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In this article5 parts
Quick answer
Camphor is burned for aarti; agarbatti are incense sticks on a bamboo core; dhoop is incense without the bamboo; sambrani is a resin burned for its thick, fragrant smoke.
- Edible camphor (pacha karpooram) is a different product, used in tiny pinches in sweets.
- Aarti camphor is not edible. Keep it away from children.
- Open a window when you burn sambrani; it makes a lot of smoke.
What is each one?
CamphorKarpooram
SmokeBurns
Used for: the aarti at the end of pooja; burns out in a minute
AgarbattiIncense sticksEVERY DAY
SmokeBurns
Used for: daily pooja; fragrant paste on a bamboo stick
DhoopSticks or cones
SmokeBurns
Used for: a stronger fragrance; no bamboo, so it burns to ash
SambraniBenzoin resin
SmokeBurns
Used for: Fridays and festivals; thick smoke spread through the house
The meters compare them with each other, as a rough guide.
Edible camphor or aarti camphor?
Edible camphorPacha karpooram
or- Used in tiny pinches in sweets like pongal and laddu
- Sold in small packs, labelled edible
- Grainy, irregular crystals
Aarti camphorTablets
- Only for burning
- Harmful if swallowed
- Neat white tablets or blocks
How do you use sambrani?
- BeforeOpen a window
Sambrani smoke is thick; let air in, and keep it away from babies and anyone with asthma.
- LightLight the cup or stick
Light the edge of a sambrani cup or the tip of a stick until it glows, then blow out the flame.
- CarrySpread the smoke
Place it in a holder on a steel plate, or carry the holder slowly through the rooms.
Burning them safely indoors
Do
- Use a holder on a steel or brass plate
- Keep a window open while they burn
- Store camphor in a closed tin, out of reach
Don't
- Leave them burning in a closed room with a baby
- Let children play with camphor tablets
- Burn them near curtains or paper
Questions people ask
Which is best for daily pooja?
Agarbatti for every day, camphor for the aarti, and sambrani on Fridays and festivals is the habit in many homes.
Is agarbatti smoke harmful?
Like any smoke, it is best in small amounts in a ventilated room. Burn one or two sticks, not a bundle, and open a window.
Why does my agarbatti go out halfway?
Damp sticks or a draught. Store them in their box away from the kitchen and bathroom.
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