Indian rituals and its origin: The name India reminds of a land of mystic saints, sari-clad shying faces, diverse landscape, big fields with thatched roofs. Along with numerous architectural wonders and plenty of natural wealth. Culminating all these made India a treasure house of heritage and culture. India has an old and rich heritage as it is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and always being a center of attraction for its natural richness. This country was invaded by many outsiders from time to time. Ironically much of heritage owe to this ruler who built some of the magnificent structures on this land.
Indian rituals and science is the land of holy shrines, historical monuments of eminence, places of exquisite natural beauty as well as the epicenter of art and culture. India has the most ancient culture in the world. The world has named the culture as Hinduism. If we go back to the Indian culture, we reach 10,000BC where we found the Indus valley culture. And the cites of rich culture Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. One cant deny the rich culture and art of sculpture of the civilization. If you compare the architecture, the culture of Harappa or Moharjodado with rest of the world. You will find that those cities were far ahead of the rest of the world. When the rest of the world was struggling for their daily lively hood, those two cities were busy in developing civilization.
Scientific belief in ancient culture - Indian rituals:
Indian rituals in Hinduism were considered mainly as superstitious. But with the advent of science, it is becoming very evident that these traditions are based on some scientific knowledge. And moved from generations to generations as traditions. Common people might not understand the science behind it, they were following it very faithfully over the years.
Below we will explain the common rituals followed in Hinduism:
Different types of Indian rituals:
Joining both hands to greet
In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms called as Namaskar. The main reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms indicates respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together which joins the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points. That can help us remember that person for a long time. Also, there is no passing on of harmful germs as there is no physical contact.
Indian ancient health treatments
These are also big shot to the cultural heritage. It not only heals the body but also has a soothing effect on the soul and mind. Ayurveda is the ancient healing practices and is an old as Indian civilization known as sister sciences. And till date continuing to benefit the human race.
Applying Tilak on the forehead
On the forehead in between the two eyebrows is a spot which is considered as a major nerve point in the human body since ancient times. The Tilak is supposed to prevent the loss of "energy" and the red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the body and helps in concentration. While applying kumkum the points of Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also initiates the blood supply to the face muscles.
Why do Indian women wear toe rings
Wearing toe rings are significant to married women but there is a very deep science behind it. Normally a toe ring is worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe may connect the uterus and passes to the heart. The women wearing toe ring and performing a certain puja strengthens the uterus. It keeps the body healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. Silver is a good conductor and it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.
Why do temples have bells
People who are visiting the temple should and will ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping the evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the prime scientific reason behind bells is that the ring clears our mind. It helps us stay sharp with full concentration on the devotional idea.
Why do we worship Tulsi plant
Hindu religion has given Tulsi with the status of the mother. It is also known as Sacred or Holy Basil. And it has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The Vedic sages recognized the benefits of Tulsi in ancient times and that is why they personified the plant as a Goddess. It gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. And should also be protected as it is herbal and is considered as Sanjeevani for mankind.
Applying Mehandi/ henna on hands
Besides lending color to the hands, Mehandi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful and can cause people slight headaches or fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement may get mixed with nervous anticipation which can take its toll on the bride and groom. Applying the Mehandi can prevent high stress as it has a cooling effect on the body and keeps the nerves tense. This is the main motive of applying mehndi on the hands and feet which soothes the nerve.
Celebration and cleaning during Diwali
Diwali usually falls in the month of October and November which marks the starting of winter season and end of monsoon. The rainy season was a tough season for people back then and the houses needed fixing and renovations after a heavy fall. The time before Diwali is considered the period in which people can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home along with a complete puja for their family.
Ear Piercing
Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian culture. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears help in the development of the intellect, decision making faculties and power of thinking. Ear piercing helps in speech-restraint and thus saves many troubles and life energy. It helps to reduce insolent behavior and the ear-channels become free from any kind of disorders. This idea even appealed to the Western world. So they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.
Why do we fast
Fasting is a well-versed practice found in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is the Indian ancient medical culture which considers the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. A regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps people healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanism can be cleaned and corrected. A complete fast is good for health and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents acidity.
Why idol worship
In Hinduism idol worship is well practiced. Researchers initiated the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to the psychiatrists, a mans thought will be shaped according to what he sees. If you have 3 types of objects in front, your thinking will change according to what object you are viewing. Similarly, in current and ancient India, the idol worship was started. So that when people view idols it becomes easy for them to concentrate and gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion. The above traditions prove that Indian rituals are not only about architecture and historic buildings but spread its wings to wider dimensions. India is remarkable for its religious diversity which is rooted in scientific belief. India embraces almost all the known religion of the world. Indian rituals make a big difference in cultural connotation due to individual ritual yet bind in a common thread.
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