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What is the Significance of Chandan in Puja?
We make so many offering to the gods, rice, flowers, food and adorn them with Kunku and Chandan.
Chandan is the yellow powder we use in Puja.
but why do we offer Chandan to our deities?
So what actually is Chandan? Chandan, the fragrant wood (chandanam), is sacred in Hinduism.
Chandan word is derived from the Sanskrit root Cadi, meaning ‘to delight’ or ‘that which delights’.
Chandan is the powder of Sandalwood.
We use it to put a tilak on the deity and devotees.
A Chandan tilak is applied between the eyes brows, this is the area some call the third eye.
The centre of human intellect and where thoughts lie.
It stimulates the Anjani Chakra the centre of our thoughts.
When we apply the tilak to the forehead of the deity and attracts the deity’ s divine energies and bring in positive energies.
It also has a cooling effect and cools the mind keeping us calm.
Chandan has satvik elements to enhance ones spirituality.
The fragrance attracts the deities and positive energies.
The Ramayana of Valmiki (Ayodhya Kanda 15th Sarga, verse 35), describing Rama in his palace, says that his body was smeared with Sandalwood paste.
Bhagavata Purana (10th Skanda, chapter 42, verse 5) mentions that the upper part of Lord Krishna’s body was anointed with sandalwood paste.
Krishna is invited to Mathura by his wicked uncle King Kansa.
Krishna and his brother Balarama were walking in Mathura when they saw a woman with a hump on her back coming with a plate of sandalwood paste.
She could not walk straight and people called her names.
But Krishna addressed her as “Sundari” -Beautiful woman, and asked her where was she going.
She answered that the “Chandan” was for King Kansa and she was going to his palace as a daily routine.
She was so impressed by the two brothers that she expressed her wish to apply sandalwood paste to foreheads of them.
They happily agreed. She fulfilled her wish and asked Krishna why had he called her “Sundari” while she was bent and could not walk straight,
Krishna laughed and said that she was really beautiful – he pressed her feet with his feet and holding her shoulder with one hand gave her chin an upward jolt with his other hand.
And a miracle happened! Her hump was gone and she was straight.
She was overwhelmed with joy and thanked Krishna.
The practice of using sandalwood in the funeral pyres of Hindus was known from ancient times and it continues even today.
Kalidasa, in his Sanskrit poem, Raghuvamsa, mentions sandalwood being used in the funeral pyre of the Ikshvaku queen, Indumati.
CHANDAN TREE FARMING (CULTIVATION) PROCESS AND PROFIT GUIDE
Chandan Tree Farming has gained huge popularity because of the high fragrance of Sandalwood or Chandan and its wood materials have been used for centuries.
Chandan Trees are majorly known as Sandalwood or Srigandha and it is the most expensive tree plant.
Sandalwood is an evergreen tree that is mostly used in commercial, therapeutic, cosmetic, and medicines.
The maximum height of sandalwood ranges between 13 to 16 meters and its girth would be about 100 to 200 cm.
These Sandalwood Trees are found in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, Pakistan, Hawaii, Indonesia, and Pacific Islands.
Sandalwood Tree Family: Santalaceae
Sandalwood Tree Scientific Name: Santalum Album
Chandan Trees hold a major place in Indian tradition and it is used by Indian people from cradle to cremation.
It is also used in the pharmaceutical, aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfumery, and soap industry.
Because of this, the commercial value of Sandalwood trees or oil is extremely high in the Indian market.
There are numerous varieties of sandalwood and these different varieties are available all through the world.
There are two prominent varieties of Sandalwood that hold a majorly high commercial value in the market.
The leaves of the Sandalwood Tree are also used in the form of animal fodder.
These are mainly:
- Indian Sandalwood
- Australian Sandalwood
After 30 years of cultivation, Sandalwood trees become ready for harvesting.
If you are making use of the organic cultivation method then you can get the Sandalwood tree in 10 to 15 years.
There are two colors of Sandalwood in India that are white, yellow, and red.
The best part of this Chandan Tree Farming is that you can also grow these trees as an intercrop in Malabar Neem Plantation.
DETAILS REQUIRED FOR SANDALWOOD TREE FARMING
If you are a farmer or investor and making plans for the cultivation of sandalwood trees then you may have requirements of proper soil, land, climate, plant selection, irrigation, and fertilizers.
You must make proper planning for the project, calculate the profit and expenses, and have to note how much investment is required for the cultivation before starting it.
WHAT TYPE OF CLIMATE IS REQUIRED IN SANDALWOOD FARMS?
Sandalwood trees can thrive in almost every type of soil, temperature, and climate. There is a requirement for a hot atmosphere around the Sandalwood Farms as these trees will thrive better in humid climatic conditions.
There is also a requirement of a temperature between 12 degrees to 35 degrees celsius for the cultivation of sandalwood trees.
This sandalwood tree will thrive best at 600 and 1050 meters altitudes.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS FOR CHANDAN TREE FARMING
If you are planning for Chandan Tree Cultivation, then you might have a requirement of well-drained soils that possess a good organic object.
The red sandy loam soils are appropriate for the sandalwood tree and you will obtain the high yield crop.
There is also a must requirement of soil test for checking the nutrient requirements for the plantation of sandalwood.
