Traditions in Hinduism
were considered mainly as superstitions, but with the advent of science, it is
becoming evident that these traditions are based on some scientific knowledge
and moved from generations to generations as traditions. Though the common
people did not know science in it, they were following it very faithfully over
the years. This blog is an attempt to bring forward the science involved in
these traditions and rituals...
Throwing
coins into a river
The general reasoning
given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically
speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper
unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful
to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers
ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the
only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow
the practice.
Joining
both palms together to greet
In Hindu culture, people
greet each other by joining their palms - termed as “Namaskar.” The general
reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means
respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining
the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points
of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the
pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no
germs since we don’t make any physical contact!
Why
do Indian women wear toe rings?
Wearing toe rings is not
just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally
toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe
connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger
strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to
it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it
also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.
Applying
Tilak on the forehead
On the forehead, between
the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human
body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of "energy",
the red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human
body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the
points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This
also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.
Why do temples have bells?
People who are visiting
the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum
(Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed.
According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil
forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the
scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us
stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose.
These bells are made in
such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and
Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and
enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration
of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centers in our body.
This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.
Why
do we have Navratras?
Our living style has
drastically changed if we compare it to the society hundreds & thousands of
years ago. The traditions which we follow in present are not establishments of
today but of the past. Ever thought, why do we have Navratras twice a year
unlike other festivals like Deepawali or Holi? Well, both these months are the
months of changing seasons and the eating habits of both the seasons are quite
different from each other.
Navratras give enough time
to the body to adjust and prepare itself for to the changing season. These nine
days were marked as a period when people would clean their body system by
keeping fasts by avoiding excessive salt and sugar, meditate, gain a lot of
positive energy, gain a lot of self confidence & increase the self
determination power (fasts are a medium to improve our will power and self
determination) and finally get ready for the challenges of the changed season.
Why
do we worship ‘Tulsi’ plant?
Hindu religion has
bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy
Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many
parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why
they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire
community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or
illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind.
Tulsi has great medicinal
properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or
otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize
his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important
of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects
and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to
go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of
Tulsi near their houses.
Why
should Tulsi not be chewed with teeth?
It is a popular belief
that Tulsi is the wife of Lord Vishnu; therefore, chewing it will be a mark of
disrespect. However, botanists, in the course of their research, found that
Tulsi plant has the maximum of mercury. If raw mercury is applied to teeth,
they fall immediately. That’s why in Hindu religion, Tulsi leaves are not
chewed but swallowed.
Why
do we worship 'Peepal Tree'!
‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an
ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious
fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common
villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that
‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which
produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its
unique property they related it to God/religion.
Start
with spice, end with sweet
Our ancestors have
stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy
and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this
eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and
acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently,
sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were
always recommended to be taken as a last item
Sikha
on male head
Sushrut rishi, the
foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head
as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects
this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumnã
(nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the
highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petaled lotus. It is the centre of
wisdom. The knotted shikhã helps boost this center and conserve its subtle
energy known as ojas.
Applying
Mehndi/ henna on hands
Besides lending color to
the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful,
and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day
approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on
the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because
it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason
why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the
body.
Celebration and cleaning during Diwali
Diwali usually falls in
October or November which marks the start of winter season and end of rainy
season. Rainy season wasn't a good time for everyone back then; many homes
needed repair and renovation after a heavy fall. That is why time before diwali
was considered the period during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and
beautification of their home. And also take out their winter clothes and pack
the summer ones.
Sitting
on a floor and eating
This tradition is not just
about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan”
position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga
asanas. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as
the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs
dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.
Why
not to sleep with your head towards North?
Myth is that it invites
ghost or death but since says that it is because human body has its own
magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood)
and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body's
magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth's Magnetic field.
That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work
harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields.
Apart from this another
reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we
sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain.
This can cause headache, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson
disease and brain degeneration
Surya
Namaskar
Hindus have a tradition of
paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual.
It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that
time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine,
we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most
effective part of the day.
Ear Piercing
Piercing the ears has a
great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe
that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking
and decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear
piercing helps in speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behavior
and the ear-channels become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the
Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy
earrings as a mark of fashion.
Why
no meat on particular days?
Hindus do not eat meat on
particular days - not limited but including: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
Saturdays. The reason is that as a human being we need only a little amount of
meat to fulfill the requirements of our body such as iron, vitamin B12 and
other vital nutrients. But we often get addicted to eating meat which is not
good for health. It can cause diseases like piles, kidney stones, colon cancer
etc. Therefore, Hinduism has placed some restrictions by assigning days to
particular deities.
Application
of Sindoor or Vermillion
It is interesting to note
that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological
significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and
the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides
controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why
Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be
applied right up to the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered.
Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.
The
Scientific explanation of touching feet (charan-sparsh)
Usually, the person of
whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your
respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their
hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which
reaches you through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit
enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick
connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved
through handshakes and hugs.
The nerves that start from
our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips
of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of
their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two
bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy
and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.
Why
do we fast?
The underlying principle
behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system
sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in
the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy.
By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed
and corrected. A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of
warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents the flatulence.
Since the human body, as
explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth,
the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It
causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable
and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the
body which helps people to retain their sanity. Research suggests there are
major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer,
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.
Why
idol worship?
Hinduism propagates idol
worship more than any other religion. Researchers say that this was initiated
for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to
psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees. If you have 3
different objects in front of you, your thinking will change according to the
object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India, idol worship was
established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate
to gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion.
Why
Tilgul is a very colorful and excellent
Tilgul is a very colorful
and excellent sesame candy made of sesame seeds and jaggery. Til means sesame
seeds whereas gul means jaggery in Marathi/ Hindi. Since Makar Sankranti is
celebrated in mid winter ideally Tilgul recipe is a combination that helps keep
the body warm due to these heat generating ingredients making it a healthy
sweet to enjoy. In Ayurveda, Sesame is considered to be an extremely beneficial
and strong medicine. Sesame laddu's are beneficial for those children who
normally have the problem of bed-wetting in winters.
Why
do Indian women wear Bangles?
Normally the wrist portion
is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is
mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are
normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the
blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer
skin is again reverted to one's own body because of the ring shaped bangles,
which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.
