Ashram Aarti is a spiritual practice that helps a person connect with the deity, experience spiritual peace, and strengthen devotion. The practice of Aarti is important because it preserves tradition and the spiritual wisdom passed down through the ages. At the Mai Ram Yoga Ashram, a fire ritual passed down by the Nath Sampradaya (Sanskrit: sampradāya – lineage of teachings) – Aarti – is performed, during which a specific form of the deity is worshiped. Ashram Aarti (Sanskrit: āratī) is a daily ashram practice to worship divinity, the deity, and the spiritual Teacher.

The fire offering ritual performed at the Mai Ram Yoga Ashram maintains balance and is an important part of spiritual energy and collective spiritual practice. Ashram Aarti fosters spiritual unity among participants and helps them remember their dedication to divinity and the spiritual goal of yoga. Although the Guru is of supreme importance in the ashram, the ritual can be performed by other initiated and appointed disciples of the Guru, who are called aartikarins. They are the ones who can offer the light of the fire to the deity. The Guru may travel from the ashram to other schools or ashrams to spread the teachings elsewhere. Therefore, when the Guru is away, the practice of Ashram Aarti cannot be interrupted; it is continued by the Guru's disciples according to the transmitted teachings, thus maintaining the spiritual energy. The essence of the ritual is to worship the divinity, which does not depend solely on the presence of one person, so the Guru appoints disciples who are responsible for continuing the ritual, ensuring that the spiritual discipline of the ashram is maintained. In this way, connection with the deity is sustained and its blessing is received.

Aarti is performed according to certain rules of the fire ritual. The process of Aarti:

• Ashram Aarti is a regular, daily morning and evening practice of the ashram.

• Altar preparation. A special altar space has been set up in the ashram for this ritual, showing images of the Guru and the deities.

• Fire offering. The light of the fire symbolizes bringing spiritual wisdom and dispersing ignorance. Touching the light of the flame symbolizes receiving spiritual bliss and protection, and it is also the victory of divine light over ignorance, fear, ego, and suffering.

• Chanting of hymns. Sacred hymns are sung during Aarti, creating a holy atmosphere.

• Distribution of Prasad. At the end of Aarti, Prasad is distributed, i.e., food that is first offered to the deity and then, having been touched by the deity, is given to the people. Prasad is divine grace and God's gift to people.

• Bells and handbells during Aarti emit a holy vibration symbolizing the universe's primordial sound OM, which creates a divine atmosphere, removes negative energy, and helps focus the mind on worship.

• During Aarti, all five elements (panchabhuta) - fire, water, earth (flowers), air (incense), and ether (sound) are offered.

The offering of fire shows human humility, respect, and connection with the deity; this ritual expresses gratitude to the deity for the granted grace and protection. Offerings are presented to the deity, and when she accepts them, she transforms them into blessings, and this energy returns to the person who made the offering.
Fire purifies and hallows. It burns away "impurities" and helps restore spiritual cleanliness. The flame of Aarti, being sanctified by the proximity of the deity, is considered holy fire, so its warmth and light purify the person when they bring it with their hands to their face. Fire during Aarti is perceived as a bearer of divine energy.

Aarti is a sacred fire ritual where the light of the fire is used as a sign of spiritual light, commitment, and devotion. The practice of Ashram Aarti removes spiritual darkness and allows a person to express love for the deity. This practice also helps calm thoughts, focus the mind on divinity, and deepen the practice of Ishvarapranidhana. Ashram Aarti is an important part of spiritual practice aimed at creating a connection with the deity and the sacred. This practice cultivates spiritual awareness and loyalty to the Supreme, teaching how to express respect, gratitude, and devotion to Him. The vibration of the light, the sound of the bells, and the vibrations of the chanted mantras in the ashram create a sacred atmosphere where the divine energy of Shakti is activated. When the flame is brought to the people during Aarti, they receive the deity's grace by touching the fire. In this way, the divine energy is transmitted to the community.

Ashram Aarti is performed to worship the Mother of the Universe, Jagadamba, who is the guardian of all creation. Goddess Jagadamba is one of Durga's (Shakti's) names. It is the maternal power of Durga that nurtures, protects, and sustains the whole world. She gives life to all creation, supports it, and protects it. Her power is not only physical protection but also spiritual guidance. The Aarti hymn also glorifies another name of the goddess Durga – Shailasuta – daughter of the mountains, wife of Shiva, Parvati, who embodies love, strength, devotion, and spiritual greatness.

In the yogic tradition, worship of fire is the most important part of ritual practice. Through fire, offerings reach the gods. Fire is the mediator between humans and deities. Fire symbols the connection with the heavenly sphere and the cosmic order. Fire is also respected as a purifying and blessing power, protecting against evil and sustaining life. The Ashram Aarti ritual is a daily worship practice where the light of fire is offered to the deity and the holy Guru. Offering the light of fire to the deity is a respectful act of welcome and reverence. It illuminates the deity and invites its presence to bless those participating in the Aarti. Aarti is performed at dawn and at sunset. Participants touch the holy fire with their palms and then touch their face, forehead, and eyes, receiving the bliss carried by the fire. In this way, fire becomes the mediator of the deity's grace. Through it, people receive spiritual blessing and purification.