Old Hindu Rituals

So many things that we have been following from generation to generation and because it is a "custom" ," shastra" but many of us don't know the reasons behind it. benefits of following such rituals or even if we know we have started avoiding them in the name of sophistication, and now being suited- booted and educated generation.

Let's again try and find out the reasons and science behind it. Earlier generations were less educated than us that doesn't mean they were not intelligent and clever .

Starting from entering into the house from outing , in older times there was a system that first wash hands and feet and then enter into the house is a part of cleanliness and hygiene. Also it brings down your body temperature. This you will still find in villages and houses which are as per older traditions. And this has to be strictly followed if there is an infant at home because babies are very delicate and needs to be handled with utmost care. When you come from outside and touch infants It may cause problem for their health. So all these are not just old customs and rules but there is a science behind it.

Also when you come from outside during afternoon time especially in summer heat then you are offered jaggery and water. Eat piece of jaggery and then drink water this lesson the effects of heat

Also for lunch and dinner there weré no dining tables . Sitting arrangements were made on floor. So it keeps your knee joints well . It was a kind of exercise to body and also it is said that it helps in digestion system of food.

During evening time Children used to sit with grand parents, parents at small temple kind of place and do prayers to God. Many" stotra and shlokas" were taught to children which were in Sanskrit. So this is to improve their vocal and memory power. Also uttering Sanskrit words make your pronunciation clear and pure. And it is exercise of mouth and utterance of difficult words so that when you grow up you have no problem in learning and grasping words from different languages.

Also sitting at one place for some time teaches you patience and that too with other family members gives you that bonding and feeling of togetherness.

Bending for touching elders feet , claping of hands during riligiious prayers called "Aartis" and "Kirtan" , "Surya namaskar" after taking bath . All these are exercise to your body and mind.

And if you have observed the older generation then must have seen that all their activities are timely and rigorous. This is a part of self discipline and control. And hence they were having less health related problems. Also by observing the timely activities there was no place for laziness.

There is a famous quote by Benjamin Franklin that" Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise". This was followed by our ancestors since ages. And hence I think they were truly healthy, happy:wealthy and wise people.

Fasting was an important part of their living . Though it was for riligiious and spiritual reasons but it truly can teach control on senses and keep stomach and overall health fit.

Also use of natural and herbal ingredients and natural cooking system of food , no use of electric items like mixers , blenders and pure food that is called"Satvik food" was consumed with not much use of different spices. This also helps a lot in good health. Also, it is said that your temperament and nature depends on what food you eat.

There are many such rules, customs, rituals that, even readers can contribute more to this sure.

We must look at these customs as helpful for us if we still follow them, and not to take it as compulsion or rigidity. Understand the reasons, importance, and science behind them and that will certainly fill the gap between two or more generations for sure.