The science behind myths and superstitions in India

Why do myths and superstitions exist?

When there are stories told in generations that are passed on over and over again, it is time that we sit back and think about why they were even created. India is historically an ancient country with deep culture, heritage, tradition and knowledge. Indians were aware of the most advanced techniques and had deep knowledge in mathematics, science, literature and medicine. This is evident from the construction and lifestyle monuments of the Indus Valley Civilization found in the present cities of Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan and the Civilization in the Vaigai Valley, which are currently being excavated in Keezhadi, Tamilnadu - India.

There seemed to be habitats with drainage systems and proper water management systems. They found that burnt bricks were used for construction and pieces of gold ornaments, pots, weapons, scripts and so on. This means that there were perfect urban planners to build cities with advanced infrastructure.

Even today, one can draw a simple comparison between a typical Indian astrologer versus great astronomers and sky guards from all over the world. Both can give us forecasts for different events in space. But without the help of any instrument or difficult observations, the Indians were able to accurately predict the occurrence of eclipses, weather, general lifestyle changes and many other events in space and on earth during the 3rd millennium BC. Does it not seem strange that the land filled with scientists and ancient scientists has also given some myths and superstitions to be followed and believed by humans?

One has to investigate the reasons behind why Indian ancestors had perpetuated such legends along with enormous knowledge. Superficially, it seems that they wanted people to follow some practices and rely on certain things for the welfare of themselves and society. But the people could have been too obedient to ask questions of their elders then, or they were firm believers in God. So it may not have been easy to persuade them to follow certain practices. Therefore, perhaps connecting everything to God was a simpler method used by the then teachers / scholars to get people to follow some practice strictly. As a result, there have been seemingly unfounded and irrational practices followed by generations and over.

What are myths and superstitions?

There is a general tendency to see spiritual entities and rituals as myths and superstitions of people who claim to be "rational and modern thinkers". To make it very clear, the most coveted controversy over whether or not it is God can be assumed as a basis for saying that the existence of such things as God is a myth. But this is not the topic of interest. Are religious / spiritual / social practices and some customs myths? This is the question I am trying to answer. So, the debate about theist versus atheist is completely out of the scope of the current context.

The idea of ​​always calling some common practices superstitious is because they (so-called "rationalists") say that they can find no scientific evidence to convince themselves of having a reason to follow customs. But on the other hand, one can not neglect the fact that "Science" also has its own limitations. Even today, in the "digital age" of the 21st century, there are so many observations on the planet we live on, which are mysterious. "Science" or "Scientific research" still cannot explain or understand many such events. The following are some of the mysteries:

• The Bermuda Triangle is a place across the North Atlantic Ocean, off North America, where around 50 ships and 20 aircraft have been reported missing.
  • Compass is said to swing in the area without pointing in one direction. Supernatural theories were speculated to explain this.
  • US Coast Guard and Maritime Associations reject these theories on the grounds of the lack of evidence that the crashes were caused by "extraordinary factors"
  • Some tried to give scientific reasons to explain the compass behavior and lack of cases of transport, but they failed to provide any conclusive evidence, and therefore became scientific theories
  • But to date there is no probable rational theory or the one theory that explains the mystery behind this "Devil Triangle" concretely
• The missing Malaysian Boeing 777-200ER, with 239 residents flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing March 8, 2014
  • Shortly after the plane took off, there was a loss of communication between the plane and the ATC (Air Traffic Control) base station
  • After entering Vietnamese airspace, the plane disappeared from the secondary radar. Even four hours later, the stated landing time in Beijing, there was no response from the plane, nor was it caught on any radar. It was later found that the plane was flying for 6 hours after disconnection
  • The search to find this missing plane was launched with international aids from countries such as India. It was the most expensive search in aviation history. Few debris was found near the French island of Reunion in the western Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius in 2015 and 2016
  • But the findings from the Inmarsat satellite and debris from the plane proved to be of no use, as there was no concrete evidence to explain what actually caused the disappearance.
  • The search ended after four years when the Malaysian government issued a final report in July 2018 which was incomplete and admitted that there has been a mechanical fault which is obvious as there was a loss of connection in the air
  • But the real reason behind the disappearance remains a question mark
• Pandemic due to Corona Virus that started in China by the end of 2019 swept the entire globe and was stopped by March 2020
  • From then until today, all countries are trying to fight and adapt to the new norm with Covid-19 restrictions in place and closures being imposed from time to time
  • This placed a serious economic burden on all countries, and the effect is still felt, as the threat to life remains on
  • I live in the most advanced age of science and technology, and I bet no one expected people to save lives by wearing masks and cleaning everything up constantly. But it happened
  • Researchers and researchers around the world are currently studying the virus and have succeeded in producing vaccines
  • But while the vaccine was given to the public, there were side effects, and some were unfortunately fatal
  • Hopefully, after ongoing research, it will be a perfect vaccine and one day the world will return to its old normal with everything back in place

