Hindu Rituals - Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

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The morning begins with the Hindu Rituals :

6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

In our Hindu Religion, it is believed that books and papers are considered as the gifts from Goddess Saraswati,who bestows us with intelligence, and memory power,etc. So if we happen to step on it even by mistake, we touch it and and our hands automitically goes to our eyes as a gesture of apology to Goddess Saraswati.



Goddess Saraswati


To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the guru in the "gurukula".

The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies,
we pray:

Saraswati namasthubhyam Varade kaama roopini Vidyaarambham karishyaami Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of Boons and fulfiller of wishes, I prostrate to You before starting my studies. May you always fulfill me.

Saraswati Pooja

Location: Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Comments

VICHI said…
Yes. Right from very young age children are taught to respect books, paper, pencil, pen etc. I wonder if this practice is followed in other countries.
9:41 PM
Ashnfire said…
It is such a wonderful practice and such reverence offered to Mother Saraswati! It is no wonder that a lot of brilliant masterminds are still very much Indians. The age old practices formed by our ancestors left such deep impact on our minds. Humble prostration ma to our ancestors, Gurus, elders and all those who have shaped me into who I’m today. I feel so blessed.
8:01 PM
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