Karpoor Āraŧī, कर्पूर आरती
It is a San'skṛiŧ shlok (from Yajurveđ) dedicated to the deity Bhav (Shiv). It is traditionally sung at the end of most pujas or after other (generally bigger) Āraŧī/s.
It is popularly called Karpūr (Karpoor) Āraŧī as it is a tradition to ignite karpūr (Camphor) and take three complete turns (toward the right, i.e. clockwise as seen from above) while reciting this.
For those learning Hinđī
* For correct pronunciation -
'हृदयारविन्दे' is shown as 'ह्रिदयारविन्दे' above.
For those using the Latin alphabet
karpūragaoram karuṇāvaŧāram।
san'sārasāram bhujagenđrahāram।
sađā-vasanŧam hṛiđayāravinđe।
Bhavam-Bhavānī-sahiŧam namāmi।।
The above text is formatted using the Nīrajā-Latin transliteration scheme which is being developed by Akhilesh N.S. Gupta. Click here to type in ĐevaNāgarī and you will get transliterated Nīrajā-Latin text.
For common Hinđī speakers — pronunciation-oriented form
कर्पूरगौरम् करुणावतारम्।
संसारसारम् भुजगेन्द्रहारम्।।
सदा-वसन्तम् हृदयारविन्दे।
भवम्-भवानी-सहितम् नमामि।।
San'skṛiŧ speakers — the original form
कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं।
संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारं।।
सदावसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे।
भवं-भवानी-सहितं नमामि।।
Sanđhī
करुणावतार = करुणा+अवतार
भुजगेन्द्र = भुजग+इन्द्र
हृदयारविन्द = हृदय+अरविन्द
Translation/meaning
White* (गौर) like camphor (कर्पूर), an incarnation (अवतार; Avatār) of compassion (करुणा),
core-or-essence (सार) of the world (संसार), having serpent (भुजग) - king (इन्द्र) as his garland (हार)
always (सदा) residing (वसन्त) in the lotus (अरविन्द) of the heart (हृदय)
I/we bow (नमामि) to Bhav (भव; Shiv) & Bhavāni (भवानी; Bhav's wife) together (सहित).
* Some of the Hinđū Gods were of dark complexion while some were described as white (fair).
Symbolism of Camphor
Camphor, known as "karpoor" in San'skṛiŧ, holds a special place in Hinđū rituals. It is a white, crystalline substance that burns completely without leaving any residue. This property makes it a potent symbol of selflessness and purity. The burning of camphor represents the burning away of ego, desires, and ignorance in the light of spiritual knowledge. Just as camphor disappears completely when it burns, devotees are reminded that they too should dissolve their ego and pride in their devotion to God.
Sometimes the Āraŧī is also an opportunity for devotees to see the deity as the flame illuminates the idol or image in a dimly lit temple.
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