It is to check whether the soil has abundant nutrients for the plantation or not.
The ph of the soil should be between 6.5 to 7.5 with a bit of alkaline for the Sandalwood tree cultivation. In addition to this, you are required to plow the field before going for plantation until you obtain stunning tilth and weed-free soil.
Apart from this, you should prepare the soil in such a way that the water in the time of floods or heavy rains may come out very easily from the drain.
The process of Sandalwood cultivation can be done by seeds and vegetatively with the help of tissue culture.
COMMON PESTS AND DISEASES IN SANDALWOOD FARMS
INSECT PESTS IN SANDALWOOD FARMS
- Defoliators
- Hotea nigrorufaWalker
- Nyctemera lacticinia(Cramer)
- Calodia kirkaldyi Nielson
- Cardiococcus bivalvata(Green)
- Hyposidra talacaWalker
- Purpuricenus sanguinolentus(Olivier)
- Toxoptera aurantii(Boyer de Fonscolombe)
- Tajuria cippus(Fabricius)
- Trematodes monticollis(Gray)
- Eumeta crameri(Westwood)
- Trabala vishnou (Lefèbvre)
DISEASES OF CHANDAN TREES
- Black Spot fungal
- Phytoplasma
- Pulvinaria psidii Mask
- Coccid
- Phellinus noxius
HOW TO PLANT CHANDAN TREE?
Sowing is mainly done by the seeds in Chandan Tree Farming.
When these Chandan trees become 15 to 20 years old, then in the month of August to March, you can collect the seeds from Chandan.
The seeds you have collected are required to be well-treated and dried in sunlight before they seminate on nursery beds.
There are two types of seedbeds available in the nursery for the sowing of Chandan seeds.
● sunken
● Raised beds
A seedling will grow up to 30 to 35 cm on nursery beds after 7 to 8 months.
They will also become ready for getting transferred to the main field.
When you are preparing land or soil for sandalwood tree cultivation, you are also required to dig a pit of size 45*45*45 cm simultaneously for the plantation of sandalwood seedlings.
You are required to ensure before the plantation of seedlings that the water will not be stable in pits.
If there is some water in the pits then you have to relinquish the pits below the sunlight for some days.
In addition to this, you have to keep the distance of 10 feet between each plant.
You will start to get flowers on your sandalwood trees after four years of planting.
WHERE WOULD I GET BABY SANDALWOOD PLANTS?
If you are not desired to do Chandan Tree Farming from the seeds, then you may buy them from the market and plant them with an appropriate method of sandalwood plantation.
But, you are required to take their proper care while purchasing from the market.
There is a wide range of govt. and private nurseries present in the market from where you can purchase the baby Chandan plants and can plant them in your field.
HOW MUCH WOULD BE THE COST OF A SANDALWOOD BABY PLANT?
When you are going to plant sandalwood through sandalwood baby plants, you must have purchased them from a genuine and certified source.
Generally, Chandan plants are the most valuable plants in India, but for commercial plantations, you are required to plant a wide range of plants on your farm.
IRRIGATION FOR SANDALWOOD (CHANDAN) TREE FARMING
You can make use of the drip irrigation method for your sandalwood tree cultivation if you have limited water.
As there is a need for less water for sandalwood cultivation, you can apply drip irrigation in the interval of 2 to 3 weeks.
Young plants of sandalwood need irrigation only in hot and summer seasons.
These Chandan plants don’t require irrigation in rainy conditions.
FERTILIZERS FOR THE SANDALWOOD FARMS
You may opt to make use of Bio-fertilizers, chemical fertilizers, and organic fertilizers in your Sandalwood Farms to obtain the high yield of a crop.
You can also make use of any rotten FYM (farmyard manure).
● Cow Dung
● Garden Compost
● Vermin-Compost
● Manure made from green leaves
The bio-pesticides are manufactured by making use of the following materials and it is also used for the controlling of any pests and diseases of Chandan cultivation.
● Chitrakmool
● Neem (Seeds, Kernel, and leaves)
● Dhatura
● Urine of Cow
HARVESTING TIME OF CHANDAN OR SANDAL TREES
Sandalwood trees thrive well and get matured at the age of 30 years from their plantation.
So, by that time they become ready for harvesting.
There are numerous tree-cutting instruments available in the market in the latest technology.
So, you can make use of any instrument for the harvesting of your sandalwood trees. The heartwood of Chandan trees is transferred into the mill and softwoods will be removed from them.
This hard sandalwood is transferred into powder by making use of some machine.
This sandalwood powder will get soaked in water for 2 days after it is used for making oil and other cosmetic products.
Magical Use Of Sandalwaood Chandan
Magical use of sandalwood, sandal and astrological experiments, how to use sandalwood for beauty, totkay of chandan, tip to enhance love in life.
We are all familiar with the name of sandalwood, in hindi we call it Chandan. Sandalwood is very famous due to its special qualities and there is a great demand for real sandalwood.
Due to its qualities, there is high demand of original sandalwood and is also very expensive.
Chandan In Hinduism – Importance Of Sandalwood In Hindu Religion
What is sandalwood?
In fact, there are sandalwood trees, these are cut and sandal is extracted from it.
