::AMAZING SCIENTIFIC REASONS BEHIND HINDU TRADITIONS::

1. Throwing Coins into a River:

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically
speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless
steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the
river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as
rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow
the practice.
2. Joining Both Palms together to Greet:
In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms termed as Namaskar. The
general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect.
However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers
together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them
together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long
time. And, no germs since we dont make any physical contact!
3. Why do Indian Women wear Toe Ring:
Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it.
Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects
the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep
it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is
a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.
4. Applying Tilak on the Forehead:
On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in
human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of energy, the red
kumkum between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the
various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and
Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face
muscles.
5. Why do Temples have Bells:
People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner
sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed.
According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the
ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring
clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose.
These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left
and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring

sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough
to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all
negative thoughts.
6. Why do we have Navratras:
Our living style has drastically changed if we compare it to the society hundreds & thousands of
years ago. The traditions which we follow in present are not establishments of today but of the
past. Ever thought, why do we have Navratras twice a year unlike other festivals like Deepawali
or Holi? Well, both these months are the months of changing seasons and the eating habits of
both the seasons are quite different from each other. Navratras give enough time to the body to
adjust and prepare itself for to the changing season. These nine days were marked as a period
when people would clean their body system by keeping fasts by avoiding excessive salt and
sugar, meditate, gain a lot of positive energy, gain a lot of self confidence & increase the self
determination power (fasts are a medium to improve our will power and self determination) and
finally get ready for the challenges of the changed season.
7. 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.
8. Why do we worship Peepal Tree:
Peepal tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. Peepal does not a
have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common
villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that Peepal is one of the
very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to
save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.
9. 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.

10. Choti on the Male Head:

Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head
as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in
the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumn (nerve) arrives from the lower part of
the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus.
It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikh helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle
energy known as ojas.
11. Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand:
Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are
stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the
excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application
of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from
becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house
nerve endings in the body.
12. Celebration & Cleaning During Diwali:
Diwali usually falls in October or November which marks the start of winter season and end of
rainy season. Rainy season wasnt a good time for everyone back then; many homes needed
repair and renovation after a heavy fall. That is why time before diwali was considered the period
during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home. And also take
out their winter clothes and pack the summer ones.
13. Sitting on the Floor & Eating:
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.
14. Why not to sleep with Your Head towards North:
Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own
magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a
giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our bodys magnetic field become
completely asymmetrical to the Earths Magnetic field. That cause problems related to blood
pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic
fields. Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our
blood. When we sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain.
This can cause headache, Alzheimers Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain
degeneration.
15. Surya Namaskar:

Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water
offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of
the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a
morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day.
16. Ear Piercing in Children:
Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers
believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and
decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in speechrestraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behaviour and the ear-channels become free from
disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears
pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.
17. 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.
18. The scientific explanation of ouching Feet(charan sparsh):
Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your
respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit
positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you through their
hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic
energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is
achieved through handshakes and hugs. The nerves that start from our brain spread across all
your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the
fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the
energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the receptor of energy
and the feet of other person become the giver of energy.
19. Why do we Fast:
The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical
system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the
digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the
digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. A complete fast is
good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting
prevents the flatulence. Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80%
liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents
of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and

violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to
retain their sanity. Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like
reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.
20. Why Idol Worship:
Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion. Researchers say that this was
initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a
man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees. If you have 3 different objects in front of you,
your thinking will change according to the object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India,
idol worship was established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to
gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion.
21. Why do Indian Women wear Bangles:
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 ones 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.