दीप (दीपक) - Lamp

 

Deepam, दीपम् - Lamp 

         "Deep" (दीपम्) - Lamp is one of the items of "Panchopachar and Shodashopachar Puja". In fact, it is an essential part of any Hindu worship. As per Hindu philosophy, the whole body of a person is made up of five worldly element - Water, Fire, Air, Earth and Space. Correspondingly in the "Panchopachar Pooja," five things are necessary which represent these five elements. "Deep" (दीपम्) - Lamp represents the fire element. 

              Another reason to offer "Deep (दीपम्)" is that the fire is a god in whose presence only all the worship should be performed. Everything offered to Gods is carried to them by fire god (अग्निदेव) and he remains as a witness to our worship. The "Deep" remains lit throughout the worship. At the end of the worship, the "Aarati" is performed for which another "Deep" is used. At Temples of great importance, the lamp remains lit 24X7 and care is taken so that the lamp is not put off. Such lamps are called "Akhand Deep" in Sanskrit. "Aarati" is also performed near ghats of holy rivers like Ganga. The Ganga "Aarati" at Benaras and Haridwar is famous where thousands of people including that of other religions gather to see the awesome scene.
                    Another worship that is performed with lamps at river ghats is the "Deepdan". In a plate of Sal tree leaves, the river goddess is worshiped with flowers, vermilion, incense sticks and lamps. Then this plate with a lit lamp over the flowers is floated on the surface of river water. The floating series of lamps in the evening presents a fascinating scene.   
                 The thread used to light the lamp is made of cotton which is called "Baati"  while the fuel is mostly clarified butter (Ghee-घी). Sometimes sesame oil is also used as fuel. But if the worship is for "Shani Dev" then mustard oil is used in the lamp (Deepam).   
                 Even without worship, the lamp represents happiness. When Lord Rama returned Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the whole city was happy and welcomed him with many lamps lit in front of each house. It was such an unprecedented occasion that it began to be celebrated every year till date and became a festival named "Deepawali" - The festival of lights. On this day the Goddess of wealth "Lakshmi" is also worshiped. 
                    Though electric and LED bulbs are widely used on the occasion of "Deepawali" but traditionally earthen lamps with mustard oil or "Karanj" oil is used. Even in daily worship people used earthen lamps in rural areas. These were cheap and used once only. Now brass lamps have replaced the earthen lamps which are durable, unbreakable and reused after cleaning.     
                    Another ritual in Hindu household is the lighting of the lamp in the evening at dusk. At this time of twilight which is also called "Godhuli -Bela" (When cows return to their houses after grazing the whole day in the field), the evening lamp (Sandhya deep) is lit by the ladies and taken to each room, outside the house it is shown to the setting Sun and then to the "Tulsi" plant.
                     Depending upon the provision of the number of threads to be lit in a lamp it is named accordingly. A "Chowmukhi Deep" has four threads in four directions which are used on "Deepawali" in Lakshmi Puja. Another is "Panchmukhi Deep" in which fifth thread is in the vertical direction. A "Navagrah Deep" has eight threads in eight directions and the ninth thread is in the vertical direction which is for Sun god. Thus nine threads are for nine planets.

Akashdeep/Kandeel- A sketch showing
use of six squares made from wire or
bamboo sticks, then covering the
structure with colorful papers

               Another use of earthen lamp is in "Akashdeep" which is known as "Kandeel" in Hindi. It a small framework made of bamboo sticks and covered with glossy or matte colorful papers. Inside it, a lamp is lit whole night while it is hung on a bamboo pole or other high structure. This "Akashdeep" or "Kandeel" is lit from about 10 days before Deepawali to show the way to the spirits of forefathers who visit on that occasion to bless the family. But this tradition is now replaced to a great extent as colorful electric bulbs are used in place of earthen lamps.
             Beautiful "Kandeels" are sold at Amazon near Deepawali. They also sell amazing decorative hanging lights for interior decorations at THIS LINK.

Mantras for offering Lamp in worship
While showing the gods a lit lamp, following mantra is spoken:-

दीपज्योतिर्नमस्तुते।-Deepam 

साज्यं च वर्तिसंयुक्तं वह्निना योजितं मया।

दीपं गृहाण देवेश !    त्रैलोक्यतिमिरापहं।|

भक्त्या दीपं प्रयच्छामि  देवाय परमात्मने।

त्राहि मां निरयाद घोराद दीपज्योतिर्नमस्तुते।।

(Saajyan  ch varti-sanyuktan vahnina yojitan mayaa,

Deepam grihaan devesha ! trailokya-timirapaham.

