In the Hindu faith, unguents and oils were used as offerings. Their purpose was to please the deity and in the presence of the deity to undergo a sense of purification, while worshipping.
Why are these unguents important in Hindu rituals?
When the deity is consecrated, unguents are a part of the process to invite the divine presence into the physical form. The perfumed offerings are there to attract and appeal to the divine senses of the divinity and to purify the image. In the daily worship one of the ways of serving the deity is to apply the unguent.
Offering fragrant is a symbol of purity and it symbolizes the devotee’s internal state of spiritual and devotion. Perfumed unguents combined with Tulsi and sesame oil are offered to negate negative energy. In the Hindu texts a variety of unguents and fragrant substances known as lepa or anulepa were also offered to deities as part of worship in rituals. These offering symbolized purity, devotion and the beautification of the divine form.
Special unguents and oils are offered to different Gods. The most prominent unguents used for offerings are listed below.
Most prominent unguents
- Ghee*: It is considered the purest substance for worship. It is used in the lamps as fuel.
- Sandalwood: A paste is made from sandalwood and it is especially offered to Shiva, and Vishnu. It is a cooling and calming unguent.
- Saffron: A paste is made from this and offered to the deities and is also used as a Tilaka. It is associated with Chandi and Tripura Sundari.
- Musk: A smooth and fragrant paste is made from it and it is used to anoint the deities.
- Camphor: It is used in its powdered form or mixed into pastes and is an aromatic offered to the Gods.
Turmeric paste was used for its golden color and it symbolizes the sacred energy of the Sun, which purifies and protects one. It is connected to Parvati, Kali, Vishnu and Ganesha.
Lakshmi and Vishnu are offered Jasmine and sandalwood paste, along with ghee* and sesame oil.
Shiva is offered Bael leaves and sandalwood is traditionally used. Sesame and Neem oil is also offered to him.
Ganesha is offered coconut oil and sweets made with ghee*.
Hanuman is smeared with oil, vermillion powder (Sindoor which is applied by married woman in their parting). This offering is on Tuesdays at the temple.
Durga is offered Saffron and other perfumed substances like musk and agarwood.
The Gods bath
There were unguents used in ancient times which granted one beauty and wellbeing. What were they? They were scented turmeric, honey, gram flour, sandalwood and cream. It was used by the Gods for their bath. Parvati created Ganesh from this mix, which is called uptan. We still use this and a bride has this applied to her body daily before the wedding.
Dear ones, the items mentioned are all used in the composition of perfumes. The most expensive perfume in the world today has a base of Agar (Oud), saffron, jasmine, and sandalwood today. Let us just appreciate the natural fragrances and oils. Keep in mind that when you pray, offering the unguents, is a way of pleasing the Gods and purifying yourself.
Aim Hrim Klim
* If you choose ghee always remember to choose an ahimsa version of it. Usual ghee is not ahimsa. You can also use coconut oil.