New Delhi: Recently, US based researchers have warned that Sindoor, a traditional red coloured cosmetic powder usually worn by married Hindu women, being sold in the US and India could have unsafe levels of lead. Of the 118 sindoor samples tested, 80% had at least some lead and nearly a third contained levels above the limit set by the US Food and Drug Administration.

 

In olden days, sindoor was made at home using turmeric powder, alum, calcium salt, camphor, saffron, sandalwood and beet extracts. However in present times, this sacred red orange powder must be used carefully because it has many side effects as well.

 

The synthetic dye industry grows low-priced red dyes termed as sindoor which are available everywhere and mainly contain the following:

 

• Vermillion, reddish orange element which is a powdered form of cinnabar

• Chemical dyes, lead and other synthetic materials

• Powered crude red lead, Pb304

• Rhodamine B dye

• Mercury sulphite

 

All these have side effects beyond imagination. Apart from rashes, itching, hair loss, other problems that can be caused include:

 

• Skin cancer, due to mercury sulphite

• Hereditary disorders, due to rhodamine B dye

• Itching and dandruff problems

• Food poisoning, if consumed by mistake

• Harmful for brain, kidney, eyes and reproductive system if inhaled, absorbed or eaten.

 

But, other than its harmful side; the real Kumkum has many benefits attached to it. The application of sindoor is not just a ritual, but a practice which stimulates good health. On one hand it serves as a longevity prayer for the husband, and on the other it keeps a tab on the woman’s physical well-being. As sindoor is prepared using mercury, turmeric and lime, the Mercury in it acts as a catalyst that helps to ease stress and strain. It also helps in keeping the brain active and alert. Other than this, mercury also helps in controlling blood pressure, activating sexual drive and libidinal energy. This is why; an unmarried woman is forbidden from applying sindoor.

 

There is one subtle experiment of a woman wearing a synthetic mark (Bindi) and a woman wearing vermilion (Kumkum): Look at the two pictures below with concentration and note whether you feel good, bad or nothing at all after looking at the pictures.

 

 

By looking at the woman in picture ‘A’, one experiences discomfort. The woman shown in picture ‘A’ has applied a bindi on her forehead. By looking at the woman in picture ‘B’, one feels good. The woman shown in picture ‘B’ has applied Kumkum on her forehead.

 

Other than the tradition of applying kumkum, there are literally thousands of customs and traditions in Hinduism and many of them are common in all parts of India that are adopted even globally by others. Human civilization is incomplete without the beliefs advocated by Vedas. 

 

Although the traditions in Hinduism were considered mainly as superstitions, but with the advent of science, it is becoming evident that these traditions are based on some scientific knowledge and moved from generations to generations as traditions. They are: 

 

Joining Both Palms together to Greet: In Hindu tradition of respecting others, Namaskar is performed by joining both the hands and bowing in front of the person. 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 hands together activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. Also, it controls spread of disease from person to person, as no germs are transferred which happens due to physical contact.

 

Why do Temples have Bells: People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum 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.

 

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. 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. 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. Tulsi is like Sanjeevani for the mankind and it has great medicinal properties.

A remarkable antibiotic; taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help to prevent diseases, stabilize health condition and  balance body system. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. 

 

Why do Indian Women wear Silver Toe- Ring : Wearing ornaments is part of Hindu Tradition. We normally see that women wears gold ornaments on an upper part of the body but the silver ornaments like anklets and toe-rings on lower part of the body. The science behind it was that silver reacts well with earth’s energy, and gold reacts well with body’s energy and aura. Since silver is considers as a good/best conductor of energy, it absorbs energies from earth and passes it on to the body. 

Another reason was that- normally toe rings are worn on the second toe because 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. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. 

 

Throwing Copper Coins in Water:  In ancient India, copper coins were minted for running the economy. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river/kund/well was one way our ancestors ensured we intake sufficient medicinal mineral as part of the water as rivers/well/kund were the only source of drinking and bathing. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice and intake adequate copper required for the body.

 

   Though the common people did not know science in it, they were following it very faithfully over the years. As a result, India becomes a country where traditions breathe comfortably next to global technology. We find ourselves standing at the juncture where these two meet, sometimes restless, sometimes nonchalant. As a result there are times when we question age-old practices, while at others accept them unwittingly. It is definitely important to question to prevent a slow degradation of our society into anarchy but it is also important to look for answers and be receptive to answers that others may find.

 

On this; Immanuel, a bio-tech student said, “Ancient beliefs which might have started off as good practices based on physical observations have been corrupted into blind beliefs by society over time. Further, the additions of half truths and plain falsehoods render many of the modern Indian 'traditional' practices downright harmful. People must use common sense and do some basic research before practicing or using any 'natural' and 'traditional' remedy.” 

 

References: 

www.thehealthsite.com

detechter.com

iamchetanbhagat/posts

http://www.forumforhinduawakening.org