subject: The Wonders Of Sandalwood [print this page] In Hindi, sandalwood is referred to as 'Chandan'. The wood of the sandalwood tree is a sort of dark yellow in colour and heavier than most woods. The tree itself can take up to 80 years to reach complete maturity and it retains its fragrance from many years. We all know that sandalwood has a number of medicinal benefits, but what may well be intriguing to note is that it enjoys a specific and different significance in a Hindu household. Almost each Hindu household is positive to have a compact chunk of this wood stored away someplace.
The 1st and foremost purpose for this is that sandalwood is utilized whilst performing the Pooja or prayers and in religious rituals and ceremonies. This tiny chunk of sandalwood in most cases comes along with a compact, flat and round stone on which it is ground along with a compact quantity of plain water or rose water. This paste is then applied to adorn the idols and photos of Gods and Goddesses. The devotees also apply this paste on their forehead. While aspect of a religious ceremony and an ancient ritual in itself, the application of the paste tends to make a lot of sense even to the men and women who do not think in rituals as it gives a terrific cooling sensation.
An additional fascinating thing to note right here is that, traditionally, only the pure and larger caste people today are supposed to have access to sandalwood. Only priests are allowed to grind the paste and adorn the idols in temples. Just like prayers cannot be provided with out first obtaining had a bath, similarly grinding the sandalwood can only be accomplished once you have had a bath.
Not only does the wood have myriad uses linked with its fragrant important oil and the paste that is produced from it, sandalwood sticks had been also applied in the funeral pyre for cremating the dead. On the other hand, it being so expensive, only the wealthy could afford it.
Sandalwood is also an essential part of an elaborate pre-wedding ceremony performed for Hindu brides-to-be. According to the custom, the brides-to-be are covered in a paste of sandalwood and turmeric. This leaves them with radiant skin so that they can look their most effective on their specific day.
Nonetheless, you do not want to be a bride in order to appreciate the many benefits associated with sandalwood! For countless women, sandalwood is as indispensable element of their every day beauty regime. Sandalwood paste is a miracle remedy for acne and pimples. Sandalwood is accessible in powdered form and can be mixed with rosewater, milk and even plain water to type a paste. This paste have to be applied on the face for 20-25 minutes or so and then washed off. You will without a doubt feel the distinction.
One of the most important things which allow you to distinguish a piece of sandalwood from any other wood from quite a distance is, certainly, its fragrance. A large number of persons like to associate its exotic fragrance with the orient. It is for this earthy and woody fragrance that sandalwood is employed in aromatherapy and meditation. The smell of its essential oils is said to promote tranquility and help in meditation by calming the breathing. It is believed to also function as an anti-depressant and an aphrodisiac.
The essence is also utilised in creating incense sticks and soaps and to make fragrant bracelets and rosaries, tie pins, cuff links and other such knick-knacks. The wood is also utilised to make furnishings and the idols of Gods.
Now, before you rush out to the industry to grab a bottle of sandalwood oil you will have to know that getting restricted in provide, sandalwood is quite highly-priced. It grows, mainly, in the two states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in India. Although hard to get, but absolutely not impossible. Any fantastic store in India which stocks beauty items should certainly have sandalwood powder and it is accessible readily as a chunk of wood in holy cities such as Haridwar where it is put to use in the ceremonies. What is vital, however, it to verify its authenticity prior to you shop for it.
Bhavana has a master's degree in English and a bachelor's degree in Education and has been freelancing for a couple of years now. A voracious reader, she feels it is just about criminal to be with no a really good book to read at all instances. She has an incurable enthusiasm for almost everything to do with travelling, cooking, learning new languages and discovering new cultures. She believes in perfection and is consistently striving to outdo her competition, namely her personal self.
