Incense for Devi?

[Guest guest]

Are there any particular sorts of incense that are said to be

preferred by Devi?

 

For example, Chandan Dhoop seems to be strongly associated with

Krishna.

 

Is the choice of incense more a matter of the sadhak's personal

preference, or do certain scents sometimes correspond more closely

to paricular deity forms?

 

Thanks for any and all input!

 

DB

 

, sankara menon <kochu1tz>

wrote:

> the two items referred to are different

> Sandal comes in the earth element Gandham or that which is smelt.

> Incense comes in Dhoopam which is the air element.

[Guest guest]

, "Devi Bhakta"

<devi_bhakta> wrote:

>

> Are there any particular sorts of incense that are said to be

> preferred by Devi? [....]

 

As you might guess from my previous postings on the topic of incense,

(msg # 12982), I'd really, really, really like to know, too.

 

You mentioned "Chandan Dhoop". There is also a Laxmi Dhoop, with

Laxmi's picture on the box. I understand it's a soft dhoop, and so

contains ghee (or more likely vegetable ghee.) One might consider it

a compact sort of offering, if one is so inclined. I have no idea if

naming the incense after Laxmi is just marketing, or there is some

other connection between the formulation and Laxmi's name.

 

I've never bought any Laxmi Dhoop. The description of the scent

("very penetrating; hangs around") makes me think this incense

probably contains a fair amount of synthetic fragrance, and I don't

much care for most synthetics.

 

As far as other popular scents go, I've been told that Nag Champa is

a lotus scent, with a fair bit of (surely synthetic due to costs and

availability issues) musk. "Queen of the Night" is a (probably

synthetic, due to cost) version of night-blooming jasmine.

 

Hoping for more definitive info from the group......

[Guest guest]

I frequently sell an assortment of Indian incenses at various Pagan or New Age

conventions and festivals here in Noo Yawk and the North-east USA. My

observation: different Deities, different incenses.

 

I was taught that <kasturi> or musk (and other animal-derived scents like

ambergris and civet) are particularly pleasing to Kali Ma. Lakshmi likes most

florals, especially lotus and jasmine. Saraswati is fond of sandalwood.

Ganesha (an honorary Shakti) is fond of cocoanut. And Durga likes amber scent

(I've always wondered if there's a pun hidden here... Amba is one of Durga's

names.)

 

Chandan Dhoop is a brand-name of an incense log. <Chandan> or sandalwood is

pleasing to most of the Deities. Krishna, in my experience, likes any incense

which has <tulsi> or basil as an ingredient.

 

The difference between <dhoop> and <agarbhatti> is: Dhoop is a resin or powder

shaped into a cone, log, or pellet. Often it is self-lighting (or else it needs

to be burned on charcoal). Agarbhatti is rolled onto a stick. The medium for

holding the scent is sandalwood powder, or cedar powder, clay, or sometimes cow

dung (once dried, cow dung has an unoffensive smell).

 

In Puja offerings, <dhoop> is used generically to describe incences offered

through burning them and wafting the fragrant smoke. <Gandha> is used to

describe fragrant oils, pastes, or perfumes that are applied by smearing them on

the image, or immersing a wad of cotton or Q-Tip with the gandha and waving it

under the statue's "nose."

 

I'm fond of an agarbhatti brand known as "Amber-Kasturi 10010," sometimes sold

as "Grandmother's Favorite." A synthesis of amber and musk (and hence devoted

to both Durga and Kali), it's the scent I burn for Shiva's Shakti in any of her

aspects.

 

Ther's a "Lakshmi Dhoop" available in a yellow box, redolent of poppy-scent (so

much so that people who've been to opium dens say, "I've smelled that before!").

Stupid kids attempt to smoke it to get high -- NOT recommended!

 

Does anyone know what the ingredients are in the world-famous "Sai Baba Nag

Champa"? I was once told it was especially appropriate for Shiva meditation,

and a blend of flowers that are smelled at dusk along parts of the Ganges.

People either love it, or hate it. Always has a strong response from customers.

 

Just a note from the Old Dhoop Peddlar, spreading joy wherever he goes...

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

 

 

Devi Bhakta <devi_bhakta wrote:

Are there any particular sorts of incense that are said to be

preferred by Devi?

 

For example, Chandan Dhoop seems to be strongly associated with

Krishna.

 

Is the choice of incense more a matter of the sadhak's personal

preference, or do certain scents sometimes correspond more closely

to paricular deity forms?

 

Thanks for any and all input!

 

DB

 

, sankara menon <kochu1tz>

wrote:

> the two items referred to are different

> Sandal comes in the earth element Gandham or that which is smelt.

