[h=1]What is the significance of Hindus burning camphor and incense sticks (agarbatti's) during religious rituals?[/h]camphor fumes purify the environment.They kill the bacteria viruses & other microbes.
Camphor or Karpooram is a part of every aarti, puja , house warming or Agnihotra . The flame of Camphor is Lord Shiva’s flame of consciousness. It burn without residue. Camphor crystals ( karpooram) and match box are used for lightening the cow-dung cakes in Agnihotra. Camphor is made in 6000 year old Ayurveda by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree – the mighty evergreen Camphor Laurel, ( Cinnamomum camphora ) tree.White camphor is a crystalline substance using the formulation C10H16O which is a fantastic anti-oxidant. As per Ayurveda Karpooram can control geno toxicity which affect in the genetic level. Its stimulating action affects secretion and excretion.
It decreases the harshness of nervous disorders as well as convulsions, epileptic attacks, nervousness, as well as chronic anxiety. No wonder Hindus feel good after a puja. There is amazing improvement in attention, ability to concentrate, hand-eye coordination and short-term memory before an exam.
Like grains when properly planted in soil produces 100s of seeds,liquid when mixed with water becomes 1000 times more effective .In the same way when a substance comes in contact with fire element its becomes many times more effctive.Women might be knowing that a pinch of spices when used in cooking , by coming in contact with fire ,its smell spreads out through the neighbourhood & brings water to the mouth of people.
In the same way during mantra chanting,when we light lamp it doesnot mean we are illuminating God's place & He will be pleased & if we dont light he'll become angry .When you light lamps the effect of chanting on environment spreads out far & wide.When we do yagya along with chanting,mantra becomes more effective.The seed is small but when it gets the support of the Earth, manure & water that seed takes it energy from them & becomes a large tree & produces millions of seeds.
Source: Saroj Singh in Quora