Use of Camphor

[Guest guest]

Namasthe.

 

The use of camphor for Deeparadhana in the temples of Tamil Nadu has been

banned by the Govt for quite sometime and I used to wonder how the Govt had

decreed this order overriding the Agama puja Vidhi.

 

While trying to get the answers from many Shivachariars whom I had met , they

could only explain the logic behind this decision which did not satisfy me. They

had reasoned that the smoke and carbon particles emitting from the constantly

burning Camphor not only blackened the Sanctum with a thick coat of carbon black

but also the adulterated camphor contained certain chemicals which slowly

affected the idols and Vighrahas.

 

Few days back while reading a book – “ Shivalaya Puja Mantras “, I got the

correct reply. As per Shloka 778 and 779 of SakalAghama Sankgrahey Shlokas,

describes how a Deeparadhana should be done to the deity.

 

The Vaakyam used in these shloka is “ Gho Ghruthena Karpura Varthy DeepikAm “

which implies the use of a light – “ A Wick dipped in a mixture of Cow’s ghee

and edible Camphor “ ( Known as Pachhai Karpuram in Tamil and is used in

preparation of sweets ). After waving the light , one may say “ Gho Ghruthena

Karpura Varthy deepam Sandarshayami “ instead of Karpura Neeranjanam

Dharshayamy.

 

The intention of this mail is to suggest to the devotees that if we resort to

this correct Vedic Practice in a small way, each one of us could contribute

to lesser release of greenhouse emissions .Incidentally the puja room also would

remain free of carbon particles specially on the walls, roof and on the idols.

 

Comments are Welcome.

 

Regards

 

ganapathy

 

 

 

 

 

Ganapathy --- Vijaya

 

" Jai Bhavani "

 

 

 

 

 

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