> Incense comes in Dhoopam which is the air element.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

, Len Rosenberg

<kalipadma108> wrote:

>

> The difference between <dhoop> and <agarbhatti> is: Dhoop is a

resin or powder shaped into a cone, log, or pellet. Often it is self-

lighting (or else it needs to be burned on charcoal).

> Agarbhatti is rolled onto a stick. The medium for holding the

scent is sandalwood powder, or cedar powder, clay, or sometimes cow

dung (once dried, cow dung has an unoffensive smell).

 

!!!

You have piqued my interest! I have never seen (smelled, whatever)

incense made with clay or cow dung. Where did you come across this?

(incense or information). Do you sell these?

 

The other items I've seen mentioned as wood base ingredients are

jigat, a bark powder that makes a gum when it gets wet, and charcoal.

 

I've read that the cheap blanks or "punks" made for U.S. "hand-

dipped" incense can be made of anything down to and including

powdered waste wood and carpet glue. Who knows....

[Guest guest]

Namaste,

Champa is Frangipani, and Nag-Champa is a particular Indian species.

[Guest guest]

, "Sarabhanga Giri"

 

Thank you; I will pass that information on to the person who told me

he thought it was lotus.

 

<sarabhanga> wrote:

>

> Namaste,

> Champa is Frangipani, and Nag-Champa is a particular Indian species.

[Guest guest]

I've smelled plumeria (the genus of frangipani) in Hawaii; it is

indeed fabulous. The Hawaiians make garlands of plumeria--heavenly!

 

Here's a little more on champa and incense:

from:

http://60sfurther.com/Incense-Nag-Champa.htm

Champas are set aside from other Indian incenses because they are

based upon a critical natural ingredient indigenous to India

called "halmaddi" This sticky gray semi-liquid substance is what

gives the world-famous Nag Champa its bouquet, which is meant to

smell like the extravagantly fragrant Indian plumeria tree. All

Champas are slightly sweet and produce extremely smooth bouquets when

burned.[....]

 

I've seen references to halmaddi, the resin of Ailanthus malabarica.

It's described as sticky--it functions as both an aromatic and a

binder in incense--and is floral in scent. It's allegedly somewhat

of a humectant--it attracts water, and so incense made with halmaddi

tends not to dry completely. As a raw ingredient, it's unavailable

in the West, as far as I can determine.

 

, "Sarabhanga Giri"

<sarabhanga> wrote:

> Champa is Frangipani, and Nag-Champa is a particular Indian species.

 

All of which doesn't actually answer DB's original question.....

[Guest guest]

Thanks Msbauju and Kalipadma for the Incense Input.

 

Here is a little more input from a shy sadhak I spoke with this

morning:

 

Q: So you saw the message board; what do you think? Does the incense

matter?

 

A: Oh yes, incense helps in concentrating the mind.

 

Q: Do you always use incense when you do pooja?

 

A: Oh yes.

 

Q: So what scent is best for Devi? Any thoughts?

 

A: What we use is what is called dashanga. It's a mixture of various

scented woods, etc., that gives an extremely pleasent odour. The

word is "dasha anga," or the 10 scented materials. Then there is

ashtagandha too; the eight scented materials. They are put over

coal, and it smokes away.

 

Q: Yes, but that is more for special poojas, isn't it? When you need

coals? Do you use simple incense cones on a more everyday basis?

 

A: No no. In the olden days, every evening the whole house would be

fumigated with this -- and also Durva, the grass. Did you know that

the essential oils from Durva grass is extracted and exported to US?

It is used for anti-lice soaps and whatnot.

 

Q: No. I didn't know that.

 

A: You know the Mritynjaya Homa, which uses various materials?

 

Q: Mrityunjaya ... the ceremony for victory over death?

 

A: Yes. For children, it is Durva Homa, and it is said children who

are sick are cured. It must be the submlimated essential oils

breathed in that causes the cures.

 

[End of excerpt. As you see I was steered rather expertly off topic,

but I thought it was an interesting snippet anyway. Enjoy -- DB]

 

 

, "msbauju" <msbauju>

wrote:

>

> All of which doesn't actually answer DB's original question.....

[Guest guest]

Hi Len/Kalipadma ...

 

Thanks for an informative post -- it blows my mind how quickly one

can get authoritative information through this group. If I may

bother you further, what do you know about an incense

called "Padmini Spiritual Guide Incense"? It has an very auspicious

Parvathi murthi on the box; but as you say, that's just marketing.

 

The IncenseMania store calls it: "The most popular of all Padmini

incense fragrances. This has a mild fragrance with a balsamic note.

An art inherited from the ages, when art flourished. And immortal

sculptures and architecture were created. Complementing their beauty

were skillful blends of natural fragrances rolled on sticks -

Spiritual Guide being one of them. Light a stick for a transporting

aromatic experience to calm your mind. Guide your inner self to

celestial heights or to enhance the mood of the moment."

