Mysteries Explored: science behind
Hindu traditions:
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.
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.
2.
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!
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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 centres in our body. This
results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.
6.
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 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.
7.
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.
8.
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.
9.
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.
10.
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.
11.
Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand: 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.
12.
Celebration & 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.
13.
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.
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.
14.
Why not to sleep with Your Head towards North: Myth is that it invites
ghost or death but science 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..
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