Indian Traditions: Role of Incense Sticks

The burning of incense sticks popularly known as Agarbattis or dhoop, is one of the stages of worship, out of a total of sixteen steps. These rituals are centuries old and established by our forefathers.

Incense sticks help spread a pleasant fragrance across the room and mask unpleasant odours in the home. The fragrances of myrrh, cedar, rose, and sandalwood purifies the air, bringing with them a sense of freshness and a new start.

It refreshes our minds and clears mental obstructions. Agarbatti scents have amazing effects and often find application in aromatherapy. Incense cones also find applications at meditational centers during practice sessions for reducing anxiety levels.

According to several traditions, such as Ayurveda, India’s ancient medicine system, It is possible to enhance and balance your meditation practice by using incense as a source of fire in conjunction with the other earthy elements like water, earth, space, and air during activities such as meditation.