Bhaktya deepam pryachchhami devaaya parmatmane,

Trahi mam niryaad ghoraad deep-jyotirnamastute.)

Following mantra is spoken in the evening while showing the "Sandhya Deep":--

दीप ज्योतिः परब्रह्म     दीप ज्योतिः जनार्दनः।

दीपज्योतिः लक्ष्मी बस, संध्या देवी नमोस्तुते।।

(Deep Jyotih Parbrahma deep Jyotih Janardanah,

Deepjyotih Lakshmi vasa, Sandhyadevi Namostute)

Note: You can buy "Deep" for puja from the local market or gron the online site like Amazon. Different types of Puja Accessories are available there. They sell beautiful brass Deepak for daily Puja and decorative Deepaks also at THIS LINK.

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यज्ञोपवीत, जनेऊ - Yagyopaveet, Janeu !

Yagyopaveet (Janeu) threads of Mithila region. Each small bundle contains a piece of thread from which Yagyopaveet to wear is prepared. Sometimes each bundle contains a couple of pieces of the thread because a pair of prepared Yagyopaveets is worn in Mithila. 

                     "Yagyopaveet" or "Janeu" (यज्ञोपवीत, जनेऊ) is a sacred thread worn by males in India who follow "Sanatan Hindu" religion. In Sanskrit, it is called "Yagyopaveetam". It is worn during the "Upanayana Sanskaara" which is one of the 16 rituals described for a Hindu male according to ancient Sanskrit text. A "Yagyopaveet" or "Janeu" is made from the white cotton cord which is made up of thin strands of cotton threads. From this cotton cord is made a loop (Size of a garland) which consists of three rounds of unbroken cord and then tied a knot in a special way. This special way of tying the knot depends upon the sub-cast and 'Gotra'. In the Mithila region, a pair of such prepared "Yagyopaveet" is worn. There the threads are thinner than the other regions. Before the "Yagyopaveet" is made ready to wear it is colored in turmeric powder. It is consecrated with "Yagyopaveet Mantra" and then "Gayatri Mantra" and worn from left shoulder to below right waist up to the reach of palm.

Fine Janeu (Yagyopaveet) threads of Mithila

                I am not going into description or meaning of "Upanayana Sanskaara" because my purpose here is to write about the use of "Yagyopaveet" in worship. During the worship, many things are offered to gods like "Jalam" (Water) for bath and "Achamanam", "Padya","Vastram", "Dhoop-deep", "Naivedya", flowers, 'Belpatras' (बिल्व - पत्र), 'Durva-dal', etc. To male gods "Yagyopaveet" is also offered. It is part of "Shodashopachar Pooja"(षोडशोपचार पूजा). For gods like Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu and Surya offering of "Yagyopaveet" is desirable. The "Yagyopaveet" or "Janeu" should be yellow but if it is white, it should be colored in a mixture of turmeric powder and water or it should be sprinkled with turmeric powder before offering to gods. It is advisable that it should be prepared and consecrated before offering in the same way as if worn by oneself. Since it is time-consuming people offer "Janeu" directly to save time. For consecrating it, the prepared "Yagyopaveet" should be held with both hands between thumb and forefinger giving it a circular-like motion (Should be tight and not touch the ground) and simultaneously the "Yagyopaveet Mantra" should be spoken as follows:--

ॐ यज्ञोपवीतं परमं पवित्रं प्रजापतेर्यत्सहजं पुरस्तात् ।

आयुष्यमग्र्यं प्रतिमुञ्च शुभ्रं यज्ञोपवीतं बलमस्तु तेजः।। 

      

 (Aum yagyopaveetam paramam pavitram prajapateryat-sahajan purastat.

Aayushyamgryan pratimunch shubhram yagyopaveetam balamastu tejah .

