Arti Lamp
Arti is the ceremonial offering of love to a deity during puja (worship) . A number of symbols are used which represent the five elements from which everything is made according to the Hindu tradition. Incense and flowers are offered to the deity. These represent the earth. A fan is waved and this symbolises air. The conch shell which is blown at the beginning of the ceremony is the symbol of ether or space. The conch shell also contains water, the fourth element.
The arti lamp is associated with the fifth element, fire. During the service, the arti lamp is moved in a circular, clockwise motion in front of the statues of the gods whilst a prayer is recited. The arti lamp is then taken round the worshippers who hold their hands over the flames and then pass them over their forehead and hair. Thus they symbolically receive God's blessing and power. The circular motion of the lamp represents the cyclical nature of creation, perfection and endless power. Lighting the lamp and waving it gently symbolises the desire to seek enlightenment.
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