The Role of Sandalwood in Hindu Puja Rituals Sandalwood, known for its calming fragrance and spiritual significance, plays an essential role in Hindu puja (worship) rituals. Various chandan (sandalwood) products, such as chandan patta, chandan sticks, chandan chakla, and chandan rubbing stone, are integral to enhancing the atmosphere of worship, purifying the space, and deepening the connection between the devotee and the divine. This article explores the different forms of sandalwood used in rituals and their significance in spiritual practices. Key Sandalwood Items in Puja Chandan Patta and Chandan Wala Patta Chandan patta refers to thin slices or sheets of sandalwood used in puja rituals. They can be placed on the altar, under offerings, or even used to decorate idols. Chandan wala patta is a variant, often intricately carved, providing a more elaborate form of the material for sacred use. Both these forms serve as a symbolic foundation for the worship of deities, offering purity and divinity to the ritual process. Chandan Grinding Stone and Sandalwood Grinding Board To prepare sandalwood for offering, the chandan grinding stone or sandalwood grinding stone is used. This stone helps grind chandan sticks into a smooth paste or powder, which is then applied to the idol or the devotee’s forehead as chandan tika. In some households and temples, a chandan pata board or sandalwood grinding board is used for the same purpose. These boards are often made of stone or wood, providing a stable surface for grinding the sandalwood. The process of rubbing chandan sticks on the board helps release its aroma, further enhancing the sacred atmosphere of the puja. Chandan Chakla and Pooja Chakla The chandan chakla is a flat, round surface used for grinding sandalwood and other materials used in puja. Chakla for pooja is an essential tool for preparing offerings, including chandan tika and other sacred items. It is often made from stone or wood and serves as the base for grinding sandalwood to prepare the paste or powder used in rituals. Mandir chakla, or temple chakla, is often seen in temples, where it is used exclusively for preparing ritual items like sandalwood paste for the deities. Chandan Tika and Chandan Tilak One of the most prominent uses of sandalwood in puja is the application of chandan tika or chandan tilak. The paste made from ground chandan sticks is applied to the forehead of the devotee or on the deity's idol to symbolize spiritual purity and devotion. The chandan tilak is often applied after other rituals, and it serves as both a protective symbol and an invitation for divine blessings. The Role of Sandalwood in Daily Worship : Sandalwood is used not only in special puja ceremonies but also in daily worship. In many Hindu homes, chandan tika is applied every morning as part of the daily ritual to purify the mind and body. Chandan sticks may also be lit to fill the space with their soothing aroma, creating an environment that encourages focus and meditation. The use of chandan chakla, stone pata, and chandan grinding stones ensures that the daily offerings are prepared with the utmost care and reverence. Sandalwood, with its soothing fragrance and spiritual properties, plays a central role in Hindu rituals, from daily worship to grand ceremonies. Items like chandan patta, chandan sticks, chandan chakla, chandan grinding stone, and chandan tika enhance the purity and sanctity of puja rituals. These tools and materials help devotees prepare sacred offerings and create a focused, meditative environment. The use of chandan rubbing stones, stone grinding tools, and sandalwood rolling pin boards ensures that the preparation is done with precision and reverence, bringing spiritual blessings to both the devotee and the space. Sandalwood's role in Hindu puja is not just about the ritual—it is a way of connecting with the divine and fostering a sense of peace, purity, and spiritual alignment. Keywords:- chandan patta, chansan wala pata, sandalwood, sandalwood stone,sandalwood pata board sandalwood board, chandan board,chandan sticks, chandan,sandal,Sandalwood Grinding Board,stone board, Chandan Pata for Pooja, stone pata ,pooja items, chandan chakla,pooja chakla,chakla for pooja, mandir chakla, sandalwood rubbing stone, chandan rubbing stone, chandan grinding stone, sandalwood grinding stone , chandan stone, chandan tika,chandan tilak, puja,pooja,stone grinding tool,chandan rolling pin board,sandalwood rolling pin board, sandalwood sticks, spiritual items,havan items,chakla,gheesne wala board, rubbing sandal,chandan wala board.