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Performing rituals (devotional service) is an essential part of spirituality in which the worshiper uses various items or paraphernalia for offering to the Lord. The paraphernalia usually represents our five senses – ears (sound), nose (smell), eyes (sight), tongue (taste), and skin (touch).
The philosophy behind performing rituals is that all our senses should be engaged in the service of the Lord. Thus, burning fragrant incense and offering it to the Lord, and smelling it purifies our hearts. As a result, all the undesired qualities within us are eradicated by His grace and we become fixed up in His loving devotional service.
Burning incense and offering it to the Lord is an important part of deity worship in temples as well as at home altars. The worshiper holds an incense holder with an odd number of burning incense sticks in it which is offered to the Lord. Their fragrance purifies the heart of those who smell it.
The burning of incense can also be compared to the false ego of the conditioned soul. When we engage in the devotional service of the Lord, we burn our ego and develop a humble state of mind. After offering it to the Lord, the incense is kept somewhere outside the altar and is left to be burnt wholly.
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