(http://www.incensemania.com/spiritualguide.html)

 

The IAmShama shop says: "Padmini's Spiritual Guide Incense is rich

incense with a slightly sweet tone that is invigorating and very

effective for creating magical or meditation spaces. This is one of

the most popular mediation incenses we carry, probabl because it can

help create the perfect calming environment. These 20 stick packs

are charcoal-based with no punk smell.As Padmini states; Guide your

mind to celestial heights Transport your spirit to heavenly moods...

Spread the Fragrance of Peace."

(http://www.iamshaman.com/catalog/807.htm)

 

Sounds pretty good. But is it actually junk? *lol* (MSBauju ... I'm

asking you too, if you know!)

 

Thanks!

 

DB

 

, Len Rosenberg

<kalipadma108> wrote:

>

> I frequently sell an assortment of Indian incenses at various

Pagan or New Age conventions and festivals here in Noo Yawk and the

North-east USA. My observation: different Deities, different

incenses.

[Guest guest]

I find it hard to believe that Nag Champa's "recipe" is as simple as frangipani

all by itself. Nag Champa has such a complex scent, I have to believe there are

other ingredients. I'm certain that the base note is sandal powder. I know

several Westerners who've insisted that the unique bouquet of Nag Champa is due

to dried cow dung being in the ingredients! I can recognize traces of <kapura>

(camphor) in the scent.

 

The full list of ingredients is probably a trade secret. But I don't buy that

frangipani (even a rare Indian species) is responsible for the fragrance of Nag

Champa.

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

Sarabhanga Giri <sarabhanga wrote:

Namaste,

Champa is Frangipani, and Nag-Champa is a particular Indian species.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mail - 250MB free storage. Do more. Manage less.

 

 

[Guest guest]

So halmaddi resin is also an ingredient in Nag Champa (along with frangipani?).

Someone told me that the Sai Baba Nag Champa was supposed to simulate the scent

of flowers along a particular area of the Ganges River, at sunset.

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

 

 

msbauju <msbauju wrote:

 

I've smelled plumeria (the genus of frangipani) in Hawaii; it is

indeed fabulous. The Hawaiians make garlands of plumeria--heavenly!

 

Here's a little more on champa and incense:

from:

http://60sfurther.com/Incense-Nag-Champa.htm

Champas are set aside from other Indian incenses because they are

based upon a critical natural ingredient indigenous to India

called "halmaddi" This sticky gray semi-liquid substance is what

gives the world-famous Nag Champa its bouquet, which is meant to

smell like the extravagantly fragrant Indian plumeria tree. All

Champas are slightly sweet and produce extremely smooth bouquets when

burned.[....]

 

I've seen references to halmaddi, the resin of Ailanthus malabarica.

It's described as sticky--it functions as both an aromatic and a

binder in incense--and is floral in scent. It's allegedly somewhat

of a humectant--it attracts water, and so incense made with halmaddi

tends not to dry completely. As a raw ingredient, it's unavailable

in the West, as far as I can determine.

 

 

 

 

 

Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Gee, I often scrounge up data from all sorts of resources... This was probably

from an acquaintance who had been to India (or came from India).

 

No, I don't offhandhand know of particular types of incense that advertise "made

with only the finest Ganges clay" (frankly, I don't think clay burns under any

circumstances), or boast "contains only bovine excrement as binder." I have

been present at Agni Hotras, where the main fuel is dried cow dung saturated

with ghee -- it is not an unpleasant scent, actually...

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

 

 

msbauju <msbauju wrote: !!!

You have piqued my interest! I have never seen (smelled, whatever)

incense made with clay or cow dung. Where did you come across this?

(incense or information). Do you sell these?

 

The other items I've seen mentioned as wood base ingredients are

jigat, a bark powder that makes a gum when it gets wet, and charcoal.

 

I've read that the cheap blanks or "punks" made for U.S. "hand-

dipped" incense can be made of anything down to and including

powdered waste wood and carpet glue. Who knows....

 

 

 

 

 

 

The all-new My – Get yours free!

 

 

[Guest guest]

Two grasses are used in Puja, for asperging water, for weaving into asana mats,

and burning for the scent. I've never seen (or smelled) Durva grass. But I am

very fond of Kusha grass, also called Kush-kush, and in the West known as

Vetivert. Because it is used to begin Pujas, Vetivert is known as the scent for

greeting the Gods, especially Ganesha (who usually is the first God invited,

anyway).

