Logic behind superstitions and rituals

I was hella sick at that time of visiting the temple

Before I begin, I didn't believe in these things. Also, in my house, they didn't give importance to this. I always found it as a practice which we followed for decades.

Story-time: We recently went to a temple in my hometown. The priest in the temple was explaining how food is considered medicine. Food eaten in the right way can prevent all diseases. The type of food we eat depends on the body, time, and season.

It was fascinating to me. The information he said was exactly what I learned over the years. So if information about food is true, then there should be some reason behind the rituals we follow, right?

That inspired me to start this blog.

Disclaimer: I am not preaching any particular religion. I respect all religions and caste. All are the same according to me. If this blog came out as religious, I apologize for it. It was not the intent. 

Why do we light a lamp?

In every household, there is a practice to light a lamp at the time of dusk. Some people light twice a day(dusk and dawn). Lighting a lamp removes darkness. But in the 21st century, we can easily switch on the tube light, right? It also does the same-remove darkness.

Traditionally lighting a lamp is done with ghee which symbolizes our ego ie. ego is melting with the light. 

Fun fact: when we see the light without blinking for a few minutes, it increases our concentration and relaxes our eyes.

Why do we ring the bell in the temple?

 

While ringing the bell, it creates an Om sound. So what is Om? Aaa--oooo--mmm.

Scientists have discovered that it is the sound of the universe. It creates unity between the two sides of the brain(right and left brain). When you hear that sound, the mind becomes empty without thoughts (which is a part of the meditation process).

Why do we fast during Navaratri?

I mean, do we fast? I didn't know that. I don't think many people follow it because I haven't heard from anyone. Navaratri comes during seasonal change(beginning of winter). During a seasonal change, our body immunity gets low. So fasting helps to give break from digestion (which takes most of the energy of the body). Instead, focus on other areas like cell purification, etc. Fasting should not make one irritable or weak. If it seems unsustainable, eat light like milk, fruits, and nuts.

Why is touching books, paper with leg considered bad?

We are preached that education is very important. Education creates a developed society. We are asked not to touch books or paper with legs because it symbolizes disrespecting education. Similarly, it is considered bad to touch someone with the feet.

Why do we wear tilak/pottu/bindi?

Who wears a bindi just for sake of our parents?🙋

I never cared to wear a bindi except when I am wearing a traditional dress. IDK it gives a Nalla ponnu look(damn these stereotypes) 

Bindi is applied between the eyebrows which is the spot for memory and thinking. Our forehead creates electromagnetic waves(the whole body does) which is why when we worry we get a headache. Some people apply chandan or vibuthi on the entire forehead, which cools down the head.

Why our meal starts with savory foods and ends with sweet food?

Notice how in marriage while eating they serve all the vegetables and rice in the beginning and in the end, give a cup of payasam?

That is because spicy foods increase our saliva, thus better digestion. Ending with something sweet gives a feeling of satiety and satisfaction. Sweets made with jaggery also help with digestion.