Aarti and Homa: Chuttuvilakku (Ayyappa)

What are homas and aartis?

A homa is a Fire Lab. This is also known as a Yagna or Fire Ritual. Enlightened Masters consider this ritual to be the most evolved spiritual technology on the planet. Fire is chosen as the medium for this ritual, as it is considered a purifying and transforming agent, a form of energy that helps us connect with the divine. Fire acts as the bridge between the gross material world and the subtle spiritual dimensions. The Fire Lab is a sophisticated use of fire, and acting as a multi-dimensional communication technology, it is used to invoke different aspects of divine consciousness known as Archetypes or Gods, Goddesses and Angels.

Archetypes exist internally as dormant potential within our psychophysical system, as well as externally as supernatural beings with whom our prophets, seers and mystics from every religion were in contact. Every one of them has unique abilities that can transform our reality in profound ways. A homa, or Fire Lab, is the most effective way to access them.

An aarti is an important religious ritual in which a traditional light or flame is shown (that is, offered to a deity). An aarti can be lit in a wick soaked in oil or ghee, or by lighting camphor. Any ceremonious or organized worship normally ends with a holy aarti, where the lighted flame is shown to the altar as a final offering for invoking the deity’s blessings. It is then presented to the devotees for their acceptance of the divine grace.

What is a Chuttu Vilakku?

The Malayalam word “chuttu” means “surround,” and a vilakku is a lamp. Chuttu Vilakku denotes the traditional oil or ghee lamps that are lit all around the temple, especially all along the outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum.

Here, lighting of a Chuttu Vilakku is done for Lord Ayyappa.

Who is Lord Ayyappa and what is his importance?

Ayyappa or Ayyappan is a unique God who is said to be born out the spiritual union of the great Gods Shiva and Vishnu. Also called Dharma Sastha, he holds great significance and wields tremendous powers, and his grace is especially capable of mitigating the ill effects of the feared planet Saturn.

How is the Chuttu Vilakku worship done and what are the benefits of doing it?

In this worship, a large number of Chuttu Vilakkus are lighted all along the outer walls surrounding the temple or shrine. These worships are performed as part of the rituals involving homas (fire labs) and aartis (light offerings).

This ritual shall please the Lord and get his blessings for the devotees. This can help to provide protection against various negativities, especially against the malefic effects of Shani, the planet Saturn, and can brighten up their lives.