ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Hinduism is a religion that gives great importance to personification.
We consider wind as a representation of Vaayu Deva, the Sun as a symbol of Surya Deva, and the rain as an image of Indra Deva.
Similarly, pieces of equipment related to education like books, papers, pencils, musical instruments, pens, and even computers act as personifications of Saraswathi Devi, the Goddess of learning.
Imparting and acquiring knowledge are two fundamental elements of Hinduism.
From the ancient Vedic age to the present decade, people yearn to gain wisdom.
It is a significant factor in everyone’s life.
In ancient India, we could classify it as academic and spiritual.
Gurus teach their students from Gurukuls.
Nowadays, people divide knowledge into two categories.
They are sacred and secular.
Whether it be in the ancient context or the present scenario, education is an essential component, which everyone has to respect.
In Indian tradition and culture, parents teach their children from childhood several customs and beliefs. One such faith is that we should not touch books, papers, or any item that has educational value with our feet.
As per the ancient texts, our feet are the dirtiest parts of our body because we step on different things as we walk, and we cannot clean them every other minute.
As Saraswathi Devi resides in books and papers in the form of knowledge, touching them with our feet is akin to showing disrespect to the deity.
It can have negative impacts on our lives.
As evil karma will lead to wicked fruit, we need to take care of our deeds and focus on performing only good things.
Sometimes we may unknowingly touch a book, paper, or any other educational items with our feet.
In such a situation, what can be done? We can remove the sin with reverence and humility.
We can do the same by touching the paper or book with our hands and then placing it in our eyes as a sign of apology to the deity.
Significance of respecting books and papers: Respecting the things around us is essential.
Whether it be a living or non-living component, we always have to view them with regard. In Hinduism, touching our elders with feet is also considered disrespectful.
Here we will be looking into some of the significant aspects of respecting books and why we should not touch them with our feet.
- As per the Hindu belief system, Saraswathi Devi is picturized by holding the Vedas or the Puranas in her hands.
They were written in Talapatras or manuscripts written in dried palm leaves.
They are akin to books and papers.
As the Goddess of knowledge beholds them, it is sinful to disrespect the divine figure by touching them with our feet.
2. Another important belief in Hinduism is that the lord resides within ourselves.
When we touch books or papers with our legs, we are disrespecting the lord within us.
We can embrace the divinity in us by respecting knowledge and its providers.
3. When we stamp on books or any educational items, and we fail to apologize, it can have a negative impact on our education.
By paying respect to the books from which we acquire knowledge, it depicts our positive attitude and interest in learning.
It can please Saraswathi Devi, and you can move forward with your education.
4. During Saraswathi Puja, Dassera, and Ayudha Puja, one can pay our respects to Saraswathi Devi. Students and learners keep their books for Puja in temples or in their home altars during Saraswathi Puja.
During that time, devotees who have kept their books for Puja won’t read anything until they have taken their books back after the Puja.
It is a way of respecting the deity and also reassuring ourselves.
5. According to Vidya Vinayene Shobhate, the significance of knowledge is explained.
“Knowledge becomes useful for only he who is humble.”
As books and papers are sources of knowledge and wisdom, it is wrong to touch them with our feet.
We can acquire knowledge only with our humble nature that is possible by avoiding touching of books or papers with our feet.
We can invoke Saraswathi Devi, the Goddess of knowledge, by the recitation of these mantras. Firstly, sarasvati namastubhyam, varade kāmarūpiņī
vidyarambham karişyāmi, siddhirbhavatu me sadā
It is a prayer that one can recite before studying or acquiring knowledge.
Another prayer that can aid us in gaining the blessings of Saraswathi Devi is,
Ya Devi Stuyate Nityam Vibhuhairvedaparagaih
Same Vasatu Jihvagre Brahmarupa Saraswati
One can pay his or her respect to Saraswathi Devi by giving due regard to books, papers, and educational items, chanting or reciting the above-mentioned mantras, keeping books for Saraswathi Puja, and by having a pure heart.
It is important to not touch books with our feet as it is a sign of disrespecting the divine figure.
We have to respect books as it is a way of conveying our reverence to the deity.
Why we don’t touch books and people with feet?
