आरती · Ganesha
Ganesh Aarti
जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा
The Ganesh Aarti, beginning with "Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva," is perhaps the most universally sung Aarti in the Hindu tradition. Lord Ganesha is always worshipped first before any deity or at the beginning of any auspicious undertaking, and this Aarti captures that primacy with joyful devotion. Sung with ringing bells and lit lamps, this Aarti is performed at the conclusion of Ganesh Puja and is central to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across India.
Hindi · 7 stanzas
Frequently Asked Questions about Ganesh Aarti
What is the significance of the Ganesh Aarti?
The Ganesh Aarti is one of the most beloved devotional rituals in Hinduism. Singing it is considered an act of devotion that invokes Lord Ganesha's presence and blessings. Since Ganesha is worshipped first before all other deities and before any auspicious undertaking, his Aarti is often the first ritual of every puja. It is believed to remove obstacles, bring auspiciousness, and fill the home with divine joy.
When is the best time to perform the Ganesh Aarti?
The Ganesh Aarti can be performed during any puja session, but the most auspicious times are at dawn (Brahma Muhurta), after bathing in the morning, and in the evening before sunset. Wednesday (Budhwar) is the day dedicated to Ganesha, making it ideal for a more elaborate Ganesh Puja and Aarti. The Aarti is also essential during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
What happens during Ganesh Chaturthi and why is Aarti important?
Ganesh Chaturthi is the grand ten-day festival celebrating Lord Ganesha's birth, observed on the fourth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). During this festival, large Ganesha idols are installed in homes and public pandals, and elaborate daily pujas and Aartis are performed twice a day — in the morning and evening. On the last day (Anant Chaturdashi), the idols are immersed in water with great celebration.
Why is Ganesha worshipped before all other deities?
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Shiva declared that Ganesha should always be worshipped first before any ritual, ceremony, or auspicious undertaking. This was confirmed when Ganesha won a divine competition by cleverly circumambulating his parents (Shiva and Parvati), representing the entire universe, rather than going around the physical world. As the god of beginnings and remover of obstacles, his blessing is essential for the success of any endeavor.
What items are needed to perform the Ganesh Aarti?
To perform the Ganesh Aarti, you need: a clean thali (plate) with a lit diya (ghee or camphor lamp), incense sticks, flowers (especially red or yellow flowers), a bell, modaka sweets or other naivedya (food offerings), and fresh water. An idol or picture of Lord Ganesha should be placed in the puja area. The Aarti is performed by waving the lamp in a clockwise circular motion while singing the Aarti song and ringing the bell.