Indian Sandalwood and Its Significance

Santalum album Linn. has sacred importance and is an integral part of Indian religious and cultural mooring. Indigenous tree species of India have notable part in its culture and tradition and considered trees of superior value in ‘Sanatana Dharma’. Traditional beliefs, values and religious customs of ancient Indian civilization significantly influenced and determined which trees to be planted, protected and cut. These ancient civilizations not only knew the importance of trees but also had clear and in-depth knowledge of conserving trees according to their environmental conditions, ecological succession and edapho-climatic adaptation. The trees were conserved in abandoned sites and in sacred groves for ecological restoration and in situ conservation of biodiversity. The trees were treated as deities in Indian tradition. Harappa civilisation has many evidence of tree worship and ‘Aranyani’ was a goddess of forests in this ancient Hindu civilization. To evidence this, many hymns of Rigveda were dedicated to Aranyani. Likewise, Indian sandalwood is used for worshipping the God Shiva and is believed to be the abode of Goddess Lakshmi. Oriental and Daoic religions considered trees as holy and were provided sacred places. Indian sandalwood is a unique jewel of plant kingdom. Its strong association with the social rituals of Hinduism is a good example of intelligent civilizations of ancient India that needs special mention and adoration. Indian sandalwood has been a commodity most preferred by many nations for thousands of years due to its unique set of natural properties. It is the most valued timber in the whole of Asia. Owing to its unique association with Indian culture and tradition, this species needs to be conserved with special attention. This study envisages the significance of traditional knowledge in conservation.