Nag Champa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nag Champa is a fragrance from India. The scent is reported to be very conducive to helping to achieve a calm and meditative state. It has a high concentration of sandalwood. It is most frequently found in the form of incense sticks and cones, but soap, perfume oil, scented candles, and massage oil are also available.
Nag Champa belongs to the "Champa" class of Indian incense. Champa is actually a flower. Champa incenses contain a natural ingredient indigenous to India called "halmaddi". Halmaddi is a semi-liquid resin taken from the Ailanthus Malabarica tree. It is what gives Nag Champa its characteristic grey color. Halmaddi is hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This can cause Nag Champa incenses to have a wet feeling to them.
Nag Champa-scented items are usually easy to find in shops selling Indian goods and many health food stores, as well as metaphysical and New Age book stores, liquor stores, music stores, and particularly head shops, as it is popular among marijuana (dagga) smokers.
Many burn Nag Champa to stimulate spirituality and meditation. It is occasionally handed out for free at certain concerts.
[edit] Manufacturers of Nag Champa
The primary manufacturer of Nag Champa fragrance incense, and the one most known by consumers, is Shrinivas Sugandhalaya. Their incense is titled "Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa".
However, there are many other manufacturers of Nag Champa. The following are some other Nag Champa incenses that can be found outside India.
| Manufacturer | Title |
|---|---|
| Shrinivas Sugandhalaya | Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa |
| Sarathi Perfumery Works | Tulasi Nag Champa |
| Gajalaxmi Agarbathi Works | Shirdi Sai Baba Nag Champa |
| Madhuban Incense Company | Madhuban Nag Champa |
| Shanthimalai Trust | Shanthimalai Nag Champa |
| Goloka Seva Trust | Goloka Nag Champa |
[edit] Trivia
The singer Bob Dylan, along with other music artists, burns Nag Champa throughout his concerts. This has helped to popularize the fragrance among concert goers.
The Dark Star Orchestra (Grateful Dead cover band) also burns Nag Champa incense at their concerts. This is to recreate the Grateful Dead Experience.
Nag Champa was also the favorite incense of the late musician Jeff Buckley.
Rapper Common (aka Common Sense), had a song called Nag Champa on his album Like Water For Chocolate.
Rap Producer Ayatollah, had a song called Nag Champa on his debut album "Now Playing"
