Significance of Sandalwood paste
Sandalwood paste is a fragrant substance highly regarded in various spiritual and cultural contexts. According to Vaishnavism, it signifies beauty and spirituality, often applied to the forehead and used in rituals and offerings. This soothing paste represents purity, devotion, and generosity, enhancing the worship experience. Sandalwood paste is commonly incorporated in religious ceremonies, symbolizing respect towards deities and contributing to an aromatic ambiance. Its use spans multiple traditions, serving both decorative and devotional purposes while embodying a deep spiritual significance.
Synonyms: Sandalwood powder, Sandal paste, Sandalwood lotion
In Dutch: Sandelhoutpasta
In Finnish: Santelipuutahna
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sandalwood paste'
Sandalwood paste in Hinduism symbolizes beauty, purity, and spirituality. It is used in personal adornment, worship rituals, and offerings, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and spiritual significance, while also embodying qualities like auspiciousness and reverence.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, used in rituals and worship for its aromatic properties.[1] (2) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, typically used in religious or cultural practices.[2] (3) A fragrant substance applied on the transcendental body, suggesting a sense of purity and reverence.[3] (4) A substance given to everyone three times, symbolizing generosity and spiritual practice.[4] (5) Sandalwood paste is a fragrant mixture made from sandalwood that is commonly used in religious rituals and offerings.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A fragrant material that, like fine cloth and garlands, is noted in the text for being incapable of providing happiness to a person suffering from hunger.[6] (2) A fragrant paste applied during rituals, symbolizing purity and devotion.[7]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A fragrant paste made from sandalwood, used in rituals, notably in marking svastika symbols on Shrila Gurudeva's chest.[8] (2) An item offered by devotees to Shrila Gurudeva, carrying spiritual significance in devotional practices.[9]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A traditional offering of fragrance and beauty, symbolizing the adornment related to the moments spent with Shri Krishna.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The act of smearing sandalwood paste on Krishna’s body.[11]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) A metaphor for the soothing power of divine enlightenment that alleviates suffering.[12]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An aromatic paste used for anointing and worship, symbolizing purity and respect in religious practices.[13] (2) A fragrant substance used in rituals that is associated with purity and devotion to Krishna.[14] (3) A fragrant substance often used in religious rituals, particularly in offering and adorning the idols of deities.[15] (4) A fragrant substance used in worship that symbolizes purity and is associated with spiritual merit.[16] (5) A fragrant substance applied on the idol, signifying purity and devotion in worship practices.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A fragrant paste covering Manthara, further depicting her as someone who is treated as royalty despite her actions.[18] (2) A symbol of royalty and beauty that Kaikeyi refuses to apply until her demands are met.[19] (3) A fragrant substance used to anoint bodies, contributing to the aromatic ambiance of the celebration.[20] (4) A fragrant substance used in the adornment of Shunashepha as part of the sacrificial preparation.[21] (5) A fragrant substance used for anointing, notably mentioned to enhance Shri Ramacandra's appearance.[22]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) An offering made by the princess, symbolizing her dedication to her husband's comfort.[23]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) a fragrant substance made from sandalwood, used in traditional rituals and beauty applications.[24] (2) A fragrant substance often used for its cooling effect and pleasing aroma, symbolizing purity and devotion.[25] (3) A fragrant substance used in rituals, mentioned among elements that evoke a sense of coolness.[26] (4) Krishna describes the substance on His body as sandalwood paste, which is fragrant and soothing, contrasting it with ash.[27] (5) A fragrant substance often associated with good luck and auspiciousness, used metaphorically here to describe loveliness (patira-vat).[28]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A fragrant substance applied by the ladies to Krishna, symbolizing care and affection.[29]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A fragrant substance offered in worship rituals, particularly in betel cultivation practices.[30]
The concept of Sandalwood paste in local and regional sources
Sandalwood paste is a fragrant substance associated with auspiciousness, beauty, and devotion in various cultural and religious practices, symbolizing purity and used in rituals, offerings, and personal adornment during festivities.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A fragrant paste offered in worship, traditionally used for purification and as an offering to deities.[31] (2) A fragrant paste used in religious worship, prepared and given to the saints.[32] (3) A fragrant substance offered in worship, often used in religious rituals alongside flowers and incense.[33] (4) A fragrant paste prepared by Shri Khandya for Eknath, appreciated by the townsfolk.[34] (5) A fragrant substance used as an offering in rituals, symbolizing devotion and a connection to the spiritual world.[35]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A fragrant substance applied by the women to beautify themselves during the festivities.[36]
The concept of Sandalwood paste in scientific sources
Sandalwood paste is a traditional remedy used during pregnancy, known for its soothing properties. It alleviates discomfort, reduces itching, and promotes overall skin health, making it a valuable preparation for expectant mothers.
From: Ancient Science of Life
(1) A traditional preparation used to alleviate discomfort during pregnancy, helping to soothe itching and promote skin health.[37]