 

I bought a hand-fan woven from Kusha grass, years ago, from a Balinese import

house in Noo Yawk. Large screens are woven from the dried grass, moistened with

water, hung in front of windows, and swung back and forth to send cooling

Vetivert-scented breezes through Indian (and Balinese) houses in the summertime.

It's also supposed to help lower fevers.

 

I gave the hand-fan to my mother; since she's passed away, maybe I should ask

Dad if I can have it back (it's hanging on the wall of his apartment).

 

Kusha-grass agarbatti is one of my best-sellers amongst the incenses I deal

with.

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

 

 

Devi Bhakta <devi_bhakta wrote:

 

Thanks Msbauju and Kalipadma for the Incense Input.

 

Here is a little more input from a shy sadhak I spoke with this

morning:

 

<snip>

Q: Yes, but that is more for special poojas, isn't it? When you need

coals? Do you use simple incense cones on a more everyday basis?

 

A: No no. In the olden days, every evening the whole house would be

fumigated with this -- and also Durva, the grass. Did you know that

the essential oils from Durva grass is extracted and exported to US?

It is used for anti-lice soaps and whatnot.

 

Q: No. I didn't know that.

 

A: You know the Mritynjaya Homa, which uses various materials?

 

Q: Mrityunjaya ... the ceremony for victory over death?

 

A: Yes. For children, it is Durva Homa, and it is said children who

are sick are cured. It must be the submlimated essential oils

breathed in that causes the cures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the all-new My – Try it today!

 

 

[Guest guest]

I am not familiar with the Padmini brand of incenses.

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

Devi Bhakta <devi_bhakta wrote:

Hi Len/Kalipadma ...

 

Thanks for an informative post -- it blows my mind how quickly one

can get authoritative information through this group. If I may

bother you further, what do you know about an incense

called "Padmini Spiritual Guide Incense"? It has an very auspicious

Parvathi murthi on the box; but as you say, that's just marketing.

 

The IncenseMania store calls it: "The most popular of all Padmini

incense fragrances. This has a mild fragrance with a balsamic note.

An art inherited from the ages, when art flourished. And immortal

sculptures and architecture were created. Complementing their beauty

were skillful blends of natural fragrances rolled on sticks -

Spiritual Guide being one of them. Light a stick for a transporting

aromatic experience to calm your mind. Guide your inner self to

celestial heights or to enhance the mood of the moment."

(http://www.incensemania.com/spiritualguide.html)

 

The IAmShama shop says: "Padmini's Spiritual Guide Incense is rich

incense with a slightly sweet tone that is invigorating and very

effective for creating magical or meditation spaces. This is one of

the most popular mediation incenses we carry, probabl because it can

help create the perfect calming environment. These 20 stick packs

are charcoal-based with no punk smell.As Padmini states; Guide your

mind to celestial heights Transport your spirit to heavenly moods...

Spread the Fragrance of Peace."

(http://www.iamshaman.com/catalog/807.htm)

 

Sounds pretty good. But is it actually junk? *lol* (MSBauju ... I'm

asking you too, if you know!)

 

Thanks!

 

DB

 

 

 

 

 

Mail - You care about security. So do we.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Actual incense ingredients are industry secrets, but nag champa

incense allegedly contains halmaddi resin, and allegedly a

controversial nitro-musk (artificial musk) called "Musk Ambrette",

according to a chemical analysis done by a member of one of my

incense e-groups.

 

Either the halmaddi is intended to simulate frangipani, or frangipani

(plumeria) might be an additional aromatic. If so, it's most likely

synthetic. Floral absolutes are tremendously expensive, and not

consistent with the pricing for nag champa incense.

 

About frangipani absolute, with pricing:

http://www.scents-of-earth.com/scents-of-earth/frangipani.html

 

[i'm not sure how traditional the symbolism is in the following

quote, but it's a sweet sentiment:]

 

"Deep in the rural countryside of India many of the [plumeria] trees

are planted near temples and holy shrines, giving birth to its

nickname, the Temple Tree. The idea of planting the trees near

temples and shrines seemed excellent as the aroma pervaded the entire

area creating a contemplative atmosphere as well as providing

delicate flowers for offering in the inner sanctuary.

 

Indians have for countless generations found aromatic flowers one of

the fittest offerings for worship. The flower is seen as the symbol

of the fragile human life out of which should come the fragrance of

devotion that allows the soul to merge with the mysterious Essence of

all life.

 

In the spiritual symbolism of India the Plumeria flower has a special

significance. The 5 petals are said to be represent five qualities

necessary for psychological perfection: sincerity, faith, aspiration,

devotion and surrender."

 

On other incense topics:

 

Len -- here's an article that lists (with references) the incense

resins that are appropriate for particular Greek goddesses. I

thought you might like that. It's sort of off-topic, for this list,

but, incense, goddesses....not too far off topic.

