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HINDU RITUALS AND ROUTINES - WHY DO WE FOLLOW THOSE? contd.3

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  • HINDU RITUALS AND ROUTINES - WHY DO WE FOLLOW THOSE? contd.3

    5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?

    The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is
    recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one’s caste,
    religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped.
    In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) - Brahmana, Kshatriya,
    Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan
    mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The
    kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races.
    The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a
    businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma,
    kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three
    divisions.
    Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U", Shiva
    worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on).
    The tilak cover the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and
    thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tilak is applied
    with the prayer - "May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my
    activities. May I be righteous in my deeds." Even when we temporarily forget this
    prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a
    blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces.
    The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - the
    forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry
    generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us
    and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or
    bhasma. Using plastic reusable "stick bindis" is not very beneficial, even though it serves
    the purpose of decoration

    6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

    To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all
    times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every
    subject - academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the guru in the
    gurukula.
    The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high
    position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters
    in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship
    books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day,
    dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we
    pray:
    Saraswati namasthubhyam
    Varade kaama roopini
    Vidyaarambham karishyaami
    Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
    O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
    Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
    I prostrate to You before
    starting my studies.
    May you always fulfill me?


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