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Significance of Incense

Incense in various religious and cultural contexts is primarily described as a fragrant substance burned to create an elevated spiritual atmosphere. In Jainism and Vaishnavism, it symbolizes purification and devotion during worship. The Purana also emphasizes its role in pleasing deities and enhancing the ritual atmosphere, while Ayurveda notes its potential medicinal properties. Across different beliefs, incense serves to purify spaces and signify the presence of the divine, illustrating its importance in spiritual practices and rituals.1
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Synonyms: Fragrance, Perfume, Smoke, Odor, Smell

In Spanish: Incienso; In Dutch: Wierook; In Finnish: Suitsuke; In German: Weihrauch

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Incense'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, incense is a fragrant substance that enhances teaching environments, serves a limited ritual purpose in sutras, and is used to purify spaces, particularly in palatial settings, highlighting its diverse roles in practice.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A fragrant substance used to fumigate the rooms in the palaces.[1]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A substance used for fragrance, mentioned as sometimes included among other utensils, but not emphasized in the sutra due to its limited usefulness.[2]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A fragrant substance burned to perfume the air, enhancing the environment for teachings.[3]

Mahayana 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 sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Incense'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, incense symbolizes devotion through fragrant offerings, purifying the atmosphere during worship and enhancing spiritual ambience. It serves as a divine presence element, used in rituals to honor deities and elevate the worship experience.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Dhupa, aromatic materials burned during worship to create a divine atmosphere.[4] (2) A fragrant substance burned during worship to create a pleasing atmosphere and symbolize the devotion of the worshiper.[5] (3) A substance that produces a fragrant smoke when burned, often used in worship rituals.[6] (4) A material that produces fragrant smoke when burned, gathered by Advaita's wife for use in rituals or offerings.[7] (5) A fragrant substance burned during the worship of Jagannatha.[8]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) An offering used in worship that signifies devotion and the fragrant presence of the divine.[9]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Fragrant materials burned to offer pleasing scents during the ritual, enhancing the atmosphere.[10]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) A fragrant substance burned for its aromatic smoke, which can also include medicinal properties when derived from gum-resins.[11]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Jain concept of 'Incense'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, incense symbolizes purification and spiritual elevation, serving as a fragrant offering during rituals, enhancing the meditative atmosphere and reinforcing the community's commitment to spiritual practices.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A fragrant substance burned as an offering during the ritual, representing purification and spiritual elevation.[12]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.