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Significance of Charcoal

Charcoal is a versatile substance with various meanings across different fields. In South Asia, it signifies an object for protection in folklore, while in Purana, it represents a woman's potential danger. Vyakarana identifies it as Angara, a fuel source, and Rasashastra describes it as a refined state of visha-musti used in heating processes. Historically in India, charcoal serves as fuel and for artistic purposes, while scientifically, it functions as a marker in experiments and is used in cosmetics for detoxification and beauty enhancement.1
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Synonyms: Coal

In Swedish: Kol; In Malay: Arang; In Dutch: Houtskool; In Finnish: Puuhiili; In Spanish: °ä²¹°ù²úó²Ô; In German: Holzkohle; In French: Charbon de bois

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

Hindu concept of 'Charcoal'

Hinduism Books

Charcoal in Hinduism symbolizes a multifaceted element: a crucial heating source in essence extraction, a cooking fuel, a metaphor for female potential danger, and the purified state of visha-musti, illustrating transformation and the importance of processing.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances

(1) The end state of visha-musti after undergoing purification, specifically reduced to a charcoal form indicating it is properly processed.[1]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)

(1) The heating source used in the crucible during the second process to extract essence from Manas-shila.[2]

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.

The concept of Charcoal in local and regional sources

History Books

Charcoal, as described, serves dual roles: (1) a protective object for a Turtle against the Rakshasa when thrown, and (2) a fuel and artistic material known as Arang or Angara.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) An object given to the widow-mother that, when thrown, creates a fire fence to protect the Turtle from the Rakshasa.[3]

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages

(1) This is a substance, referred to as Arang or Angara, which is often used for fuel or artistic purposes, as indicated by the text.[4]