The Sacred Sandalwood Tree: Nature’s Fragrant Treasure
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When we think of soothing fragrances, one scent that almost always comes to mind is sandalwood. With its warm, woody, and calming aroma, sandalwood has played a vital role in cultures, religions, and traditional medicine for centuries. But beyond the fragrance, the sandalwood tree—also known as chandan or lal chandan in Hindi—holds economic, medicinal, and ecological significance.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything about sandalwood: its types, uses, value, identification, and presence in India, including answers to popular questions like how much is 1 kg of sandalwood, is sandalwood illegal in India, and where you can buy sandalwood from the government.
🌳 Understanding the Sandalwood Tree
The sandalwood tree, scientifically known as Santalum album, is a small evergreen tree known for producing fragrant heartwood. Native to India and parts of Southeast Asia, this tree is often called chandan tree in many Indian languages.
There are two popular types:
- White Sandalwood (Santalum album): Known for its soft aroma, used in perfumes, rituals, and skincare.
- Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), also called lal chandan: Valued for its rich red wood and medicinal benefits, especially in Ayurveda.
🔍 How to Identify a Sandalwood Tree
Many people ask, "How to identify sandalwood tree in the wild?" Here's how:
- Leaves: Smooth-edged, opposite, and glossy green.
- Bark: Dark gray or brown, with small vertical cracks.
- Smell: A slight aromatic scent even from the outer bark, especially if scratched.
- Wood: The heartwood is the most valuable part. It's yellowish or pale brown in white sandalwood and deep reddish in red sandalwood.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, professional forestry officers or botanists can help with identification—since it’s a protected species in India.
📸 Images of Sandalwood Trees
Visual identification matters. Look for:
- Mature trees with medium height (up to 20 feet)
- Smooth green leaves
- Aromatic wood core
Images of sandalwood trees often show small berries and dry, clean bark, growing naturally in dry, rocky, or hilly terrains.
🇮🇳 Where Is Sandalwood Found in India?
India ranks among the top producers of high-quality sandalwood in the world. The top regions include:
- Karnataka – Home to the famous Mysore sandalwood
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
- Odisha
The Mysore sandalwood variety is globally prized for its purity and rich fragrance.
💰 How Much is 1 KG of Sandalwood?
The price depends on the quality, type, and market conditions. As of 2025:
- White sandalwood (Chandan wood): ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 per kg
- Red sandalwood (Lal chandan wood): ₹15,000 to ₹30,000+ per kg, sometimes even more in international markets due to its rarity.
Always verify current prices from forest departments or certified sellers before buying.
🛒 Buy Sandalwood from Government Sources
Due to overharvesting and smuggling, the Indian government regulates sandalwood trade strictly. To buy sandalwood legally in India, you must go through official government sources like:
- State forest departments
- Authorized auctions
- Licensed vendors
Official auctions held by the Karnataka Forest Department provide a legal way to purchase genuine Mysore sandalwood.
Tip: Never buy sandalwood from illegal sources—it’s punishable by law.
❓ Is Sandalwood Illegal in India?
No, sandalwood itself is not illegal, but unauthorized harvesting or selling is a criminal offense under the Indian Forest Act.
- Individuals are not allowed to cut sandalwood trees without permission.
- Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) is listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and is heavily protected.
Always buy through legal and licensed channels.
🌿 What is Sandalwood Used For?
Sandalwood is a versatile natural product used in:
- Perfumery – Base note in premium fragrances and women’s perfumes
- Skincare – Present in creams, lotions, and especially sandalwood soap
- Religious rituals – Used in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain ceremonies
- Aromatherapy – Sandalwood essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety and mental stress.
- Ayurveda – Helps with inflammation, fever, acne, and more
- Incense and powders – Used during pujas and meditation
🌸 Powdered Sandalwood & Its Benefits
The heartwood of the sandalwood tree is ground into a fine powder, commonly known as chandan powder.
Its benefits include:
- Cooling effect on the skin
- Acne treatment
- Natural fragrance for cosmetics
- Used in face masks and herbal pastes
Red chandan (lal chandan) powder is also known for its medicinal benefits, especially in skin-related Ayurvedic formulations.
🌺 Sandalwood in Hindi
In Hindi:
- Sandalwood is called चंदन (Chandan)
- Red sandalwood is लाल चंदन (Lal Chandan)
It’s commonly used in daily rituals, weddings, and religious ceremonies across India.
🧼 Sandalwood Soap: Nature’s Gentle Touch
If you're looking for a natural, chemical-free skincare product, sandalwood soap is a classic choice. Benefits include:
- Gentle cleansing
- Natural glow
- Antibacterial properties
- Aromatic therapy for mood relaxation
Many Mysore sandalwood products, like soaps and oils, are globally exported for their purity.
🎁 Mysore Sandalwood Products to Explore
Famous Mysore sandalwood-based items include:
- Sandalwood soaps (Mysore Sandal)
- Essential oils
- Sandalwood incense sticks
- Chandan paste
These are available online and at authorized government outlets.
💡 Benefits of Sandalwood: A Quick Summary
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Skincare | Anti-inflammatory, treats acne, and soothes skin |
| Aromatherapy | Reduces stress, anxiety, and improves focus |
| Religious | Widely used in rituals, pujas, and spiritual practices |
| Medicinal | Helps in treating infections, fever, and skin disorders |
| Fragrance | Natural base note in perfumes and incense |
Final Thoughts
Sandalwood isn’t just a fragrant tree—it’s a cultural and economic gem of India. Whether you’re using sandalwood soap, applying chandan paste during puja, or researching red chandan price, remember that this tree holds centuries of legacy.
But due to its high value, sandalwood needs protection. By buying it legally and using it responsibly, we not only preserve nature’s gift but also keep a piece of tradition alive.
✨ Popular Search Questions Answered:
- What is sandalwood in Hindi? – चंदन (Chandan)
- Where is sandalwood found in India? – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
- Is sandalwood illegal in India? – Illegal to harvest without permission
- How much is 1 kg of sandalwood? – ₹12,000 to ₹30,000+
- What are the benefits of sandalwood? – Skincare, perfume, stress relief
- Can I buy sandalwood from the government? – Yes, through auctions and forest departments
- What's the cost of red sandalwood? – ₹15,000+ per kg
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