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Hindu Traditions & Social Practices

10/19/2018

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What is culture or social behavior? As per Cambridge Dictionary, culture is the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time. All societies are having some traditions or social practices or belief system.

Traditions are evolved over many generations based on value system of the particular society having some rational backing. It is generally passed down by word of mouth, from generation to generation and is, for the most part, undocumented. Traditions are live if have scientific footing. Some traditions tend to become ritualistic when loses their contemporary relevance.

Several Hindu traditions are branded as superstitious but these are based on scientific wisdom gathered by long researches done by Rishis (ancient scientists). However, in absence of teachings about their tangible advantages and apparent link with religious practices, these are exiting from the modern Hindu society. Keeping in view of the above, ancient knowledge of prominent traditions is elaborated hereunder.

Charan Sparsh (Touching of Feet):

Tradition: The persons greet elders, wise, pious or revered persons of society by touching the feet of to pay respect to them.
Physiological Benefits: The physical effort involved provides useful exercise and promotes vigor, enthusiasm and concern for others, rids tension and is motivating. Positive thoughts and energy are emitted by the person whose feet are touched which bring positivity in minds and hearts.
Spiritual reasons: This promotes humility & respect for others and reduces ego of the person touching the feet.
Scientific Explanations: 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.

Namaste or Namaskar

Tradition: People greet each other by joining their palms termed as Namastae or Namaskar.
Physiological Benefits: When both hands are joined, the tips of all the fingers press each other. The tips of hands are the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. These get activated by their pressing which helps us remember that person for a long time. Further, contagious germs are avoided due to absence of any physical contact.

Shikha or Choti (Peak) on male head

Tradition: Hindu males keep peak on the head as a tradition.
Physiological Benefits: It protects from harmful effects and catches positive and spiritual thoughts.
Spiritual reasons: The location of peak is just above Sushumna Nadi. This is the place of seventh chakra or nerve plexus, called as Brahmanrandha or center of wisdom. The knotted shikha helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.
Scientific Explanations: According to science, it is the center of the brain which control body parts, intelligence and mind.

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)

Tradition: Hindus offer water to sun at sunrise. As per yoga, Surya Namaskar consists of 12 positions done in succession. When one round ends, another one begins in a perfect circle.
Physiological Benefits: Sun rays in the morning directly or through water is good for eyes. Surya Namaskar is a general tonic and complete warm-up for the entire body, which can be done just as is, or as a warm-up before yoga asanas. The Sun Salutations are said to remove bodily and mental tensions, improve circulation, stimulate the nervous system and raise the body heat. All joints are loosened and lubricated.
Spiritual reasons: Worshipping the sun by chanting ऊँ सूर्याय नम: mantra leads to all pleasures, good health and wealth in life.
Scientific Explanations: Body parts have different colors viz. heart red, kidney brown, bones white, etc. When the spectrum of sun rays refract through the water, it breaks down into seven colors. The energy emanating from these rays of different colors is absorbed by the body, and balances the energy level in the body. This also improves eye-sight and mind power. Sun rays are good source of vitamin D. People have high deficiency in vitamin D especially in large cities.

Applying Tilak on forehead

Tradition: Under various Hindu traditions different forms of Tilaks are applied on forehead.
Physiological Benefits: While applying Tilak, major nerve plexus i.e. Ajna-chakra is automatically pressed, facilitating blood supply to the facial muscles.
Spiritual reasons: As per Hindu mythology, the planet Venus is at the base of the thumb. It is said that applying Tilak using this finger brings health and wealth to the person.

Worship of Tulsi plant (Indian Basil)

Tradition: Tulsi is very sacred plant in Hindu religion.
Physiological Benefits: Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. As per Ayurveda medicine system, plant's extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and common ailments like common cold, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning and malaria.
Spiritual reasons: As per the Hindu tradition, people plant Tulsi in their homes, take its proper care and worship it. It is regarded as Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and the consort of Lord Vishnu.
Scientific Explanations: Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) Herbal Mosquito Repellent not only keeps home free from mosquitoes but also kills bacteria, purifies air & spread a natural aroma. Tulsi has demonstrated effective antimicrobial property against A. actinomycetemcomitans. A methanol-based tulsi leaves extract is proved most effective in inhibiting the growth of four bacteria — Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa — and two fungi — Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp.

Worship of Peepal Tree (Ficus Religiosa)

Tradition: Women usually pray the tree and tie a red thread or cloth to fulfil their wishes.
Physiological Benefits: As per Ayurveda system of medicine, the leaves of Peepal cure Asthma and the milk derived out of the leaves helps relieve eye pain. This tree can cure as much as 50 disorders, including diarrhoea, epilepsy and gastric troubles.
Spiritual reasons: According to Atharva Veda and Chandogya Upanishad, Peepal Tree is the paradise of Gods. It believed Goddess Lakshmi resides under the tree every Saturday. It is also said that Lord Hanuman sat on peepal tree and witnesses the hardships faced by Sita in Lanka.
Scientific Explanations: Peepal Tree is different from other plants (which release carbon dioxide at night) as it releases Oxygen even during the night due to a special photosynthesis process called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). As per article published on Ist May, 2014, in International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Research, different parts of the peepal, is useful in treatment of diabetes, urinary disorders, burns, gastrohelcosis, TB, fever, paralysis, oxidative stress, mumps, jaundice, heart diseases, constipation, skin diseases, etc. due to the presence of various phyto constituents (phenolics, sterols, flavonoids etc).

