Pt. Shri. Vedavyasacharya
General
We have already learned how to perform Mangalaarati and how to accept it. Now, after accepting it, we need to touch certain parts of our body with our hands to receive its blessings fully.
Method 1:
Accept the Mangalaarati with one hand.
Touch the left side of your navel.
Touch the heart.
Touch the head.
Method 2 (alternative):
Touch the head first.
Then touch the heart.
Finally, touch the left side of the navel.
The reason for this comes from the scripture:
“Brahmahatya shiraskancha… Kukshau vame vichintayet”
This means that the sinful being (effects of sins) resides on the left side of the navel. By performing this touching procedure:
In Method 1, the sinful being from the navel is brought to the heart, burned there, and then the head purifies the entire body.
In Method 2, the nectar from the head is brought to the heart, and then the fire from the heart is brought to the navel to burn the sinful being residing there.
Thus, after accepting Mangalaarati, touching these parts in either of these sequences helps purify the body, mind, and soul, and remove the effects of sin, according to the scriptures.
