Why 'Ghalin Lotangan' is recited after the aarti: meaning and significance

In most homes and temples in Maharashtra, a prayer is recited after the aarti is completed: "Ghalin Lotangan Vandin Charan". Whether it is the aarti of Ganpati or worship of any other deity, it is a very common practice to recite this prayer after the aarti. Notably, this is not a prayer meant only for Ganpati, but expresses a spirit of complete surrender before God.

"Lotangan" means prostrating with the whole body. While saying "Ghalin Lotangan, Vandin Charan", the devotee expresses the wish to bow at God's feet with complete humility. The prayer goes on to speak of beholding God's form with one's eyes, embracing Him lovingly, worshipping Him joyfully and performing the aarti with devotion. In other words, it reflects not just praise, but also the love between the devotee and God.

This entire composition cannot be attributed to a single person. According to available information, the early Marathi abhang is believed to be linked to the tradition of Sant Namdev, while the Sanskrit verses that follow it, such as "Twameva Mata Cha Pita Twameva" and "Kayen Vacha Manasendriyair Va", are traditional. This means the prayer recited by everyone together today is actually a blend of different creative traditions.

During the aarti, God is praised and worshipped. After this, in "Ghalin Lotangan", the devotee expresses the wish to offer his body, mind, speech and actions to God. In "Twameva Mata Cha Pita Twameva", it is said that God is our mother, father, brother, friend and everything. It is further said that all deeds performed are offered to Narayan. For this reason, this prayer serves as a kind of culmination of devotion after the aarti.

Humility and surrender lie at the centre of this prayer. When devotees recite it together after the aarti, their attention becomes fixed on God's feet and on their relationship with Him. This turns worship from a mere ritual into a moment of expressing devotion, gratitude and self-surrender from the heart. It is for this reason that "Ghalin Lotangan" holds a special place in Maharashtra's bhakti tradition.