Why do we worship Tulsi Plant:
Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known
as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and
spiritual devout in many parts of the world.
The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they
personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community
that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try
to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind.
Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic.
Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the
drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or
her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life.
Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from
entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi
plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their
houses.
Start
with Spice & End with Sweet:
Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started
off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The
significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the
digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on
smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive
process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.
This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.
Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one’s own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.
Application of Sindoor or Vermillion:
It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.
