ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा

When to sing: On Mondays, during Sawan, on Pradosh and on Maha Shivratri.

About Shiv Ji Ki Aarti

Om Jai Shiv Omkara is the aarti most families sing after Shiv puja: on Mondays, through the month of Sawan and all night on Maha Shivratri. Its words describe Shiva’s many forms and ornaments, and then reveal the deeper idea at its heart: that Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are three faces of the one sacred sound, Om.

Meaning of the aarti, verse by verse

Om Jai Shiv Omkara: Victory to Shiva, who is Omkara, the sacred sound Om. Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv, ardhangi dhara: Brahma, Vishnu and Sadashiv are one in you, who hold Parvati as half of your own body.

Ekanan chaturanan panchanan raje: You appear with one face (as Vishnu), four faces (as Brahma) and five faces (as Shiva). Hansasan Garudasan vrishvahan saje: Seated on the swan, on Garuda, and riding the bull Nandi.

Do bhuj char chaturbhuj dasbhuj ati sohe: With two arms, four arms and ten arms you look magnificent. Trigun roop nirakhte tribhuvan jan mohe: Seeing your form of the three qualities, the people of all three worlds are enchanted.

Akshmala vanmala mundmala dhari: You wear a rosary of rudraksha, a garland of forest flowers and a garland of skulls. Tripurari Kansari kar mala dhari: As destroyer of Tripura and of Kansa, you hold a mala in your hand.

Shvetambar pitambar baaghambar ange: White garments, yellow garments and a tiger skin adorn your body. Sanakadik Garunadik bhootadik sange: Sages like Sanaka, Garuda and the bhoot-ganas accompany you.

Kar ke madhya kamandalu chakra trishooldhari: In your hands are the water-pot, the discus and the trident. Sukhkari dukhhari jagpalan kari: You bring happiness, remove sorrow and protect the world.

Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv janat aviveka: The unwise think Brahma, Vishnu and Sadashiv are separate. Pranavakshar mein shobhit ye teenon eka: But in the syllable Om all three shine as one.

Trigunswami ji ki aarti jo koi nar gaave: Whoever sings this aarti of the Lord of the three qualities, Kahat Shivanand Swami, manvanchhit phal paave: says Swami Shivanand, receives what the heart desires.

How to do Shiv aarti at home

1. After offering water, bel patra and flowers to the Shivling, light a ghee diya or camphor on the aarti thali.
2. Stand with the family and ring a bell softly as you begin.
3. Circle the thali clockwise before Shiva while singing all the verses.
4. Conch or damru sounds are traditional at the end, if you have them.
5. Take the aarti’s warmth with your palms to your eyes and forehead, and share the prasad.

Read our guide to Lord Shiva, his symbols and his special days, and explore the 12 Jyotirlingas, his holiest temples.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the most popular Shiv aarti?

Om Jai Shiv Omkara is the most widely sung Shiv aarti in North India. It praises Shiva as Omkara, the sacred sound Om, in whom Brahma, Vishnu and Sadashiv are one.

When should Shiv aarti be sung?

Shiv aarti is sung after the morning or evening puja, especially on Mondays, every day of the holy month of Sawan, on Pradosh and on Maha Shivratri.

Who wrote Om Jai Shiv Omkara?

The last verse names "Shivanand Swami", so the aarti is traditionally attributed to him. Little else is known about the author, and the aarti has been passed down in homes and temples for generations.