The Dhūpa Mantra as Our Guide Our entire philosophy is guided by the ancient śloka (verse) recited when offering dhūpa (incense) during pūjā : वनस्पतिरसोद्भूतो गन्धाढ्यो गन्ध उत्तमः।आघ्रेयः सर्वदेवानां धूपोऽयं प्रतिगृह्यताम्‌॥

vanaspati-rasodbhūto gandhāḍhyo gandha uttamaḥ।
āghreyaḥ sarva-devānāṁ dhūpo’yaṁ pratigṛhyatām॥

Dhūpa should arise from the living essence of plants. Its fragrance must be the highest, worthy to be inhaled by all Devas, and by the devotee.