The original usable and beneficial sandalwood is received from inside the trunk of tree,
which is in great demand.
It’s nature is cold and it is very beneficial for health, out of which it smells very good due to which people like it a lot, it is used in worshiping, making medicines, etc.
In this article, we are going to tell you some simple uses of sandalwood from health point of view as well astrology point of view.
Sandalwood can be used to enhance health, to enhance beauty and to solve problems of life.
Let’s know Some special uses of sandalwood to enhance beauty:
If you are troubled by pimples or if the stains of pimples are reducing your beauty then don’t worry.
Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder and apply it on the face for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash the face, it will give you freshness, continuous use will reduce pimples, also soften skin and enhance the beauty.
If the skin has turned black due to sun rays somewhere in the body then do this – make a paste by mixing 4 teaspoons of sandalwood powder,
2 teaspoons of almond oil,
5 teaspoons of coconut oil and put it on the affected part, after drying Wash it, it will benefit a lot.
If there is headache due to heat in body, if the eyes are sore then do this- make sandalwood and saffron paste, then apply it on the forehead, do this continuously for a few days and you will see the benefit automatically.
If bathed daily by applying sandal paste, the body is definitely free from germs and become beautiful.
It helps in removing any type of skin disease.
If there is a lot of itching in the body, do this – mix sandalwood powder and turmeric in 1 teaspoon lemon juice, then apply this paste on the affected part, you will get benefit.
Research shows that applying the sandalwood dot on third eye position daily calms the brain and also increases the intellectual capacity of the person.
If heat is increasing in body due to long meditation then use the sandlewood paste on forehead.
Havan with sandal wood is also found very beneficial to clear the environment from germs.
Sandalwood is an antibiotic, so its use remains beneficial.
Let us know some Magical uses of sandalwood:
Bringing the root of the sandalwood tree on Ravi Pushya or guru pushya yoga and keeping it in the safe open the way to brings money in life, prosperity starts to increase in the family.
If the enemy is troubling, in such a situation, by chanting any Mantra of goddess Kali on the garland of red sandalwood and offering it to goddess will dominate the enemy.
This experiment is very successful in Navratri.
If the enemy is causing trouble again and again, make red sandalwood ink, write the name of the enemy on the bhojpatr and if you get his photo, then take it too.
On Amavasya, dip it in honey and then bury this bottle in any cremation ground, the enemy will become weak.
If there is a SARP DOSHA, in the horoscope, then before going to work every day, go to a Nag temple and apply chandan itar to Nag Devat, it will show miraculous benefits in your life.
If you are having difficulty in saving, then on Guru Pushya, or Ravi Pushya or in Navratri, sprinkle the red sandal powder in your safe then put a red cloth on it, now keep your money, jewelry etc. on it, it will increase the prosperity.
If you love someone and want to make your relationship strong, then make red sandal ink and then take a photo in which both of you are oresent, write the name of both behind the photo and dip it in honey.
Keep this bottle in a red cloth and then keep it secretly in safe place.
This will strengthen your relationship with your lover, do this activity on Friday or on full moon or on Friday of Navratri.
If you have become familiar with the qualities of sandal then you can lead a healthy life by using sandal.
Sandalwood is suitable for everyone, everyone can use it for health and prosperity.
If you are suffering from any problems in life then do consult astrologer, show your horoscope and get the best remedies of your problems.
Know about lucky prayers for you.
Know about best career.
Get the best lucky gem stone for you as per your horoscope.
Get black magic remedies to protect yourself and your family.
Chandan, the fragrant wood (chandanam), is sacred in Hinduism.
Chandan word is derived from the Sanskrit root Cadi, meaning ‘to delight’ or ‘that which delights.’
Importance of sandalwood in Hindu religion can be gauged from the fact that it is also known as Bhadra Shri – auspicious and delightfully great.
The chandan tree is believed to have its origin in the historically and mythologically famous southern Indian mountain called Malaya.
It is on this account that chandana is called malayaja (born in the Malaya).
The breeze blowing from the Malaya mountains (Malayamarutham) is believed to be cool and fragrant.
As per Puranas, Chandana used by the gods in heaven is called Harichandana and that used by humans in the service of gods is called Srichandana.
Devout Hindus worship murtis of gods and goddesses with five offerings daily which consists of anointing the murti with gandha (fragrant) substances, waving dhoopa (incense), offering pushpa (flowers) or flower garlands, lighting of deepa (lamp), and offering naivedya (food).
The offering of gandha is made with chandan in several ways.
Chandan wood is also used to carved murtis of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
When sandalwood paste is smeared on images of deities (vigraha) in temples, it is called Chandana kappu.
In Kerala, sandal paste is used to anoint the deities in most temples. Dasavatharam is made on the same murti using sandalwood paste in many Sri Krishna temples.
In some temples, the deity worshipped appears in three forms in the morning, noon and evening.
The three forms are created on the same murti using sandalwood paste.
Sandalwood has its uses in all Hindu rites, from the birth of a child to the lighting of funeral pyres.
The practice of using sandalwood in the funeral pyres of Hindus was known from ancient times and it continues even today.
Kalidasa, in his Sanskrit poem, Raghuvamsa, mentions sandalwood being used in the funeral pyre of the Ikshvaku queen, Indumati.
