This post was deleted by Saul

Thanks; and, I once had a Hindu man and woman (local shop owners) tell me that Mother Kali especially enjoys any incense with a really sweet and heady aroma, such as lilac, but especially lily or vanilla (those were tme, that they had on hand). Actually, I have a podcast devoted to Kali at: http://MacMorrighan.MyPodcast.Com

i just received an e-mail from someone associated with Kalighat regarding this question;

"Any natural incense like original Sandal wood incense, 'Sorosanga' incense etc."

i asked again specifically about the rose incense you thought was mentioned in a scripture so i'll let you know how he replies

Kumkuma is not an incense- it is used for decorating the face. Women use it in India. To make it yourself, you can use turmeric powder and pour a bit of lime water on it( dilute and just enough to turn it red) it is a symbol of auspiciousness. In our homes every lady who comes home is offered kumkum. In the east/north of India- Sindoor(vermillion) is also used. Saffron is known as kumkuma flower( so you have the ayurvedic kukumadi thailam preparation etc). Saffron again AFAIK, is a relatively recent import from the last 1000 years or so.

HIbiscus rosacinencis is a red flower( also called shoe flower) which is definetely a favourite of Kali. This looks nothing like the rose though and has no fragrance whatsoever. Another favourite is what is known as Kasturi pushpa (AFAIK) in sanskrit( Kasturi by itself is musk in sanskrit) and arali in malayalam and tamil -scientific name : Nerium indicum. This has a subtle fragrance which is pleasing to Her. The plant has medicinal uses, but the seeds are poisonous however and is a popular means of well ' voluntarily leaving the body through non-yogic means'. One of the other fragrant flower is Champaka-(Michelia Champaka) which is yellow in colour. Ah that reminds me -you can offer musk AFAIK.