New Delhi | December 5, 2025
In Indian culture, worship and rituals hold profound significance. To purify and fragrance the atmosphere during puja, people commonly use dhupbatti (incense cone) or agarbatti (incense stick). However, a frequent question arises: According to the scriptures, which one is more appropriate for worship—dhupbatti or agarbatti?
Here is the answer, explained by Pandit Ajay Kaushik.
Difference Between Dhupbatti and Agarbatti
Dhupbatti (Incense Cone)
Does not contain a wooden stick.
Made using resins, wood powder, herbs, camphor, and natural aromatic substances.
Produces more smoke, which is believed to purify the atmosphere and cleanse negative energies.
Agarbatti (Incense Stick)
A thin bamboo stick coated with scented powder.
Releases mild fragrance with minimal smoke.
Mostly preferred today for convenience and light aroma.
📜 What Do the Scriptures Say?
According to Hindu scriptures, using dhup made from natural ingredients is considered more auspicious for worship. It purifies the surroundings and pleases the deities.
Why Dhup Is Important
Offering dhup into fire removes negative energies from the environment.
Dhup is believed to be dear to the deities.
Its effect is similar to a yajna, helping create a sacred, purified atmosphere.
What About Agarbatti?
Agarbatti is a more modern invention and is not directly mentioned in ancient scriptures.
It is acceptable for its fragrance but not traditionally preferred for ritualistic offering.
🌿 Why Dhupbatti Is Considered Superior
Made from pure, natural ingredients like resins, herbs, sandalwood, camphor.
Scripturally regarded as a sacred offering.
The smoke balances energy, removes negativity, and enhances spiritual vibrations.
Because of these qualities, dhupbatti is considered the ideal choice during traditional puja.
🌸 When Can You Use Agarbatti?
Agarbatti is suitable when:
You want a lighter fragrance.
The dense smoke of dhupbatti feels overwhelming.
You need something quick-burning and convenient.
It is acceptable, but not as ritually significant as dhupbatti.
⚕️ Health & Safety Tips
Since dhupbatti produces more smoke, burn it in a well-ventilated space.
Choose agarbatti made from natural, chemical-free fragrances.
Avoid synthetic perfumes during puja, as they may disrupt the sanctity of worship.
🕉️ Conclusion
Hindu scriptures regard dhupbatti as the superior choice for puja because it purifies the environment, pleases the deities, and strengthens spiritual energy.
Agarbatti may be used for convenience and fragrance, but from a religious perspective, dhupbatti holds greater importance.
So the next time you perform puja, choose dhupbatti to create a pure, sacred, and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
