The “AARATI”, is normally sung at the conclusion of any religious ceremony
or puja, or simply by itself each morning and evening as a joyous
celebration to the Supreme within us and without. The lighting of the lamps
for the Aarati, has a manifold significance. On the one hand it denotes the
light of spiritual knowledge, the illumination of truth. On the other hand,
when camphor is used as the fuel to light up the lamps, the camphor
eventually burns out and disappears without a trace. This signifies the
total destruction of the ego in the light of true knowledge or - the
illumination of the self in union with the Universe.
The Ganga Aarati at Rishikesh is an unforgettably spiritual
experience. Performed each evening at sundown at the Parmarth Niketan
Ashram, on the banks of the holy river Ganges, it is an event to gladden
the heart, feed the soul and create harmony with the elements. Fire, Water,
Earth, Air combine in perfect synergy during this ritual and leave you with
a feeling of having witnessed perfection.
The one and half hour ceremony, starting with sacred chants and a ‘Yagna’ or
fire ceremony, during which a mixture of sacred herbs and ghee (clarified
butter) are poured into the fire in order to dispel negative energies, is
concluded with the Aarati, during which the river is worshipped as
the source of life on the physical plane, and as a symbol of the eternal
life circle on the metaphysical plane.
The performance of the Aarati by the Guru, the singing of bhajans (hymns) by
the saffron robed disciples, the fragrance of incense and camphor as it
permeates the air, the mesmeric light of myriad diyas, the sound of the
rushing river, the setting sun mirrored in sparkling ripples on the flowing
water, the intensity of the people as they sway in unison, all combine to
create a surreal atmosphere of peace that pervades every sense and remains
with you long after you have left Rishikesh.
Time: Sunset. Please check at the reception for the exact time
Durations: 3 hours including driving time
Cost: Rs 1400.00 (taxes included)
Additional hour: @ Rs 520.00 per hour