Kanchedan or Karnvedha (piercing ears)

Tradition: Ear lobe piercing is important ceremony in Hindu tradition for both male and female. It is usually performed in 6th or seventh month or 3rd or 5th or 7th year.
Physiological Benefits: Piercing of ear lobe has benefit in eye sight and reduces depression.
Spiritual reasons: Ayurveda researcher and surgeon on ancient India, Susruta (6th century BC) says, ears of a child should be bored for protection (from diseases in his opinion) and decoration. It is believed that piercing the ears help in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Ear piercing in girls to regulate the menstrual cycle and hence reducing menstrual or premenstrual pain. It also prevents diseases like hysteria to occur.
Scientific Explanations: The ears are having many acupuncture points. Piercing of the specific area of ear stimulate the reflex area of the point. Acupressure therapy states that earlier the ear piercing is performed to a child, earlier the development of brain takes place by benefiting the meridians connecting the brain to the earlobe.

Why do Indian women wear Choori (Bangles)?

Tradition: Women wear bangles all over the world as ornament. But wearing bangles by Hindu married women has special significance. Men also wear metal bangle in many parts of India. The bangles may be made of glass, wood, ivory, plastic, gold or other metals.
Physiological Benefits: Constant friction of bangles increases the blood circulation level.
Spiritual reasons: According to Hindu scriptures, the bangles clash with each other while hand movements which activate the Surya Nadi (sun channel) of women. Through Surya Nadi, energy is emitted around a woman’s body that protects her from the evil energies and negativities of the atmosphere.
Scientific Explanations: In ancient Ayurveda, it is stated that bones of women are weaker than those of men, bangles made of gold and silver absorbs the energy, which was transmitted to the body improving psychological and physical functioning.

Why do Hindu women wear Bichiya (Toe Rings)?

Tradition: Hindu women normally wear toe rings usually made of silver on the second toe of feet. Since gold is portrayal of Goddess Lakshmi, it is not worn below waist.
Physiological Benefits: Toe ring strengthens the uterus, keeping it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it. Moreover, a woman’s menstrual cycle is said to be regularized.
Spiritual reasons: Our body has vital force called prana which runs through our body via different channels, right up to toes. Toe ring is used to keep this force healthy.
Scientific Explanations: The nerve from second figure of feet connects the uterus and passes to heart. Toe ring presses this nerve which keep reproductive system healthy and balance.

Why do Hindu women apply Sindoor (Vermillion)?

Tradition: The Hindu married women apply sindoor in the parting of hair.
Physiological Benefits: Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric, lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury controls blood pressure and activates sexual drive. Sindoor is to be applied right up to the pituitary gland to activate it.
Spiritual reasons: Use of Sindoor has also been mentioned in the Puranas, Lalitha Sahasranamam and Soundarya Lahharis. According to Hindu astrology, Mesha Rashi or the House of Aries is on the forehead. The Lord of Mesha is Mars and his color is red. It is believed to be auspicious.

Why do Hindu women apply Mehndi (Henna)?

Tradition: Mehndi is typically applied on hands during special Hindu weddings and Hindu festivals like Karva Chauth, Vat Purnima, Diwali, Bhai Dooj and Teej.
Physiological Benefits: Mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb, and its application on hands and feet can prevent stress during weddings. It cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense.

The various Hindu customs have been termed as superstitious in absence of proper research and scientific backing. However, not all age old traditions are superstition. These may have great physiological benefits.

While Sleeping Head pointing towards South

Tradition: As per Hinduism, the best position to sleep is with our heads towards east and south. Never sleep with head towards North.
Physiological Benefits: Magnetic pull create disturbance in Pineal gland functioning and in turn production of Melatonin. Melatonin is sleep inducing hormone and its lower level can induce sleep related problems such as chronic fatigue, depression, insomnia and anxiety.
Scientific Explanations: Our earth is giant electro-magnet. The core of earth is molten where strong electro-magnetic currents flow. Likewise, human body has its own magnetic field. If one sleeps pointing head towards the north, the magnetic pull will cause pressure on your brain.

Reference:
https://www.indiatimes.com/
https://www.speakingtree.in/

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SYMBOLS IN HINDUISM

10/12/2018

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Symbols are easy way to denote complex ideas. Hindu religion is symbolized more particularly by sign or mark of “Om”, Swastik, Tilak, etc. Sacred Hindu symbols are considered very auspicious and displayed in homes, work places, temples etc. to invoke good fortunes.

