You’ve probably heard it a thousand times. The clanging of the bells, the smell of burning camphor, and that rhythmic, hypnotic chant: Om Jai Shiv Omkara. It is the heartbeat of every Hindu household on a Monday evening or during the chaos of Mahashivratri. But honestly, most of us just hum along to the tune without really looking at the aarti shiv ji ki lyrics to see what they’re actually saying.
It’s not just a song. It’s a dense, poetic map of Hindu philosophy.
If you look closely at the words penned by Swami Shivananda (the monk from Varanasi, not the yoga guru), you’ll find that this aarti isn't just about Shiva. It’s about the fact that everything in the universe is basically the same thing.
The Mystery of the Three Faces
There’s a specific line in the lyrics that always trips people up: Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Raje.
If you translate that literally, it’s talking about faces.
- Ekanan (One face): Referring to Lord Vishnu.
- Chaturanan (Four faces): Referring to Lord Brahma.
- Panchanan (Five faces): Referring to Lord Shiva himself.
Wait, why are Brahma and Vishnu in a Shiva aarti?
This is where the depth of the aarti shiv ji ki lyrics really kicks in. The hymn is trying to tell you that the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Destroyer aren't three separate guys living on different clouds. They are different "modes" of the same divine energy. The lyrics describe their vehicles too—the Swan (Brahma), Garuda (Vishnu), and Nandi the Bull (Shiva).
It’s a lesson in non-duality. The ignorant (aviveka) see them as separate, but the wise see them as one, beautifully fused into the syllable OM.
Breaking Down the Iconic Verses
Most people know the chorus, but the middle verses are where the imagery gets wild.
Do bhuj char chaturbhuj dashbhuj ati sohe.
This refers to the number of arms. Two for Brahma, four for Vishnu, and ten for Shiva (in his Dashabahu form). It’s meant to show the scale of his power.
Then you have the description of his "jewelry." While other gods wear gold and pearls, Shiva is out here wearing:
- Akshamala: A garland of Rudraksha beads.
- Vanamala: A garland of forest flowers.
- Mundamala: A garland of skulls.
It’s a bit metal, right? But the skulls represent the end of the ego and the cyclical nature of time. He’s also smeared with chandan (sandalwood) and mrigmad (musk), with a crescent moon tucked into his hair. It’s this contrast of the beautiful and the terrifying that makes Shiva so fascinating.
Aarti Shiv Ji Ki Lyrics: The Full Text
If you want to recite it properly, here are the standard lyrics used in most temples across India.
Jai Shiv Omkara, Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Brahma, Vishnu, Sadashiv, Ardhangi Dhara
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Raje
Hansanan Garudasan Vrishvahan Saje
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Do Bhuj Char Chaturbhuj Dasbhuj Ati Sohe
Trigun Roop Nirakhta Tribhuvan Jan Mohe
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Akshamaala Vanamaala Mundamaala Dhari
Tripurari Kansari Kar Maala Dhari
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Shvetambar Pitambar Baghambar Ange
Sanakadik Garunadik Bhootadik Sange
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Kar Ke Madhya Kamandalu Chakra Trishuladhari
Sukhkari Dukhhari Jagpalankari
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv Jaanat Aviveka
Pranavakshar Mein Shobhit Ye Teeno Eka
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Trigun Swami Ji Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gaave
Kahat Shivanand Swami Manvanchhit Phal Paave
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
Why We Use Camphor (Kapur)
Have you ever wondered why we burn camphor specifically for this aarti?
There’s a very cool symbolic reason. Camphor is unique because it burns completely. It doesn't leave behind any ash or residue. In the context of the aarti shiv ji ki lyrics, the camphor represents your ego. When you perform the aarti, the goal is for your ego to burn away entirely until there is nothing left but the light of the soul.
It’s sort of a "reset button" for your mental state.
How to Perform the Aarti at Home
You don't need a massive temple setup. Honestly, Shiva is known for being Bhole Nath—the simple one. He doesn't care about the fancy stuff.
- Timing: Most people do it in the evening (Sandhya), but Monday mornings are also big.
- The Tray: Use a small metal plate. Place a lamp with ghee or a piece of camphor in the center.
- The Motion: Move the plate in a circular, clockwise motion. Don't just wave it around; try to move it as if you are drawing the shape of the deity’s body with the light.
- The Sound: If you can't sing, just playing a recording of the lyrics works too. The vibration is what matters.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of your spiritual practice, don't just memorize the words.
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- Focus on the "Omkara": Before starting the aarti, chant 'OM' three times. It aligns your breathing and sets the tone.
- Learn one verse a week: Instead of rushing, focus on the meaning of one specific verse. For example, spend a week thinking about the Ardhanarishvara aspect (the union of Shiva and Shakti) mentioned in the first verse.
- Use a Ghee Lamp: If you find camphor too smoky, high-quality cow ghee is a traditional alternative that creates a very calming atmosphere.
By understanding the aarti shiv ji ki lyrics, you turn a routine ritual into a deep meditation. It stops being something you have to do and becomes something you want to experience.