Owing to its quality of auspiciousness, sandalwood paste is offered to guests at ceremonial functions such as weddings, along with the auspicious kumkum (vermilion powder) and flowers.
Kautilya in his Sanskrit work, Arthashastra (Chapter 2.11 pp 43-72) has referred to many varieties of Sandal from different places, identifying them as being of various colours such as red, blackish-red, whitish-red, black, green and saffron, and also of differing fragrances.
Sandalwood paste was earlier used extensively in households as a refreshing unguent against humidity and heat, especially during the hot summer months.
The ancient Tami world, Narrinai (V.S. 168, 250, 314) mentions that sweet-smelling sandalwood paste was smeared on the chests of women.
The Ramayana of Valmiki (Ayodhya Kanda 15th Sarga, verse 35), describing Rama in his palace, says that his body was smeared with Sandalwood paste.
Bhagavata Purana (10th Skanda, chapter 42, verse 5) mentions that the upper part of Lord Krishna’s body was anointed with sandalwood paste.
The red sandalwood paste, especially rakta chandana (the red variety) is known for its curative properties.
The perfume extracted from sandalwood was popular in ancient India and continues to be even today.
This extract is widely used in the preparation of incense sticks, toilet soaps and powders.
Sandal wood carvings of gods and goddesses form part of the artistic skills of south Indian craftsmen and these are now important items of export.
Know Origins of Sandalwood
Sandalwood is used to make various medicines and beauty products across the world. But its importance also expands to the religious and cultural contexts in India.
As per the Hindu tradition, sandalwood is used in performing various rituals right from birth to the death of individuals.
Centuries-old religious and ayurvedic texts highlight the benefits and use of sandalwood.
While it is also found in Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia and many other countries around the pacific ocean, sandalwood is believed to have originated in the historically and mythologically important southern Indian mountain range Malaya.
According to Vamana Purana, sandalwood is used in the worship of Lord Shiva.
The Brahma Vaivarta Purana states that Goddess Lakshmi resides on the fragrant wood of sandalwood.
In the Ayodhya Kand of Valmiki Ramayana, there is a mention of a beautiful building of Shri Ram, which is fragranced with sandalwood.
In the 42nd chapter of the Bhagavata Purana, it is mentioned that the upper body of Shri Krishna is covered in a paste of sandalwood.
Among the many types of sandalwood, yellow and red sandalwood are the most in demand.
The use of yellow sandalwood as a religious act is generally used by those who believe in Vaishnavism whereas red sandalwood is used by those who believe in Shaivism and Shakta faith.
Ancient texts suggest that the existence of sandalwood on Earth dates to 4,000 years.
Some scripts suggest sandalwood was being used by people in Egypt nearly 3000 years ago.
In the ancient Ayurvedic text ‘Charaka Samhita’, the benefits of sandalwood had been described in great detail.
Sandalwood with its medical benefits is also considered to help improve depression, anxiety and insomnia.
According to a study ‘Rediscovering Sandalwood: Beyond Beauty and Fragrance’, published on the website of National Library Medicine (NLM) of the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI), sandalwood oil has anti-cancer properties.
Along with this, anticancer and chemo-preventive properties have been revealed in alpha-santalol, a compound extracted from the sandalwood tree.
Sandalwood is also used to cure various skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
It also has antibacterial properties, effective on acne and pimples.
The anti-inflammatory properties (anti-inflammatory) present in sandalwood not only provide coolness but also reduce swelling.
Sandalwood is also used to cure various skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. It also has antibacterial properties, effective on acne and pimples.
The anti-inflammatory properties (anti-inflammatory) present in sandalwood not only provide coolness but also reduce swelling.
Chandan tree history, significance and importance
Chandan tree history and Origin
Sandalwood has got special importance in various religions of India especially Hindu religion and culture.
This is such a fragrant wood that is used from the birth of a child, till its cremation and last rites.
In the religious and Ayurvedic texts of India, there is an excellent description of its uses and characteristics, literature is also not untouched by it.
There are other uses of sandalwood.
Except medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, its furniture and decorative items are also made.
By sandalwood other countries are also fascinated.
In this article we are going to talk about Chandan tree history, significance, origin and everything you want to know about.
Chandan tree history and origin of sandalwood from Malaya Mountain
The glory and history of yellow and red Chandan tree is unique among the different types of sandalwood.
Chandan is a Sanskrit word, which means scented wood.
It has other names in the same language, such as Malayaj, Chandrashruti, Shrikhand, Bhadrashree etc.
Other than India, its trees are also found in Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Indian and Australian sandalwood is in highest demand all over the world.
Sandalwood in India is historically and mythologically originated in the famous southern Indian mountain range of Malaya.
This is the main reason due to which the sandalwood is also called Malayaj.
The wind blowing from Malaya Mountain is considered cool and fragrant.
Chandan is religiously important Regarding sandalwood
According to Vamana Purana, sandalwood is preferred for the worship of Lord Shiva. According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Lakshmi resides in the fragrant sandalwood.
In the Ayodhya Kand of Valmiki Ramayana, there is a description of the beautiful house of Shriram which is getting fragrant with sandalwood.
