Due
to internet boom, I have come across so many facts about Indian
traditions which aren't just blind-blended in the society. Everything is
done for a reason. Right from a married woman putting sindoor to
celebration of festivals. Everything is backed with top notch ancient
wisdom which today's science can only think of. What are some really
interesting facts about some of our rituals which has impressed you?
Indian
Customs Vs Scientific Reasons 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…
1. 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!
2. Why do Indian Women wear Toe Ring
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.
3. 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.
4. Applying Tilak/KumKum 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.
5. Why do Temples have Bells
(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 centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.
6. Why We 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.
7. Why Do We Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand and Feet
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.
8. Sitting on the Floor & 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. When you sit on the floor, you usually sit cross legged – In sukhasana or a half padmasana (half lotus), which are poses that instantly bring a sense of calm and help in digestion, it is believed to automatically trigger the signals to your brain to prepare the stomach for digestion.
9. Why you should not to sleep with Your Head towards North
10. Why We Pierce Ear
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.
11. 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.
12. Choti on the 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-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The
knotted shikhã helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy
known as ojas.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Why Married Women apply 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 upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.
16. Why do we worship Peepal Tree
17. 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.
18. Why do we worship Idol
19. 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.
20. Why should we visit temple?
Temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as “*Garbhagriha*” or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.
