Arathi is sung and performed at the end of each darshan in Prasanthi Nilayam, while a camphor flame is waved in a slow circle, facing Bhagawan. Arathi is a Hindu ritual in which a flame is offered to the Lord at the conclusion of the prayer or devotional singing (bhajan) session. It is offered to Sri Sathya Sai Baba in many Sai Centres around the world. Sri Sathya Sai Baba explains the significance of this ritual:
The waving of the camphor flame at the end of the bhajan sessions is to remind you that your sensual cravings must be burnt away without leaving any trace behind, and you must offer yourself to God for being merged with His Glory.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sep 8, 1966.
External show is not important. Devotion (bhakti) does not consist of having a photo for worship and giving it Arathi every day or shouting Baba, Baba. True devotion means that there is a transformation in your behaviour. God is within you, around you, and in you. He is omnipresent. Recognising this truth, you must arrive at the result that you and God are one.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Summer Showers 1978
Camphor when lit, burns itself out completely without leaving any residue. It represents our inherent tendencies (vaasanas). When lit by the fire of knowledge which illumines the Lord (Truth), our vaasanas thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of ego which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate from the Lord.
Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of Lord, it emits a pleasant perfume even while it sacrifices itself. In our spiritual progress, even as we serve God and society, we should willingly sacrifice ourselves and all we have, to spread the “perfume” of love to all.
The waving of the flame is accompanied by a prayer which may be sung in Sanskrit or in the language of the country. Prior to the lighting of the flame, it is the practice in some Sai Centers to share the following message, as a reminder of the significance of this ritual and of the very reason for human birth:
Oh Lord, make my life as pure, as fragrant and as transparent as the camphor.
Let my life be like the Arathi flame scattering light and love to all around me.
And at the end of it all, just as the camphor leaves no ash or residue,
let there be nothing left of me to render me liable to another sojourn of life amidst pleasure and pain.
Sanskrit Version
Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey
Swami Sathya Sai Harey
Bhaktha Jana Samrakshaka
Bhaktha Jana Samrakshaka
Parthi Maheshwara
Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey
Victory to Lord of Universe, Lord Sathya Sai, Who destroys grief, evil, and miseries of life and Who guards and protects devotees. Victory to Lord of Lords - Lord of Parthi
Sashi Vadhana Sree Karaa Sarva Praana Pathey,
Swami Sarva Praana Pathey
Aasritha Kalpa Latheeka
Aasritha Kalpa Latheeka
Aapadh Baandhavaa
Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey
O Graceful and Charming as a full moon! O Auspicious One! O Lord Sai! Thou art the Indweller and life-force of all Beings; the wish-fulfilling divine creeper to those who have surrendered to Thee; and kinsman, protector, and friend in times of distress and calamities. Victory to Lord of Universe.
Maatha Pitha Guru Dhaivamu Mari Anthayu Neevey
Swami Mari Anthayu Neevey
Naadha Brahma Jagan Naatha
Naadha Brahma Jagan Naatha
Naagendra Shayanaa
Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey
O Lord Sai! Thou art Mother, Father, noble Teacher, Supreme Divinity, and everything to us. O Lord Universe! Thou art Primeval Sound and art inclined on coiled serpent.
Omkaara Roopa Ojaswi Om Saayi Mahadeva
Sathya Saayi Mahadeva
Mangala Aarathi Anduko
Mangala Aarathi Anduko
Mandhara Giridhari
Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey
O Splendorous One! O Lord of Lords -- Lord Sai! Thy Form is Pranava. We pray Thee to accept the auspicious waving of flame of light (signifying the removal of ignorance). Victory to Thee, O Lord of Universe, Resident of Mandhar mountain - Lord Giridhari.
[Sing the following three times, each time at a faster pace than the previous one]
Narayana Narayana Om
Sathya Narayana Narayana Narayana Om
Narayana Narayana Om
Sathya Narayana Narayana Om
Sathya Narayana Narayana Om
Om Jai Sad Guru Devaa
Chant the name of Lord Sathya Sai Narayana, Whose Form is Pranava. Victory to Noble Teacher and Supreme Lord Sai, Sathya Sai.
English Version 1
All praise to You, Lord of the Worlds
Swami Sathya Sai, our Lord
You protect devotees who cling to You
Show Your mercy to us who sing to You
Knowing You are God in human form
All praise to You, Lord of the Worlds
With captivating grace and loveliness
You do everything to bring us happiness
You're aware of all through infinite consciousness
You are master of every living thing
For devotees You're wish-fulfilling
Helping us when we are in distress
All praise to You, Lord of the Worlds
Mother, Father, Teacher and Lord
You remind us there is only one, not two
Swami, there is truly no one else but You
Master of creation, You are adored
People of all nations are striving toward
Realization of our true reward
Our unity with You, Lord of the Worlds
You are the Word of God, pure and bright
The embodiment of all true and right
Sathya Sai, fill our hearts with pure delight
Do accept our prayer and heed us
From darkness we can't bear please lead us
With Your might You make our burdens light
All praise to You, Lord of the Worlds
Narayana Narayana Om, Sathya
Narayana Narayana Narayana Om
Narayana Narayana Om, Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om, Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om
All praise to our Teacher Divine
English Version 2
The Lord of the Universe is here
Swami Sathya Sai is here
Come to save devotees everywhere
Come to bless His children everywhere
Born at Puttaparthi
The Lord of the Universe is here
Calm and tranquil like the moon
Shining with Divine inner light
Filling all with Bliss at His sight
He is always serving those in need
Answering the prayers of devotees
Giving Grace to you and me
The Lord of the Universe is here
Sai You are Guru, God, and Self
Mother You are everything to us
Father You are everything to us
You are the Divine Primal Energy
Manifest as all that we ever see
You are the One Reality
The Lord of the Universe is here
Sai with the sacred form of Om
Universal radiance Divine
Please accept this offering of mine
The flame of love that burns within my heart
Meaning we can never be apart
You and I are ever One
The Lord of the Universe is here.
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om
The Lord of the Universe is here.
Spanish Version
Gloria a Ti, mi Señor,
hacedor de toda la vida.
Como la luna tranquila, con Tu dulzura iluminas,
la luz de nuestro corazón. Gloria a Ti mi Señor.
Eres Padre y Madre de la alegría,
el Señor de toda armonía,
el Señor de toda armonía,
mi Dios, mi Maestro y mi Guía,
mi Dios, mi Maestro y mi Guía.
El néctar de la compasión.
Gloria a ti mi Señor.
Manantial de gracia y consuelo,
Eres el Padre Supremo,
eres el Padre Supremo,
que nos envuelve en su juego,
que nos envuelve en su juego.
Eres nuestro protector.
Gloria a Ti mi Señor.
Salvador de los afligidos,
ante Tus Pies nos rendimos,
ante Tus Pies nos rendimos,
y con amor Te pedimos,
y con amor Te pedimos,
que nos des Tu bendición,
Oh, mi Dulcísimo Señor.
Alabado seas Señor,
alabado seas mi Señor,
te entrego todas mis faltas,
te entrego todas mis dudas,
para que Tú las consumas
en el puro fuego de tu amor.
Om Paz, Paz, Paz