How do we do ārati correctly — how many circles, and why camphor?

wave the lamp clockwise — a common pattern is 4 times at the feet, 2 at the navel, 1 at the face, then 7 around the whole form.

Ārati is the waving of light before the deity at the end of pūjā, often with a bell and a song such as “Om Jaya Jagadīśa Hare”. A widely taught pattern is four circles at the feet, two at the navel, one at the face, and seven around the whole form — but many families simply wave the lamp clockwise in circles or in the shape of “Om”. Both are accepted.

Camphor (karpūra) is loved for ārati because it burns brightly and leaves no residue, a symbol of the ego burning away completely in God’s light. Use pure, edible-grade (bhīmsenī) camphor if possible, on a small plate or stand, and keep it away from children and flammable things.

After ārati, the flame is offered to everyone present; people pass their palms over it and touch their eyes and head, taking in the blessing. Wash your hands before touching food afterwards if you handled camphor.

Common pattern: 4 feet, 2 navel, 1 face, 7 whole · Source: common temple and family practice

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