Lord Shiva
Shiv Aarti
The Shiv Aarti, often known by its opening words "Om Jai Shiv Omkara", is the traditional song of praise sung to Lord Shiva at the close of his puja.
- Type
- Traditional devotional aarti
- Language
- Hindi
- Traditional times
- Mondays, Shravan, Pradosh and Mahashivratri
- Time to sing
- About 5 minutes
About the Shiv Aarti
It is sung while a lit lamp is waved before the Shivling or a picture of Lord Shiva, usually at the end of an abhishek or Monday puja. Families sing slightly different versions, so follow the one your family or pandit uses.
Meaning
The aarti praises Lord Shiva in his many forms, together with Brahma and Vishnu, and as the one who holds the world together. Singing it together closes the puja with devotion and gratitude.
Full text
Source: Traditional aarti; version to be confirmed
When to recite
- At the end of a Shiva puja or abhishek.
- Mondays, the month of Shravan, Pradosh days and Mahashivratri.
How to recite at home
- Light a ghee diya or camphor and keep a bell ready.
- Wave the lamp slowly in a clockwise circle before the Shivling or picture while the family sings.
- Share the prasad afterwards, as per your family custom.
Customs differ by region and family. Follow what your own family or guru teaches.
Traditional belief
- Traditionally sung to seek Lord Shiva's blessings.
- Closes the puja in a shared, joyful way.
A Shiva ritual at your home
A team of verified pandits chants the Rudri with abhishek of Lord Shiva and a havan.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Shiv Aarti sung?
At the end of a Shiva puja or abhishek, especially on Mondays, in Shravan, on Pradosh and on Mahashivratri.
Is the aarti the same in every family?
The core is the same, but words and tunes can differ a little by region and family.
Do I need a pandit?
Not for the aarti itself. For a Rudrabhishek or Laghu Rudra Yagna, a pandit or team of pandits conducts the ritual.