Toli Aarti: An Invocation of Devotion

Aarti by Stree Shakti:

After the Dhoop Aarti Seva Puja, the Lord mounts the sparkling arch-shaped Prabhas. Ladies of Sarovar come forward to welcome the divine advent of Lord Shiva with the Toli Aarti. Sarovarites of all age groups come to witness the holy invocation of their Priya Parameshwara. Amidst the serene Sharabha Naadam, women delightfully offer an Aarti to the Lord and invite Him to touch every home. The atmosphere is filled with a flurry of smiles as the sacred coconuts are ceremoniously broken to start the procession. The sacred ritual emphasizes the reverence with which the divine is approached, to enlighten us. Om Namah Shivaya!

Harmony in Music:

The air resonates with the soul-stirring notes of Shahnai or Nadaswaram, played by renowned artists with a legacy that echoes through revered places like Thirumalla, Kumbakonam, and Kanchi Kama Koti Peetham. These accomplished musicians, booked six months in advance, infuse the surroundings with celestial melodies, creating an ambiance of divine communion. A quintet of artists, comprising two on Shahnai, two on Dolu, and one handling Shruti and Taalam, orchestrates a symphony that transcends the earthly realm. The melodic strains serve as a prelude to the sacred rituals that follow, preparing hearts for the imminent procession.

The Grand Procession Awakes:

As Toli Aarti concludes, the divine journey begins. Lord Shiva, embraced by the heartfelt devotion of his devotees, embarks on a grand procession. The air pulsates with spirituality, the music guides the way, and the shoulders carrying the divine Prabhas move forward, honoring the age-old tradition with each step.

In Toli Aarti, the community stands united, their hearts beating in rhythm with the divine, as they invoke the grace of Lord Shiva to bless everyone.