As far as religion is concerned “HINDUISM” is not a religion, but a way of life. According to Bhagavath Geetha, Hinduism is a Sanaathana Dharma. Sanaathana Dharma is one which cannot be destroyed by fire,weapons, water, air, etc. and which is present in all living and non living being. You will be astonished to know that no one knows the founder of Hindu Dharma,E.g. Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ, Islam was founded by Hajrat Mohammad Paigambar, Buddhism by Gautam Buddha, Jainism was founded by Rishabdev (first Tirthankar) and spread by Lord Mahavir and so on. It is said that Hindu Dharma is gradually flourished by various ancient Rishis, sages and VEDAS are considered to be the base of Hinduism.
Many of us thought that various religious rituals have no meaning and we condemned it as superstition, but you believe it or not, all the authentic Hindu rituals have a scientific significance. So let us discover the scientific idea behind some of the most commonly adopted rituals.
# why we touch the feet of our elders?
The exact way to prostrate before elders is, your left hand should touch the right foot of the elder and your right hand should touch the left foot. The nerves that start from brain spread across all your body, when you join fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of the two bodies are connected. In this situation, your fingers and palms become ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of another becomes the ‘giver’ of energy and you suddenly feel enthusiastic and energetic.
# why do we ring the bell in the temple?
There is a reason behind the hanging of bells in the temples. According to scientists when the bell is ringing , it produces a soothing vibration in the ambience or the nearby atmosphere which can travel for a long distance until the vibration looses its energy. This vibration annihilates or destroys harmful germs in the immediate atmosphere, cleans it and reverberates strong positive energy around.
# why we lit incense sticks in the temple?
The aroma that is spread in the air after you light an incense stick has an immense healing and soothing effect on the mind. You become mentally relaxed and forget all other troubles and worries when you sit for a religious ceremony. This helps you concentrate and pray to the Lord with all your heart and soul. When you offer a prayer with great devotion it acts like a meditative process that reduces stress and depression.
In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of God but why?
There is a psychological reason behind it- light symbolizes knowledge and darkness- ignorance. As light removes darkness similarly knowledge removes ignorance. But again one question comes in your mind that why we do not use a bulb or tube light? The traditional oil in the lamp further has spiritual significance. The oil or ghee used in the lamp symbolizes- negative tendencies, wick or ego. As oil gradually consumed/ diminished by lamp our negative tendencies also get exhausted and our ego finally gets perishes.
So next time if you do any ritual, then please think about its scientific and psychological aspect and quench your thirst of knowledge by asking spiritual pundits the reason behind various KARMAKAND or rituals. This will enhance your dedication, devotion and love towards God and makes you God loving people not God fearing people.