Aarti, Puja and Archana: What They Mean and What to Expect

Temple notice boards and websites in the US are full of words that can be unfamiliar: aarti, abhishekam, archana, homam. This guide explains the most common ones so you can read a temple schedule with confidence.

Puja

Puja is the general word for worship. It can be as simple as offering a flower and a prayer, or a long ceremony led by a priest with chanting, offerings and music. When a temple lists "puja timings", it usually means the times when priests perform worship at the main shrines.

Aarti

Aarti (also written arati) is one of the most recognizable temple rituals. A priest waves a lamp, usually with ghee or camphor flames, in circles in front of the deity while devotees sing a devotional song and ring bells. It typically lasts a few minutes.

Many North Indian style mandirs hold aarti in the morning and again in the evening. If a temple lists an "evening aarti" time, arriving ten minutes early is a good way to see the temple at its liveliest.

After the aarti, the lamp is often carried among the people present. Devotees pass their palms over the flame and then touch their eyes or head, as a way of receiving the blessing.

Archana

Archana is a short, personal prayer performed by a priest on behalf of a devotee or family. The priest chants the names of the deity and often includes the family's names and, in some traditions, their birth star (nakshatra) and lineage (gotra). Archana is common in South Indian temples and is usually requested at the temple counter for a small donation.

Abhishekam

Abhishekam is the ritual bathing of the deity with sacred substances such as water, milk, yogurt, honey and sandalwood paste, accompanied by chanting. It is often performed on specific weekdays or festival days and can be one of the most beautiful ceremonies to watch.

Homam or havan

A homam (also called havan or yajna) is a fire ritual. Offerings such as ghee and grains are placed into a sacred fire while mantras are chanted. Homams are often held for special occasions, festivals or on behalf of families.

Bhajan and kirtan

Bhajans and kirtans are devotional songs, often sung as a group with harmonium, tabla and cymbals. Many US temples host weekly bhajan evenings that visitors are welcome to join.

Satsang

A satsang is a gathering for spiritual discussion, chanting or a talk. Some temples hold satsangs in English as well as Indian languages.

Booking a service

Most temples let you book services such as archana, abhishekam or a home puja through the front office, by phone, or on their website. Suggested donation amounts are usually listed. If you are not sure what you need, explain the occasion, such as a birthday, a new car or a housewarming, and the temple staff will suggest the right service.

Reading a temple schedule

• Morning and evening aarti: daily, short, open to all
• Abhishekam: specific days, often weekends
• Archana: on request during open hours
• Bhajans or satsang: usually weekly, often on weekends

Timings vary from temple to temple, and they change on festival days, so always check with the temple before planning around a specific ceremony.