In India one is taught from a very young age never to touch papers, books, or people with one’s feet. If the feet accidentally touch papers, books, musical instruments, or any other educational equipment, children are told to reverentially touch, with their hands, what the feet touched and then to touch their eyes as a mark of apology.
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?
To touch another with the feet is considered an act of disrespect.
Why is this so?
In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young age; never to touch papers, books and people with our feet. If the feet accidentally touch papers, books, musical instruments or any other educational equipment, children are told reverentially touch what was stamped with their hands and then touch their eyes as a mark of apology.
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Now a days, 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.
Books represents knowledge. The deity of knowledge is (Goddess of Learning) Saraswati. Touching the books with feet or kicking somebody’s school bag which contains books is considered sinful. It shows disrespect for Saraswati. The bad karma of kicking or nudging a book with the feet results in bad fruit; we do not gain knowledge. Our education suffers. We get less marks in school.
Similarly, one should not let feet touch any musical or educational instrument. Hindus respect every object from which knowledge is gained. Children in India respect even new notebooks, pens, pencils, etc., by taking them to their nearest mandir (temple) so that the pujari (priest) may sanctify them at Bhagwans’s feet.
If one’s feet accidentally touch a book or even a person, then one should mentally pray for forgiveness, as well as ritually bow down and touch that person’s feet as a gesture of regret and also ask him to pardon one. Such humility develops one’s character immensely. Additionally, knowledge becomes useful for only he who is humble, according to the Sanskrit sutra; vidya vinayena shobhate.
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, the 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 namasthubyam
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.
Children are also strongly discouraged from touching people with their feet. Even if this happens accidentally, we touch the person and bring the fingers to our eyes as a mark of apology. Even when elders touch a younger person inadvertently with their feet, they immediately apologize.
To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor.
Why is this so?
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living, breathing temple of the Lord!. Therefore, touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.
Thus, many of our custom are designed to be simple but powerful reminders or pointers of profound philosophical truths. This is one of the factors that has kept Indian culture alived across centuries.
The sastra (scriptures) also forbid touching the following with one’s feet: cosmetic pastes, bathing water, excreted matter, blood, mucous, spit and vomitted food (lying on the ground).
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the Lord! Touching another with the feet is considered the same as disrespecting the Lord within him or her. An immediate apology should be offered with reverence and humility. Even when elders touch a younger person inadvertently with their feet, they immediately apologize.
Because they respect these thing from which they learn. It is in nature of Indian to respect all the things either live or non-live from which they get benefits. They see GOD within those things. Books, Pens and other study materials are believed as GODDESS Saraswati by Hindus. Who is Goddess of Learning.
In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young age; never to touch papers, books and people with our feet. If the feet accidentally touch papers, books, musical instruments or any other educational equipment, children are told reverentially touch what was stamped with their hands and then touch their eyes as a mark of apology.
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Now a days, 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.
Why we don’t touch books and people with feet?
In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young age; never to touch papers, books and people with our feet. If the feet accidentally touch papers, books, musical instruments or any other educational equipment, children are told reverentially touch what was stamped with their hands and then touch their eyes as a mark of apology.
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Now a days, 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.
Books represents knowledge. The deity of knowledge is (Goddess of Learning) Saraswati. Touching the books with feet or kicking somebody’s school bag which contains books is considered sinful. It shows disrespect for Saraswati. The bad karma of kicking or nudging a book with the feet results in bad fruit; we do not gain knowledge. Our education suffers. We get less marks in school.
Similarly, one should not let feet touch any musical or educational instrument. Hindus respect every object from which knowledge is gained. Children in India respect even new notebooks, pens, pencils, etc., by taking them to their nearest mandir (temple) so that the pujari (priest) may sanctify them at Bhagwans’s feet.
If one’s feet accidentally touch a book or even a person, then one should mentally pray for forgiveness, as well as ritually bow down and touch that person’s feet as a gesture of regret and also ask him to pardon one. Such humility develops one’s character immensely. Additionally, knowledge becomes useful for only he who is humble, according to the Sanskrit sutra; vidya vinayena shobhate.
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, the 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 namasthubyam
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.
Children are also strongly discouraged from touching people with their feet. Even if this happens accidentally, we touch the person and bring the fingers to our eyes as a mark of apology. Even when elders touch a younger person inadvertently with their feet, they immediately apologize.
To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor.
