Science and Scientific Reason behind Indian Tradition and Culture - PART - 6

It's part 6, thank you for all the views and comments.

1.      Why must the temple be the tallest construction in the entire town?

An unsaid rule from ancient times is that the temple should be the tallest construction in that particular town or city. We see this rule in prevalence in the Agraharam style of civilization in rural areas. I too noticed it when I visited gamanagatti, there most of all the houses are smaller than the deity temple. The reason is commonly stated is that “God is the Supreme, and hence the temple must be the tallest.” The actual reason behind this practice is the absorbing power of the temple gopuram. The gopuram is usually filled with paddy on the inside which is an excellent absorbent of shock waves. Whenever lightning hits, the village, the rays are diverted to gopuram and the excess harmful rays are transmitted to the earth.

Beneficial cosmic rays from the atmosphere are retained by the paddy and radiated inside the temple.

2.      What is the purpose of conducting abhishekam?

There have been debates regarding conducting abhishekams for the stone idols in temples. These age-old granite idols tend to develop cracks in aging. Regular contact with agents such as milk, honey, and oil help in keeping the idol intact, thus preserving these ancient sculptures. Another interesting observation is that the base on which these idols are mounted is made of a specific alloy of gold, silver, and traces of lead, which have medicinal properties when combined with milk and honey. This is why milk and panchaamrutam from the abhishekam that are distributed, are said to have special properties that cure many diseases. Earlier, when the literacy rate in the country was much less than it is now.

Instilling a fear of God was the only way to put forth scientific ideas and practices involving logical reasoning. We have unfortunately forgotten the essence of such genius measures and brushed them away as superstitious.

3.      Why we should not sweep after sunset?

We are told that if you sweep in the evening the goddess Laxmi or prosperity will be out from the house and inviting poverty. But the actual reason for this is in ancient times. When there was no electricity, the light of the lamp was not enough creating chances for ornaments and precious items to be swept away. This was the main reason why we should not sweep after sunset.

4.      Why should we perform “Surya Namaskaram”?

Surya namaskar or Sun Salutation is a combination of 12 yoga poses. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar helps women regulate irregular menstrual cycles and assist in childbirth. Further, it helps in bringing a glow to the face and also prevents wrinkles.

Each set of Surya Namaskar has 12 asanas. So, when you repeat it 12 times from both sides, you are doing 288 poses. What can be better than this when you can do 288 asanas in just 20 minutes. Doing one round of Surya Namaskar burns approximately 13.90 calories.

5.      Why do we draw Rangoli in front of houses?

The reason a rangoli is drawn at the entrance of a house is because of its calming effects on a visitor who is just about to enter the house. It manifests into vibrations in the visitors’ minds, putting them at ease, making them comfortable and happy.

It also said some one-time people would use rice flour or besan flour to draw rangolis in front of the house. Rangolis were only made on special occasions. On special occasions many cuisines and sweets. If they draw rangolis with rice flour then insects like ants, mosquitos, and spiders would get attract to rangoli and never enter the house to eat the cuisines and sweets.

Our forefathers were more intelligent than the scientists of our generation!!

That’s it for it today, let's call it a day and continue tomorrow.

Until then bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!