    

                    After consecrating with this mantra three times it is taken near the right ear with both palms touching in a 'Pranam' like style and three times the 'Gayatri Mantra' is spoken in a very feeble voice. The 'Gayatri Mantra' is a well-known mantra as follows:-

ॐ भूर्भुव स्वः तत्सवितुर्ववरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्। 

(Aum bhurbhuva swah tatsaviturv-varenyam bhargo devasya deemahi dhiyo yo nah prachodayat)

                  While holding it in both hands, a little water (Jalam-जलम् ) should be taken in the right palm (Chullu-चुल्लू) and be sprinkled over the ground. Now it is fully ready to be offered to God by uttering the following mantra:-

नवभिस्तन्तुभिर्युक्तं त्रिगुणं देवतामयम।

उपवीतं  मया   दत्तं   गृहाण  परमेश्वर।।

(Navabhistantubhiryukam Trigunam Devataamayam

Upveetam   Maya  Dattam   Grihaan  Parmeshwar)

        The Yagyopaveet for the worship purpose is available in all Puja stores but if you do not find it there shop it at Amazon at THIS LINK. 

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बिल्व-पत्र, बेलपत्र (बेलपत्ते) - Belpatra, Bael Leaves ! An important item for Shiva's worship

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

बेलपत्ता, Belpatra, "राम" written Bael leaves
are offered to Shiva

                Bilva-Patra is the leaf of one of the sacred trees in the Hindu religion called Bael (बेल). Its holiness is comparable to Tulsi leaves. In fact, Bilva-Patra is to Shiva what Tulsi leaves are to Vishnu. Bael is known by Stone apple, Wood apple, Golden Apple or Bengal Quince in English. In Hindi, it is commonly known as Bael or Bel and a leaf of Bel is Bel-Patta. The scientific name is "Aegle Marmelos". Bilva-Patra is the Sanskrit name.  

                   According to Hindu mythology, it has emerged from the heart of Goddess Lakshmi. It is clear from sixth "Shloka" of "Bilvashtakam" as follows:- 

                              लक्ष्म्याः स्तनत उत्पन्नं महादेवस्य च प्रियम् 

                              बिल्ववृक्षं प्रयच्छामि   बिल्वपत्रं शिवार्पणं ।6।

Lakshmya stanat utpannam mahadevasya ch priyam

bilvavriksham prayachchhami bilvapatram shivarpanam.

(Meaning: I offer this bael tree which has emerged from the heart of Goddess Lakshmi and liked by Mahadev. So I offer Bilva-Patra to God Shiva.) 

               A leaf of Bilva-Patra is a compound leaf which contains three leaflets. This three leafleted Bilva-Patra is loved by Shiva which is offered to Him. Rarely it happens that more than three leaflets grow in the leaf which becomes a point of curiosity among the devotees. I have seen such leaves being sold at a higher price in the campus of Baba Baidyanathdham Temple complex. But these leaves should not be offered to Shiva as it is clear from first "Shloka" of "Bilvashtakam" as follows:-

त्रिदलं  त्रिगुणाकारं  त्रिनेत्रं  च  त्रयायुधम् 

त्रिजन्म पापसंहारम् बिल्वपत्रं शिवार्पणं ।1। 

Tridalam trigunakaram trinetram ch tryaudham
trijanma pap-sanharam bilvapatra Shivarpanam.

(Meaning: The three leafleted Bilva-patra that has three qualities of Sat, raj and tam, that represents three eyes of Shiva and three weapons, that destroys the sins of three births, I offer that Bilva-Patra to God Shiva.) 

 

Soft, non-torn, without holes
and spotless Bilva-Patra,
that is liked by Shiva

                  This "Shloka" is also spoken while offering Bilva-Patra to Shiva. In addition to three leaflets, it should be soft, without holes, without spots (दाग) and unbroken. The thicker part of the 'Belpatta' twig (डंठल) which is connected to the tree(called vajra) should be removed. While offering to Shiva or other gods, the 'Belpatra' should be put upside down i.e. smooth face touching the 'Linga' and tip away from the devotee. There is an eight "Shloka" "Bilvashtakam" which describes the importance of Bilva-Patra. It is given at this link:-  Importance of Bilva-Patra in Shiv-Pujan.  

                Before offering the leaves, they are touched or sprinkled with white sandalwood paste (चन्दन). Not only Shiva but all members of Shiva family (शिव परिवार) including Nandi the Guard is offered Bilva-Patra. Ganesh, Gouri (Shakti) and her Avatars like Durga & Kaali and Kartikeya all are offered Bilva-Patra. Since Shiva is like a devotee of Rama, So some people write "राम" with sandalwood paste (चन्दन) or Kunkum (कुंकुम) on the leaflets and offer it to Shiva. Hanuman is an avatar of Shiva and also called 'Rudra avatar', so 'Bilva-Patra' is also offered to Hanuman.  

