frequently asked questions
Is it wrong to sing an aarti without a lamp? Many people sing aartis without a lamp when they cannot light one; the lamp is the traditional form.
Do I have to know Sanskrit? No. Most aartis and bhajans are in Hindi or regional languages.
Related on Darshya
This guide describes common tradition. Practices differ by region, sampradaya and family; if your family follows a different custom, follow that, and ask your family priest when in doubt.