Thanks to Science and Technology. Given the facts, from the "Stone Age" to the current "digital age" for mankind, it was only the scientific findings and inventions that continued to civilize and develop our society. While the above are few quotes where the most rational sciences, technologies or mathematics failed to prove their reasoning and theories. In order not to blame these subjects or those who believe in them, the section above was only aimed at highlighting the possible cases of "Science and Technology".

Are ancient Indians magicians?

There are certain magnificent facts that make me believe that ancient Indians could have been very thoughtful and intelligent. But they gave away their knowledge without much history to it, that it seems to me that they were magicians who never revealed the secrets behind their tricks. Therefore, we can not easily decipher the thorough meanings and messages they have left behind in the years to come. Some of the facts below may make you believe this

Giant temples were built with the tower (Kumbh / Kalasam) filled with "Navadhanya" meaning nine grains (Barley, Finger Millet, Kodo Millet, Foxtail Millet, Little Millet, Rye, Horse Gram, Corn and Paddy) and covered with a metal alloy (a combination of gold, silver, brass, copper), Lead)
• The enormous spacious structure was laid to accommodate a large number of people during disasters
• The reason for storing the food grains on top of the building was to save it from flooding, so that they can be used as seeds for next autumn
• This therefore helped people to survive even after natural disasters in order to rebuild and earn a living. The grains are refilled with fresh, once every 12 years during a function performed exclusively for this known as "Kudamuzhugu Vizha"
• The golden gourd is a good conductor of electromagnetic waves and acts as a lightning conductor that protects the surrounding areas
• Therefore, usually no buildings are constructed higher than the height of the kalasam of the temple. For example, Kalasam remained at a height of 50 meters from the ground, covering surroundings within a radius of 100 meters as a lightning protector
• It is also known to attract positive energies from the atmosphere, and cosmic energy is forced downwards due to gravity
• The mantras said and the bells ring, creating a vibration pattern in the atmosphere that will strengthen and radiate more positive energy
• The use of many flowers and incense sticks is to allow light breathing for the large crowd that gathers to worship God

• It was a common practice to sprinkle turmeric water in front of the house and then draw beautiful rangolis using rice flour at the entrance to welcome guests
  • This became a daily job for all households, and it was done by the ladies
  • It was and is believed that this will bring happiness and wealth to the home. That's why it's followed every day, even now
  • It is believed to welcome Lakshmi into the house - the Hindu goddess of wealth
  • But the scientific reason behind this is that turmeric will act as an antibacterial agent and clean the house's surroundings
  • The rice flour used for rangoli was to feed ants and the effect of the fingers, activates the motors of the wrists, improves the neurological system and helps to improve lateral thinking as the drawing has to do with connecting dots and strokes
  • Early in the morning, when the brain is healthy and stress-free, this activity usually helps to improve creativity and regulate blood flow in your body

• Almost all animals were and are worshiped as God or the transport of any god and holidays are called to thank the earth for the many resources nature has given us
  • For example, the popular Vinayagar / Lord Ganesh has the shape of an elephant face and human body
  • When things were related to God, people feared and undoubtedly followed the rules
  • These forms of worship should therefore encourage people to love nature and not harm them by hunting or destroying
  • There are festivals like "Thai Pongal", "Naga panchami" To emphasize and remind us of the importance of nature and appreciate our coexistence with other creatures

