Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Sandalwood’s aroma is soft, tenacious, deep, rich, sweet, creamy, woody and balsamic. It is native to India, where its fragrance is sacred. Its bark was rubbed on the foreheads of gods during sacred rituals. Incense from sandalwood is calming and conducive to clarity of mind and is preferred for meditation and to promote spiritual practice. The paste is smeared on the foreheads of devotees of Vishnu and Shiva. It is particularly placed as a dot or tilak on the forehead, between the eyebrows, where Hindus believe power resides and can be awakened. The sandalwood dot is meant to cool and protect this spot. It is burnt during death ceremonies to help the soul rise towards God, and to comfort mourners.

Sandalwood's name is derived from the Sanskrit word chandana. It grew to be a vital element in Hindu rituals. The wood is used for carving fine items such as figures and caskets, as well as images of deities and temple doors. It is also made into a paste which has universal application in Hindu practice. Orthodox Hindus frequently smear the paste in symbolic marks on their faces and bodies. The paste is also believed to have a cooling effect on the body. The paste, oil and wood have medicinal applications. For example, the powdered wood is used as an antidote for snakebites.

Sandalwood incense is an integral part of Buddhist and Hindu practice. In Hindu temples, the air is usually suffused with incense and smell of Sandalwood, Jasmine and Turmeric.

Liturgies and sacred rites are accompanied by offerings which are composed of the five elements: earth symbolized with Sandalwood paste or ash; water with water, milk or Coconut milk; fire with oil lamps or camphor; wind with incense; and ether with auspicious sounds. Incense from sandalwood is supposed to be calming and conducive to clarity of mind and is therefore preferred for meditation and to promote spiritual practice. The paste is smeared on the foreheads of devotees of Vishnu and Shiva. It is particularly placed as a tilak, or dot, on the forehead between the eyebrows, where Hindus believe power resides and can be awakened. The sandalwood dot is meant to cool and protect the head.