Aarti and Homa: Chuttuvilakku (Vishnu)

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 Vishnu.

What is the importance of Lord Vishnu?

Lord Vishnu is the God of preservation, the one who protects and sustains the universe. One among the holy trinity of supreme Gods, he is said to be the physical manifestation of spiritual consciousness. He guards all the living beings on Earth and can bless the devotees with long lives, prosperity, peace, happiness and success. This Lord remains the presiding deity of this Chuttu Vilakku worship.

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. This ceremony is performed as part of the rituals involving homas (fire labs) and aartis (light offerings).

Performing this worship and offering sincere prayers to Lord Vishnu can get for the devotees his divine blessings and protection, and can help in their overall welfare and all-around success.