Incense: 3 definitions

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
1. Pancaratra
In Buddhism
1. Mahayana
India history
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Introduction:

Incense means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

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In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Incense is typically offered to the icon of the Lord as part of “liturgical worship”, as discussed in chapter 6 of the Sattvata-Samhita: one of the most ancient of Pancaratra Agamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyuhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avataras (incarnations).—Description of the chapter [sūkṣamavyūha-devatā-bahiryāga-vidhi]: The details of how the liturgy step-by-step is prepared for and how it proceeds are given (7-131). [...] A special bathing cloth is advanced (29b), and then various items are given in order (verbally?) to the icon—[...]. During these baths incense will have been offered, after which incense-scented and purified towels are offered to cleanse off the deity’s body—one for the head and one for the body. Then the idol is removed to a dry spot, where four vessels are set, filled with sandal-water and they are to be decorated with sandal-paste, garlands etc. (41-503).

context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (mahayana)

Incense is used as a material in the performance of a sacred bathing ritual dedicated to Goddess Sarasvatī, according to the seventh chapter of the Suvarṇaprabhāsottamasūtra.—In chapter 7, the Sarasvatīparivarta, the goddess Sarasvatī grants her support to the Dharma preacher through the gift of eloquence, and presents a bathing ritual with enchanted herbs for him and his audience in order to appease all disturbances. It is promised that, invoked by praise, Sarasvatī herself will appear and remove all diseases and difficulties. The ritual instructions prescribe that one should pound herbs and consecrate the powder with mantras at the time of the Puṣya constellation. A maṇḍala should be drawn with cow-dung, flowers should be scattered and gold and silver vessels filled. Four armed men and four well-adorned maidens should be placed there holding pots in their hands, thus accomplishing the protective sealing of the boundaries (sīmābandha). One should use incense, music, umbrellas, flags, banners, mirrors, arrows, spears and dhāraṇī-spells, and in due course bathe behind an image of the Buddha.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

India history and geography

Source: Singhi Jain Series: Ratnaprabha-suri’s Kuvalayamala-katha (history)

Incense pots were burned, as part of the tasks performed to beautify the Sleeping chamber (of young ladies) in Ancient India, as depicted in the Kathās (narrative poems) such as Uddyotanasūri in his 8th-century Kuvalayamālā (a Prakrit Campū, similar to Kāvya poetry).—The Kuvalayamala (779 A.D.) is full of cultural material which gains in value because of the firm date of its composition. [...] Page 83.3-9: Here is the description of the house or the sleeping chambers of young ladies which were beautified for the reception of their husbands. The select items in this list are as follows: [e.g., burning of incense pots;] [...]

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Relevant text

Search found 246 books and stories containing Incense; (plurals include: Incenses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

8. Cosmetics for Worship < [Chapter 1 - Cosmetics]

2.11. Pharmaceutical use of Incense < [Chapter 1 - Cosmetics]

2.12. Pharmaceutical use of Perfumes < [Chapter 1 - Cosmetics]

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Historical use of perfumes in ancient Indian literature. < [Volume 28 (issue 2), Oct-Dec 2008]

Plants associated with withcraft and evil eye < [Volume 4 (issue 1), Jul-Sep 1984]

Ethnobotanical studies in lahul and spiti, himachal pradesh < [Volume 11 (issue 3-4), Jan-Jun 1992]

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Verses 501-600

Verses 401-500

Verses 601-700

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