Botanical Name: Cinnamonum camphora Family: Lauraceae, The Laurel Family
Camphor is a white transparent waxy crystalline solid with a strong penetrating pungent aromatic odor. It is a terpenoid with the chemical formula C10H16O. It is found in wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamonum camphora), a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Borneo); it can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine. It is used for its scent, as an embalming fluid and for medicinal purposes. It has calming properties.
Puja kapoor has a unique place in the Hindu ritual of traditional Pooja or any other festive or customary occasion. The camphor that is burnt has a special quality and naturally has a special meaning. It is pure white in colour, and when it is burnt it takes on the hue of agni (fire), and it burns itself out completely, without residue. Lighting camphor before God symbolises that if we burn our illusion or ego with the fire of true knowledge, we shall merge with the God, leaving no residue.
Medicinal Benefits
Camphor has excellent medicinal properties. It protects against many diseases in the hot climate that pervades most of India. According to Homeopathy, the camphor and other aromatic substances purify the atmosphere and when the devotees place their palms over the Aarti and bring the palms to their eyes and nose, they absorb the medicinal benefits.
The kapoor aarti, lasts for a very short while and thus it signifies the short span of human life and the physical, sensual pleasures, which come of attachments caused by Avidya or Agynana. Thus, Aarti inspires the devotee to seek God who is permanent. Since the Aarti is short lasting, it compels the devotee to focus his attention on the God.