Why Ittar/ Attar is important for Lord shiva puja and why is it auspicious?

September 10 2025, 10 min reading time

We have seen Sandalwood is highly regarded as a medium used to appease Lord Shiva for his way of being and his preferences for good smelling items. Same is the reason for ittar also.

Why Ittar/ Attar is important for Lord shiva puja and why is it auspicious?

When we think of worshipping Lord Shiva, most of us imagine the sound of bells, the pouring of holy water or milk over the Shivalinga, and the quiet chant of “Om Namah Shivaya” filling the air.

But there is another offering, often overlooked yet deeply meaningful, the soft fragrance of ittar or natural perfume. In old traditions, this was never just about adding a pleasant scent to the ritual; it was about creating an atmosphere where the mind calms down, the heart opens, and devotion flows more naturally.

Fragrance has an unspoken power as it lingers in the background, silently elevating the moment and turning an ordinary prayer into a soulful connection.

For centuries, devotees have used ittar in Shiva puja not as luxury but as a mark of respect and purity, believing that just as we present our best clothes or freshest flowers to the divine, offering fragrance is a way of presenting the purest essence of nature back to its creator.

What is the divine connection between fragrance and spirituality?

Fragrance has always held a mysterious yet comforting place in spiritual practices across cultures, and Hinduism is no exception. The moment we light incense sticks or offer natural attar during worship, the air transforms as it feels calmer, lighter, and almost sacred.

This isn’t accidental; our sense of smell is deeply tied to our emotions and memories. A pleasant fragrance can instantly quiet the mind, draw our focus away from distractions, and help us become present in the moment.

In spiritual terms, this is exactly what devotion requires, to be fully aware and connected with the divine without the constant chatter of everyday thoughts.

Natural fragrances like sandalwood, rose, and jasmine are considered satvik (pure) in nature, and their presence is believed to invite positive energies while dispelling negativity from the surroundings.

This is why in temples or during home pujas, fragrance is not just decoration; it is a bridge that helps the devotee move from the material world into a space of devotion and stillness.

On a deeper level, fragrance is often seen as symbolic of the soul’s journey toward liberation. Just as perfume spreads its aroma selflessly and touches everyone around, a spiritually awakened soul radiates goodness without expecting anything in return.

Scriptures and saints have often compared virtues like love, compassion, and devotion to fragrance as subtle yet powerful, invisible yet transformative.

When we offer fragrance to a deity like Lord Shiva, it is not just about pleasing the senses; it is an offering of our purest intentions and emotions.

The lingering aroma after a ritual is also significant as it reminds us that divine blessings, much like fragrance, stay with us even after the ritual is over. In this way, fragrance is more than just a sensory delight; it becomes a silent messenger carrying our prayers to the divine.

What is the mythological significance of Ittar/ Attar? Why does Lord Shiva love fragrance?

In Hindu mythology, fragrance is not just about pleasing the senses; it is seen as a medium through which devotion reaches the divine.

Texts like the Shiv Purana and Skanda Purana mention that natural aromas from flowers, sandalwood, and herbs carry sattvik (pure) vibrations, which attract deities and dispel negative energies.

When devotees apply ittar on the Shivalinga or offer scented flowers, it symbolizes offering the best part of nature to the supreme consciousness.

Mythological stories describe that even in Kailash, where Shiva resides in deep meditation, the fragrance of blooming Mandara and Parijata flowers surrounds him, signifying peace and harmony in his cosmic abode.

Thus, using attar during puja connects worshippers to this divine atmosphere and helps them mentally transport themselves closer to the serene presence of Lord Shiva.

Why Lord Shiva Loves Fragrance?

Though Lord Shiva is known as a simple ascetic smeared in ash, he is also called Sundareswara, the embodiment of divine beauty and grace. Mythological beliefs say that Lord Shiva’s acceptance of fragrance is symbolic; natural scents calm his fierce Rudra aspect and reflect the balance between his ascetic and householder forms.

Fragrance is associated with the cooling moon on Lord Shiva’s matted hair and the sacred river Ganga flowing from it, both symbols of soothing energy.

When devotees offer ittar, they are not appealing to material desires but expressing pure devotion, free from ego or extravagance. The lingering aroma is believed to please Lord Shiva because it represents an offering that cannot be possessed or hoarded as it spreads freely, just like divine blessings.

This is why, across generations, fragrant offerings remain central to rituals like Abhishekam and Mahashivratri celebrations, making worship not only spiritual but deeply personal and serene.

