Significance of Sandal-paste
Synonyms: Sandalwood paste, Sandalwood ointment, Sandalwood powder
In Dutch: Sandaalpasta; In Finnish: Sandaali-tahna; In Spanish: Pasta de sándalo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sandal-paste'
Sandal-paste in Hinduism symbolizes purity, devotion, and beauty, commonly used in rituals to anoint deities and participants, enhancing the sacred atmosphere and signifying reverence during worship practices.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An unguent offered to the deity that is believed to yield longevity and fortune.[1] (2) A fragrant substance used during rituals, believed to purify and sanctify objects and individuals.[2] (3) A cooling substance used by the king's companions to restore him after he falls unconscious due to distress.[3] (4) A fragrant substance used for adorning pots and participants in the worship ritual, enhancing the sacred atmosphere.[4] (5) A fragrant substance used in rituals and offerings, symbolizing purity and often given as a gift during religious observances.[5]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A substance offered by Himavat during the rite, associated with auspiciousness.[6] (2) A luxurious substance used by Parvati that contrasts with the ashes of Shiva.[7] (3) A mixture used in worship that signifies respect and reverence towards Shiva.[8] (4) A fragrant substance applied during the worship of deities, representing purity, beauty, and auspiciousness.[9] (5) A fragrant substance used in rituals and worship, particularly in offerings to deities like Shiva.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A fragrant paste in which the Devi is smeared, symbolizing beauty, auspiciousness, and freshness.[11] (2) A fragrant paste used in rituals and adornment, which Tulasi was smeared with, symbolizing beauty and pleasantness, yet contrasting with her uncomfortable feelings.[12] (3) A scented preparation used by Madhavi to smear her body, enhancing the enjoyment of the environment.[13] (4) A fragrant paste which the princess likens to poison due to her love troubles.[14] (5) A fragrant paste used in worship and adornment, symbolizing beauty and sanctity.[15]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A fragrant preparation applied as a mark of respect and honor, often used in rituals and to bless others.[16] (2) A fragrant substance used in decoration, contributing to the luxurious presentation of the horse.[17] (3) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, often used for decoration or to enhance bodily fragrance.[18] (4) A fragrant material used in divine worship and decoration.[19] (5) A fragrant substance used for the ritual smearing on the deity’s body, enhancing the divine atmosphere.[20]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A fragrant paste used on Sukra's body, indicating a tradition of using perfumes and cosmetics in caring for important individuals.[21] (2) A fragrant substance made from sandalwood, used for its pleasant aroma and during rituals.[22] (3) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, often used in rituals.[23] (4) A fragrant substance used in worship, often applied to idols, emphasizing the ritualistic nature of offerings.[24] (5) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, traditionally associated with purity and beauty.[25]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A fragrant paste used in rituals, symbolizing purity and occasionally referred to in the context of adornment for Bhima's arms.[26] (2) A fragrant substance the king used to smear his body, emphasizing ritual cleanliness and aromatic presence.[27] (3) A fragrant substance used for perfuming, typically applied to enhance the appearance and fragrance of participants at the wedding.[28] (4) An aromatic paste used in the preparation of flowers for offerings, signifying purity and enhancing the spiritual appeal.[29] (5) A fragrant substance used for adornment, contrasting with blood to highlight a loss of beauty.[30]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A fragrant substance used for besmearing the deity during the rituals of the Bhishmapancaka.[31] (2) A fragrant paste used for anointing the idol during the worship rituals.[32] (3) An item used in the worship of gods, applied during the rituals as a form of offering and respect.[33] (4) A mixture used to besmear the body of an afflicted child to alleviate the effects of spirits.[34]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A fragrant paste used in rituals and worship to honor the deities.[35] (2) A fragrant paste often used in rituals, particularly for applying to the deity or oneself as a part of worship.[36] (3) A substance applied to both hands of the devotee during the rite of worship.[37] (4) A fragrant substance used in the rituals of worship to honor the deity.[38]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) One of the offerings Ravana used in his worship of the Shiva-Linga, symbolizing purity and devotion.[39] (2) A luxurious substance that Shri Rama was previously adorned with but is now covered with dust.[40]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A fragrant paste used during rituals to purify and consecrate objects and spaces.[41] (2) An offering made during the worship of god Yogeshvara.[42]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A fragrant paste used by the cowherds to adorn themselves in celebration of the child's birth.[43] (2) A substance offered to Ganga during worship as part of the reverence shown by the gods.[44]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A fragrant paste used as an offering, believed to cool and please the deity during worship.[45] (2) Fragrant pastes made from sandalwood, used in rituals and ceremonies, especially in offerings to Brahmanas.[46]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A fragrant substance ground by the wives of snake-gods that is scattered by Shesha’s breath, perfuming the skies.[47]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Fragrant materials used to enhance the scent of the flowers in the gardens.[48]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A fragrant substance applied to images of deities, signifying reverence and worship.[49]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A substance that symbolizes beauty and fragility, used metaphorically to describe the bloodied battlefield.[50]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A fragrant mixture used for anointing, highlighted as significant in the context of the ritual described.[51] (2) Shrikhanda refers to the fragrant paste made from sandalwood, used for anointing Radha's garments.[52] (3) A fragrant substance used in the context of anointing, typically associated with love and devotion.[53] (4) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, commonly used in religious rituals and offerings.