                 Some devotees think that three leaflets of Bilva-Patra represent three eyes of Shiva:- Two lower leaflets as two normal eyes and one upper leaflet as the third eye on the forehead. 

                  As in any temple in North India, the Pundit gives "Charanamrit" (Holy water with Tulsi leaves) to devotees, similarly, in Bhubaneswar, a Pundit at Shiva temple gives Holy water with a piece of Bilva-Patra.  

                       The number of Bilva-Patra offered to Shiva may vary from one to more than lakhs depending upon availability and affordability of the person. I have seen one lakh and twenty-five thousand (सवा लाख) Bilva-Patras being offered to Baba Basukinath by some devotees in the month of "Saavan" and "Aashaadh". 

                    Though it is a practice that something offered to Gods are not offered again, but in the case of Bilva-Patra if it not available to someone and he sees some Bilva-Patras put over Shiva-lingam then he may take it, wash it and again offer it to Shiva. Shiva is so kind to his devotees that He even accepts the imaginary offerings equally. As in the first stanza of "Shiva Manas Pujan Stotram" many things including Bilva-Patra is offered in imagination:- 

Ratnaih kalpitam aasanam himjalaih snanam ch divyambaram

Nana ratna vibhooshitam    mrigmadamodankitam chandanam

jatichampakvilvapatra  rachitam  pushpam  ch  dhoopam tatha

Deepam dev  dayanidhe  pashupate   hritkalpitam  grihyataam.

Silver Bilva-Patra

              One of the twelve famous "Jyotirlinga" - Kedarnath - is situated at a height on the Himalayas and difficult to access. People have to either go on foot or on horses for more than 15 km. At such places, Bilva-Patra is hardly available. So Bilva-Patra and Trishool made of Silver is offered to Shivalinga Kedarnath. Of course, after offering it is returned to the devotee as "Prasadam". Silver Belpatra is available on Amazon also at THIS LINK.

Silver Trishool

               Not only Bael-leaves but Bael fruit and flowers are also offered to Shiva. Flowers are available only for a few days in a year and surrounded by honey bees, so it rarely possible to get it. But when it flowers between last week of April to the first week of May, the whole surrounding is charged with its divine fragrance. Bael fruit is available nearly throughout the year and it is offered to Shiva.

Bael Flowers on a branch
~Oh! That divine fragrance~

 

               Hindu month of "Savan" is the special month in which Shiva-Pujan has great importance. In this month demand for Bilva-Patra and Bael fruits increases many folds. 

                  We know that Goddess Kali is offered goats as "Bali" (बलि). Before the "Bali Puja," the Pundit helps to perform "Sankalp -संकल्प" with the goat in which Bilva-Patra with Akshat is put over the goat after speaking some mantras. Then this Bilva-Patra and Akshat are fed to the goat just before the "Bali".

                  For keeping bad effects of "Grahas" away in astrology, a piece of the root of Bael tree empowered with worship and mantras is worn as 'Talisman'. It is also useful in the control of Blood Pressure, anger and chronic diseases. 

              The Bael fruit itself has medicinal and nutritional value. Ripe Bael fruit is very good for the stomach. The soft part (गूदा) is sweet though sticky and seeds are swallowed not chewed. In the summer season, it is very good for health. "Bael Sharbat" (बेल शरबत - Cold Drink of Bael fruit) along with roasted raw mango 'Sharbat' is popular in Northern India and is available with "Thelawalas" in the streets. 

                Devotees plant this tree in their house campus for Bilva-Patra and the fruits. Bilva-tree on the campus helps to make one's name, fame and wealth grow. Not only this since the tree of Bael represents Shiva himself, after getting up from the bed in the morning people see and say 'namaskar' to the tree and speak this "Shloka",

Darshanam Bilva Vrikshasya Sparshnam Papnashnam

Aghor    Papsanharam     Bilvapatram     Shivarpanam.

                       The worship of Shiva-linga under a 'Bilva-Tree' is very fruitful. Watering a 'Bilva-Tree' with simple 'Jalam' or 'Gangajalam' gives the 'Punya' of visiting all 'Tirthas'. Putting the water from near the root of this tree on the forehead destroys all "Papam".
            Belpatra and many of its products are available at Amazon at this LINK.

