K.V. Singh - Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings

F rom a very early age, Hindus are introduced, and encouraged, to follow the various rules, rites, rituals and religious practices that seem to lie at the heart and soul of Hinduism. More often than not, these are blindly followed because our elders have been observing them and because we are told that we must follow them too. But most of us are unaware of the science behind the rites; there are logical explanations for all the dos and dontswe are simply not aware of them. Since no one has explained to us the rationale, the science and the logic that lies at the core of these religious practices, we are not to be blamed for our ignorance. Our parents, teachers and the pundits themselves are usually unaware of the truth. In the absence of appropriate knowledge about rituals, we conveniently call them superstitions without realizing our ignorance. Therefore, it is but a necessity that we understand the reasoning that guides the rituals and rites.

Most religions of the world came into being on account of the wonder and fear factors. Hinduism, however, had its genesis in questioning the existence of man: Who am I? Where did I come from? What is the aim of my life? Why was I born? Is there life beyond death? The ancient undiluted and unpolluted Sanatana religion was based on reasoning, the tool of modern science, and not on myth, as some may think. However, as time passed, people forgot the basic facts of Hinduism, and its rediscovery is useful for not just those who regard these rituals as meaningless but also for those who follow them unquestioningly.

Hindu rituals have two aspectsphilosophical and scientific. We must understand them both to completely comprehend their true significance.

A sincere attempt has been made in this book to present hitherto unexplained facts about some of the rituals that are commonly followed by us in our day-to-day life, and the rationale behind each of them. It is hoped that readers will find these revelations enlightening and interesting, and take pride in what they do and why they practise those rituals.

It is also true that in this day and age of the Internet, with hectic lifestyles and instant gratification being the norm, most of the old traditions and rituals cannot be practised in the traditional way. Notwithstanding this unpleasant reality of modern age, a genuine effort may be made to unravel the principles behind these rituals, so as to follow them in their true spirit and not simply as a matter of tradition.