Applying fragrant powder (गंधः) is one of the 16 Worshiping Practices (षोडश उपचारः) as well as one among the 5 Worshiping Practices (पञ्च उपचारः). The 5 worshiping practices are: (1) Applying fragrant powder (गंधः), (2) Offering Flowers (पुष्पम्), (3) Burning Extruded incense (धूपः), (4) Lighting the Lamp (दीपः), (5) Offering Food (नैवेद्यम्).
Fragrant powder (गंधः) is applied to the Deity's photos & idols during pujas. By applying it we purify the image & impart it to divine fragrance. The Divine Energy (दिव्य शक्तिः) in the universe gets attracted to the fragrant particles in the subtle air generated by the fragrant powder (गंधः). Also, the inactive frequencies get enriched with Divine Consciousness (चैतन्यम्) in the aerial atmosphere become lively because of the fragrant powder (गंधः). Thus, the worshiper benefits from them.
There are many kinds of fragrant powders (गंधः) which includes; sandalwood (चंदनम्), a powder composed of eight fragrant ingredients (अष्टगंधः), red turmeric powder (कुंकुमः), turmeric powder (हरिद्रा), scarlet power (सिंदूरः), ashes of sacrificial offerings (भस्म), White powder (अबिलम्), pink powder (used in holy festival) (गुलालम्). Among the various fragrant powders applied to the Deities, sandalwood paste (चंदनम्) & a powder composed of eight fragrant ingredients (अष्टगंधः) have the most positive vibrations (सात्त्विक) predominant. Other fragrant powders also have positive vibrations (सात्त्विक) but not much stronger than these two.
We should apply the fragrant powder to the Deities with the ring finger of the right hand. The fragrant powder (गंधः) is applied to the mid-brow region of the Deity on the picture or idol. Generally, the following shlokas are uttered at the time of applying fragrant powder (गंधः) to Gods/Goddesses;
अबिलमायुषो वृद्धिः गुलालं प्रीतिवर्धनम्।
हरिद्रेणसमायुक्तं सिंदूरेणसमर्चयेत्।।
Meaning- White powder (अबिलम्) increases longevity, pink powder (used in holy festival) (गुलालम्) makes the love strengthened. Along with turmeric powder (हरिद्रा) mixed with scarlet powder (सिंदूरः) one should worship.
श्रीखण्डं चन्दनं दिव्यं गन्धाद्यं सुमनोहरम् ।
विलेपनं सुरश्रेष्ठ चन्दनं प्रतिगृह्यताम् ॥
Meaning- This Divine Sandalwood paste (चंदनम्) which has captivating Fragrance, O best of Gods! please accept this sandalwood paste (चंदनम्) for smearing.
Significance of applying fragrant powder (गंधः) to Gods/Goddesses -
Due to the qualities of the substance from which the paste is made (e.g. sandalwood) & the subtle scent & specific colour of the powder, the channel of the Deity gets activated. Consequently, the principle of the Deity is attracted to the picture or idol. As a result, the picture or idol of the Deity becomes enhanced in Divine consciousness. Applying the fragrant powder (गंधः) to Gods/Goddesses helps the worshiper to concentrate & keeps the mind calm during the whole ritual, due to its fragrance. Applying the fragrant powder (गंधः) to the Gods/Goddesses also helps worshiper to get spiritual enlightenment.
Symbolically, applying the fragrant powder (गंधः) represents our desires, attachments, likes & dislikes, latent impressions, qualities, pride & arrogance. By applying it to God we purify ourselves & stay free from evil influences & negative energies around us.
वैशाखः वद ५, २०७६