Shirdi Sai Baba Arati
Arti (also spelled arati and aarti) (Sanskrit: Ārātrika, Hindi: Ārtī) is part of a Hindu ritual of worship symbolizing love towards divinity. The term is derived from the Sanskrit word, aratrika, which refers to the light that removes ratri, or “darkness.”
The aarti ceremony is said to have descended from the ancient Vedic period which means “Aart- Nivaran” means the removal of sorrows or “Aa + rati” meaning complete love towards God. It is sung and performed with a deep sense of gratitude and love.
Arathi was first offered to Baba on December 10, 1910 in Chavadi by devotee Bapusaheb Jog and was composed by another devotee Bhishm. Since the tradition started in Baba’s physical presence and was personally blessed by Baba, the Arathi of Baba has become an important part of the prayer services offered to Shirdi Sai Baba around the world.
Find below an English translation of the same for the benefit of English speaking audience. The original arathi was written in Marathi and has since been translated into many languages. In Temples and formal settings, the Marathi version is used during prayers.
Oh Sai Baba, we wave lights before You, the bestower of happiness to the Jivas.
Give us – Your servants and devotees rest under the dust of Your feet.
Burning (destroying) desire, You remain absorbed in Your Self and show the Lord (God) to the aspirants.
As one feels intently, You give him experiences or realizations accordingly.
Oh kind-hearted, Your power is such!
Meditation on Your name removes our fear of the samsar.
Your method of work is really unfathomable as You always help the poor and helpless.
In this Kali age, You – the all-pervasive Datta, have really incarnated as Saguna Brahma.
Ward off the fear of samsar of the devotees who come to You every Thursday so as to enable them to see the feet of the Lord.
Oh! God of Gods, I pray that let my treasure be the service of Your feet.
Feed Madhav and (you should utter your name here) with happiness as the cloud feeds the Chatak bird with pure water and thus keep up Your Word.
Amen !