In the 42nd chapter of Bhagwat Purana, located in the tenth wing, the upper part of Shri Krishna’s body has been described as fragrant with sandalwood paste.
There is a long description of sandalwood in the Indian context in the Britannica, it has been said that sandalwood powder is used by the Brahmin caste as tilak on the forehead and to scent clothes.
Another foreign text states that Hindu devotees worship the idols of the deities daily with five offerings, which include anointing the idol with aromatic (sandalwood) substances, waving dhoop (incense), garlands of flowers, lamps.
Lighting (lamp) and offering Naivedya is included.
Kalidas and Kautilya mentioned Chandan tress in history books
Yellow sandalwood is generally used by those who believe in Vaishnavism and blood sandalwood is mostly used by those who believe in Shaivism and Shaktism.
The practice of using sandalwood in the funeral pyre of Hindus has been going on since ancient times.
Kalidas has mentioned the use of sandalwood in the funeral pyre of Ikshvaku queen Indumati in his Sanskrit work Raghuvansh.
Kautilya in his Arthashastra mentions many varieties of sandalwood from different places, including sandalwood of different colors like red, black-red, white-red, black, green and saffron.
Their fragrance has also been described differently.
Even today sandalwood is widely used in Havan etc.
Applying sandalwood tika in social functions is still in use today.
Other than China, many countries are also fascinated by this
Looking at the global scenario, there is a lot of demand for sandalwood in China, Japan, Singapore, Australia, United Arab Emirates and some western countries.
According to the English newspaper China Daily, in China, the furniture of the Ming Dynasty, which ruled from the fourteenth to the middle of the seventeenth century, was made of red sandalwood.
In Japan too, there is a tradition of giving Shamisen, a musical instrument made of red sandalwood, at the time of marriage.
This was the detailed history of Chandan tree and we hope that you liked this article very much.
Sandalwood
Introduction
Sandalwood is known as Chandana in Sanskrit.
The scientific name of sandalwood is Santalum Album L. The herb belongs to the family of Santalaceae.
The English names of sandalwood are White sandalwood, Yellow Sandalwood, East Indian Sandalwood, White Saunders, Santal, Tan Xiang, Sandanam, Srigandapuma, Sukhad, and Sandal Safaid.
Sandalwood is also known as: Shri Gandha, Aninditha, Arishta Phalam, Bhadhrashraya, Sarpavasa, Chandrakanta, Gandhasara, Thailaparna and Malayaja.
Description of the tree
Sandalwood is native to India. Sandal wood is an evergreen tree indigenous to South India and is also found in Western Ghats and in the mountain ranges of Kalrayan and Shevaroy Hills.
It is primarily grown in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, Philippines and Australia.
Sandalwood is a medium sized hemi parasitic tree.
The sandalwood tree is a root parasite.
Thus plants must be grown along with sandalwood.
A regular sandalwood tree grows upto a height of 30 feet.
The herb has a sweet woodsy smell.
The wood is heavy, yellow and fine grained.
Unlike other trees, sandal tree retains its fragrance for years.
A cool climate with moderate rainfall and abundant sunshine and long spells of dry weather is best suitable for cultivation of sandalwood tree.
The leaves have a leathery texture.
They grow in pairs each opposite the other on the twigs.
The tree and the root contain yellow aromatic oil, known as the sandal oil.
The sandal powder and paste is obtained from the trunk of the tree.
The white wood or the yellow wood depends on the age of the tree.
If the tree is mature, then the wood becomes yellow and if the tree is young, the wood is white, thus known as the White wood.
Gandha (in Kannada) is the paste obtained by grinding the wood in hand on a stone.
Types of sandalwood: There are three varieties of sandalwood: The Indian Sandalwood (Santalim Album. L),
which is the best in quality and is also expensive, the Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum Ellipticum), which is expensive, and the Australian Sandalwood (Santalum Spicatum) which is not overly beneficial, but is commercially more in use.
Some of the various unrelated plants with similarly scented wood or oil include:
- Adenanthera pavonina – sandalwood tree, red or false red sandalwood
- Baphia nitida – camwood, also known as African sandalwood
- Eremophila mitchellii – sandalwood; false sandalwood (also sandalbox)
- Myoporum platycarpum – sandalwood; false sandalwood
- Myoporum sandwicense – bastard sandalwood, false sandalwood
- Osyris lanceolata – African sandalwood
- Osyris tenuifolia – east African sandalwood
Sandal oil
Oil is extracted through a process known as steam distillation of pieces of wood from matured sandalwood trees.
For extracting oil, older trees, usually 60 years and above are considered as, older the trees, more the oil and even the aroma will be stronger.
The main constituents of sandal oil are; Beta Santalol, Santyl Acetate and Santalenes. Isobornyl Cyclohexanol is a synthetic fragrance chemical produced as an alternative to the natural product.
Puranic Reference
In Ramayana, Lord Rama explains to his brothers and Hanuman as follows:
He compares the saints and the wicked, to the sandal wood tree and the axe.
While the wicked axe the sandalwood tree, the sandalwood tree in turn gives its fragrance to the axe.
The sandal paste is rubbed on the forehead of gods.
While the axe becomes blunt and is thrown into the fire to make it red hot and beaten with a hammer to make it sharp again.
