Kapoor
Camphor, a crystalline aromatic burned in Hindu aarti, from the camphor laurel tree.
Also: camphor, karpura, Cinnamomum camphora, arti flame
Kapoor is camphor, a white crystalline substance obtained from the wood of the camphor laurel, Cinnamomum camphora, and now often made synthetically. It burns with a bright flame and leaves no ash, which gives it a place in the aarti, the waving of lights before a deity, and in many household rites. The sharp, cooling smell is familiar in temples and in traditional balms. Edible camphor, pachai karpooram, is used in tiny amounts in some South Indian sweets, though this is a matter of regional custom and quantities must stay minimal. Chunks are also placed in cupboards to repel moths. Raw camphor is toxic in quantity.