Waving the lights (आरार्तिकम्/आरात्रिकम्) in front of Deities is one of the most important aspect of prayers in Hinduism which symbolizes the removal of darkness by true spiritual enlightenment. It is performed by lighting lamps (आरार्तिकम्/आरात्रिकम्) in front of the Deity & after waving the lights (आरार्तिकम्/आरात्रिकम्), the Camphor (कर्पूरः) is burned. Although every one of us have seen this act but, many doesn't know the importance of this gesture.
Camphor (कर्पूरः) is a flammable, transparent solid with a strong aroma. It is a terpenoid [also known as isoprenoids, are a large & diverse class of naturally occurring organic chemical] with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₆O. It is made through an ancient Ayurvedic method by distilling the bark & wood of a coniferous tree called Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphor) that is largely found in Asia (particularly in India, Sri-Lanka, Sumatra, Indonesia & Borneo). Camphor (कर्पूरः) belongs to the Laurel family, which is scientifically known as Ocotea Usambarensis. It is a tree which grows fast in subtropical regions & lives for hundreds of years. Camphor (कर्पूरः) is harvested from camphor (कर्पूरः) trees & later processed through steam distillation. White camphor (कर्पूरः) is a crystalline substance which is a fantastic anti-oxidant. Camphor (कर्पूरः) is used in India from ancient time in Hinduism as offering it to Deities by burning it.
When camphor (कर्पूरः) is lit, it burns itself out, fully evaporating until there is no residue left, leaving behind a sweet fragrance in the air instead. In the same manner, it symbolizes union with God & signifies to burn our ego & arrogance completely without leaving any residue, while spreading the light of knowledge & fragrance of kindness to others.
One of the most famous shlokas that any Hindu must have heard. It is an ancient Sanskrit Shloka related to Lord Shiva. Generally, after waving the lights (आरार्तिकम्/आरात्रिकम्) in front of God, the Camphor (कर्पूरः) is burned & while waving the Camphor (कर्पूरः) this shloka is uttered. The sloka is,
कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारम् ।
सदावसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि ॥
Meaning- The one who is as pure & white like Camphor, an incarnation of Compassion. The one who is the Essence of worldly Existence, whose Garland is the King of Serpents, always dwelling inside the Lotus of the Heart. I Bow down to both, Shiva & Shakti together.
The reason behind uttering this shloka at the time of waving the lighted Camphor (कर्पूरः) is, every ritual is incomplete without invoking or giving oblation (आहुतिः) to Lord Shiva, so at the end of every ritual we wave the lights (आरार्तिकम्/आरात्रिकम्) in front of God & later burn the Camphor (कर्पूरः) & utter this shloka. The flame of the Camphor (कर्पूरः) also signifies the flame of consciousness of Lord Shiva where, we can surrender all our egos to be burned under the influence of God, no longer to be seen with us. We close our eyes while waving the lighted Camphor (कर्पूरः) as if to look within, to our very self (आत्मन्). Self-realization can be achieved by realizing ourselves with the flame of knowledge.
Sometimes people also add another two shlokas in continuation to this shloka. They are,
मङ्गलं भगवान विष्णुः मङ्गलं गरुडध्वजः।
मङ्गलं पुण्डरीकाक्षः मङ्गलाय तनो हरिः॥
Meaning- All auspiciousness to Lord Vishnu, all auspiciousness to one who has Garuda as His flag. All auspiciousness to One who has eyes like the lotus & auspiciousness to the Hari.
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Meaning- Salutations to You O Narayani! Who is the auspiciousness in all the auspicious & auspicious Herself, complete with all the auspicious attributes & Who fulfills all the objectives (पुरुषार्थः - धर्मः, अर्थः, कामः & मोक्षः) of the devotees, who is the giver of refuge, with three eyes & a shining face.
Spiritual & scientific benefits of burning the Camphor (कर्पूरः) -
1. The fumes of burning the Camphor (कर्पूरः) purify the air & inhaling it can be beneficial.
2. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) can also purify the house & drive away evil spirits & negative energy.
3. Burning the Camphor (कर्पूरः) at home, brings prosperity & abundance of wealth.
4. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) can effectively keep mosquitoes away & kills many germs, insects, bacteria, viruses & microbes.
5. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) also deter snakes & other reptiles due to its strong smell.
6. Smelling Camphor (कर्पूरः) fumes can be beneficial for people suffering from asthma, typhoid & measles.
7. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) also has the ability to give temporary relief to those who are afflicted by epilepsy, hysteria & rheumatism.
8. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) is also beneficial to those suffering from nervousness, mental tension, chronic anxiety, etc.
9. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) oil is also useful in reducing pain & swelling & also helps in getting rid of rashes & redness. Camphor (कर्पूरः) mixed with little amount of water can work like magic for infected area. But make sure not to use the camphor on open wounds & cuts.
10. With the use of Camphor (कर्पूरः) oil; muscle stiffness, cramps, spasms, joint & shoulder pain can also relieve in less than 2 weeks.
11. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) oil is used to treat pregnancy cramps. Take a mustard oil or coconut oil and heat it with camphor. Once it cools down, massage on the legs. It will give instant ease & relaxation.
12. Application of the Camphor (कर्पूरः) oil on the hair makes it soft, boosts hair growth & treats dandruff.
Apart from the above benefits the Camphor (कर्पूरः) has a lot of other benefits. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) & the Camphor (कर्पूरः) oil is also used in other cultures for similar reasons as it has many spiritual & scientific benefits. The Camphor (कर्पूरः) not only has a highly spiritual value in Hindu customs but, can also be beneficial to the environment in which it is burned. Thus, each & every ritual in Hinduism has a deep spiritual, scientific & meaning in it.
वैशाखः सुद ४, २०७६