Goddess Parvati created Her son Ganesha out of sandalwood paste that She used for Her bath and breathed life into the figure.
Ayurvedic Uses
Sandal wood, bark and oil is used in the ayurvedic medicinal preparation for more than 4000 years.
Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti phlogistic, antiseptic, anti-microbial, antipyretic, hypotensive, carminative, emollient, demulcent, cicatrisant, sedative, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, and diuretic properties.
It is effective on herpes simplex virus too.
Anti-inflammatory: The sandal oil is very effective in treating all types of internal and external inflammations.
The oil is particularly effective in treating nervous and circulatory inflammations caused due to the side effects of antibiotics, poisoning, insect bites or wounds.
Antispasmodic: The oil is highly effective in easing spasms and contractions. Thus it is used in treating cough, cramps and aches.
Astringent: The astringent properties of the oil induce contractions in the gums, muscles and skin.
This helps in strengthening the hold of the gums on the teeth, strengthens the muscles and tightens the skin.
Antiseptic: Sandal oil acts as an antiseptic agent. It has both external and internal applications.
When taken internally, it protects ulcers and other internal wounds from developing infections.
When applied externally, it protects the wounds, pimples, pores from becoming infectious or septic.
Diuretic and urinary tract infection: As the oil acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, it reduces the inflammation in the urinary system, thereby promoting the easy passage of urine.
It is a natural remedy for treating inflammation and associated infection of the urinary tract, as it flushes out the toxins in the urine.
Half a tea spoon of sandal powder mixed in milk is an antidote for urinary tract infections.
For urine in the blood, a teaspoon of sandal powder should be soaked in a glass of water overnight and consumed the next morning.
Carminative: The essential oil in sandalwood soothes the intestinal and abdominal muscles, thereby facilitating the removal of gases.
It also prevents the formation of excess gases.
Disinfectant: The aroma of the sandal oil keeps small insects away.
Thus sandal oil when used in bath water acts as a disinfectant and protects the skin from wounds and infections.
To clear internal infections of the throat, oesophagus, stomach, intestines and excretory system, a teaspoon of oil mixed with a glass of milk is effective.
Hypotensive: A few drops of sandal oil mixed with water or milk taken regularly reduces blood pressure.
A paste of the sandal powder applied on the body also has the same effect.
A teaspoon each of amla powder, sandalwood powder, and coriander leaves all should be soaked overnight in a cup of water.
In the morning, mixture (after straining) should be consumed for few days.
Insomnia: Sandal wood powder or oil has a cooling effect on the mind. Inhaling a cloth soaked in fifteen drops of sandal oil, 10 drops of chamomile oil and 5 drops of lemon juice calms the mind and induces sleep.
Expectorant: Sandal oil acts as an expectorant and is effective in treating coughs, viral infections and flu.
Memory Booster: Sandal powder or oil keeps the brain cool thus reducing the stress or anxiety.
Thus it is increasingly used to treat anxiety, stress, nervousness restlessness and depression. Sandal oil or the bark is said to arrest memory loss and improve concentration.
The scent in the oil awakens intelligence and is often used in meditation. Using of sandal oil during meditation is said to bring in positive thoughts, happiness and courage.
Anti diabetic: A mixture of one tablespoon of sandal powder and amla powder each boiled in water should be reduced to half.
Regular intake of this mixture keeps the sugar levels in check.
Red sandal wood is effective in treating Type-2 diabetes.
General tonic: The oil can be used as a general tonic especially in children, as it improves overall immunity in the body without any side effects.
Skin care: Sandalwood powder or oil is a natural remedy for skin care.
A teaspoon of sandal powder mixed with turmeric applied on the face makes the skin radiant.
For treating acne, a paste of sandalwood powder, coconut oil, and lime juice should be taken in equal parts and left on the skin overnight.
A mixture of sandalwood, water, lemon, yogurt and rose water helps reduces blemishes on the face and improves the complexion.
Psoriasis: For treating psoriasis, boil three cups of water mixed with a teaspoon of sandal powder.
The liquid should be reduced to half, add a spoon of rose water and some sugar.
Taking this mixture thrice a day is an excellent antidote.
Eczema: A mixture of sandalwood powder, rosewater or plain water should be made into a paste.
To this mixture, a spoon of camphor should be added and applied on the affected area.
Oily skin: A paste of sandalwood powder mixed with fuller earth or Multani mitti, and rose water should be applied on the face.
It should be allowed to dry for half an hour and then washed in plain water.
Reducing wrinkles: A mixture of rosewater, sandalwood powder, and glycerine is a natural remedy for reducing wrinkles.
Sandal paste improves the skin texture, soothes the burnt skin and is effective in treating rashes.
Sun burns: A mixture of four tablespoon of sandal oil along with 2 tablespoon of almond oil and five tablespoons of coconut oil is effective for healing sun burns. It also softens the skin.
For prickly heat, a paste of rose water and sandal wood powder applied on the affected area gives relief.
Cardiac tonic: Sandalwood is effective in treating cardiovascular disorders.
The herb improves the blood circulation in the body.
Half a teaspoon of sandal powder mixed in a cup of water is effective in easing chest pain.
Headache: A mixture of sandal paste with Tulsi leaves relieves headache. For headaches caused due to heat, application of sandal oil on the forehead relieves the pain.
