History of Sandalwood – Cultural, Spiritual, and Global Legacy

 Introduction

Sandalwood is not just a fragrance—it is a living symbol of India’s historical legacy. Its name appears in the Vedas, Upanishads, ancient scriptures, and classical Indian literature. Sandalwood, native to Indian soil, is deeply rooted in health, beauty, and spirituality.

Ancient Importance of Sandalwood

– Mentioned in the Rigveda and Yajurveda (~1500 B.C.)
– Referenced in Ramayana and Mahabharata as sacred and royal
– Used in Ayurveda for treating skin, insomnia, and respiratory issues

Religious and Spiritual Significance

• In Hinduism:
– Applied as tilak, offered to deities, and used in temple rituals
– Burned as incense during havan and worship

• In Buddhism:
– Represents peace and focus during meditation
– Applied on Buddha idols as a sacred offering

• In Jainism:
– Symbolizes purity of body, mind, and speech
– Used by monks during rituals and prayers

• In Islam and Christianity:
– Used as incense for peace and purity
– Present in aromatic worship ceremonies

 Sandalwood in Royal Life

– Sandalwood paste was used by royal women for skin care
– Palaces featured sandalwood-scented rooms and halls
– Sandalwood grinding stones still found in museums today

Sandalwood in Indian Rituals and Festivals

– Applied to bride and groom in wedding rituals
– Used during Raksha Bandhan, Holi, and Diwali for tilak
– Sandalwood logs used in cremation rituals for peace and sanctity

Cultural Presence in Modern Times

– Daily temple worship continues with sandalwood use
– Yoga centers and spiritual retreats use sandalwood fragrance
– Vedic schools and ceremonies use sandalwood in traditional rites

Global History and Trade

– Exported to China, Iran, and Europe for centuries
– Cited in Portuguese, Persian, and British trade records
– In the 18th century, Mysore was a leading exporter of sandalwood

Historical Research

– Dr. R. K. Dhyani (1950): Documented ancient uses of sandalwood
– National Medicinal Plant Board: Ranked sandalwood as a top herbal asset
– Genome studies by Yale and Kyoto Universities

🇮🇳 Timeline of Sandalwood in India

– Vedic Period: Mention in Rigveda
– 6th Century: Ayurvedic texts include sandalwood uses
– 14th–16th Century: Royal perfumes and palace use
– 1792–1947: British-imposed sandalwood trade laws

Conclusion

The history of sandalwood is not just a tale of aroma but a reflection of India’s spiritual, medicinal, and cultural essence passed through generations.