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Jasmine flower ... बेली के फूल (Mogra)

Jasmine flower and Buds
बेली के फूल 

                 Jasmine is one of the fragrant flowers that is used in Hindu worship. Strong and lovely fragrance along with milky white color makes it a suitable flower to offer to Gods as well as for personal use. It may be offered to all kinds of Gods but Shiva, Vishnu, Saraswati and Surya are specially worshiped with this flower. 

              It is also used to decorate the temples on auspicious occasions and "Mandapas" in marriages. Its garland is worn by women at braids (चोटी) and in hands, it is called "Gajaraa" in Hindi. Its fragrance is said to act as an aphrodisiac. So it is also used on or near the beds of newlywed couples. 

Jasmine flower - बेली फूल 

                      The flowers were used by rich and nobles to make the bathing waters scented just like rose petals. At some places, Hindus too give a jasmine water bath to idols of God. At the famous temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri, Orissa, a festival named "Chandan Yatra" is organized each year on 'Baishakh shukla tritiya' to 'jyeshtha krishna ashtami' (according to Hindu calender) in which idols of Madanmohan, Ram-Krishna, Laxmi-Saraswati and Panchmahadev are taken to 'Chandan Talab' for giving them a bath and boating. This bath is performed with water flavored by sandalwood paste (Chandan) and jasmine flowers. South Indian temples use jasmine flowers on a large scale. Thick garlands are made with it which weighs many kilograms. It is used to decorate Venkata idols like at "Meenakshi Sundareshwar" temple at Madurai. Madurai is famous for cultivation and production of jasmine flowers.

                Besides domestic use, jasmine has also industrial uses where it is mostly used to produce perfumes and scents (Itra). Incense sticks of jasmine fragrance is produced and sold as ''Mogra Agarbatti" in the market which is liked by devotees to use in the worship. 

Jasmine plant in flower pot
गमले में बेली  का पौधा 

                   Jasmine is called as "Baily" flower in Hindi. This name may be due to the similar strong fragrance of 'Bael' flowers (Bael tree is a holy tree for Hindus, its fruit in English is known as Stone apple/ wood apple. May read the blog - Importance of 'Bilva Patra' in "Shiv-Pujan" and Bilvastak). Many people do not notice the flowers on 'Bael' tree because they come only for four to five days in the month of May and all the flowers bloom nearly together. Its strong fragrance and nectar-filled flowers attract honey bees in a large number. These honey bees quietly do their work on the 'Bael' tree. These flowers can be offered to Shiva. The "Baily" name of jasmine may have come from the similarity of "Bael" flowers but the plants are quite different. While "Bael" is a tree the jasmine plant is a herb. It is a perennial plant and can be found in almost all Indian gardens. It begins to flower as soon as the Winter season in India ends and Spring starts. Jasmine flowers make the Summer evenings fragrant. Two types of jasmine are found - the first one has round petals while the other has long petals. The round petal variety is a double flower with many white petals. The long petal variety is single layered and named as Indian Jasmine or Downy Jasmine in English but in Sanskrit, it is called "Kund" (कुंद). Except this, there is no other noticeable difference in the plant or fragrance.  The "Kund" (कुंद) flower is known for its whiteness in Sanskrit just like snow in English. If anything is very white, it is compared to snow as white as snow. In Hindi or Sanskrit, it is compared to Kund flowers. For example, recall the "Doha" in Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas in which he compares the color of the body of God Shiva to Kund a flower. It is like this,

Kund Indu Sam Deh Uma Raman karuna Ayan,

Jahi Deen par Neh Karahu Kripa Mardan Mayan.

{The God whose body is like Kund flower and the Moon (White and brilliant), loves Goddess Parvati, has affection on poor, that Shiva who did repression of Kamdeva be pleased on me}
                  Some people like to plant it as a hedge in the garden and some plant it separately. Its propagation is done by cutting. It can be planted even in flower pots to be put on the balcony in flats of apartments.     

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आम्र पल्लव (आम के पत्ते) - The Mango Leaves

Sacred Leaves

आम्र पल्लव (आम के पत्ते) - The Mango Leaves

               Mango leaves are used on auspicious occasions and in special Hindu worships. Be it a "Vivaha" (Marriage), Worship of "Satyanarayan Swami", "Grih Pravesh Puja" (Worship on the occasion of shifting to newly built house) or "Yajna - Homa"; mango leaves are necessary. Just like Lord Ganesha who brings auspiciousness and keeps evil eyes away, so is the effect of mango leaves. Base twigs of mango leafs are fastened to a string at regular interval of about six inches so that it hangs downwards. This string with hanging mango leaves is stretched over gates as "Torana" or fastened all around the house, marriage Mandap or "Yajna-Mandap". After worship the holy water called "Shanti-jala" (water that keeps peace) is sprinkled with a bunch of mango leaves over devotees and the devotees cover their feet with body clothes so that "Shanti-jala" should fall over the body and does not touch their feet. 