Smelly hair: A spray of sandal powder mixed in water on hair is effective in treating smelly hair.
Dysentery: Five pinches of sandal powder mixed with honey is effective in treating dysentery.
Fever: Application of sandal paste on forehead reduces fever.
Chemotherapy and radiation: Regular use of sandalwood oil internally and externally is effective in combating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Excessive Sweating: Few drops of sandal oil mixed in bathing water provide relief from excessive sweating.
Other uses: Besides being used for medicinal purposes, sandal powder and paste is used in the manufacture of toiletries, deodorants, perfumes, incense and mouth fresheners.
The hard yellow outer wood is used to make decorative articles like combs, key chain, boxes etc.
Precaution: People suffering from kidney and liver diseases should not use this herb, externally as well as internally.
Sandal oil should always be diluted before use. It can be mixed with any of other essential oils like lavender, rose, geranuim, cedarwood, bergamot, ylang-ylang, basil, myrrh, etc and used on the skin.
Significance
Sandalwood is considered sacred in India.
Thus it is used in religious ceremonies.
It is offered to gods and goddesses during worship and also on Kalasha.
Sandalwood is considered as the epitome of excellence, as it imparts fragrance to the axe that cuts it.
It is for this reason that Chandana is synonymous with excellence.
It is used in sacred ceremonies to purify the places.
It is used to decorate the bride and bridegroom during marriages.
In certain communities in South India, people apply sandal paste on their body before the commencement of the daily prayers.
Images of gods and goddesses are sculpted out of yellow wood.
The wood is also used in the making of temple doors.
The wood is used for pyre at the time of cremation of a body.
In Tirupathi, after the religious tonsure, sandal paste is applied on the head to protect the skin.
The Sultan of Mysore declared the sandalwood tree as the Royal tree in 1972.
Every sandal tree including those on private lands is protected and owned by the Government of India.
Sandalwood beads worn as either bracelets or necklaces will induce spiritual awakening and bring in positive energy.
Ancient Egyptians used sandalwood for embalming and in honouring their gods.
What Is Chandan? The Meaning and Benefits Of Chandan In Rituals
What is Chandan? What is the Meaning of Chandan? During different pujas and rituals, people often use a paste.
Have you noticed? That is sandalwood.
But do you ever pause and think, why do we do so?
Well, at the end of the following excerpt, you would get the answer.
You would understand the importance, the significance and benefits of Chandan and why is it such ancient practice.
What Is Chandan?
Amongst the many substances that one uses for tilak; Chandan and Ashtagandha, a powder of eight aromatic herbs, are the most satvik, pure and pious.
Where Does One Apply Chandan?
People use the paste of Chandan or sandalwood invariably to put a tilak, vermillion mark, on the forehead of the deity and devotees, and so on.
One applies the Chandan tilak between the two eyebrows to activate the middle, invisible Nadi or channel.
his in the language of yogic parlance goes with the name ‘Sushumna’.
It is the spot where the centre for intellect and human thoughts lie.
The right nostril or channel of a human being is known as the Pingala Nadi (the sun side).
Whereas, the left one is known as Ida Nadi (the moon side).
When one activates the middle invisible nostril, channel or the Sushumna, a man can make leaps and bounds of spiritual progress.
The Right Spot For Applying Chandan
Putting a Chandan tilak at the appropriate spot on the forehead is important.
Because only when you do so, it enlivens the Ajna chakra or the third-eye chakra which is the centre for human thoughts, sex and intellect.
In medical terms, the Ajna chakra is the pineal gland.
In fact, modern science too recognizes its association with human thoughts and sexual urges.
When one applies the Chandan tilak on the forehead of an idol, the right channel awakens.
This thereby leads to attracting the deity’s divine elements from the surroundings.
All in all, it will definitely enliven and charge the atmosphere for the good of those who attend the ritual.
Enhances One’s Spiritual Quotient
Did you know that the Chandan tilak has the power to augment one’s spirituality?
And this is the reason why devout followers apply the paste of Chandan on their forehead, especially, on the Ajna chakra.
Ideally, one must prepare the paste using both hands.
Because this activates one’s Shiva-Shakti elements present in the right and left sides of the nostrils.
The union of the two divine elements is extremely conducive for the success of man.
Following The Ancient Wisdom
There are few beliefs as per the ancient wisdom.
One is such that after death, the human mind remains alive for a few hours.
And you would remain in awe to know that even modern science endorses this same view.
And according to the rituals for last rites, before one carries the body to the cremation ground, one applies the Chandan on the forehead of the deceased.
But remember that one prepares this paste using only the right hand.
People believe that such a paste charges the sun element of the Pingala Nadi.
This thereby helps in activating the life force that is still left in the dead body.
When one cremates the human body, it disintegrates into the five basic elements:- Panchabhootas of nature.
To hasten the process of disintegration, people carry out kapala kriya or the splitting of the skull via the person performing the last rites.
This is an extremely unique and scientific ritual that the Hindus perform.
Comparison With Respect To The Kings
In the olden days, people cremate the dead bodies of kings, the seers, saints and people like the Buddha and the poet Kalidasa only on pyres of sandalwood.
