Tradition and science behind ringing bells in temple

In the serene realms of temples, the resonating chime of bells isn't merely a ritual; it's a captivating blend of tradition and scientific wonder. Behind the age-old practice lies a fascinating synergy that transcends spiritual significance.

Unlocking the Mind:

The scientific rationale behind ringing temple bells is a revelation. The melodic sound serves as a mental cleanse, enhancing focus on the devotional purpose. Crafted with precision, these bells are designed to create a harmonious connection between the left and right parts of our brains.

The Echo Effect:

Upon ringing, the bells produce a sharp and enduring sound that lingers for a minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. This intentional duration is not arbitrary; it is precisely calibrated to activate all seven healing centers within our body.

Unity in Brain Waves:

The unique design of temple bells fosters a synchronization of brain waves. As the sound reverberates, it establishes a unity between the logical and creative aspects of our minds, creating an ideal mental environment for deep concentration and spiritual connection.

Healing Resonance:

The echo's resonance, carefully curated by the bell's craftsmanship, plays a pivotal role. Lasting for 7 seconds, this sonic journey through the temple space has a profound impact, activating the seven healing centers within our body. This therapeutic effect contributes to the expulsion of negative thoughts, creating a space for serenity and introspection.

A Symphony of Devotion:

In essence, the temple bell is not just a symbol; it is a conductor of a symphony that orchestrates a holistic experience. The union of tradition and science in the form of these bells underscores the deep understanding our ancestors had of the mind-body connection and the role sound can play in elevating spiritual practices.

In conclusion, the act of ringing temple bells goes beyond ritualistic customs; it is a gateway to a mindful and rejuvenating experience. The harmonic convergence of tradition and science encapsulates the essence of these sacred spaces, leaving worshippers with a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.

 

Naga Panchami and new thoughts

Naga Panchami is a festival that is observed throughout India on the 5^th day of Shravana month. It has got its own significance in mythology, folklore and scientific basis.

It is a festival where, Snakes and serpents are worshiped by offering milk, flowers and sweets to the metaphors of serpents such as idols and images of snake god. Mythology says it is a day Lord Krishna got victory over snake king Kaliya to protect the people from poisonous cobra of the king.  Folk stories say farmers pray to snakes and offer devotion to snakes for not harming them and their families.

Scientifically; it is a metaphor of worshiping serpents and giving equal rights to snakes to live. This festival is celebrated in the monsoon season,during which snakes come out and, most of them will not be poisonous (not all though) and the festival means the innocent snakes are saved to balance ecosystem and to make sure the harmony of humans with other beings in the nature.

Fasting is observed a day before Naga Panchami; and, on the day of Naga Panchami, jaggery water or milk is offered to the idols or images of Snake god. In some places; people pour milk even to snake pits and they decorate pits with diyas and conduct activities such as Bhajans and firing crackers.

On this festival many sweets and other traditional snacks are prepared , which suits our digestive system during monsoon climate. Eating these sweets and snacks give good exercise to buccal cavity and helps teeth and the buccal cavity to be healthy.

New thoughts

It was in our school days, all children of our school are taken to Sri Vijay Mahantesh mutt located in my town Ilkal. Sri Vijay Mahantesh mutt is known for practicing the principles of Vachana literature. On this day mutt distributes milk to children as a metaphor the avoid wastage of milk (though people pour more jaggery water to idols in our place). The Mutt also encourages saving snakes and harmony with nature; except, for its opposition to wastage of milk. The step may seem extravagant to strong believers; but, it seems practical for me, despite being a believer in Hinduism.

Last year I was astonished by seeing a message from one of my friend who is working as a teacher in my school. He messaged me saying , he was happy for  he caught and made real snake to drink milk.

This rubbishes the purpose of the festival as snakes don’t drink milk ;and, even if they drink milk  milk will harm their life. Feeding milk to live snake will not serve the purpose of ecological harmony. Pouring milk , firing crackers near the snake pits will disturb the snake if they are present in the pit., they try to harm the pupil as part of its flight and fight mechanism.

It’s time to think new thoughts as much as possible;  let’s celebrate the festival scientifically to serve its purpose.

Happy Naga Panchami and Happy Shravana month.

Sankranti- A meaning-full Festival

Sankranti- A meaning-full Festival

I remember the school days and the next day after Sankranti. We used to take sesame mixed with jaggery, roasted groundnut, dried Coconut kernel pieces, sugar and many more,  these all were mixed in a polythene bag.

It was a dish like preparation done by mother and give instruction all of us to give a bit to all the teachers and bow their feet to acquire their blessings, then distribute it to friends and wish them the best.

Sankranti is a unique and meaning-full festival celebrated in most of the parts of India, named as Lohri, Bhogi, Pongal, Sankranti, Sankramana etc. This festival is meaning-full and depicts the great culture of India. 

This festival exclaims the human relationship with nature and nurture human life as a part of nature itself.  This is truly proved in  festival celebrated in villages by farmers. They bow to nature and worship agricultural land; ornament their livestock, which helps in every part of their lives. 

Apart from traditional worshiping, this festival is the celebration of triumph of nature. Its time for green in India, all the crops will be at their peak; hence, the festival has got greater meaning. The day will be dedicated to animals; they are ornamented and amused with great food and sports.

Sankranti is a joy throughout the country, and it’s specially celebrated in pomp in North-Karnataka region in their own special  way. 

The houses in North-karnataka villages and towns worship land and animals like the rest of the Country; but,special thing I have to say about is the food they prepare for the day of Bhogi.

Jowar and Bajra blended with Sesame, and there will be a variety of traditional North- Karnatakan sweets, curries of Brinjal, a special curry  made of mixed vegetables; which, they call “Bartha”. Carrot, sweet potatoes, radish and many vegetables are used to prepare Bartha and, probably, this is the only day in the year people prepare this special curry because of availability of a variety of the vegetable in the season. 

Along with curries butter, Ghee, spicy Niger seed powder, Fenugreek leaf, raw Radish, Carrot, Boiled Sweet-Potatoes and the list goes on. The menu of food on the day of Sankranti is one of the biggest, richest and healthiest food will ever hear.

A plate of food is taken to friends and relative's houses,everyone relishes each other’s food with different tastes and varieties to impart happiness to everyone. 

In the evening people gather to amuse themselves by singing, dancing and doing various activities. People exchange sesame and jaggery as an indication of exchanging each other’s happiness and miseries. 

Sesame indicates sorrow for its sour taste, and jaggery indicates happiness.

Apart from the celebrations, the festival has got its scientific importance. The festival is to worship the sun-the energy source for all living beings on earth. It’s an astrological event where the sun enters Capricorn zodiac constellation on that day. 

Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of a new harvest or spring season.

The period of Sankranti is a season when the skies filled with empty clouds the temperature will be cold for Indian sub-continent. It’s a time when farmers are at the edge of harvesters, forest blossom with green lush, and scientifically it’s a period in which human digestive power will be stronger than any other seasons in the year.  This is why all the food mentioned above is lipid containing items, and this also helps rejuvenate the skin, which has lost its moisture in the cold seasons.

Overall Sankranti is a festival that has got great significance and scientific bases.