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Shamama Attar: The Soul of Traditional Indian Perfumery
Shamama Attar is not just a fragrance — it is a living legacy of Indian perfumery, born in the historic city of Kannauj, India, and refined over centuries. Often called “Nature in Your Pocket,” Shamama is one of the most complex and revered attars ever created, cherished by royalty, perfumers, and spiritual practitioners alike.
Crafted using a 400-year-old hydro-distillation technique known as Deg-Bhapka, Shamama represents the pinnacle of traditional fragrance artistry.
What Is Shamama Attar?
Shamama is a multi-layered, natural attar made by co-distilling 20 to 60+ rare ingredients into a base of pure sandalwood oil. Unlike modern perfumes, Shamama is alcohol-free, deeply concentrated, and evolves beautifully on the skin over time.
Each drop captures the richness of herbs, spices, woods, resins, and flowers — blended so seamlessly that no single note dominates.
This is why Shamama is often described as a complete fragrance in itself.
Royal Origins: A Fragrance of the Mughal Era
The history of Shamama dates back to the Mughal period, where it was worn by emperors, nobles, and royal families as a symbol of status, refinement, and power.
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Used in royal courts and perfumery chambers
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Valued for its longevity and depth
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Considered a fragrance worthy of kings
Over time, Shamama became a cultural bridge between India and the Middle East, admired for its warmth, spirituality, and complexity.
Secret Recipes Passed Through Generations
One of the most fascinating aspects of Shamama is that no two Shamamas are ever exactly the same.
In Kannauj, each master perfumer (attar-maker) guards a secret recipe, passed down orally through generations. These formulas are never written, making every authentic Shamama a rare expression of individual craftsmanship.
This secrecy is what gives Shamama its legendary status — a fragrance shaped by tradition, intuition, and time.
The Deg-Bhapka Method: Ancient Perfumery in Action
Shamama is made using the Deg-Bhapka method, an ancient hydro-distillation process still practiced in Kannauj today.
How It Works:
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Natural ingredients are placed in copper vessels (degs) with water
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The mixture is heated slowly over wood-fired ovens
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Aromatic steam travels through bamboo pipes (bhapka)
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The vapors condense into pure sandalwood oil, capturing the fragrance
This slow, artisanal method ensures maximum depth, natural richness, and longevity.
Complex Ingredients That Define Shamama
Shamama is one of the most ingredient-rich fragrances in the world. Common components include:
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Spices: Saffron, cardamom, clove, cinnamon
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Woods: Sandalwood, agarwood (oud), cedarwood
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Herbs & Roots: Vetiver, basil, henna (mendi)
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Flowers: Rose, jasmine, mimosa, kewra
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Resins & Others: Amber, musk, benzoin, myrrh, tobacco
These ingredients are co-distilled, not layered later — creating unmatched harmony and complexity.
Aging: Where Shamama Becomes Legendary
High-quality Shamama variants require weeks of preparation and years of aging.
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Premium grades like Shamama 999 can take up to 45 days just to distill
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Aging enhances smoothness, warmth, and depth
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Over time, the fragrance becomes darker, richer, and more refined
This aging process is what transforms Shamama from a perfume into a heritage treasure.
Olfactory Profile: How Shamama Smells
Shamama is known for its warm, earthy, spicy, and animalic character.
Fragrance Journey:
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Top Notes: Spicy saffron, clove, subtle sweetness
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Heart: Herbal, woody, smoky complexity
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Base: Musk, amber, resins with exceptional longevity
It unfolds slowly, evolving throughout the day — making it deeply personal on every wearer.
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Shamama holds a sacred place in Indian and Middle Eastern traditions.
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Used during meditation and prayer
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Applied in Hindu and Islamic rituals
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Chosen for weddings and sacred ceremonies
Its grounding aroma promotes focus, tranquility, and inner balance.
How to Use Shamama Attar
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Best worn during winter or cooler evenings
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Apply a small dab on pulse points (wrists, neck)
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Highly concentrated — less is more
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Alcohol-free and long-lasting
One application can last hours to an entire day.
Why Shamama Is a Timeless Luxury
Shamama Attar is not mass-produced. It cannot be rushed, replicated, or modernized without losing its soul.
It represents:
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400+ years of craftsmanship
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A living heritage of Kannauj
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Nature, time, and tradition distilled into one fragrance
In a world of fleeting trends, Shamama remains eternal.
Experience Shamama by The Sixscents
At The Sixscents, our Shamama Attar is crafted to honor this ancient tradition — offering a rich, authentic, and luxurious interpretation of this legendary fragrance.
If you seek depth, heritage, and quiet power, Shamama is not just worn — it is lived.
