Wednesday 23 March 2016

Vastu Shastra and Coloured Incense Sticks


Of late there is a tremendous interest in Vastu Shastra not just in India but across the globe. Vastu is similar to concepts one finds in Feng Shui which is used by the Chinese and also has avid followers the world over. However while there is certain historical evidence which points to the fact that Buddhism traveled to the Far East in ancient times and took roots there. Similarly it is the ancient Indian concepts of Vastu Shastra that was modified to create tenets of Feng Shui when it travelled to China. The basic utility of both these were to use nature and natural elements for the betterment of humankind. There are certain sub branches of these which are used in conjunction with astrological studies and believe that the luck of a person can be changed appreciably by using certain objects and a better understanding of directions.
As per Vastu Shastra rules the land of a particular dwelling house is thought to be represented by a Vastu Purusha who is aligned with his Head to the north east. This Vastu Purusha is also referred to as the Vastu Devata or the God who dwells within the land and guides the fortune of people. The teachings of Vastu remedy states that certain colours may be utilized in conjunction with the compass directions to benefit the people who live in a certain house.
In astrological terms the colours generally are associated with certain planets as follows:
Aries –                   Coral red
Taurus –                Milky white
Gemini –                Green
Cancer –                Rose red, pearl white
Leo –                     Ruby red, dim white
Virgo –                  Emerald green
Libra –                  Cement color, milky white
Scorpio –               Pink, coral red
Sagittarius –          Golden yellow
Capricorn –            Dim red
Aquarius –             Pinkblue
Pisces –                Yellow, pure white

Here one can clearly see that the Vastu Purusha is always shown having his head in the North East Corner. It is these directions that are used in establishing the auspiciousness of the premises and people receive guidance from a Vastu Master in accordance.
East (Sun) – Brown and reddish brown
West (Saturn) –
 Grey and black
North (Mercury)
 – All greens
South (Mars) 
- Pink, coral red and shades of red including purple
North-East (Jupiter) 
- Golden yellow and shades of yellow
South-West (Rahu)
 – Blue
South-East (Venus) 
- Silver white
North-West (Moon)
 – White
 
It is in connection with such Vastu and Feng Shui related guidelines that the use of coloured agarbattis and incense sticks has become so popular. Besides the various fragrances people are using the colour aspects of dhoop sticks in overcoming situations and improving their fortunes. Also in a simpler manner of thinking a bright colour on the incense stick also appeals to people and gives them a mood booster and happy feeling too.

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Nag Panchami –The Amazing Story

Naag Panchami - Festival of India
Although the celebration of Naag Panchami is a Hindu occasion where thousands of people take part across the entirety of the country, the concept is worldwide. In India during the fifth day of the Bright moon phase during the month of Shravan, which coincides with a period during July-August, the Snake is venerated all over. There is a certain amount of confusion as to when and where this festival stated in ancient India. However there are innumerable tales that state that people of ancient India always revered the snake in many ways. Some believe that it is in honour of Seshnag the six headed serpent who acts as a vehicle for the Hindu god Vishnu, the preserver of life.

Indian Cobra
Some conclude that this started from the practices of the Ancient tribe called Naagas who inhabited Indian in ancient times and actively worshiped snakes, from whom this custom spread to the rest of India. There is also a considerable mention of this worship in ancient Hindu texts such as the Puranas and certain Shastras. One can even find means and methods of worship to propitiate the Snake Devatas or Gods and their respective Mantras and procedures etc. one can find ample evidence in the hundreds and thousands of exquisite stone carvings on the various temples. One thing is certain that people from Ancient Indian believed so strongly in the concept that they left their evidence in these stone carvings for the future generations.

Nag Devta
However it would be wrong to think that the concept of Snake Worship is only peculiar to India, the belief is worldwide. One can read on the internet about this on the many sites online and conclude that there is no doubt that the ancient civilizations wee replete with stories of snake gods in one form or the other. Lets us take a brief look at some of them:

AFRICA:  at a place in Africa called Whydah one of the important centres of snake worship there are fifty snakes, all Pythons. In African mythology there is a god named Ashanti who is represented in the form of a snake and a white Boa is sacred from this point of view.

ANCIENT EGYPT:  the ancient Egyptians very actively worshiped snakes in many godly forms. Where the Cobra was clearly linked to their god RA, there were other snake gods as well. The patron goddess of Upper Egypt was Wadjet who is represented by a Cobra Headed woman.


YMESOPOTAMIA & SUMERIA: the ancient Mesopotamians believed that snakes are immortal as they remained in youth forever since they shed their skin regularly. The early Sumerians believed in a god called Ningishazida before the arrival of the venerated Gilgamesh. In Syria one can see a temple in the northern part of the country where there is a bronze statue holding a serpent like staff in his hand.

EUROPE: In ancient Italy there is the goddess Angita who represents snakes. Before the advent of Christianity there was this Prussian god Potrimpus in whose honor a snake was fed milk.  Who doesn't know the most important symbol of modern times the symbol of Medical Emergency which is denoted by staff around which two snakes are entwined? It is Asclepius, the son of Apollo and Koronis, who immortalized this in the history of mankind.


AUSTRALIA: old tales abound all over aboriginal myths about a serpent they call the Rainbow serpent. In various parts of Australia people call it by different names, but the concept is all too familiar.

CENTRAL AMERICA: the Mayan culture revered the God Kukulkan while the ancient Aztecs called their Serpent God Quetzalcoatl.

