Om Jai Jagdish Hare: Meaning, Lyrics, and When to Sing It

Om Jai Jagdish Hare is arguably the most universally recognized aarti in Hinduism — sung at the close of puja in temples and homes across virtually every regional and sectarian tradition, regardless of which deity is being worshipped that day. For the complete Hindi lyrics and verse-by-verse translation, see the full Om Jai Jagdish Hare Aarti.

Who wrote it, and why it’s sung so widely

The aarti was composed by Pandit Shraddha Ram Phillauri in the 19th century, addressed to Lord Vishnu as Jagdish — “Lord of the universe.” Unlike many devotional hymns tied closely to one deity’s specific stories and iconography, Om Jai Jagdish Hare is written as a more general prayer of surrender, which is part of why it’s sung at the end of pujas to many different deities rather than being reserved for Vishnu worship alone.

What the words mean

The aarti is structured as a personal, heartfelt conversation with the divine — addressing God as parent, protector, and the only true refuge. It asks for the removal of devotees’ troubles, the granting of peace and prosperity, and for faith and devotion to be strengthened. Its tone is closer to a plea between family members than a formal hymn of praise, which is likely part of why it has remained so accessible and widely memorized across generations.

When and how it’s sung

Om Jai Jagdish Hare is traditionally sung while circling a lit diya (oil lamp) in front of the deity’s image, typically at the very end of any puja ceremony — the aarti stage where light is offered to the deity and then shared with those present. It’s commonly accompanied by a bell, clapping, and sometimes a small hand cymbal (manjira). Because it isn’t tied to one specific deity or occasion, many households and temples use it as their default closing aarti regardless of which festival or daily puja is being performed.

Common questions

Is Om Jai Jagdish Hare only sung to Vishnu?

It was composed addressing Vishnu as Jagdish, but in practice it’s sung at the close of puja to many different deities, since its language is general rather than tied to one deity’s specific stories.

When during a puja is Om Jai Jagdish Hare sung?

At the aarti stage, near the end of the ceremony, while a lit diya is circled in front of the deity.

Who composed Om Jai Jagdish Hare?

Pandit Shraddha Ram Phillauri, in the 19th century.

Where can I find the complete lyrics?

The full Om Jai Jagdish Hare Aarti page has the complete Hindi lyrics with meaning.