Shej Aarti Explained Step by Step – Meaning and Significance

Sai Baba of Shirdi introduced Shej Aarti as the final aarti of the day in Shirdi. Performed at night, Shej Aarti marks the symbolic rest of Sai Baba after a full day of devotion, service, and guidance.

For devotees, Shej Aarti is not just a ritual. It is a moment of deep emotional connection, gratitude, and surrender before ending the day.

What Is Shej Aarti

Shej Aarti is the night aarti offered to Sai Baba before he is symbolically put to rest. The word Shej means bed. This aarti represents the loving act of preparing Sai Baba to rest, just as a child is gently prepared for sleep.

It teaches devotees to end the day with peace, prayer, and trust.

When Shej Aarti Is Performed

Shej Aarti is performed late at night in Shirdi, after all other daily rituals are completed. It is the last aarti of the day and signals the closing of the temple for the night.

Spiritually, it represents letting go of the day’s worries and surrendering everything to Sai Baba before sleep.

Step 1: Preparing the Mind

Before Shej Aarti begins, devotees calm their minds and hearts. Silence and devotion fill the atmosphere. This step reminds devotees that prayer begins within, not outside.

The focus is on gratitude for the day that has passed.

Step 2: Gathering Before Sai Baba

Devotees gather before Sai Baba’s idol or photo. Lamps are lit, and the environment becomes serene. This gathering reflects unity and shared devotion, regardless of personal background.

Step 3: Singing the Shej Aarti

The Shej Aarti is sung slowly and softly. The lyrics are full of love, surrender, and affection. Unlike energetic morning aartis, this aarti has a soothing tone, meant to calm both the devotee and the mind.

The words express complete trust in Sai Baba’s protection through the night.

Step 4: Offering the Aarti Lamp

The lit lamp is gently waved in front of Sai Baba. This symbolizes offering the day’s actions, thoughts, and emotions to him. Light represents awareness and faith, driving away mental darkness.

Step 5: Symbolic Preparation for Rest

After the aarti, Sai Baba is symbolically prepared for rest. This includes gestures of care and respect, reflecting the intimate bond between the devotee and the Guru.

It teaches that God is not distant, but loving and personal.

Step 6: Final Prayers and Bowing

Devotees silently offer their final prayers. Many ask for forgiveness, peace, and strength for the next day. Bowing at this moment represents surrender of ego and worries.

Step 7: Leaving with Peace

After Shej Aarti, devotees leave quietly. The calmness of the aarti stays with them. The mind feels lighter, and sleep becomes more peaceful.

This step completes the spiritual cycle of the day.

Spiritual Meaning of Shej Aarti

Shej Aarti teaches that life should end each day with faith and calmness. It reminds devotees that just as the body rests at night, the mind should also rest by trusting God.

It is a lesson in letting go.

Benefits of Shej Aarti

Regular participation in Shej Aarti helps reduce stress, overthinking, and fear. It creates emotional comfort and strengthens the feeling of protection. Devotees often report better sleep and a calmer mind.

Shej Aarti at Home

Devotees who cannot visit Shirdi can perform Shej Aarti at home by lighting a lamp, playing or reciting the aarti, and spending a few moments in silence before sleep.

What matters is intention, not location.