Arthi (Balmiki)

The word also refers to the traditional devotional song that is sung during the ritual. Arthi is performed and sung to develop the highest love for God as incarnated in the person of Valmiki.

Arthi is generally performed daily, and usually at the end of a pooja, bhajan session, or after reading the Ramayana in the Ashram. It is performed during almost all Balmiki ceremonies and occasions. It involves the circulating of an Arthi plate in front of the moorti of Valmiki and is accompanied by the Balmiki Arthi song. The poojari circulates the plate to all those present. They cup their down-turned hands over the flame and then raise their palms to their forehead - the purificatory blessing, passed from Valmiki's image to the flame, has now been passed to the devotee.[1]

The arthi plate is generally made of metal, usually silver, bronze or copper. On it must repose a lamp made of kneaded flour, mud or metal, filled with oil or ghee. A cotton wick is put into the oil and then lighted, or camphor is burnt instead. The plate also contains flowers, incense and akshata.[2]