email from Kamalini Kanapathippillai:-
Mysteries Explored: Shocking 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 tgenerations 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 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.
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 in[truncated by WhatsApp]
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Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very
far.
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