You might have observed that among the various things that you do during a religious function, you need to burn the Extruded incense (धूपः) before the image of Gods and Goddesses. This is a major Hindu tradition that has been in existence through ages.
The oldest source on the Extruded (धूपः) incense is the Vedas, specifically, the Rigveda and the Atharva-Veda. Extruded incense-burning (धूपः) was used both to create pleasing aromas and as a medicinal tool. The aspect of the ritual known as (धूपः), involves the offering of incense before the picture or idol of a Deity, as a token of respect. Its use in medicine is considered the first phase of Ayurveda, which uses the Extruded incense (धूपः) as an approach to healing.
Although Vedic texts mention the use of the Extruded incense (धूपः) for masking odours & creating a pleasurable smell, the modern system of organized incense-making was likely created by the medicinal priests of the time. Thus, modern organized incense-making is essentially linked to the Ayurvedic medical system in which it is rooted. It contains natural scents which also have medicinal properties.
The Extruded incense (धूपः) is an integral part of our ritual. During rituals, the Extruded incense (धूपः) is lighted to remove unpleasant odours in the air. It creates the perfect setting for an auspicious ritual by filling the air with a pleasant smell. As they release smoke, they also act as organic disinfectants that drive away insects.
The Extruded incenses are made in traditional Hindu home using:
- Woods
- Cow dung
- Dashang Dhoop
- Guggal
- Kapur
- Desi Ghee
The fumes of one of the above said materials are spread all over the house to attract auspiciousness.
Significance of burning the Extruded incense (धूपः) during puja rituals-
During Puja we say "धूपम् आघ्रापयामि" while waving the Extruded incense (धूपः) before the God. It’s 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 Sandal paste (गंधः), (2) Offering Flowers (पुष्पम्), (3) Burning Extruded incense (धूपः), (4) Lighting the Lamp (दीपः), (5) Offering Food (नैवेद्यम्). Each of these 5 Worshiping Practices are believed to satiate the 5 Major Elements (पञ्च महाभूत i.e. पृथ्वी, जलम् , अग्निः, वायुः, आकाशः).
For example, to satiate the Earth Element (पृथ्वी तत्त्वम्) we offer sandal paste (गंधः), for Ether Element we offer flowers (पुष्पम्), for Air Element (वायु तत्त्वम्) we offer the Extruded incense (धूपः), for Fire Element (अग्नि तत्त्वम्) lighting the lamp (दीपम्) and for Water Element (जल तत्त्वम्) we offer food (नैवेद्यम्).
The Mantras are as follows -
लं – पृथिव्यात्मकंगन्धंसमर्पयामि।
हं – आकाशात्मकंपुष्पंपूजयामि।
यं – वायव्यात्मकंधूपमाघ्रापयामि।
रं – अग्न्यात्मकंदीपंदर्शयामि।
वं - अमृतात्मकंनैवेद्यंनिवेदयामि।
Meaning- Lam in the form of Earth (पृथ्वी) I offer sandal paste (गंधः), Ham in the form of Ether (आकाशः) I offer (पुष्पम्),Yam in the form of Air (वायुः) I offer (धूपः), Ram in the form of Fire I offer the lamp (दीपः) & Vam in the form of Water (जलम्) I offer the food (नैवेद्यम्).
Spiritual reason of burning the Extruded incense (धूपः) -
The Extruded incense (धूपः) has its own spiritual significance. The Extruded incense (धूपः) burns itself completely into ashes and yet fills the air with a pleasant smell. This ritual basically denotes human virtue of sacrificing oneself for society. These are used as air fresheners during normal days as well as integral part of every ritual ceremonies.
The smoke is believed to ward off demons and cleanse the air around. What is necessary is to create an environment of sweet fragrance and aroma made out of pure material (natural products). Because that purifies the air and it helps Higher Beings (Gods & Goddesses) & Ethereal Beings to roam there if you are calling them. It is because vital air (breath) (प्राणः) is the food for all beings starting from animals to Gods, as it is stated in the Taittiriya Upanishad,
प्राणं देवा अनु प्राणन्ति।
मनुष्याः पशवश्च ये।
प्राणो हि भूतानामायुः।
तस्मात्सर्वायुषमुच्यते। (२.३)
Meaning- The Gods live on vital air (breath) (प्राणः), also men & animals. Vital air (breath) (प्राण) certainly is the life of all beings. Therefore, vital air (breath) (प्राणः) is called life of all.
