Hindu shastras describe nine forms of bhakti to God, known as navdha bhakti. One of these is archanam, which involves offering worship to the murti of God using various puja materials, such as, sandalwood paste (chandan), kumkum (vermilion powder), rice grains, flowers and leaves of holy plants like tulsi, bilva and ankado. Offering devotion in this way brings a devotee closer to God.
Of the many items used in offering worship, chandan is one of the most extensively used. It has an inherently exquisite fragrance and a naturally cooling quality.
During the hot summer months, in the Vaishnava Sampradaya, chandan is applied daily in a thick paste on the metallic murtis.
In the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, during the hot summer months of Vaishakh and Jeth, the metallic (panch dhatu) murtis are adorned daily using chandan.