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According to Indian philosophy life comprises five basic elements,
namely Air (Vayu), Water (Jal), Earth (Prithvi), Sky (Aakash)
and Fire (Agni). These five elements in a balanced state nurture
life and fill it with energy and happiness, that is why Indians
worship the Gods governing these vital elements. Rituals like
‘Hawans’ or Yagyas’ are performed to please
the Gods.
‘Hawan’ is ritual in which
food grains and other fragrant substances are offered to holy
fire by chanting mantras (hymns). It is believed that the smoke,
which emerges out to this pious activity, purifies the atmosphere.
This smoke brings peace and prosperity and nullifies the ill
effects or negative energies.
During the Vedic period practicing this
ritual of ‘Hawan’ was regular feature of each house
hold. And it is still practiced with great reverence.
Now a day due to hectic life style, performing
the ritual of ‘Hawan everyday in its entirely in not possible.
Hence, incense sticks are lit everyday as a symbol of ‘Hawans’.
It is also associated with feeling of well being -
Prithvi Sagandha Sarsastathapaha
Sparshashcha Vayurjwalanaha Satejaha I
Nahaha Sashabdam Mahata Sahaiva Yachchhantu Sarve Mamsuprabhatam
II
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Let the fragrant earth,
nourishing water, caressing breeze, energetic fire, vibrant
space and wisdom make my dawn joyous and blissful.
In India the incense stick manufacturing
has taken shape of a big industry. The incense sticks
are not only used in temples, houses at the time of offering
prayers, these are also used to purify the atmosphere.
In India great care is taken
while manufacturing the incense sticks. The material used
for manufacturing theses sticks is eco-friendly, natural
and safe for human as well as the environment.
The incense sticks in their
myriad fragrances help in releasing stress and fill us
with peace, poise and tranquility. |
The
ingredients of an incense stick represent five great elements
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| Fragrant
material |
- Earth |
| Moisture |
- Water |
| Smoke |
- Air |
| Fire |
- Fire |
| Space between the
particles |
- Sky |
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