लवथवती विक्राळा (शंकराची आरती) — Benefits & How to Chant
लवथवती विक्राळा (शंकराची आरती)
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting लवथवती विक्राळा (शंकराची आरती)
Invokes the grace and protection of Lord Shiva, the auspicious Shankara
A complete devotional meditation on Shiva's form, deeds and names (Nilakantha, Madanari, Panchanan)
Sung daily in Shiva temples and homes as the closing aarti of worship
Recalls Shiva's supreme compassion in drinking the world-destroying poison to save creation
Brings peace, courage and auspiciousness, especially when sung on Mondays and Maha Shivaratri
Easy and uplifting to sing in family and temple congregations
How to Chant लवथवती विक्राळा (शंकराची आरती)
Instructions
Sing this aarti while waving the lamp before a Shiva Linga or image of Shankara, joining the refrain 'Jai Dev Jai Dev Jai Shri Shankara'. It is offered at the close of worship, particularly on Mondays, during Pradosh kaal and on Maha Shivaratri. Sing each verse contemplating the form of Shiva it describes, ending with the inner remembrance of the Lord's name as the poet Ramdas advises.
Spiritual Significance
The aarti recalls Shiva's greatest act of compassion: at the churning of the cosmic ocean, when the Halahala poison threatened to destroy all creation, Shiva drank it down, holding it in His throat, which turned blue. Devotees hold that the Lord who once swallowed the poison of the worlds will likewise absorb the troubles of those who sing His praise with love.
Origin & History
Source: Marathi aarti tradition (composition of Sant Samarth Ramdas)
Author: Sant Samarth Ramdas
Sant Samarth Ramdas of Sajjangad, the spiritual guide of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and author of the Dasbodh and Manache Shlok, composed this aarti in praise of Lord Shiva. In four vivid verses it celebrates Shankara's cosmic form, His marriage to Uma (Parvati), and above all His act of swallowing the Halahala poison at the churning of the ocean — by which He became Nilakantha. The closing verse bears Ramdas's signature and turns the heart toward the constant remembrance of the Lord's name.