New Delhi: One of the hallmarks of Indian culture and tradition is touching the feet of elders to show respect. The tradition has been in vogue since the Vedic period which it was known as Charan Sparsh. In an Indian household, children are taught very early in their lives to touch the feet of elders, be it father, mother, grandfather or grandmother to show their respect.
In the epic Mahabharata, Yudhishthira said that when one touches the feet of the elders, it gives the person strength. As per the great and wise Rishis, touching the feet of elders gives strength, intellect, knowledge and fame. One thing which may surprise you is that Charan Sparsh is backed by science and is also a form of exercise.
How to properly touch the feet of elders?
While touching the feet of an elderly person, bend the upper half of your body but not the knees. Extend your arm forward with the head between them to touch the feet of elders. Always touch the right toe of the person with your left hand and their left toe with your right hand. The elderly individual will then keep his or her right hand on your hand and shower blessings on you.
What is the science behind touching the feet?
Negative and positive energy
According to reports, there are negative and positive currents in the human body. The body’s left side reportedly carries negative current while the right side carries positive energy. By touching the feet of another person, the two bodies are connected and it creates a complete circuit of positive and negative energy.
The receptor and giver of energy
The nerves from the brain are present throughout the body. Some of them end at the toes of the feet and the fingertips of our hands. As per reports, when we touch our fingertips to the feet of an elderly person, it connects the energies of the two bodies. Fingers and palms receive energy and feet of the elderly person gives energy.
No ego
We keep aside our ego and negative vibes while touching the feet of an elder. The elder touches our head with affection and blesses us, and thus, positive vibe is transferred to us through their hands and toes.
Blood circulation
When we bow down and touch the feet of elders, it increases blood circulation to upper body parts which improves skin and hair health. Also, the Charan Sparsh acts as an exercise for our feet, waist and upper body as we bend and touch the feet of elders.
Disclaimer: This article explores the cultural significance and traditional beliefs behind touching feet in India. It is for informational purposes only.
Charan Sparsh, the Indian tradition of touching elders’ feet, is deeply rooted in culture and surprisingly, supported by science. It is a gesture of respect, transferring positive energy through a circuit of positive and negative currents in the body. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
