Closed Eyes During Aarti: Is it right or wrong to close your eyes during Aarti?
Is it right or wrong to close your eyes during Aarti: Aarti is a very emotional and powerful phase of the worship system of Hinduism. At this time, the devotee worships his deity with devotion in the melodious rhythm of lamp, incense, camphor, flowers and bhajan. During Aarti , some people close their eyes and immerse themselves in inner devotion, while some devotees keep looking at the idol of God with open eyes. The question arises whether it is appropriate to close eyes while performing Aarti?
from the perspective of scriptures
In Hindu scriptures, there is a mention of “Pratyaksha Kim Pramanam”, which means that direct darshan is also proof. It is mentioned in Skanda Purana and Padma Purana that by seeing the idol of God during Aarti, one gets many times more merits. Seeing the idol at this time is not just a process of the eyes, but also a moment of connection with the soul. Therefore, by closing the eyes, the benefit of that divine experience may remain incomplete.
Spiritual experience
Some devotees close their eyes in emotion during the Aarti. This is an expression of their inner journey where they want to experience the deity in their mind rather than the external image. This may be a sign of a high level of devotion, but giving up darshan in a visual ritual like Aarti sometimes limits the spiritual connection.
Scientific Analysis
When the light of the lamp and the sound of the bells affect our senses, they generate a positive neurological response in the brain. This process works to bring the mind into a state of peace, energy and meditation. When we close our eyes, we are unable to take advantage of all these visual effects.
Keeping eyes open during Aarti is considered more effective from all three perspectives – scriptures, science and devotion. It creates a beautiful coordination of vision and devotion. However, if a devotee closes his eyes from within, then that too is not wrong. But to get the benefit of the complete Aarti, the best way is to worship God while seeing Him.
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