In most Indian households, worshipping deities and the completion of any Hindu ritual is incomplete without burning camphor, but what makes this small crystal-like thing such a quintessential part of the Hindu culture? Here’s all you need to know about it…
What is Camphor?
Camphor is basically a waxy, crystalline substance that is derived from the Cinnamomum camphora tree, which is considered sacred in Hindu culture for its healing as well as purifying properties.
You Attract What You Think” | Mind is a Magnet | Law of Attraction | Ajay Mishra
Why is camphor an inseparable part of Indian culture?
Highly revered in Hindu culture, camphor symbolizes ego surrender by burning completely without residue to represent spiritual enlightenment and oneness with the divine. As per Vedic traditions, camphor is one of the most potent purifiers that holds the power to burn away negativity, remove the evil eye, and bring in a wave of positivity and divine blessings to the house. In fact, it is believed that ‘samapan’ (completion) of Hindu rituals and pooja only happens after burning a camphor lamp. This is the reason why keeping camphor and lighting a camphor lamp in the puja room bring in divine blessings and attract positive energy flow throughout the house, as the puja room or mandir in the house is believed to be the energy core of any house. Moreover, the sacred smoke of camphor holds the power to remove negativity, helps in ego dissolution, and leads to spiritual upliftment and is also known to bring in harmony, prosperity, and peace.
Where to place the camphor lamp in the puja room?
According to the books of Vastu Shastra and Vedic culture, it is believed that the pooja room should be placed in the northeast corner of the house, which is known as Ishan Kon. It is believed that lighting a camphor lamp daily in the same direction holds the power to amplify camphor's purifying effects with cosmic energies. It is believed that doing so helps in seeking Lord Shiva's blessings, as camphor holds the ability to dispel stagnant vibes. It is advised to avoid south direction placements of the camphor lamp, as this may impact the positive flow of energy and weaken camphor's potency. Lastly, it is best to place small camphor pieces near deity idols or in the room corners to absorb Vastu doshas continuously.
Camphor Rituals
To seek the blessing of the almighty, remove doshas, or bring in positivity into the house, it is believed that lighting pure camphor during evening aarti in a brass or silver lamp facing east or north can attract maximum energy elevation. One can burn it thrice daily to counter Pitra Dosha or planetary afflictions, filling the room with healing fumes. Lastly, burning camphor with cloves can add wealth attraction and help cleansing.