[54] (5) A fragrant substance made from sandalwood, crafted by the maidservant, indicating her skill and care.[55]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A scented offering that the deity found unbearable, symbolizing the discomfort experienced when minor deities are associated with the belongings of greater devotees.[56] (2) A fragrant substance that symbolizes the mind of the Alvar, which is described as being eminently fit for the supreme Lord.[57] (3) A fragrant paste considered suitable for anointing the body of the Lord, symbolizing the Alvar's devotion.[58] (4) An offering typically used in worship, representing purity and devotion, which is included among the offerings to the Lord.[59] (5) An analogy used to describe the self-less and pleasant nature of the Lord, similar to how sandal paste provides comfort without seeking anything in return.[60]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Fragrant paste used in worship, representing devotion and reverence shown to Lord Gaura by his devotees.[61] (2) A fragrant substance used by Advaita Acarya to anoint Lord Gaura’s limbs, symbolizing honor and reverence.[62] (3) A fragrant substance used in rituals and for adorning the body, enhancing the auspicious atmosphere.[63] (4) A fragrant substance used in rituals and offerings, symbolizing respect and devotion.[64] (5) A fragrant substance used in worship and rituals, symbolizing purity and devotion.[65]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A fragrant substance used in worship rituals, which signifies devotion and purity in offerings to the deities.[66]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A cooling unguent applied to relieve the symptoms of uneasiness and heating sensation in the patient.[67] (2) A medicinal paste made from sandalwood, used to smear the patient's body for therapeutic purposes.[68] (3) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, suggested to be rubbed over the patient's body.[69] (4) A soothing topical application made from sandalwood used after oil removal.[70] (5) A perfumed paste made from sandalwood used to smear on the body for its therapeutic effects.[71]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, used in the worship of the Rasalingam image.[72]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) A soothing application recommended to calm the body during the treatment of obesity.[73]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, used to adorn the Brahmanas as a form of respect during rituals.[74] (2) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, often used for rituals and personal adornment, which is mentioned in the context of indifference to physical sensations.[75] (3) A scented paste made from sandalwood, used in rituals as an offering.[76] (4) An item that is mentioned in the context of actions to be avoided, specifically regarding obtrusive wearing.[77] (5) A substance that, when worn obtrusively, is also advised against as per various texts.[78]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A reference to the smooth and pleasant fragrance associated with the princess, likening it to a comforting and desired state.[79] (2) A fragrant substance applied to the body, representing beauty and social status in royal rituals.[80] (3) A substance symbolizing beauty and treatment for Damayanti's heated emotions linked to love.[81]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A cosmetic applied to enhance the beauty of the ladies in Dvarika, symbolizing their cared-for appearance.[82]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A traditional aromatic preparation used for ceremonial purposes and personal adornment, depicting purity and auspiciousness.[83]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, used for beautification and often in perfumed mixtures.[84] (2) A fragrant substance used during the puja ceremonies to honor the Devas and enhance the sanctity of the ritual.[85] (3) A fragrant substance used in rituals and adorning the king, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness.[86]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Fragrant paste made from sandalwood, used as part of the offerings during worship and installations.[87] (2) A paste prepared from sandalwood and other aromatic materials, used in worship for its pleasing scent.[88]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Fragrant pastes used for soothing effects, especially recommended during the Autumn season.[89] (2) A topical medicinal substance made from sandalwood, recommended in various treatments for its soothing properties.[90]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, used in rituals for purification.[91]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) A fragrant substance offered during worship, often used along with flowers to venerate the deities.[92]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) A cool substance used for relief from summer heat, likened to moonlight in the text.[93]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) Sandal paste is one of the various unguents used in the ritual of bathing the Linga during worship, symbolizing purity and devotion.[94]
Jain concept of 'Sandal-paste'
In Jainism, sandal-paste symbolizes both ritual significance and emotional healing, serving as a fragrant substance for purification, anointing the Blessed One, and enhancing beauty, while reflecting the sorrow of abandonment in personal loss.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A fragrant compound often used for adornment, considered soothing and pleasant.[95] (2) A mixture used to anoint the Blessed One’s body, derived from goshirsha-sandal.[96] (3) An aromatic substance used in rituals, which was applied to King Shrivijaya to restore his consciousness after fainting from grief.[97]
From: Naladiyar
(1) A fragrant cosmetic applied to beautify the skin, which the wife discards in sorrow.[98]
The concept of Sandal-paste in local and regional sources
Sandal-paste is a fragrant substance symbolizing care, spirituality, and cultural practices. It is used in rituals, worship, and adornment, reflecting nurturing qualities and joy within traditional and spiritual contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Material used in the worship of the idol-goddess, representing the traditional practices that have replaced the glory of the past.[99] (2) A traditional substance used in some cultures, often for its fragrant qualities, applied to the forehead as a mark of respect or spirituality.[100] (3) Symbolizes the joy and fragrance of the experiences described in the letters.[101] (4) This symbolizes refreshing and soothing qualities, metaphorically comparing to the nurturing nature of the subject addressed.[102] (5) A fragrant substance used in worship and rituals, indicative of divine offerings and presence in a temple setting.[103]