Scientific importance of Camphor in Hindu worship

1
1397
Sending
User Rating 5 (3 votes)

Camphor also called ‘kapur’ in Hindi, is one of the major ingredients in Hindu worship. For many of us, it shows backwardness or superstitious mindset. But it is not so! Lighting camphor in prayers has its own benefits which accompanies scientific reason too. Here, we will be discussing about Importance of Camphor in Hindu worship.

Tablets of Camphor
Tablets of Camphor

Camphor, known as ‘kapur’ in Hindi, is commonly used in Indian households. It is of two types – the edible camphor and the synthetically made camphor. Whether for religious ceremonies, as a room freshener, or in the form of an essential oil, the strong fragrance of camphor is loaded with healing properties, while also being known for spreading positivity.

In every language, kapur is called by different terms. In Sanskrit it is called ‘karpur‘, in English it is called ‘camphor‘ and in Farsi it s called ‘kafoor‘.

 Importance of Camphor in Hindu worship
Lighting Camphor in prayers

Importance of Camphor in Hindu worship:

The usage of camphor in Hindu worship is practiced since from ages. It is widely used in hawan, aarti and in all forms of Hindu worship. According to traditional beliefs, by the use of camphor in worship, gods and goddesses gets happy and agree the worship even.

It also destroys all kinds of evil energies and enhances the flow of positivity in the place. Camphor even makes your surroundings perfumed and filled with energy.

कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतार
संसारसारम् भुजगेन्द्रहारम्
सदावसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे
भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि
Karpuura-Gauram Karunna-Avataaram
Samsaara-Saaram Bhujage[a-I]ndra-Haaram |
Sadaa-Vasantam Hrdaya-Aravinde
Bhavam Bhavaanii-Sahitam Namaami ||

Meaning-

Pure White like Camphor, an Incarnation of Compassion, The Essence of Worldly Existence, Whose Garland is the King of Serpents, Always Dwelling inside the Lotus of the Heart. I Bow to Shiva and Shakti Together.

This is a Hindu mantra which describes the purity and importance of  Camphor.  Now we shall be discussing about the importance of Camphor in accordance to Health.

Health benefits of Camphor-

1. Camphor for skin problems:

If you suffer from itching and rashes, do this simple home remedy. Take a piece of edible camphor and mix it with little amount of water. Wash the effected area with this homemade camphor rinse. You will find the itching gradually reducing. But make sure not to use the camphor on open wounds and cuts.

2. Camphor for hair loss & dandruff:

Camphor essential oil when added to our regular hair oil stimulates blood flow to the area and promotes hair growth. However use this as a pre shampoo treatment as the smell of camphor will be very strong if used as a leave in massage oil. This treatment also treats dandruff.

3. Camphor for cold in children:

This home remedy for treating chest congestion is very popular in India and it is very effective. To make the remedy, take mustard or coconut oil and heat it along with little synthetic camphor. When it is warm, rub it on the child’s chest and back to get good relief from chest congestion.

4. As a disinfectant, germicide and antiseptic:

Camphor oil is a wonderful disinfectant, insecticide as well as germicide. It may be included with drinking water to sanitize it, especially throughout the summer as well as in rainy months when there is a greater possibility of water becoming contaminated. An open bottle or even container of camphor oil, or even burning a bit of cloth soaked in camphor oil, pushes away insects as well as kills germs.

These were the benefits of Camphor. Now let us see how to use camphor directly as a medicine.

  • When suffering from neck pain, apply balm which has the extract of camphor in it. It gives relief in few minutes of massage itself.
  • One having acne or seasonal skin infections can apply mustard oil with dissolved camphor in it. Being germicidal, it is very useful.
  • During summers, put some oil of camphor in bathing water and bath with it. You will feel refreshed and it will also inhibit any kind of odor coming from the body.
  • Camphor essential oil soothe the blood circulation.

In this way we saw how camphor can be so beneficial for health. Our ancestors has been using camphor since from immemorial times. In Ayurveda too, camphor has been said as highly beneficial thing. Try to utilize these things positively and make your life go easy and happily. Take care and live well.

One Response

  1. amarvir singh April 30, 2017

Leave a Reply?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.