ॐ जय जगदीश हरे

When to sing: At the end of almost any puja, and especially on Thursdays and Ekadashi.

About Om Jai Jagdish Hare

If there is one aarti that brings a whole Hindu family together, it is Om Jai Jagdish Hare. It is sung at the end of Satyanarayan Katha, at the close of Diwali puja, in temples at sunset and in homes before dinner. Many people who do not know any other prayer by heart know this one.

The aarti was written around 1870 by Pandit Shardha Ram Phillauri of Punjab. It speaks to God as Jagdish, the Lord of the whole world, which is why it is sung at almost every puja, whether the day’s worship is for Vishnu, Krishna, Lakshmi or Satyanarayan.

Meaning of the aarti, verse by verse

Om Jai Jagdish Hare: Victory to you, O Lord of the world, O Hari. Bhakt janon ke sankat, kshan mein door kare: You remove your devotees’ troubles in an instant.

Jo dhyave phal pave, dukh binse man ka: Whoever meditates on you receives the fruit, and the sorrow of the mind is destroyed. Sukh sampati ghar aave, kasht mite tan ka: Happiness and prosperity come home, and the pain of the body ends.

Maat pita tum mere, sharan gahun main kiski: You are my mother and father; whose shelter else should I seek? Tum bin aur na dooja, aas karun main jiski: there is no one but you in whom I can place my hope.

Tum pooran Parmatma, tum Antaryami: You are the complete Supreme Soul, the one who knows what is within every heart. Parabrahm Parmeshwar, tum sab ke Swami: You are the Supreme Brahman, the Supreme Lord, the master of all.

Tum karuna ke sagar, tum palankarta: You are an ocean of compassion and the one who sustains us. Main sevak tum swami, kripa karo bharta: I am your servant and you are my master; have mercy on me, O Lord.

Tum ho ek agochar, sabke pranpati: You are the One beyond the senses, the lord of every life. Kis vidhi miloon dayamay, tumko main kumati: O merciful one, how can a foolish person like me reach you?

Deenbandhu dukhharta, Thakur tum mere: Friend of the humble, remover of sorrow, you are my Lord and protector. Apne haath uthao, dwaar pada tere: Raise your hand in blessing; I lie at your door.

Vishay vikaar mitao, paap haro Deva: Remove my cravings and faults, and take away my sins, O Lord. Shraddha bhakti badhao, santan ki seva: Increase my faith and devotion, and my service to the good.

When and how to sing it

Sing it at the end of your puja, standing, while one person circles the aarti thali with a ghee diya or camphor. It is especially sung on Thursdays, on Ekadashi, during Satyanarayan Katha and at the close of Diwali Lakshmi puja.

Read more about Lord Vishnu and his avatars, or about Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, his most famous shrine.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Om Jai Jagdish Hare?

The aarti was written around 1870 by Pandit Shardha Ram Phillauri, a scholar and writer from Phillaur in Punjab. It spread so widely that many people today think of it as an ancient folk hymn.

Which god is Om Jai Jagdish Hare sung for?

It is addressed to Lord Vishnu as Jagdish, "Lord of the World". Because it praises the supreme God in simple, universal words, it is sung at the end of almost any puja in North India, whichever deity is being worshipped.

When should Om Jai Jagdish Hare be sung?

It is sung at the end of morning and evening puja, on Thursdays and Ekadashi, during Satyanarayan Katha, and at the close of most family and community pujas.