Aarti is derived from the Sanskrit word
ārātrika (आरात्रिक), which means something that removes rātrī, darkness. Aarti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals, or homa.
In the traditional aarti ceremony, the flower represents the earth (solidity), the water and accompanying handkerchief correspond with the water element (liquidity), the lamp or candle represents the fire component (heat), the peacock fan conveys the precious quality of air (movement), and the yak-tail fan represents the subtle form of ether (space).
The incense represents a purified state of mind, and one’s "intelligence" is offered through the adherence to rules of timing and order of offerings. Thus, one’s entire existence and all facets of material creation are symbolically offered to the Lord via the Aarti ceremony.