 

http://www.servantsofthelight.org/knowledge/marathakis-incense.html

 

DB -- I haven't tried that particular incense. If you do, let us

know what you think.

 

And here's a favorite place of mine for online incense shopping for

those in the U.S. (although I don't think they have the particular

incense DB's interested in): http://www.sensia.com/incense.htm

 

, Len Rosenberg

<kalipadma108> wrote:

>

> So halmaddi resin is also an ingredient in Nag Champa (along with

frangipani?). Someone told me that the Sai Baba Nag Champa was

supposed to simulate the scent of flowers along a particular area of

the Ganges River, at sunset.

>

> msbauju <msbauju> wrote:

> > Here's a little more on champa and incense:

> from:

> http://60sfurther.com/Incense-Nag-Champa.htm

> Champas are [....] meant to

> smell like the extravagantly fragrant Indian plumeria tree.

> [....] halmaddi, the resin of Ailanthus malabarica.

[Guest guest]

Namaste Len,

The recipe for Nag-Champa incense contains some 160 different

aromatics; although its characteristic perfume certainly comes from

the Champa flower. The commonly used species of this

Indian "Frangipani" is Michelia Champaka.

I have encountered several species in India, and my Guru once

mentioned (as we sat under a huge Champa tree) that Nag-Champa was

just another variety.

Others have suggested that it is only the common Champa flowers used,

and that Nag-Champa refers to the particular mixture of ingredients

used in this famous scent.

Champa is especially enjoyed by Lord Ganesha.

The common Sai Baba's Nag-Champa incense is not the best, but I can

assure you that the aroma of Champa flowers is quite evident in good

fresh Nag-Champa incense.

[Guest guest]

Dear All:

You might want to know that "artificial musk" is

synthesized from human feces, by the way! I got that

straight from a perfumer! Has anyone tried Sai Baba

Flora incense in the bright red and gold packages? I

really like it, but I am convinced they soak the

finished incense sticks in PEE, because if you burn it

straight from the package, it smells remarkably like a

fragrant STABLE!!!However, if you let it sit and dry

out for a month or two, the pee reek disappears and

you have a penetrating, clinging rich sweet resinous

aroma. The sticks are really thick and loaded with the

incense. It is one of my faves, and would be good to

fumigate clothes with, because my meditation blanket

smells really great. I also like something called

"Mysore Gold", smells like a mix of frankincense and

sandalwood. Though I have noticed lately, that the

sticks which used to be solid sandal, are now black

charcoal stix rolled in sandalwood. This may be a sign

of corner-cutting going on in manufacture, so I dunno

how long it is going to be any good! Kesar Chandan is

nice..it smells a little sharp while burning, but

mellows right out once the burning stops and leaves a

lingering spicy sandal-saffron aroma. if you like Nag

Champa, you will probably like Kesar Chandan. There

was a wonderful chandan dhoop that came in little

cylinders, in a little blue-green box from Mysore, if

anyone knows where I can get more of this incense, it

would be appreciated if you could send the source addy

along! I bought my first box in New Orleans, and now

whenever I smell it, it brings the memory of my trip

right back! Frankly I have been through about a

MILLION types of Indian incense, and most of it is

pretty obnoxious, by my standards! As a rule, the

cheap stuff is universally BAD. I found that the

better grades of incense are definitely worth it, but

no guarantees that you will like how they smell!

Padmini makes a sandalwood incense that is pretty

nice, but is so strong it will drive you out of the

room! Better to burn it when you are leaving the

house, and then you will come back to a nice smell!

And yes, it is entirely possible that they use cow

poop in making incense, because what comes out of a

cow is finely ground plant fiber, which makes a good

base for adding oils to once it is cleaned up. To

those who are disgusted by this, well, do remember

that cows are sacred to Hindus, and cow poo is nowhere

near as unsanitary as our own!

Lilith M.

 

--- msbauju <msbauju wrote:

>

>

> Actual incense ingredients are industry secrets, but

> nag champa

> incense allegedly contains halmaddi resin, and

> allegedly a

> controversial nitro-musk (artificial musk) called

> "Musk Ambrette",

> according to a chemical analysis done by a member of

> one of my

> incense e-groups.

>

> Either the halmaddi is intended to simulate

> frangipani, or frangipani

> (plumeria) might be an additional aromatic. If so,

> it's most likely

> synthetic. Floral absolutes are tremendously

> expensive, and not

> consistent with the pricing for nag champa incense.

