Decoding The Elements Of Rituals

Several notes dance to the lines of a pianist to form a symphony. Age-old customs and rituals too form a symphony of celebrations in our lives. Do you know that it takes several powerful components to bring fundamental meaning and effectiveness to any ritual? The importance of these constituents lies beyond scriptures and — your and our understanding combined.

Rice

‘Akat’ literally translates to unbroken, untouched or unhusked. It is believed to be the purest form of grain closely associated with the Hindu deities. The life-sustaining quality of rice makes it the most apparent symbol of abundance, auspiciousness and fertility. In Hinduism, unbroken elements are believed to invoke the purest forms of energy and spiritual vibrations. Conversely, the presence of any khandit (broken) element is often considered to divert positive vibrations away from our lives. When Gods are invoked, their energies are believed to get transferred into the rice present at the samsakaras. A small amount of rice is usually placed in the palm of the right hand during rituals that involve dhyana (concentration), vachika (recitation of mantras) and kayika (worship). The application of rice over vermillion on the forehead during Tilak is a simple way to shower blessings. Rice also significantly symbolises the transitional phase of an individual’s life and personality.

Rituals involving women, who are considered to be an embodiment of Lakshmi – the Goddess of wealth, cannot be completed without rice. Be it her transition into a wife during Saptapadi, her departure into the new life during Vidai or her arrival into her new home during Griha Pravesh – she is known to spread to prosperity and carry wealth wherever she goes, hence is showered with or upon with the sacred grain. Another form of rice, Laja (puffed rice), is correlated with the fulfilment of desires.

Coconut