Incense is any plant material that burns and releases a fragrance. It is used in religious rituals and spiritual practices to clear the air and encourage positive energies.
Agarbatti or incense sticks are an important part of Hindu Pujas and can be shaped, scented, and coloured. They are used for special occasions, like conception for a woman, birth of a child, upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony), wedding, and funerals.
Agarbatti
Incense sticks, also known as agarbatti, are used to create an aromatic atmosphere during prayers and meditation. They are an important part of Hindu offerings to god, and are believed to communicate our prayers and wishes directly to him.
The scent of agarbati can improve concentration levels by clearing the mind and reducing stress. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and can even help you sleep better. These benefits make incense an essential addition to your daily routine.
In addition to smelling good, incense sticks can create a clean and inviting environment. They are often used in yoga studios and wellness offices, but can also be enjoyed at home. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all have the same function: they burn over time to release aromatic compounds into the air. They are typically ignited using a lighter or match, and the resulting embers may be placed in a burning container such as a dhoop.
Aarati
Anyone who has visited a Hindu temple at dusk would have been enthralled and even a bit dazed by the spectacle of a ghee-soaked lamp being waved before the Deity. This is the arati ceremony which, at its heart, is a celebration of love for God. It signifies a surrender of one’s life to the Lord. At the onset of this ritual, the devotee bows down three times before the image or statue, with the hands in prayer position and the head touching the ground.
The incense sticks used in this ritual are made with a variety of spices, including jasmine, sambrani, guggal and kasturi (musk). They also include granular tree resin, which emits a fragrance when burned. These aromatic substances purify the environment and help one focus during meditation or a puja. The use of incense is common in all religions. This is because these fragrant substances have specific properties that cleanse the body, purify the mind, and induce positive emotions.
Mantra
The chanting of mantras is an important ritual in many Hindu religious practices. It is thought that the vibrations of these sounds create a positive effect on the environment and help us attain peace and inner wisdom. These mantras are also used to ward off evil spirits and protect our health.
Mantras can be spoken aloud or silently recited in the mind. They are a key part of the Puja, or worship of deities, and are often used to invoke the divine blessings of peace, prosperity and goodness for the family, community and world at large.
Incense sticks or agarbatis are made with spices, flowers, leaves, seeds, cow-dung and resins such as camphor, guggal, loban, kasturi (musk) and shallaki. They are a vital part of any worship ceremony as they emit a pleasant smell and purify the air. This makes it easier to concentrate during prayers and meditation. The aroma of agarbati also helps to calm the mind and elevates the mood.
Dhoop
Incense is a natural material that releases scented smoke when it burns. It has been used as a purifying agent for spiritual and meditational purposes since ancient times. It has also been known to have some health benefits.
Dhoop batti, also known as dhoop, is an incense made from extracts of the Commiphora wightii tree combined with various herbs and ghee on a thick stick. It is often used in Hindu rituals to remove bad odors, cleanse the environment, and to create an aura of positivity for religious ceremonies.
The rising usage of agarbatti in temples and religious institutions across the country is one of the key factors driving growth in the market. It is also widely used for smudging and cleansing homes and offices. Lighting stick incense can sweep away previous energies and make room for new energy to enter a space. It can be helpful for those who struggle with anxiety or depression.