What are scientific and ayurvedic benefits of Ittar in worship?

When we talk about using ittar during worship, most people associate it purely with tradition or aesthetics, but there is a surprising amount of science behind it.

Natural ittar is prepared using flowers, herbs, resins, and woods as each of which contains compounds that can influence our mood and physiological state. Modern research on aromatherapy has shown that certain scents like sandalwood and rose can calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and even lower heart rate.

During worship, this calming effect is crucial because it allows the devotee to focus, breathe steadily, and experience a sense of mental clarity. A peaceful mind automatically becomes more receptive to prayer and meditation.

Moreover, the lingering natural aroma in the worship space works almost like a mild disinfectant, purifying the air without the use of chemicals, which is especially beneficial in closed home shrines where incense and lamps are frequently used.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, fragrances play a key role in balancing the doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which are the three energies governing the human body.

For example, sandalwood and kewra cool excess pitta (heat), while rose calms vata (anxiety and restlessness). When these natural scents are inhaled during worship, they subtly harmonize the mind and body, creating an ideal state for spiritual practices.

Ayurveda also believes that natural perfumes activate the limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for memory and emotions, thereby helping devotees associate the fragrance with peace and divine connection over time.

This is why even a faint whiff of the same scent later in the day can bring back the meditative calmness experienced during puja.

How to use Ittar in Shiva Puja?

Now that we understand the sacred significance of Ittar in Lord Shiva worship, let's explore the beautiful ways devotees incorporate these divine fragrances into their rituals.

One of the most common practices is offering Ittar as Gandha (scented offering) to the Shiva Linga. A few precious drops are often mixed with water and sprinkled around the Lingam, creating an aura of purity and devotion.

Alternatively, devotees gently apply the Ittar directly onto the Linga, sometimes blending it with chandan paste (sandalwood), which further enhances the spiritual energy. This act symbolizes the merging of the devotee's love with the divine, as the fragrance rises like prayers to the heavens.

Another deeply personal way to use Ittar is by wearing it during puja. Many devotees apply a single drop on their wrists or forehead, not just as a fragrant adornment but as a way to maintain inner purity and focus during worship. Scents like jasmine, agarwood, or khus (vetiver) are particularly favored, as they are believed to attract divine vibrations.

For a more immersive experience, some burn Ittar in a traditional diffuser or dhoop instead of artificial room fresheners, filling the sacred space with natural, spiritually charged aromas during aarti.

Another powerful practice involves mixing a drop of Ittar with vibhuti (sacred ash) before applying it to the body, amplifying its purifying and protective qualities.

Why are certain scents more auspicious for Lord Shiva?

In Lord Shiva worship, not all fragrances hold the same sacred value as certain scents are deeply cherished for their spiritual resonance with the deity. Kewda and Chameli (Jasmine), for instance, are closely tied to themes of purity and divine love, mirroring the eternal bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Their sweet, intoxicating aroma is believed to invoke blessings for marital harmony and devotion.

Similarly, Agarwood (Oud) and Sandalwood carry a rich, earthy fragrance that aids in deep meditation, aligning perfectly with Lord Shiva’s identity as the supreme yogi.

These scents calm the mind, enhance focus, and create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual awakening, making them essential in rituals dedicated to the Lord of Meditation.

Other fragrances like Hina (Myrrh) and Frankincense have been revered since Vedic times for their purifying properties, often used in sacred fire rituals (havan) to cleanse negative energies and invite divine presence. Their smoky, resinous aroma is thought to elevate prayers and strengthen the connection between the devotee and the divine.

Equally significant is Camphor, which holds a special place in Lord Shiva worship as its sharp, penetrating scent symbolizes the burning away of ego and illusion, a core teaching of Lord Shiva’s wisdom.

When offered during aarti, camphor’s fleeting flame represents the transient nature of life, reinforcing Lord Shiva’s role as the destroyer of ignorance. Each of these fragrances, in their own unique way, deepens the devotional experience, making them indispensable in the worship of Mahadev.

In essence, Ittar is much more than just a perfume in Shiva puja as it’s a sacred medium that connects the worshipper’s soul with the divine. Whether through its mythological significance, ayurvedic benefits, or spiritual vibrations, the use of natural fragrances makes the worship experience deeper and more meaningful.

So, the next time you offer Ittar to Lord Shiva, remember, you’re not just presenting a scent, but a piece of nature’s purity that pleases the Destroyer of Illusions and opens the path to divine bliss.

Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub

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