 

Mango leafs in "Toranam"

             In most of the worships related to Vishnu a pot full of water is placed near the God, it is call "Kalasha" or "Kalasham". On the "Kalash" is kept five green leafed bunch of mango leafs. Over it is kept a husked coconut. The things of worship that is kept inside the "Kalash" water differ from region to region. Outer side of the "Kalash" is decorated with rice paste and vermilion (Sindoor) and similarly the coconut is wrapped in red cloth.

                 In the process of "Homa" (होम) "Aahuti" (आहुति) of different things are put in the fire. One of these offerings is that of Ghee (Clarified butter from cow's milk) which is taken with a long handled spoon shaped wooden stick. If this thing is not available in small scale "homa" the priest allows to pour ghee in the fire with a mango leaf which tip is broken.

                    Marriage is such an occasion in which lots of people gather and bride and bridegroom are at the center of attraction all. So keep evil eyes away a ritual involving mango leaf is performed in eastern part of India. On the day of marriage the pundit wraps a mango leaf in thread (Kuchcha Dhaga) and ties to right wrist of bridegroom and to left wrist of bride. It is called "Kangan". This "Kangan" of mango leaf is only put off after the ritual worship of fourth day of marriage (Chaturthi) and then they are supposed to start physical relationship of their conjugal life. The mango leafs also signify fertility and God Kamadeva, this is also a reason to use it in marriages.

                   In fact all parts of a mango tree is used in worship, be it mango wood, mango flower (Amra Manjari - ) or mango fruit itself about which I will write in some blogs in future.

A mango tree laden with Mango Flowers, आम्र मञ्जरी 

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चन्दन - The Sandalwood !

"Chandan" (Sandalwood) used
to make a paste for Worship

The Sandalwood ("Chandan" in Hindi) is used in worships and religious occasions from ancient times. Most commonly it is used as a paste. The paste is obtained by rubbing a piece of sandalwood on a round granite slab and slowly adding water to it. This special purpose slab is called "Chanouta" in Hindi. The paste thus obtained is used by devotees themselves and offered to Gods during worship. Devotees apply it on the forehead and the earlobes (in shape according to their sects). For example "Vaishnavas" (Devotees of Vishnu) make a trident-like shape on the forehead while "Shaivas" (Devotees of Shiva) make three parallel lines. Same is with Gods Vishnu and Shiva. Almost all gods like Sandalwood due to its aroma which is considered divine. It is said to be helpful during the meditation and enhance concentration. Thus brings closer to divinity. 

"Chanowta"-the round flat stone slab on which
sandalwood is rubbed with water
to make a paste

                 There is a story related to God Krishna and his likeness for "Chandan" in the holy Hindu book "Srimadbhagawat Purana" written by Maharishi Ved Vyas. Krishna is invited to Mathura by his wicked uncle King "Kansa". Krishna and his elder brother Balarama were walking on the street of Mathura when they saw a woman with a hump on her back coming with a "Thal"(plate) of sandalwood paste. She could not walk erect and people called her "Kubdi". 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. But 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" (Beautiful woman) while she was bent and could not walk erect. Everybody called her "Kubdi". Krishna laughed and said that she was really beautiful - thus saying 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 erect. She was overwhelmed with joy and thanked Krishna. 

Chandan, Raktachandan and Chanowta

                 Sandalwood paste ("Chandanam") is also liked by Shiva. It is one of the things Shiva likes most. In the famous "Shiva Manas Stotram" written by Adishankaracharya there is an offering of "Chandanam" to Shiva. It is thus said in Sanskrit:- 

Ratnaih kalpitam aasanam himjalaih snanam ch divyambaram

Nana ratna vibhooshitam    mrigmadamodankitam chandanam

jatichampakvilvapatra  rachitam  pushpam  ch  dhoopam tatha

Deepam dev  dayanidhe  pashupate   hritkalpitam  grihyataam.

         (O God! O Kind one! O Master of animals! Please accept these-the throne made of jewels, cold water bath, the divine cloth studded with different jewels, the sandalwood paste mixed with musk scent, the handful of jasmine-Champa flowers with bael leaves, incense and lamp- I have imagined them in my heart.)

