 |
| kolam .rangoliprasanna.blogspot.com |
Making rangoli (or kolam in Tamil) is an holy and auspicious / mangalakara act. The basic principle is rice flour used in the koolam, will attract the small creatures like ants on which they feed. A simple way to care for tiny creatures!!
02. Morning sun has better effect on the human body than the evening sun because of variation in the wave length of the light and absorption of colors.
Surya Namaskaram9worshiping of the Sun) is done in the morning and will have positive results - it cleanses our mind, reduces the chances of getting viral infections, improves the tone of our skin, knee, hip joints, etc., importantly we get essential Vitamin D, control of vitamin C etc., Wearing loose dress is a must during this period. In the evening sun travels far more distance as result light rays of shorter wave lengths get absorbed leaving longer wave-length light-hence the red color. In the western countries people do sun bathing after rubbing sun-screen lotion on the body. Instead if they use pure gingely oil ans relax in the sun, they not only get good sun tan but also the natural oil will relax the muscles, etc.
 |
| Surya Namaskar Surya Namaskar.www.makeupandbeauty.in |
03. During solar eclipse, it is not advisable to see the sun with naked eyes, in fact even during normal day one should avoid direct contact with the sun, because of higher activities of UV rays during that period. In the Hindu custom, pregnant women are not allowed to move out during the time of eclipse.
 |
| .Solar eclipse, www.telegraph.co.uk |
04. Paatha worship (touching the feet of elders) :
Across India it has long been a tradition to touch the feet of parents, elders, gurus on auspicious occasions and when embarks on a new journey, job, wedding, exams, etc. Touching the feet or paatha is not a degrading act, it is akin to touching the lotus feet of Gods and goddesses. So is prostrating before elders. Getting blessing from elders with vast life experience induces positive results in us, psychologically speaking. Such an act is a must before great religious heads or Acharyas, spiritual leaders and erudite scholars who lead simple and contended lives.
 |
| prostration .www.iskcondesiretree.com |
05. Tilak or Kunkumam on the fore head (mark on the fore head):
Both men and women, in particular, women should wear Tilak on the forehead- supposedly it is symbolic of the third eye - Ghanakkan of Easwara - Lord Shiva. It has nothing to do with religion, however, it a way of protecting one from evils. Mesmerism of people with Tilak in the forehead is difficult. Having Tilak improves one's appearance and gives him or her respect and aura.
Both men and women, in particular, women should wear Tilak on the forehead- supposedly it is symbolic of the third eye - Ghanakkan of Easwara - Lord Shiva. It has nothing to do with religion, however, it a way of protecting one from evils. Mesmerism of people with Tilak in the forehead is difficult. Having Tilak improves one's appearance and gives him or her respect and aura.
 |
| A Hindu woman.tilak or kunkumam on thr fore head..www.awesomeindia.in |
It is advisable to wear the following Santhanam-sandal wood paste , Kumkumam (red powder made from turmeric, etc. and veebuthi ( made from dried cow dung - cow dung has antiseptic properties, scientifically proven) or Thiruman or Naamam during Brahma Mukartham, in the early morning and evening
 |
| A south Indian Brahmin boy wearing veebuthi. www.agefotostock.com |
respectively. In the morning wearing veebuthi mixed with water, afternoon Santhanam mixed with water and in the evening dried Veebuthi are commonly practiced.
06. When we go to temple we get santhanam, theertham, deepam, dhubam and flower. these represent pancha bootha (five elements). When we get santhanam as prasadham, it is advisable to wear it out side the temple.
07. Sandal paste :
In a tropical country like India gently rubbing or daubing sandalwood paste in all parts of our body above waist is good, because it has cooling effect and one can avoid pinpricks and minor boils. Wearing sandal paste below the waist line is a taboo; the reason being because of cooling effect it might affect the potency of males and females. So is wearing Gold jewelery like anklet in the leg, for gold is embodiment of Lakhmi - goddess who gives us prosperity.
08. Tulasi (basil plant) :
In the olden days in every Hindu house there used to
 |
| Tulasi Maadam.www.maalaimalar.com |
09, Worshiping at temple with a piece of wet cloth around:
It is advisable to wear wet cloth for worship in the temple. It will improve digestion, removes constipation,and will reduce the body heat in the stomach region.
10. Removal of footwear before entering places of worship:
In all churches devotees are allowed to enter the chapel and pray to Christ with the foot wear on. As per Hindu custom, it is not being followed and is considered a taboo. Footwear should be removed before entering temple; the main reason is when our feet are in direct contact with the ground we get the effect of gravitation. Further, as mentioned earlier, it improves our blood circulation. The other reason is it is a place of veneration where sanctity ought to be maintained at any cost. When we enter into such places with dirty foot wear, the place will lose its purity and cleanliness.
(Minor corrections made March 05, 2016)
.jpeg)