• Most rituals in Hinduism - the oldest way of life of all the ancient Indians are based on fire.
  • Just like living things, non-living things also matter
  • The five basic elements are known as "Panchaboothams", namely air, water, fire, land and sky
  • It is believed that "Fire" is the messenger to God, as it ascends above the earth to heaven, where it is believed that God is present (Mel-loham). So, fire grows on every auspicious occasion to seek the blessings of the Almighty
  • The fire pot is called "Homa kundam", it consists of bricks filled with cow dung or wood waste that is burned with ghee as fuel to offer burnt offerings
  • Scientists have proven that this process releases oxygen into the atmosphere and cleanses the body, when the smoke from "Homam" / "Havan" is inhaled, one can actually feel this refreshment after being on it
  • There is also a festival to celebrate fire - "Kaarthigai Deepam". It is celebrated by lighting lamps around the house, this falls in the winter time in November - December ("Kaarthigai" month in Tamil calendar).
  • Scientifically, it keeps the atmosphere warm when all households light lamps and it keeps the darkness away. Therefore, prevent animals or harmful pathogens from entering the house, which are most likely to occur in winter
  • Even today in Tamilnadu a massive lamp is lit in the mountains of "Thiruvannamalai" which can be seen from every house in the city
  • Thus, India is a country of festivals that celebrate deadly and immortal creations that help us live better and easier

• Fasting under "Ekadasi" This is the eleventh day of the lunar cycle from the full moon and the new moon days
  • This happens twice a month, every five days. It is said by the elders that one should fast these days by observing the importance of food and thanking God for it
  • One can have water, milk and fruit offered to God, called "Prasadam" on Lent
  • A specific menu is also prescribed the next day, "Dwadasi" which consists of many medicinal values ​​due to the dominance of ingredients such as Pepper to increase immunity, Sweet to provide immediate energy, and so on
  • The science behind this is to give rest to the digestive system. During sleep, almost many systems in our body can rest, but the digestive system never gets a break unless you take the time to detoxify it
  • Especially on the day of "Ekadasi", the air pressure on the earth is lowest, so it is the best time to cleanse the digestive system and intestinal system
  • When you eat the next day, the food menu is designed in such a way that your system will be able to absorb maximum nutrients to energize yourself

• Thus, from daily chores, to worshiping in temples, observing fasting, performing rituals at home and even celebrating festivals happily, there is much deeper, scientific significance to it than one can imagine
• The list continues to expand as you try to answer all the questions about why they are supposedly called "myths / superstitions" must be followed

Research before burying customs / practices and mysterious anthropology

• Only the irrelevant practices and customs whose purpose is solved but still followed are myths.
  • For example, after buying a new vehicle, people decorate it with flowers, turmeric paste applies on the front. Lemons are kept underneath, which must be pressed against the ground before being rolled out for the first time
  • This custom was followed in ancient times because animals used to drive vehicles, ie ox-carts, horse-drawn carriages and so on. So when lemons are kept underfoot before driving long distances, it acts as a disinfectant when the legs are blown as they drive through the woods
  • Using turmeric paste and decorating them with flowers also had similar medical causes
  • But this is an irrelevant practice today, as our vehicles drive on tires. Therefore, it is unnecessary to follow these now
  • So this can be called a "myth / superstition" from today's world
• As much as we can not deny the fact that the discovery of fire and the invention of wheels have revolutionized human life, so much so that we must also agree that science was mixed or rather the basis of spiritualism which played an important role in Hinduism, which was the only way to live in ancient India
• What one can observe and prove becomes a fact, but the evidence is again man-made. It's all based on theories and facts from the past.
• Because there are facts that cannot be explained with science, would you call science itself a myth?
• Some spiritual practices have a scientific basis, and science draws its history from spiritual, religious priests who were also ancient scholars
• In India, "Guru" was a term that defined a teacher as a person who imparts knowledge and wisdom to their school called "Gurukul", very similar to the boarding schools these days, to allow them to learn life values ​​such as obedience, independence, practicality. learning and so on
• When ancient Indians considered education to be a healthy process in the modern world, it has become very channeled and narrowed down to just gaining information and knowledge
• In this evolutionary process we may have lost valuable information about practices and common events / beliefs that are part of the Indian lifestyle to this day
• So let's not abolish such common practices / beliefs in any part of the world for that matter, unless we have done enough research to prove that the practice is irrelevant
• Why are we asked to mumble "Rama Rama" while it gets brighter? Why should we perform certain customs? Trying to answer such questions that arise will help us to know more about the science hidden within it
• It is worth noting that in recent times Vedic mathematics, Vedic science and other traditional studies such as yoga (a form of exercise), Siddha, Ayurveda all regain popularity. Everyone is now learning to relax the ancient truths and crucial facts that realize the value
• Thus, it is the duty of all who are born on earth, to convey the mother's nature and the invaluable assets of culture, knowledge, legends, customs, practices and traditions together with the history of these to future generations, so that they can most possible out of life