Difference between puja and aarti (पूजा और आरती में अंतर)

Worship (Puja-Path) has special importance in Hindu religion. Through puja, people express respect and gratitude to God and as a result their wishes are fulfilled. People worship each god according to the day and seek their blessings. Puja is performed to show devotion to the God and is followed by the ritual of Aarti.What is puja of Bhagwan?
puja means devotion and reverence to God. It is believed that the worship was started to show respect to the god. The term puja is used in a variety of ways, ranging from simple daily offerings of flowers, fruits, leaves, rice, sweets and water to the worship of gods and goddesses in homes or temples. Puja is considered an essential ritual among Hindus.

Importance of puja
Puja is most popular in Hinduism. It is performed either by individuals or in groups either directly by the worshiper or indirectly by a priest on behalf of the worshiper. It is also universally practiced in all Hindu temples. puja gives peace to the mind and the body gets freedom from many obstacles. It is a way of connecting with the Lord and helps in creating a unique bond between the devotee and the Lord.

What is aarti of Bhagwan?
Traditionally in a Hindu household, aarti is performed in the morning and evening. Aarti consists of lighting a small flame in a lamp and moving it around the deity, which pleases the mind and the puja is considered complete. The ritual of Aarti dispels the darkness with the light of the flame, the aarti is accompanied by the aroma of incense sticks, the sound of bells, the clapping of hands and the singing of a special aarti. Aarti reminds us of the greatness of God, as the flame we tend is symbolic of the universe.

Importance of Aarti
Aarti increases the self-confidence of a person. It removes mental stress and removes negative energy from the environment. When ghee is lit at the time of aarti, the atmosphere is illuminated and becomes positive.

In ancient times, Hindus used to perform Sandhyavaad instead of Aarti. But then after some time the form of puja developed. A person does what he believes in. Puja is of any deity and there are many types of Aarti like Mangal Aarti, Pooja Aarti, Dhoop Aarti, Bhog Aarti. Aarti is necessary after puja.

Any puja is always concluded with aarti so that the full fruit of the puja can be achieved. Both Puja and Aarti are considered necessary rituals to please the God and both are said to be different from each other.