Ayodhya, the sacred city revered as the birthplace of Shri Ram, is not only a profound spiritual destination but also a hub for authentic religious items. Devotees and pilgrims flock here seeking spiritual solace and a piece of its divine heritage to take home. Among the most sought-after items are Chandan paste, Tika, and Tulsi Malas. While many shops offer these products, some names stand out for their authenticity and tradition.

The Divine Aroma: Ayodhya Chandan Paste by Shivram Das

The Ayodhya Chandan Paste by Shivram Das is highly celebrated, described as the “Most Famous Chandan Paste by Shivram Das”. It is directly sourced from Ayodhya, ensuring its unmatched authenticity. For generations, this specific chandan has been the trusted choice for devotees in the sacred city, used for applying tilak and in the daily worship of Shri Ram.

Why devotees choose Shivram Das Chandan

• Authenticity and Purity: It is made from pure, traditional ingredients and is renowned for its purity, divine fragrance, and smooth texture. It carries the spiritual vibrations of the holy land.
• Spiritual Significance: This authentic paste is perfect for daily tilak, puja, and various spiritual rituals. Applying this tilak is believed to bring peace, cool the mind, and open the Ajna Chakra (the third eye), which helps improve concentration and spiritual awareness.
• Divine Fragrance: The natural, soothing fragrance of pure sandalwood and herbs helps create a serene and holy atmosphere, making it ideal for your puja room or meditation space.
• Ease of Use: You can use a small amount directly or add a few drops of water to achieve your desired consistency for application on the forehead or for deity worship.

This Chandan paste is available in various sizes, including 50g, 100g, and 250g , 1kg jars, often including free shipping. The product is sold online by Shop Ayodhya – E-commerce, with the vendor listed as Ram Mandir Wala, located at Tulsi Nagar, Ayodhya 224123, Uttar Pradesh.

The Auspicious Mark: Ayodhya Tika by Shivram Das

Complementing the Chandan paste is the Ayodhya Tika for Puja by Shivram Das, which is a vibrant red sindoor. It is also sourced directly from the sacred land of Ram Janmabhoomi, ensuring its genuine spiritual significance.

Key features of Ayodhya Tika:

• Vibrant Red Colour: It is a rich, auspicious red colour, perfect for traditional Hindu puja rituals and daily adornment.
• Smooth Application: The tika is finely processed, providing a smooth texture for comfortable and clean application on the forehead.
• Symbol of Blessings: Applying this tika symbolises good fortune, divine blessings, and fosters a deeper spiritual connection. It is an ideal addition to daily worship routines.

Similar to the Chandan paste, this Ayodhya Tika is also available in 50g and 100g weights, with a price range of ₹30 to ₹499. It is also sold by the vendor Ram Mandir Wala.

Exploring Ayodhya’s Diverse Chandan Offerings

Beyond the specific Shivram Das products, Ayodhya is well-known for its wide variety of Chandan. Tourists can observe great vibrancy and devotion in Ayodhya, which has grown into an important spiritual centre. Local markets offer various kinds of sandalwood pastes in different shades like white, yellow, red, and brown, each serving different purposes.

Some popular types of Chandan found in Ayodhya include:

• Maharaja Chandan: This locally manufactured sandalwood is made from turmeric and other secret ingredients, making it a key souvenir and highly in demand.
• Mailkota Chandan: Very popular among Vaishnav Sampraday members, it is often used as a tilak in an U shape after applying Roli Chandan.
• Ramraj Chandan: This unique Chandan is made from the soil of Ram Janmabhoomi.
• Gopiraj Chandan and Janakiraj: These are made from the soil of regions where Goddess Sita lived.
• Shri Chandan: Another specially manufactured Chandan in Ayodhya.

This Chandan is not only auspicious for its religious use but is also a major source of income for many locals residing within a 2-kilometre radius of sacred sites like Ram Ki Paidi, Ram Janmabhoomi, and Hanumangarhi temple. Prices for these sandalwood pastes generally start from ₹200 per kg.

The Quest for Authentic Tulsi Malas in Ayodhya

While Shivram Das is renowned for Chandan and Tika, Ayodhya is also a significant place for acquiring Tulsi Malas. One specific business listed in Ayodhya is Shiv Ram Das Kanthi Mala Kendra in Nayaghat, Ayodhya. This establishment is categorised as a supermarket and also deals in items like pickles, rice, and cloves, among others. Its name suggests a focus on ‘Kanthi Malas,’ which are necklaces often made of Tulsi beads.

However, finding an original Tulsi Mala can be a challenge, as many duplicates made from plastic or other wood types are prevalent. For those seeking genuine malas, the sources highlight a “Baba ji” who makes original Tulsi malas by hand near Ram ki paidi.

How to identify and procure authentic Tulsi Malas:

• Handmade Authenticity: The “Baba ji” obtains dried Tulsi wood directly from temples, where priests provide it after the leaves are used for worship. He then meticulously cuts and shapes the wood into beads. He prepares two types of malas: one by peeling the wood (which takes a full day to make one mala) and another without peeling (allowing him to make two malas a day). Each mala is crafted with 108 beads.
• Pricing for Original Malas: An original Tulsi mala with small beads typically costs at least ₹100. A thin ‘Kanthi Mala’ suitable for wearing around the neck might be available for ₹10-₹20. However, a Japa Mala (for chanting) will be more expensive. Larger beads will also increase the price, with some costing ₹500 or even ₹700-₹800 for bigger beads. Be wary of machine-made malas priced at ₹10-₹30, as these are often not original.

Whether you’re looking for the calming essence of Chandan, the auspicious vibrance of Tika, or the spiritual connection of a Tulsi Mala, Ayodhya offers a rich array of authentic items. Seeking out well-known names like Shivram Das for Chandan and Tika, and knowledgeable local artisans for items like Tulsi Malas, will undoubtedly enhance your spiritual journey.

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