>

> About frangipani absolute, with pricing:

>

http://www.scents-of-earth.com/scents-of-earth/frangipani.html

>

> [i'm not sure how traditional the symbolism is in

> the following

> quote, but it's a sweet sentiment:]

>

> "Deep in the rural countryside of India many of the

> [plumeria] trees

> are planted near temples and holy shrines, giving

> birth to its

> nickname, the Temple Tree. The idea of planting the

> trees near

> temples and shrines seemed excellent as the aroma

> pervaded the entire

> area creating a contemplative atmosphere as well as

> providing

> delicate flowers for offering in the inner

> sanctuary.

>

> Indians have for countless generations found

> aromatic flowers one of

> the fittest offerings for worship. The flower is

> seen as the symbol

> of the fragile human life out of which should come

> the fragrance of

> devotion that allows the soul to merge with the

> mysterious Essence of

> all life.

>

> In the spiritual symbolism of India the Plumeria

> flower has a special

> significance. The 5 petals are said to be represent

> five qualities

> necessary for psychological perfection: sincerity,

> faith, aspiration,

> devotion and surrender."

>

> On other incense topics:

>

> Len -- here's an article that lists (with

> references) the incense

> resins that are appropriate for particular Greek

> goddesses. I

> thought you might like that. It's sort of

> off-topic, for this list,

> but, incense, goddesses....not too far off topic.

>

>

http://www.servantsofthelight.org/knowledge/marathakis-incense.html

>

> DB -- I haven't tried that particular incense. If

> you do, let us

> know what you think.

>

> And here's a favorite place of mine for online

> incense shopping for

> those in the U.S. (although I don't think they have

> the particular

> incense DB's interested in):

> http://www.sensia.com/incense.htm

>

> , Len Rosenberg

>

> <kalipadma108> wrote:

> >

> > So halmaddi resin is also an ingredient in Nag

> Champa (along with

> frangipani?). Someone told me that the Sai Baba Nag

> Champa was

> supposed to simulate the scent of flowers along a

> particular area of

> the Ganges River, at sunset.

> >

> > msbauju <msbauju> wrote:

> > > Here's a little more on champa and incense:

> > from:

> > http://60sfurther.com/Incense-Nag-Champa.htm

> > Champas are [....] meant to

> > smell like the extravagantly fragrant Indian

> plumeria tree.

> > [....] halmaddi, the resin of Ailanthus

> malabarica.

>

>

>

>

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

The all-new My - What will yours do?

 

[Guest guest]

, Lili Masamura <sephirah5>

wrote:

> There was a wonderful chandan dhoop that came in little

> cylinders, in a little blue-green box from Mysore, if

> anyone knows where I can get more of this incense, [....]

 

Mysore Sugandhi Chandan Dhoop

http://www.sensia.com/dhoop.htm

 

Ecclectasy is a new site to me, but they have a number

of sampler packs of Indian incense, grouped by scent family,

which might help with locating incense one likes.

Look under "samplers".

Payment by PayPal

http://www.ecclecstacy.com/incense.html

 

These are U.S.-based companies.

[Guest guest]

cow urine and dung were used for religious and medicinal purposes in India for

millinia.

See http://govigyan.com/panchagavya.htm

panchagavya is used in purificatory rites and in purifying idols etc. before

they are cosecrated.

In fact a ghee with panchagavya as main ingredient has been EFFECTIVELY used in

India for treatment of Schizophrenia and other mental ailments.

The effect is not immediate and dramatic but about 3 months' treatment shows

dramatic changes.

 

 

Len Rosenberg <kalipadma108 wrote:

 

 

Gee, I often scrounge up data from all sorts of resources... This was probably

from an acquaintance who had been to India (or came from India).

 

No, I don't offhandhand know of particular types of incense that advertise "made

with only the finest Ganges clay" (frankly, I don't think clay burns under any

circumstances), or boast "contains only bovine excrement as binder." I have been

present at Agni Hotras, where the main fuel is dried cow dung saturated with

ghee -- it is not an unpleasant scent, actually...

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

 

 

msbauju wrote: !!!

You have piqued my interest! I have never seen (smelled, whatever)

incense made with clay or cow dung. Where did you come across this?

(incense or information). Do you sell these?

 

The other items I've seen mentioned as wood base ingredients are

jigat, a bark powder that makes a gum when it gets wet, and charcoal.

 

I've read that the cheap blanks or "punks" made for U.S. "hand-

dipped" incense can be made of anything down to and including

powdered waste wood and carpet glue. Who knows....

 

 

 

 

 

 

The all-new My – Get yours free!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the all-new My – Try it today!

 

 

[Guest guest]

http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:g2gK9yAXG1wJ:www.indianherbals.org/herbdisp.a\

sp%3Fname%3Dcynodon%2520dactylon+karuka+grass&hl=en

 

Len Rosenberg <kalipadma108 wrote:

 

Two grasses are used in Puja, for asperging water, for weaving into asana mats,

and burning for the scent. I've never seen (or smelled) Durva grass. But I am

very fond of Kusha grass, also called Kush-kush, and in the West known as

Vetivert. Because it is used to begin Pujas, Vetivert is known as the scent for

greeting the Gods, especially Ganesha (who usually is the first God invited,

anyway).

