Karpoor Āraŧī, कर्पूर आरती

It is a Sanskrit shloka (from Yajurveđ) dedicated to the deity Bhava (Shiva). It is traditionally sung at the end of most pujas or after other (generally bigger) Āraŧī/s.

It is popularly called Karpūr (Karpoor) Āraŧī as it is a tradition to lit karpūr (Camphor) and take three complete turns (toward right i.e clockwise as seen from above) while reciting this.

Rendered for those learning Hinđī

* For getting correct pronunciation -
'हृदयारविन्दे' is written as 'ह्रिदयारविन्दे'.

For common netizens

karpūragaoram karuṇāvaŧāram।
san'sārasāram bhujagenđrahāram।।
sađā-vasanŧam hṛiđayāravinđe।
Bhavam-Bhavānī-sahiŧam namāmi।।

The above text is formatted using the Nīrajā-Latin transliteration scheme which is being developed by Akhilesh N.S. Gupta. Click here to type in ĐevaNāgarī and you will get transliterated Nīrajā-Latin text.

Rendered for common Hinđī speakers

कर्पूरगौरम् करुणावतारम्।
संसारसारम् भुजगेन्द्रहारम्।।
सदा-वसन्तम् हृदयारविन्दे।
भवम्-भवानी-सहितम् नमामि।।

Sanskrit speakers

कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं।
संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारं।।
सदावसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे।
भवं-भवानी-सहितं नमामि।।

Sandhi

करुणावतार = करुणा+अवतार
भुजगेन्द्र = भुजग+इन्द्र
हृदयारविन्द = हृदय+अरविन्द

Translation/meaning

White* (गौर) like camphor (कर्पूर), an incarnation (अवतार; Avatar) of compassion (करुणा),
core-or-essence (सार) of the world (संसार), having serpent (भुजग) - king (इन्द्र) as his garland (हार)
always (सदा) residing (वसन्त) in the lotus (अरविन्द) of the heart (हृदय)
I/we bow to Bhav (Shiv) & Bhavani (Shiva's wife) together.

* Some of the Hinđū Gods were of dark complexion while some were described as white (fair).

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Symbolism of Camphor

Camphor, known as "karpoor" in Sanskrit, holds a special place in Hindu rituals. It is a white, crystalline substance that burns completely without leaving any residue. This property makes it a potent symbol of selflessness and purity. The burning of camphor represents the burning away of ego, desires, and ignorance in the light of spiritual knowledge. Just as camphor disappears completely when it burns, devotees are reminded that they too should dissolve their ego and pride in their devotion to God.

Sometimes the arati is also an opportunity for devotees see the deity as the flame illuminates the idol or image.

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