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| Fourth review - scroll down for earlier |
One of my favourite online incense shops, Popat Stores, was recently hit by a virus which put them out of action, and are currently [Oct 2024] low on stocks of incense. I hope that this is not permanent, as they are an efficient and low cost supplier of quality and interesting incense in the UK - indeed, for some years now they have probably been the best supplier of decent incense. Looking to replenish our bowl of incense cones, and being particularly interested in getting more of this excellent Yatra, I did an internet search, and Popat were the only store to offer a full box of a dozen packs. I grabbed the last box, though they still have a limited supply of single packs for 95p each.
Though these are "natural" hand-made cones, the bulk of the scent comes from essential oils (or "pure natural fragrance oils" as described on the pack). There is some volatility on the cone, and a slight but noticeable assertiveness in the burn - good ventilation is recommended if the cones are fresh (as these are); my eyes smarted a bit, though I can be a bit sensitive to certain incense ingredients, such as halmaddi. The scent is very woody - hints of pine, shoe polish (a bit like turpentine - which is rich and oily with elements of benzoin), caramel, coal tar soap, and creamy sandalwood. On the burn lighter notes emerge - patchouli and something floral. It really is a lovely scent.
Though these are "natural" hand-made cones, the bulk of the scent comes from essential oils (or "pure natural fragrance oils" as described on the pack). There is some volatility on the cone, and a slight but noticeable assertiveness in the burn - good ventilation is recommended if the cones are fresh (as these are); my eyes smarted a bit, though I can be a bit sensitive to certain incense ingredients, such as halmaddi. The scent is very woody - hints of pine, shoe polish (a bit like turpentine - which is rich and oily with elements of benzoin), caramel, coal tar soap, and creamy sandalwood. On the burn lighter notes emerge - patchouli and something floral. It really is a lovely scent.
Yatra is a pilgrimage, which is reflected in the use of footprints on the pack to illustrate the journey. The difficulty of the journey is part of the devotion of the pilgrimage. The text reads: "In a country that is the abode of many Gods, often we embark on a journey to their doorsteps. We travel across lands, our hearts filled with faith and souls brimming with devotion. We endure difficult Yatras to catch one beautiful glimpse of the almighty, to bow before Him and seed his blessings."
There is more text on the other side of the packet: "Begin your spiritual Pilgrimage with Yatra agarbattis. They are made with rich natural ingredients that are hand-picked from rare Indian forests. Then they are mixed and blended with pure natural fragrance oils which will calm the impetuous mind, relieve the fatigued body and stir the soul. Hand-rolled, just like how the sadhus did in the ancient times. Invoke the supreme forces with its stirring fragrance. Appease the Lord. Make every wish come true."
There is more text on the other side of the packet: "Begin your spiritual Pilgrimage with Yatra agarbattis. They are made with rich natural ingredients that are hand-picked from rare Indian forests. Then they are mixed and blended with pure natural fragrance oils which will calm the impetuous mind, relieve the fatigued body and stir the soul. Hand-rolled, just like how the sadhus did in the ancient times. Invoke the supreme forces with its stirring fragrance. Appease the Lord. Make every wish come true."
Date: Oct 2024 Score: 45
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| Third review |
We've been burning these a fair bit recently, and I love them even more. Pushing up the score (again!). Sadly, they are becoming hard to get hold of. I have had to order sticks instead of cones - I hope the sticks are as nice.
Date: Oct 2022 Score: 47
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| Second review |
This is good stuff. It's natural and woody and beautiful and seductive and sexy and warm and wholesome and divine. The woody, musky threads weave together, entangled in herbs and patchouli and sandalwood. This is simply gorgeous. We particularly like the way the scent lingers beautifully for two days afterwards, even surviving through other incenses being burned.
Date: Dec 2021 Score: 44
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| First review |
Most incense cones I have come across have been perfumed, and if it is to be a natural (or masala) non-stick Indian incense, then it is generally a dhoop, few of which are perfumed. But now and again I do come upon a natural/masala cone, and they are usually very nice. This one is particularly yummy. It is very woodsy and musky, with a strong lean toward patchouli (which is always going to claim my heart), with a scattering of silky summer flowers along the top. It all feels very natural, and it creates an uplifting experience. There is some sensuality from the musk and patchouli, an organic strength from the wood, and a joy from the flowers. The blend of all these scents works harmoniously to create that uplifting experience.
This is a quality incense that can be burned at any time of the day - the floral notes make it suitable to wake up the house in the morning, and prepare positively for the day, the woods give strength in the afternoon when the spirit might be flagging, and the musk/patchouli gives a sensuality to the evening. Only 75p for a box, from Poppat Stores (also from other shops, but at a higher price, such as £2.50 a box from ScentedAndMore), these are great value for money. Widely available in the West: New Zealand, America, Slovakia, etc.
Parimal are an incense company I'd like to explore further.
Date: Oct 2021 Score: 38
***
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| Parimal Mandir |
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| Top Ten incense cones |
They've never answered my email.🙁
ReplyDeleteI find that to be quite common. Happens with many companies and organisations. I often don't get responses to emails I send to my daughter's school, and so have to phone up. Emails sometimes go unnoticed and unread. Like you I find it frustrating and unprofessional, but I think the days of emailing are passing us by. Text and WhatsApp appears to be the preferred means of communicating these days. I mostly communicate with Indian companies via WhatsApp.
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