 

I bought a hand-fan woven from Kusha grass, years ago, from a Balinese import

house in Noo Yawk. Large screens are woven from the dried grass, moistened with

water, hung in front of windows, and swung back and forth to send cooling

Vetivert-scented breezes through Indian (and Balinese) houses in the summertime.

It's also supposed to help lower fevers.

 

I gave the hand-fan to my mother; since she's passed away, maybe I should ask

Dad if I can have it back (it's hanging on the wall of his apartment).

 

Kusha-grass agarbatti is one of my best-sellers amongst the incenses I deal

with.

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

 

 

Devi Bhakta wrote:

 

Thanks Msbauju and Kalipadma for the Incense Input.

 

Here is a little more input from a shy sadhak I spoke with this

morning:

 

 

Q: Yes, but that is more for special poojas, isn't it? When you need

coals? Do you use simple incense cones on a more everyday basis?

 

A: No no. In the olden days, every evening the whole house would be

fumigated with this -- and also Durva, the grass. Did you know that

the essential oils from Durva grass is extracted and exported to US?

It is used for anti-lice soaps and whatnot.

 

Q: No. I didn't know that.

 

A: You know the Mritynjaya Homa, which uses various materials?

 

Q: Mrityunjaya ... the ceremony for victory over death?

 

A: Yes. For children, it is Durva Homa, and it is said children who

are sick are cured. It must be the submlimated essential oils

breathed in that causes the cures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the all-new My – Try it today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Lili Masamura <sephirah5 wrote:

Dear All:

You might want to know that "artificial musk" is

synthesized from human feces, by the way! I got that

straight from a perfumer! Has anyone tried Sai Baba

Flora incense in the bright red and gold packages? I

really like it, but I am convinced they soak the

finished incense sticks in PEE, because if you burn it

straight from the package, it smells remarkably like a

fragrant STABLE!!!

 

The problem I have with theories that incenses are manufactured with human waste

products is that, according to Vedic procriptions, these would make them

unsuitable as offerings to the Deities. Not so cow excrement or urine, mind

you. Everything from the cow is considered pure. (This was, of course, before

agribusiness methods of feeding cow flesh to other cows, and the consequent

problems of Mad Cow Disease.)

 

<snip>

 

Kesar Chandan is

nice..it smells a little sharp while burning, but

mellows right out once the burning stops and leaves a

lingering spicy sandal-saffron aroma.

 

Kesar is saffron, and Chandan is sandalwood.

 

 

 

if you like Nag

Champa, you will probably like Kesar Chandan. There

was a wonderful chandan dhoop that came in little

cylinders, in a little blue-green box from Mysore, if

anyone knows where I can get more of this incense, it

would be appreciated if you could send the source addy

along!

 

I'm pretty sure the official name was "Mysore Sugandhi Chandan Dhoop." The

little blue and green box came with an inserted portrait of the Maharaja who

founded the company.

 

I bought my first box in New Orleans, and now

whenever I smell it, it brings the memory of my trip right back!

 

I liked the dhoop, but it produced huge volumes of smoke that made most people

cough, and I stopped burning it for my rituals with other people, and evantually

stopped carrying it for sale.

 

 

 

Frankly I have been through about a

MILLION types of Indian incense, and most of it is

pretty obnoxious, by my standards! As a rule, the

cheap stuff is universally BAD. I found that the

better grades of incense are definitely worth it, but

no guarantees that you will like how they smell!

Padmini makes a sandalwood incense that is pretty

nice, but is so strong it will drive you out of the

room! Better to burn it when you are leaving the

house, and then you will come back to a nice smell!

 

A nice brand of sandalwood incense that doesn't make people cough is an

agarbatti called, I think, Krishna Puja Chandan Dhoop.

 

 

And yes, it is entirely possible that they use cow

poop in making incense, because what comes out of a

cow is finely ground plant fiber, which makes a good

base for adding oils to once it is cleaned up. To

those who are disgusted by this, well, do remember

that cows are sacred to Hindus, and cow poo is nowhere

near as unsanitary as our own!

 

In the Indian countryside, "cow poo" is not only shaped into patties to dry on

the walls of huts to be used as cooking fuel (better than chopping down trees!),

cow feces is also mixed with water and used as an antiseptic floor wash. Or so

I've been told.

 

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma

 

 

 

 

 

Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thank you thank you thankyou! I bow at your lotus feet

in gratitude!!!(bows)

Lilith M.