In recent history, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and even Indira Gandhi were cremated with Chandan wood.
Because this is invariably pure and powerful, which helps in faster disintegration of a body.
On the other hand, those who cannot afford sandalwood place, then at least a few pieces of it will do.
Make sure to place them on the pyre of the deceased for the same reason.
After the death of a person, people garland his picture with a Chandan mala to receive his spiritual blessings.
The Consequences Of Adulterated And Unadulterated Chandan Paste
The benefits of Unadulterated Chandan are immense.
It paste has satvik elements that help to augment one’s spirituality.
However, when kumkum, turmeric powder, or saffron mixes up with Chandan paste, its satvik potency dilutes.
Because at the end of the day, these three products are rajasik or passionate in their effects.
Hence, this is more like adulteration with regards to the Chandan paste.
That is why saints and those who pursue a spiritual life apply only pure white Chandan paste on their forehead.
Meaning, they only apply an unadulterated version of the Chandan paste.
However, those who lead a worldly life may apply Chandan paste mixed with kumkum, turmeric, and/or saffron that gives them a twofold benefit.
So it really depends on the individual and what are their needs.
Interestingly, the Parsis, in their Agyaris or fire temples burn pieces of Chandan wood only.
In their faith too they consider Chandan as pious and sacred.
This thereby helps in creating divine vibrations in the surroundings.
SANDALWOOD
Sandalwood is a continuously flowering, semi-parasitic evergreen that obtains a portion of its nourishment and water by withdrawing these from the roots of other trees—a parasitism adaptation that compensates for its ability to develop functional roots.
It derives sufficient water and nutrients from its hosts to continuously bloom and create large quantities of essential oil, while its green leaves make it capable of photosynthesis.
Sandalwood grows in mountainous dry open areas.
It cultivates to a height of 2 to 3 feet and has smooth gray-brown bark, drooping branches, and evergreen or lanceolate, smooth, opposite leaves.
The tree’s numerous flowers lack fragrance and are small, of various hues (pink, red, violet, yellow), arranged in clusters, and round, black, pea-sized fleshy fruit.
Sandalwood essential oil occurs only in trees that are at least 25-years-old, and it’s generally harvested from trees between 30- and 60-years-old.
The people of India venerate sandalwood because they believe it emanates a great spiritual radiance and protective energies.
They also consider it a symbol of vitality.
Sandalwood is used in incense and perfume and is regarded as an aid to meditation and spiritual devotion.
In Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood is considered to be bitter, cooling, relaxing, and contracting.
It is often used as a poultice for inflammation and various skin issues related to dryness such as aging, dehydrated skin, and itchiness.
Sandalwood has long been considered specific for dry, cracked aging skin (its affinity for aging skin may be linked with the trees’ maturity from which the oil is distilled).
It is thought to increase elastin and collagen’s water retention capacity, improve skin capillary circulation, hydrate the intercellular spaces, and support the connective tissue found there.
The oil also stimulates sexual and mucosal secretions and decongests the lymph and venous system.
Following the removal of the sandalwood tree’s outer bark, the inner light contained in its oil is no longer obscured by the protective layers that facilitated its existence in the material world.
Now the oil’s spiritual properties are made accessible.
These include an experience of inner unity of mind, body, spirit, awareness of inner soul life, enhancement of higher consciousness and related creativity; relaxation of the conscious mind; and aiding of meditation, prayer, and spiritual practice.
This nexus of “heartwood and spirit” also suggests a correlation between sandalwood and Heart Shen, that aspect of the spirit body which resides in the heart.
Excerpted from Berkowsky’s Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis of Essential Oils
In Chinese medicine, sandalwood is used to dispel cold and relates to a particular aspect of the warmth process described as Kidney Yang or Fire Kidney.
Kidney Yang is said to kindle the fire of metabolism.
It sparks the metabolic processes and warms the body.
When Kidney Yang is robust, the individual has a strong resistance to cold and other forms of stress, vigorous digestive power, and consistent sexual potency.
On an emotional level, sandalwood oil may prove useful for anxiety, nervous tension, depression, grief, feelings of isolation, aggressive behavior, obsessive worry, insecurity, stuckness in the past, and self-centeredness.
On a spiritual level, sandalwood supports the experience of inner unity of mind, body, and spirit; awareness of inner soul life, enhancement of higher consciousness and related creativity, relaxation of the conscious mind, meditation, prayer and spiritual practice, peace, and acceptance
Sandal Wood Benefits/चन्दन के लाभ
Different Names of Sandal Wood (Sandal Wood Benefits/चन्दन):
Bengali— Chandan
Hindi— Shwet Chandan
Gujarati— Mukhad
Parsee— Sandal Safed
Arabian— Sandal Abiyad
Punjabi— Chayan
Brief Description of Sandal Wood (Sandal Wood Benefits):
This Sandal Wood (Sandal Wood Benefits) tree is usually found in forest areas in different jungles.
It is different from red sandal due to colour.
It is easily available in the grocery shops.
This is used in Asht Gandh.
It has the similar quality as the red sandal has.
Significance of Sandal Wood (Sandal Wood Benefits):
For removing evil sights write the following mascot in birch bark with a pen of White Sandal and tie it in the hands all the evil sights will be away.