Description
Twilight Service (Arati) to Sri Ramakrishna
The Twilight Service, or Sandhya Arati, is a devotional ritual performed at dusk to honor and worship Sri Ramakrishna, the great 19th-century saint and spiritual teacher. This daily ceremony is filled with deep reverence, devotion, and spiritual ambiance.
As evening falls and the day’s activities come to a close, devotees gather in a serene and sacred atmosphere. The service usually begins around 6:00 p.m. or sunset, depending on the season.
Sequence of the Arati:
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Bell and Conch Sound:
The service begins with the sounding of the conch (shankha) and bell, signifying the transition from the day to the spiritual stillness of evening. -
Lighting of the Arati Lamp:
A multi-wick oil lamp (arati lamp) is lit and waved in circular motions before the image of Sri Ramakrishna, accompanied by devotional music. The light symbolizes the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the offering of our hearts to the Divine. -
Singing of the Arati Hymn:
The main Arati hymn, “Khandana Bhava–Bandhana”, composed by Swami Vivekananda, is sung with devotion. It hails Sri Ramakrishna as the destroyer of worldly bondage and the liberator of souls.“Khandana Bhava–Bandhana, Jaga-Vandana, Vandanamātra…”
(Breaker of this world’s chain, we adore you, we bow to you…) -
Offering of Incense and Flowers:
Incense sticks are waved and flowers are offered as symbols of purity, devotion, and surrender. -
Chanting and Bhajans:
Devotional songs (bhajans) and chants follow, often including hymns to Holy Mother Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and other deities or saints. -
Circumambulation:
Devotees may walk around the shrine or altar in pradakshina (clockwise circumambulation) with folded hands, symbolizing reverence and surrender. -
Silent Meditation:
The service usually concludes with a period of silent meditation, allowing devotees to absorb the spiritual vibrations and connect inwardly with the divine presence.
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