--- msbauju <msbauju wrote:

>

> , Lili Masamura

> <sephirah5>

> wrote:

> > There was a wonderful chandan dhoop that came in

> little

> > cylinders, in a little blue-green box from Mysore,

> if

> > anyone knows where I can get more of this incense,

> [....]

>

> Mysore Sugandhi Chandan Dhoop

> http://www.sensia.com/dhoop.htm

>

> Ecclectasy is a new site to me, but they have a

> number

> of sampler packs of Indian incense, grouped by scent

> family,

> which might help with locating incense one likes.

> Look under "samplers".

> Payment by PayPal

> http://www.ecclecstacy.com/incense.html

>

> These are U.S.-based companies.

>

>

>

>

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone.

http://mobile./maildemo

[Guest guest]

Namaste,

 

This was the most interesting continuous thread on here in a very long time. I

really

enjoyed all of the information. So much personal experience and interesting

hidden

history and lore.

 

Maybe we could discuss ritual foods or the construction of dieties

next.......hmmmm.

 

Yours in Her service,

 

prainbow

 

 

, Lili Masamura <sephirah5> wrote:

> Thank you thank you thankyou! I bow at your lotus feet

> in gratitude!!!(bows)

> Lilith M.

> --- msbauju <msbauju> wrote:

>

> >

> > , Lili Masamura

> > <sephirah5>

> > wrote:

> > > There was a wonderful chandan dhoop that came in

> > little

> > > cylinders, in a little blue-green box from Mysore,

> > if

> > > anyone knows where I can get more of this incense,

> > [....]

> >

> > Mysore Sugandhi Chandan Dhoop

> > http://www.sensia.com/dhoop.htm

> >

> > Ecclectasy is a new site to me, but they have a

> > number

> > of sampler packs of Indian incense, grouped by scent

> > family,

> > which might help with locating incense one likes.

> > Look under "samplers".

> > Payment by PayPal

> > http://www.ecclecstacy.com/incense.html

> >

> > These are U.S.-based companies.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Take Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone.

> http://mobile./maildemo

[Guest guest]

, "prainbow61" <paulie-

rainbow@u...> wrote:

> This was the most interesting continuous

> thread on here in a very long time. I really

> enjoyed all of the information.

 

Namaste' Paulie

 

:-)

I obviously enjoyed the thread, too, and thank all those who

contributed. The "incense adventure" continues for me; I ordered

some samplers from Ecclectasy. They should arrive early next week.

And then I'll be trying out all kinds of Indian

incenses....mmmmmm..... I didn't order the champa sampler, though.

They don't have a Kusha sampler; I think I'll email them and suggest

it.

> Maybe we could discuss ritual foods

> or the construction of dieties next.......hmmmm.

 

I'm all for it. I don't have any information or experience to

contribute to those topics, but I'd certainly be all ears (or eyes, I

guess, as I'd be reading the postings.)

 

Blessings to you and yours.

> > > Ecclectasy is a new site to me, but they have a

> > > number

> > > of sampler packs of Indian incense, grouped by scent

> > > family,

> > > which might help with locating incense one likes.

> > > Look under "samplers".

> > > Payment by PayPal

> > > http://www.ecclecstacy.com/incense.html

[Guest guest]

Namaste!

 

I hope this will be helpful. I have bought some things at this shop. Maybe you

will can find some

here.

 

http://www.matchless-gifts.com/

 

 

Shiv Anurag.

 

-- In , "prainbow61" <paulie-

rainbow@u...> wrote:

> This was the most interesting continuous

> thread on here in a very long time. I really

> enjoyed all of the information.

 

Namaste' Paulie

 

:-)

I obviously enjoyed the thread, too, and thank all those who

contributed. The "incense adventure" continues for me; I ordered

some samplers from Ecclectasy. They should arrive early next week.

And then I'll be trying out all kinds of Indian

incenses....mmmmmm..... I didn't order the champa sampler, though.

They don't have a Kusha sampler; I think I'll email them and suggest

it.

> Maybe we could discuss ritual foods

> or the construction of dieties next.......hmmmm.

 

I'm all for it. I don't have any information or experience to

contribute to those topics, but I'd certainly be all ears (or eyes, I

guess, as I'd be reading the postings.)

 

Blessings to you and yours.

> > > Ecclectasy is a new site to me, but they have a

> > > number

> > > of sampler packs of Indian incense, grouped by scent

> > > family,

> > > which might help with locating incense one likes.

> > > Look under "samplers".

> > > Payment by PayPal

> > > http://www.ecclecstacy.com/incense.html

 

 

 

 

 

Mail - 250MB free storage. Do more. Manage less.

http://info.mail./mail_250