Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaoon,
Hey Giridhar Teri Aarti Gaoon ।
Aarti Gaoon Pyare Aapako Rijhaoon,
Shyam Sundar Teri Aarti Gaoon ।
॥ Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaoon, he giridhar teree Aarti Gaoon ॥
Mor Mukut Pyare Sheesh Pe Sohe,
Pyari Bansi Mero Man Mohe ।
Dekh Chhavi Balihari Main Jaoon ।
॥ Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaoon, he giridhar teree Aarti Gaoon ॥
Charanon Se Nikali Ganga Pyari,
Jisane Sari Duniya Tari ।
Main Un Charanon Ke Darshan Paoon ।
॥ Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaoon, he giridhar teree Aarti Gaoon ॥
Das Anath Ke Nath Aap Ho,
Duhkh-Sukh Jeevan Pyare Sath Aap Ho ।
Hari Charanon Mein Sheesh Jhukaoon ।
॥ Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaoon, he giridhar teree Aarti Gaoon ॥
Shri Haridas Ke Pyare Tum Ho,
Mere Mohan Jeevan Dhan Ho ।
Dekh Yugal Chhavi Bali-Bali Jaoon ।
॥ Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaoon, he giridhar teree Aarti Gaoon ॥
Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaoon,
Hey Giridhar Teri Aarti Gaoon ।
Aarti Gaoon Pyare Aapako Rijhaoon,
॥ Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaoon, he giridhar teree Aarti Gaoon ॥
The Significance of the Shri Banke Bihari Aarti
- This Aarti symbolizes devotion, love, and surrender.
- It is believed that performing this Aarti invokes the special grace of Lord Krishna.
- In Vrindavan, the Aarti for Banke Bihari Ji is not performed on a rigid, regular schedule like in other temples—this reflects His divine Lilas (playful pastimes) and His mood of divine repose.
- Having a Darshan (sacred sighting) of the Lord during the Aarti is considered extremely auspicious and a rare privilege.
Method for Performing the Aarti
A simple method for performing the Aarti at home or in a temple:
- First, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Place an idol or picture of Lord Krishna (or Banke Bihari Ji) at your place of worship.
- Light a *Diya* (lamp—using ghee or oil) and light incense sticks (Agarbatti or Dhup).
- Offer flowers, *Makhan-Mishri* (butter and rock sugar), and *Tulsi* (Holy Basil) leaves.
- While ringing a bell, sing the Aarti with deep reverence:
“Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki…” - Finally, distribute the Prasad (sacred food offering) and meditate upon the Lord.
Benefits of Performing the Aarti
- Fulfillment of Wishes: Desires are fulfilled when the Aarti is performed with a sincere heart.
- Mental Peace: It brings peace of mind and positive energy.
- Happiness and Prosperity at Home: It fosters love and happiness within the family.
- Removal of Negative Energy: It dispels negativity from the home environment.
- Growth in Devotion: It strengthens one's love and faith in the Lord.
Auspicious Timings (Best Time)
- Morning (Mangala Aarti Time): Around sunrise.
- Evening: After sunset.
- Special Days:
- Janmashtami
- Radhashtami
- Ekadashi and Purnima (Full Moon days)
At the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, the Mangala Aarti is performed only on special occasions; therefore, [one should make the most of] these days its significance is further enhanced.
The Aarti of Shri Banke Bihari Ji is not merely a ritual of worship, but rather an experience of love, bliss, and devotion. If you perform this Aarti regularly and with reverence, happiness, peace, and spiritual growth are certain to be attained in your life.