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Hiwaunis
03 September 2009, 11:33 PM
Pranam,
Now that I have almost set my apartment on fire I guess I should ask: What are the rules for performing Aarti? Is it ok to let the fire go out? Is it ok to stop and add oil? Is there a time limit?

I have read that the flames should be circled a certain number of times. Is this true for all Deities?

Finally, is there a way to decide on the quality of the cotton balls? Any other information will be greatly appreciated.

Namaste,

Eastern Mind
04 September 2009, 06:07 AM
Namaste:

As far as I know there are no sets of rules. I've seen it done many many different ways. But most often I;ve seen it is3 circles, then a pause at the top. This is at home pujas and in South Indian style temples. But at other temples aarti can go on for quite some time.

Wicks vary from cotton balls rolled up with your fingers, or pointed like a modaka on top, or with special wick string, or old cotton white veshti. It is the flame that is important.

Aum Namasivaya