• Says Aarti embodies Nari Shakti, Ardhanarishvar; calls it “discipline of the soul”
• Push to project Jammu as spiritual tourism destination gains momentum
• Sinha Urges youth to rediscover “inner treasure” amid fast-paced life
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called upon people to organise daily or weekly evening Aartis along riverbanks across Jammu division, describing the initiative as a powerful medium to revive cultural consciousness, deepen spiritual engagement and connect the younger generation with India’s timeless traditions.
The Lieutenant Governor made these remarks after participating in Shri Raghunath Ji’s Jammu Aarti at the historic Raghunath Temple, organised by Shri Raghunath Ji Ki Jammu Aarti Sanstha. The ceremony witnessed participation of a large number of devotees, including men and women, who performed the Aarti with devotion and reverence.
“I urge people to organise daily or weekly evening Aartis in towns and villages settled along the riverbanks in Jammu Division. The light kindled by Aarti lamps will awaken society towards our profound rich culture and connect the younger generation with the timeless verses of our holy scriptures,” Sinha said.
Expressing gratitude to the organisers, the Lieutenant Governor observed that the Jammu Aarti performed collectively by devotees reflects India’s enduring reverence for Nari Shakti and the concept of Ardhanarishvar, symbolising the divine balance of masculine and feminine energies. He said such spiritual gatherings invoke blessings for all living beings and foster a sense of unity and devotion.
Describing the deeper significance of the ritual, Sinha termed the evening Aarti as the “discipline of the soul”, saying it inspires individuals to consciously reflect on the source of their existence and cultivate gratitude.
“I strongly believe the evening Aarti is the discipline of the soul. It is a conscious and awakened effort to inspire society to look at the source of our existence and be grateful,” he said.
Highlighting the spiritual symbolism of the ritual, the Lieutenant Governor said every element of the Aarti carries profound meaning. “Every flame that rises in the Aarti is an offering of absolute devotion, every prayer is a dialogue with the infinite and every moment spent is a step towards an inner journey,” he added.
At a time when life is increasingly driven by speed and material pursuits, Sinha emphasised the importance of pausing for introspection. He noted that the Jammu Aarti provides a meditative space for individuals across all sections of society to reconnect with their inner selves and rediscover what he described as the “greatest treasure” within.
“In this rapidly changing world, amid the relentless pace of life, we need a meditative moment to remind ourselves about the greatest treasure that exists within us. Jammu Aarti offers an opportunity to rediscover this priceless inner wealth,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the administration’s efforts to position Jammu—popularly known as the city of temples—as a global centre of spirituality and a प्रमुख destination on the map of spiritual tourism. He said structured and regular आयोजन of Aartis at key धार्मिक sites would significantly enhance the spiritual experience of visitors.
He noted that devotees visiting Vaishno Devi Temple and Amarnath Cave from across the country and abroad would get an opportunity to experience the spiritual radiance of Jammu through such initiatives. He added that the move would also provide a boost to the local economy by attracting more pilgrims and tourists.
Sinha further observed that such gatherings play a crucial role in fostering self-realisation and ensuring that younger generations understand and imbibe the region’s rich spiritual legacy.
“Youth must realise that they have inherited a precious legacy. It is not an inheritance of wealth or position, but of an inner treasure,” he said, urging them to preserve and carry forward these traditions.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that collective participation in Aartis can strengthen social harmony and create a shared sense of purpose rooted in cultural and spiritual values.
Dr Ritu Singh, Chairperson of Shri Raghunath Ji Ki Jammu Aarti Sanstha, along with other office bearers, prominent citizens and devotees, were present on the occasion.
The initiative, officials said, is expected to not only reinforce Jammu’s identity as a प्रमुख spiritual centre but also serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, bringing communities together through shared faith and cultural expression.
