chandan

Chandan refers to sandalwood in several Indian languages and can denote the heartwood of the sandalwood tree (Santalum album), the paste prepared from it, or, in some contexts, the tree itself. The term derives from Sanskrit chandanam, meaning sandalwood.

The heartwood contains santalol compounds that give sandalwood its distinctive fragrance. Sandalwood paste (chandan) is traditionally made by grinding the wood into a fine powder and mixing it with water, milk, or rosewater. It is widely used in Hindu rituals and ceremonies as a tilak on the forehead, as an offering, and for adorning idols. Sandalwood oil is used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and Ayurveda for its cooling properties.

Chandan has cultural significance across India, Nepal, and other parts of South Asia. Historically, sandalwood has been valued for its aroma and its carvable wood, used in temple altars, furniture, and art. Production occurs primarily in India, with significant plantations in Australia and Indonesia; the sandalwood trade is subject to regulation to address conservation concerns. The oil and wood are controlled in various jurisdictions to prevent illegal logging and overharvesting.

In addition to its material uses, chandan is a common given name in India and Nepal, used for males and sometimes associated with qualities of purity and devotion. The term also appears in literature and film, reflecting its cultural resonance.