Rakt (Lal) Chandan Mala (Red Sandal Rosary)

Rakta-Chandan (Red-sandalwood)

Rakta-Chandan (Red sandalwood) is in fact not sandalwood. Both trees are totally different. While sandalwood is mostly found in western ghats, red-sandalwood is found in the eastern ghat. Since both types of woods have a similar use in worship so both are called sandalwood. The paste of Rakta-Chandan is mostly used in the worship of goddesses like Durga, Kali, Tara and Gouri. In Shakti – Sadhana its importance is well known. It is also offered during “Ganesh-Ambika Pujan” whom it is offered with the following mantra,

रक्तचन्दन संमिश्रं पारिजात समुद्भवम्।

मयादत्तं  गृहाणाशु   चन्दनं  गंध  संयुतम्।।

Red Sandal or Blood Sandal is known as Lal Chandan or Rakt Chandan. It has various medician uses in ayurvedic. It is widely used in religious aspects as well. Devotees Chants mantras of Maa Durga on the rosary made of Red sandal. This Red sandal ( Lal Chandan Mala) is also used in many rituals. It gives strength and power to the wearer as it is a Mala of Maa Durga Aadi Shakti.