All those who may have seen the top serial on History Channel called Ancient Aliens would have seen so many of the segments devoted to this unique aspect of world history.




Monday 3 August 2015

Herbal Citronella Incense Sticks - Tohtoh

Citronella Cultivation
Citronella Plantation
There is a lot of research that has gone into studying the effect of citronella oil and results are very heartening. There is ample evidence that the oil derived from this simple looking grass does have a host of benefits. The first and most important property is that it does act as a natural herbal insect repellent. Secondly the smell of Citronella is considered very refreshing and adds a positive zing into the ambiance of any place. The oil is derived from a species of plant from the lemon grass family or Cymbopogon. The oil is in great demand and is used in many industries around the world. It finds its way into perfumery products, soap making industry, room fresheners such as floor cleaners and of course incense stick making in places across Asia. Among the many natural herbal insect repellants, the use of Citronella is among the highest presently.
Citronella Grass
Citronella Grass - For Oil Extraction
When mankind can live in harmony with nature, he really doesn’t need anything else. Nature has always provided man with basic requirements and one such amazing bounty of nature is the Citronella Grass. This is truly one of nature’s unique gifts that provide various benefits. This delightful citrusy smell from the grass is capable of doing so much. The scent instantly gives a feeling of freshness and cleanses the mind.


Tohtoh-Citronella Sticks The other startling benefit is that although we humans love the smell, various insects such as mosquitoes and flies just can’t stand this smell at all. This quality makes it very useful in providing a natural means to drive away insects and keep the ambiance in the home clean. People can also use these incense sticks outdoor, say for instance in their gardens etc. perhaps this is the reason these are also called garden incenses sticks or outdoor incense sticks. TOHTOH from Maayasdeep is the right herbal product when you require fresh and clean atmosphere wherever you need.


Friday 31 July 2015

Maayasdeep 'Dhunoh' - Finest varieties of pure Damar Battu Incense Sticks

Maayasdeep Agarbatti

Dhuno or elsewhere as it is called Damar Battu is a painstakingly collected tree resin by hand labour. For thousands of years this has been a part of Indian Religious practice, because the fragrance from this is considered magically refreshing. The perfume from this is able to provide a unique invigorating effect to the mind and freshens one’s thinking.


Damar Batu
Herbal Ingredients of Dhunoh
We source some of the finest varieties of pure Damar Battu or Dhunoh nuggets to create this product. Maayasdeep presents its Dhunoh Incense stick which brings amazing warmth into the ambiance of any place. It helps to create a positive vibration and gives your mind a rare inner tranquil. If you need to meditate ,then this is the fragrance to go for.

Friday 15 August 2014

Maayasdeep Pure Camphor Tablets Available in Pouch-Jars-Boxes

SMJ Venture began its production and marketing of #Camphor products in the first half of 2012. The company saw great potential as Camphor has been a very sought after item for thousands of years in various parts of Asia. In early 1800 it had gained popularity in Europe and other parts of the western world. This product has been used as a treatment for malaria and other fevers in Africa and also as an antiseptic. The use of Camphor in #India is perhaps even older and is currently an intrinsic part of religious ritual and daily life.

With an in-house high market demand such as in India, we decided to revolutionize the Camphor business with our superior outlook and our commitment to product and marketing excellence. We have successfully created a brand identity that far supersedes others in this segment. With our #Maayasdeep brand of camphor we have very nearly rewritten a success story in the camphor trade in India.

Although camphor has always been in high demand, there was a visible lack of a concerted marketing effort from a manufacturer. We have made a conscious effort to create this value addition, by giving the trade and the customer not just a high quality product but in many other aspects too. We have been instrumental in introducing various types of packaging and different weights for consumers.


Previously, one could only find camphor tablets sold in wax paper wrapping. We at #SMJ introduced a large number of product variants keeping in mind varying customer needs. We have one of the largest variants available in the camphor business today where the customer has the choice of product pricing and quantity selection. Maayasdeep camphor today is available in packs containing 1gm/2 gm/6gm/10gm/40gm and goes right up to 1 kg packs in poly jars.

Tuesday 12 August 2014

#SMJ DEEP CAMPHOR IS NOW "MAAYASDEEP" CAMPHOR TABLETS

Since the start of operations, our entire team has been oriented towards creating a product base that establishes a new parameter for business excellence. With a warm response from customers and trade partners alike, we have always pushed the boundaries of our capabilities. Whether it was for incense sticks or Camphor products, the customers have become aware that here was a company that delivered with unfailing accuracy on product quality & pricing. After all today’s customer more than ever before is highly quality conscious and appreciates anyone that follows a similar philosophy. 

Emboldened by this success, we have with great enthusiasm continued the trend of excellence that has given us the strength to launch newer products in several categories over the last year. In line with our attaining the trust and confidence of the market, we thought it was equally important to have a brand identity that more aptly displays this core identity to newer segments of the society. With due deliberation, we choose to add the element of Love to our existing brand name “DEEP”. 


It is the Sanskrit word Deepam, which means light from which we acquired our brand name initially. This was important because our product lines of Camphor and incense sticks are a very close part of daily ritual for many people. People who seek the light of a higher element to guide them in their daily lives and fill their life with love. It is this love and more appropriately motherly love that is known as Maaya in Sanskrit too. We decided to bring these two words together in highlighting that we are all guided by the “light of Love”, this is the philosophy behind our change from Deep to Maayasdeep. We hope that with this new identity, we will be able to serve the continued customer needs with aplomb and dedication.