Om (Aum, ॐ):
The significance of Om is as under:

This is sacred sound symbol that represents Universe; the ultimate reality (Brahman).
It is prefixed and sometimes suffixed to all Vedic mantras and prayers.
This syllable is constituted of four sounds i.e. अ (a) + ऊ (u) + म (m) + . (salient sound of dot on Aum) which represent the Creator (Brahman), the preserver (Vishnu), the annihilator or transformer (Shiva) and universal consciousness respectively.
The pronunciation of Aum moves through all possible human linguistic vowel sounds and is different from the pronunciation of Om.
In verse 1, the Mandukya Upanishad, the syllable represent all states of time i.e. the past, the present, the future and time that transcends time.
In verse 2, the Mandukya Upanishad, the syllable represent the four states of Self i.e. seeking the physical, seeking inner thought, seeking the causes and spiritual consciousness, and the fourth state is realizing oneness with the Self, the Eternal.
In verses 3 to 6, the Mandukya Upanishad enumerates four states of consciousness: wakeful, dream, deep sleep and the state of ekatma (being one with self, the oneness of self). These four are A + U + M + "without an element" respectively.
The Shvetashvatara Upanishad suggests that Om is a tool of meditation empowering one to know the God within oneself, to realize one's Atman (Soul).
The Aum sound is claimed to be cosmic sound.

Swastika (स्वास्तिक ):
The significance of swastika which comes from Sanskrit (Devanagari: स्वस्तिक) is as under:

It denotes a "conducive to well-being or auspicious". The clockwise symbol is called swastika symbolizing surya (sun) and prosperity, while the counterclockwise symbol is called sauvastika symbolizing night or tantric aspects of Kali.
It represents honesty, truth, purity and stability.
Its four angles or points also symbolize the four directions, or Vedas.

Tilak (तिलक ):
The tilak is worn usually on the forehead on a daily basis or on religious occasions. The tilak is applied with ash (vibhuti), sandalwood paste, red kumkum etc. It has various shapes depending on deities or sects such as three horizontal lines across the forehead, a bindu, U shape etc. The significance of tilak is as under:

As per chapter 2 of Kalagni Rudra Upanishad, a Shaiva tradition text, explains the three lines of a Tilaka as a reminder of various triads: three sacred fires (kitchen fire, fire offering made to ancestors and fire of homa), three syllables in Om (A U M), three gunas (Sattva, Rajas & Tamas), three worlds (earth, atmosphere & heaven), three types of atman (external, inner and highest self), three powers in oneself (Kriya - action, will power & Brahman-ultimate reality), first three Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda & Samveda), three times of extraction of the Vedic drink Soma (morning, midday & dusk extraction of soma).
As per Vasudeva Upanishad, a Vaishnava tradition text, similarly explains the significance of three vertical lines in Urdhva Pundra Tilaka to be a reminder of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva; the Vedic scriptures – Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda; three worlds Bhu, Bhuva, Svar; the three syllables of Om – A, U, M; three states of consciousness – awake, dream sleep, deep sleep; three realities – Maya, Brahman and Atman; the three bodies – Sthula, Sukshma, and Karana.
Worshippers of the Goddess (Devi) wear a large red dot of kumkum (vermillion or red turmeric) on the forehead.

Moli / Kalawa (कलावा, :
This is sacred thread which binds one person to another symbolizing protection provided by one who binds it to another.

Kalash ( कलश ):
A vessel filled with water, five green leaves placed on it and a coconut put on the leaves. The Kalash is believed to contain amrita, the elixir of life, and thus is viewed as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality. Metal pot or Kalasha represents material things: a container of fertility - the earth and the womb, which nurtures and nourishes life. The mango leaves associated with Kama, the god of love, symbolize the pleasure aspect of fertility. The coconut, a cash crop, represents prosperity and power. The water in the pot represents the life-giving ability of Nature.

Yantra (यंत्र, ):
The Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra consists of nine interlocking triangles that radiate from a central point. Of the nine, the four upright triangles represent the masculine side or Shiva; while the five inverted triangles represent the feminine, or the Shakti (Divine Mother). As a whole, the Sri Yantra is used to symbolize the bond or unity of both the masculine and the feminine divinity. It can also mean the unity and bond of everything in the cosmos.

Shankh (Counchshell, ):
Shakh or sea shell is used as trumpet in Hindu rituals. Shankh is believed to be a giver of fame, longevity and prosperity, the cleanser of sin and the abode of Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu.
Diya or lighting lamp (दिया :
This symbolizes one of the five panchbhoth (earth, fire, water, space and air) and treated as sacred.

Shri or Shree (श्री):
Shri refer to goddess Lakshmi.

Saffron Flag:
Dhvaja, or 'flag,' is a symbol of victory, signal to all that "Sanatana Dharma shall prevail." Its color betokens the sun's life-giving glow.

Hands in prayer:
It is a sign of respect for the sacred, that which is dear to the heart.

Lotus (padma):
It is a symbol of purity/transcendence. Growing out of the mud, it is beautiful, and though resting on water, it does not touch it.

Trident (trishul):
It is the symbol of Shiva carried by shaivites.

Cow:
It is a symbol of purity, motherhood and ahimsa (non-violence).

Lotus feet (of guru or deity):
It is touching the feet of superiors’ shows an attitude of submission and service.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_iconography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://www.ancient-symbols.com/hindu-symbols.html

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