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Significance of Camphor

Camphor is a multifaceted substance referenced across various texts. In Arthashastra, it relates to deception, while in Vaishnavism, it is an offering to the divine, valued for its fragrance and medicinal properties. Kavyashastra highlights Camphor's cooling aroma used in rituals, whereas scientific perspectives note its presence in herbal formulations and its properties as a sublimating agent. Additionally, it is used in various traditional practices and medicinal mixtures, showcasing its cultural and health significance across different contexts.1
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Synonyms: Borneol, Creatinine, Terpenoid, Aromatic compound, Eucalyptus oil, Essential oil, Cinnamomum camphora, Camphor tree

In Dutch: Kamfer; In Finnish: Kamferi; In Spanish: Alcanfor; In German: Kampfer

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

Hindu concept of 'Camphor'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, camphor symbolizes purity and spirituality, used in rituals for its aromatic and healing properties. It's offered to deities, included in medicinal mixtures, and enhances the sensory experience of worship and devotion.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A substance brought by the devotee and offered to the Lord, which was happily accepted.[1] (2) A white crystalline substance with a strong odor used in medicine and cooking, believed to have various beneficial properties.[2] (3) A fragrant substance often included in offerings, usually derived from the wood of camphor trees.[3]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) An aromatic substance used in decoration, emphasizing the beauty and allure of the divine figures.[4]

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 (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry

(1) An aromatic compound that is added to the medicinal mixture for its healing properties and scent.[5] (2) A fragrant compound derived from the wood of the camphor tree, included as one of the medicinal ingredients for its properties.[6] (3) A fragrant substance mixed with sandal paste, used for its medicinal properties.[7] (4) A substance included in the mixture for making the medicinal pills.[8]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A substance mentioned as an ingredient in betel-chewing, noted for its medicinal properties.[9]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Hitopadesha (English translation)

(1) A substance mentioned in the context of the servant eating it, which Jewel-bright uses in her deception.[10]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.