Arathi to Swamiji on Mt. Baldy

An arathi is "a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Arathi also refers to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when lamps are being offered" (Aarti). In this case, the arathi is to the Swamiji, Sri Paramahamsa Nithyananda.

A puja is "the act of showing reverence to a god, a spirit, or another aspect of the divine through invocations, prayers, songs, and rituals. An essential part of puja for the Hindu devotee is making a spiritual connection with the divine. Most often the contact is facilitated through an object: an element of nature, a sculpture, a vessel, a painting, or a print" (Puja | What is puja?). In this case a picture is turned into a statue of sorts to which the devotees show reverence. "During puja an image or other symbol of the god serves as a means of gaining access to the divine. This icon is not the deity itself; rather, it is believed to be filled with the deity's cosmic energy. It is a focal point for honoring and communitcating with the god. For the devout Hindu, the icon's artistic merit is important, but is secondary to its spiritual content. The objects are created as receptacles for spiritual energy that allows the devotee to experience direct communication with his or her gods" (Puja | What is puja?). 

A Swami, or Swamiji, "is an ascetic or yogi who has been initiated into the religious monastic order, founded by some religious teacher..... The usage of this word is not just for a yogi but also used for a religious guru, with or without disciples" (Swami).

Works Cited

"Aarti." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2017.

"Puja | What is puja?" Puja | What is puja? N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2017.

"Swami." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2017.