India has long had a particular passion for sandalwood. As a key ingredient in oils and incense, it was strongly association with the divine- similar to the role played by frankincense in Christianity, or by tobacco among Native Americans. Paste made from sandalwood is ritually smeared on the body during certain ceremonies, and religious objects/statuary have been carved from it.

The pleasing smell of sandalwood has also made it a common ingredient in modern perfumes and aromatherapy practices.