Sandalwood paste ("Chandanam") is applied to Shivalinga during his "Snanam"(bathing). It is then applied to him as "Tripunda" during his "Shringar" (decoration of diety). The name of "Chandana" also comes in "Lingashtakam" (the eight shloka prayer of 'Linga') as below:-     

Kumkuma  Chandana Lepit Lingam

Pankaja  Haara    Sushobhit Lingam

Sanchita Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam

Tat Pranamami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

(Means, I say my Namaskar to that 'Linga' which is applied with "Kumkuma &Chandana", that looks beautiful with a garland of lotus and destroys all accumulated "Papum").        

             The mantra to offer "chandanam" is as below:-

श्रीखण्डं चन्दनं दिव्यं गन्धाढयं सुमनोहरम्।

विलेपनं  च  देवेश    चन्दनं  प्रतिगृह्यताम्।।

                Sandalwood has many other uses. Due to its fine-grained wood, it is carved to make idols of gods or things of art. Sandalwood oil is also obtained from sandalwood. It has some medicinal properties. It is used in the making of incense sticks. A huge demand in India is from "Gutkha" industry. Due to the heavy demand and high market rate it has been exploited on a large scale legally and illegally. Jungles of South India has seen many smugglers of Sandalwood one of whom was legendary "Veerappan". 

                 One of its qualities is the scent in the wood remains intact till decades to come. Nowadays Chandana face packs are also used which contains Chandana powder. 

             Though this tree can grow even in North India it hardly can be saved from criminals. It is like having a tree of gold in one's backyard. Another problem is that this tree is hemiparasitic. Means it can grow to some height initially by itself but when grown up it needs a type of host plant nearby from which roots it gets mineral and water to sustain, grow and compete.     

Rakta-Chandan (Red sandalwood)              

Rakta-Chandan (Red-sandalwood)

Rakta-Chandan (Red sandalwood) is in fact not sandalwood. Both trees are totally different. While sandalwood is mostly found in western ghats, red-sandalwood is found in eastern ghat. Since both types of woods have the similar use in worship so both are called sandalwood. The paste of Rakta-Chandan is mostly used in the worship of goddesses like Durga, Kali, Tara and Gouri. In Shakti - Sadhana its importance is well known. It is also offered during "Ganesh-Ambika Pujan" whom it is offered with the following mantra, 

रक्तचन्दन संमिश्रं पारिजात समुद्भवम्। 

मयादत्तं  गृहाणाशु   चन्दनं  गंध  संयुतम्।।

Chandana woods for Puja are available at local shops and shops near some pilgrimage. Online it is available on Amazon. Links for some of the items are given below:-

1. Chandana Sticks

2. Chandna Powder Saphed (White)

3. Red Sandalwood Powder/Rakta Chandana Powder

4. Herbal face pack containing Chandana

5. Red Sandalwood sticks/ Rakta Chandana

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Shivalinga Flower - नाग-केसर पुष्प !

Shivalinga / Nagkeshar flower

                This flower is not so common and many devotees may not know about it. I too came to know about it a few years ago when I visited Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar, Orissa. They call it "Shivaling" flower. The flower seller inside the temple asked me if I wanted this special flower which was selling at Rs 5/- a piece. "What was special about it" I asked. They told me that it resembles a "Shiva-linga" with a hooded snake over it. It was enough to make me curious. They showed me the flower and its parts then only could I believe it. Due to this shape it is considered a holy flower and loved by Shiva. It is offered to God Shiva only.  

             Shivalinga flower is known by different names in different regions of India. In Bengali it is known by "Nagkeshar", in Kannada by "Nagalinga", in Telugu "Nagamalli" and in Tamil by "Lingam". Its tree grows up to a height of about 30 m and bears big ball like fruits that are edible to animals. Commonly it is known as 'Cannonball Tree' in English. It flowers abundantly and looks beautiful when whole tree is covered in flowers that are scented. And due to this fact it is grown as ornamental tree in western countries where it has no religious importance.  "Couroupita Guianensis" is its botanical name. 

              It is believed that origin of this tree is in Latin America. From Guyana it was brought to Sri Lanka where Buddhists revere it believing it related to Buddha. 

               Its fruit and parts of the tree have some medicinal properties useful to treat high BP, pain, common cold, malaria and skin conditions. This tree is grown near Shiva temples in India.