Incense Sticks in Puja: How many incense sticks should be lit in puja? Know what the scriptures and science say, the disadvantages of burning too many incense sticks, the difference between incense and incense sticks and the important rules related to proper worship.
Agarbatti Benefits: Often people burn one, two, five or even an entire packet of incense sticks while performing puja. People believe that the more incense sticks are lit, the more auspicious will be the puja. But is this said in the scriptures? And does science also recommend this? According to religious beliefs and experts, the importance of worship is not in the number of incense sticks, but in devotion and emotion. The purpose of incense sticks is to make the atmosphere fragrant, calm the mind and create a positive atmosphere for worship. Therefore, burning more incense sticks than required is neither considered religiously necessary nor good for health. Let us know how many incense sticks should be burnt in puja and what is the reason behind it.
Why are incense sticks lit in puja?
In Sanatan tradition, the aroma of incense sticks is considered a symbol of purity, positivity energy and concentration. The main purposes of burning incense sticks are-
- Making the puja atmosphere fragrant
- calm the mind
- Increase concentration in meditation and devotion
- Creating a positive environment at home
- That is, incense sticks are lit not to show smoke to God, but to improve the atmosphere of worship.
How many incense sticks should be lit in puja?
There is no rule in religious texts that only one, two or five incense sticks should be burnt. Most scholars say – 1 or 2 incense sticks should be lit. If the temple is big or there is a special puja, the number may be different as per tradition.
What does science say about switching on lights?
The aroma of incense sticks can calm the mind, but burning too many incense sticks in a closed room can increase the smoke. so –
- There should be arrangement for ventilation in the room.
- Do not burn more incense sticks than necessary.
- Use good quality incense sticks.
What is the difference between incense sticks and incense?
Many people consider incense sticks and incense to be the same, whereas both are different. Incense sticks are mainly used to spread fragrance. Dhoop (incense or incense) is traditionally used for special pujas, yagyas or purifications. The purpose of both is to purify the environment, but the method of their use may be different.
What things should be kept in mind while performing puja?
- Worship in a clean and quiet place.
- One or two good quality incense sticks are sufficient.
- Keep ventilation in the room during puja.
- Keep the incense sticks in a safe place.
- The most important thing in worship is devotion, cleanliness and concentration of mind.
Example- Suppose Nirmala worships in the temple of her house every morning. She lights a lamp and puts just one incense stick. The entire room is filled with light fragrance and their mind becomes calm. On the other hand, if a person burns 10–15 incense sticks at once, the room may fill with smoke and may cause eye or respiratory problems to some people. It means that the quality of worship is not determined by numbers but by feelings and balance.
By what name are incense sticks known in different countries?
| Country/Language | name of incense sticks |
| India | Agarbatti |
| Sanskrit | incense, incense stick |
| english | Incense Stick |
| Korea | Hyang |
| vietnam | Nhang (Nhan) |
| Indonesia- | Dupa |
| Nepal | incense/incense sticks |
| Tibet | Tibetan Incense (Poe or Sang) |
| Arabic countries Bukhoor | (Although this is usually incense made by burning pieces of wood or resin, not stick incense). |
| spanish | Incense |