As vital air (breath) (प्राणः) acts as the food for the Gods, using the Extruded incense (धूपः) through the aromatic air, food is offered to them in various worships, puja & rituals. So, it's not compulsory to burn Extruded incense (धूपः) while praying but, burning the Extruded incense (धूपः) is a good practice as it will make the place of worship pleasant.
Usually we do puja in the morning & in the evening. At the evening time many insects and mosquitoes are present. Along with the aroma the Extruded incense (धूपः) gets rid of the insects and mosquitoes.
Foul smell around the environment usually brings out the negative energy and is irresistible. People usually close their nose off if they encounter some smell because it brings negative energy & negative thoughts. On the other hand, good aromas bring in positive energy & positive thoughts, so people offer the Extruded incense (धूपः) to the Gods. Many people also make sure that the Extruded incense (धूपः) is taken to all the rooms in the house so that all the negative energy goes away & before spreading the aroma into the house they make sure that they offer it to the Gods to bring in more positivity.
It is believed to the point that the rings of smoke that ascend high into the air convey our prayers and requests to the Gods as well as to the Divine Beings. The Extruded incense (धूपः) smoulders itself totally & fills the air with a fine scent.
Psychological reasons of burning the Extruded incense (धूपः) -
The Extruded incenses (धूपः) are additionally used to cure a few health issues such as mild headache, depression, gloominess, etc. The fragrance spreads all around after you burn the Extruded incense (धूपः) & it leaves a huge calming & healing impact on the brain. This also offers you some assistance in improving your concentration power. When you offer a prayer to God with extraordinary dedication it acts like a reflective procedure that reduces anxiety & misery.
Burning the Extruded incense (धूपः) in the morning & in the evening at home helps in alleviating emotional problems & constant fights at home. If people are getting sick again & again, burning Extruded incense (धूपः) help in improving health. The aroma of the Extruded incense (धूपः) has the healing power that has the soothing effect on the mind. The calming effect relaxes the mind & helps in performing rituals with better concentration. Prayer offered with a calm mind acts like a meditation process.
Why we should not burn the Incense sticks (Agarbatti) (धूप शलाका)?
There are two types of incenses (1.) Extruded incenses (धूपः) & (2.) Incense sticks (also known as Agarbatti) (धूप शलाका). We get so many references of burning the Extruded incenses (धूपः) in our Vedas & Puranas but, our Scriptures don't give any references regarding burning Incense sticks (Agarbatti) (धूप शलाका). The Incense sticks (Agarbatti) (धूप शलाका) are usually made up of bamboo sticks. Bamboo is strictly prohibited in Hinduism & is considered to be inauspicious.
It is given in Puranas, like Bhagwat Purana that, bamboos are the symbol of our ancestors & burning bamboo brings ancestor's cursing (पितृ दोषः) & ruins further procreation (वंश वृद्धिः). Bamboo is also the symbol of the planet Ketu (केतुः) so burning bamboo brings negativity around the house & within us. Scientifically speaking, the Incense stick (Agarbatti) (धूप शलाका) contains certain chemical substances that trigger negative energy. The chemical Poly-aromatic Hydrocarbon is used in making of the Incense sticks (Agarbatti) (धूप शलाका) which has been found to trigger chances of asthma, lungs cancer, headache and cough. None of the Shastras or Puranas anywhere mentions the burning of Incense sticks (Agarbatti) (धूप शलाका) but Extruded incense (धूपः); in fact, there’s not even a mention of burning bamboo sticks. Extruded incense (धूपः) is lacking a core bamboo stick so Extruded incenses (धूपः) are considered auspicious.
We can definitely use the Incense sticks (Agarbatti) (धूप शलाका) which are made up from Cedrus deodara tree (देवदारु वृक्षः), Neem tree (निम्बः वृक्षः) & from many such other trees.
चैत्रः वद ०६ २०७६