Aarti and Prayers
A simple guide to daily worship at home. Use the tradition your family already follows.
Daily puja at home
Prepare
Clean the altar, light a diya or ghee lamp, and light an agarbatti. Keep water, flowers and a bell ready.
Invoke
Sit calmly, ring the bell, and offer a short prayer of intent, such as asking for health and peace for the family.
Aarti
Move the lamp in a clockwise circle in front of the deity while singing the aarti. Then offer the lamp to family members to take the warmth with their hands.
Close
Offer prasad (sweets or fruit), then bow with folded hands and ring the bell once more.
Commonly recited prayers
Hanuman Chalisa
Forty verses by Tulsidas praising Lord Hanuman. Often recited on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and during difficult times.
Gayatri Mantra
A Vedic verse of prayer for wisdom and clarity, traditionally recited at sunrise and sunset.
Ganesha and Lakshmi aarti
Sung at the start of most pujas (Ganesha) and on festival evenings (Lakshmi).
Full song texts and audio will be added with their published sources. Check the wording with your family or temple, since versions differ by region.