Chandan

Chandan (ਚੰਦਨ) — noun

In Gurmat, Chandan (sandalwood) symbolizes the fragrance of divine virtues. A Gurmukh is likened to Chandan: whoever dwells near a Gurmukh also becomes fragrant with those qualities. Just as ordinary wood, when placed near sandalwood, absorbs its scent, so too the company of a Gurmukh transforms others toward virtue and remembrance.

ਕਬੀਰ ਚੰਦਨ ਕਾ ਬਿਰਵਾ ਭਲਾ ਬੇੜੑਿਓ ਢਾਕ ਪਲਾਸ ॥ ਓਇ ਭੀ ਚੰਦਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੇ ਬਸੇ ਜੁ ਚੰਦਨ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੧੧॥

Meaning:

Chandan (sandalwood) = Gurmukh / saintly soul full of divine fragrance.

Dhaak & Palas (wild trees) = ordinary people with worldly nature. (ਢੱਕ. ਕੇਸੂ ਦਾ ਬਿਰਛ. ਪਲਾਹ. ਵਾਤਪੋਥ. Butia Frondosa.)

By sangat (company) of a Gurmukh, even the worldly absorb fragrance of Naam and virtues.

Thus, Chandan represents the uplifting influence of Gurmukh sangat (holy company).