Why is this so?
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living, breathing temple of the Lord!. Therefore, touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.
Thus, many of our custom are designed to be simple but powerful reminders or pointers of profound philosophical truths. This is one of the factors that has kept Indian culture alived across centuries.
The sastra (scriptures) also forbid touching the following with one’s feet: cosmetic pastes, bathing water, excreted matter, blood, mucous, spit and vomitted food (lying on the ground).
Why do we avoid touching books with our feet?
As a child and even with both of my children we were always told never touch a book with our feet. If by accident we stepped on a book we would always apologise. Recently my youngest stepped on a book whilst playing and my eldest son Syon said, “Dhiyan say sorry you just stood a book.. say sorry to Saraswati books give you knowledge”. I had not even told him that he must have got it from the Jai Jais lol!! This is what my belief and teachings actually has been, but I wanted to know more and find out The Jai Jais Way.
Hindus have always regarded knowledge as sacred and divine. Knowledge must be given the upmost respect at all times. Feet can be considered to be one of the most unclean part of our body a great effort is made to avoid steeping over someone, food, utensils or books. In Hinduism so many objects have their signs and symbolism which I am learning more and more about. Touching books or another human with your feet is considered the same as disrespecting the god or goddess within him or her. Yet in my previous blog I write about touching feet to seek blessings and connecting with the elder person. It is a custom to refrain from touching books, papers, money or people with your feet
As Syon has said and what my family taught me it is disrespectful to touch books with your feet, and has he made Dhiyan, so he made him join his hands and apologise to Goddess Saraswati. Apologising not just to the book but also Goddess Saraswati, the goddess or knowledge.
One thing I have learnt about my own personal Jai Jais journey is how. Hinduism personifies virtually every aspect of life. The wind is not just air blowing from high pressure to low pressure. It is a god, Vayudeva. The sun is not just a great nuclear reaction in space. It is the sun god, Suryadeva. Similarly, the rain is a god, the moon is a god, all the planets are gods and every other aspect of reality is subject to personification. Therefore, all things of learning: papers, books, musical instruments, pens, typewriters and even computers can be seen as an aspects of the Goddess of learning, Saraswati Devi.
All Things and Beings are Worshipful
In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young age, never to touch papers, books and people with our feet. If the feet accidentally touch papers, books, musical instruments or any other educational equipment, children are told to reverentially touch what was stamped with their hands and then touch their eyes as a mark of apology.
Instruments of Knowledge
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 Saraswati Puja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we pray:
Saraswathi 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.)
The Divinity in All Beings
Children are also strongly discouraged from touching people with their feet. Even if this happens accidentally, we touch the person and bring the fingers to our eyes as a mark of apology. Even when elders touch a younger person inadvertently with their feet, they immediately apologize
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living, breathing temple of the Lord! Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.
Thus, many of our customs are designed to be simple but powerful reminders or pointers of profound philosophical truths. This is one of the factors that has kept Indian culture alive across centuries.
Why Hindus dont Touch Papers, Books and People with the Feet?
For the Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. Therefore, one should be respected 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 habit of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the important place given to knowledge in Indian culture. From a very early age, this wisdom nourishes in us a deep reverence for books and education. That’s also why we love books, vehicles and instruments once a year, the day of Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, every day before starting our studies, we pray:
For the Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. Therefore, one should be respected 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 habit of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the important place given to knowledge in Indian culture. From a very early age, this wisdom nourishes in us a deep reverence for books and education. That’s also why we love books, vehicles and instruments once a year, the day of Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, every day before starting our studies, we pray:
Saraswati namasthubhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
Meaning: O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of Boons and fulfiller of wishes, I prostrate to You before starting my studies. May you always fulfill me?
Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young age, never to touch papers, books and people with our feet. If the feet accidentally touch papers, books musical instruments or any other educational equipment, children are told to reverentially touch what was stamped with their hands and then touch their eyes as a mark of apology.
Why do we not touch papers and people with the feet ?
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate 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 namasthuhhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirhhavatu 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.
Children are also strongly discouraged from touching people with their feet. Even if this happens accidentally, we touch the person and bring the fingers to our eyes as a mark of apology. Even when elders touch a younger person inadvertently with their feet, they immediately apologize.
To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why is this so ?
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living, breathing temple of the Lord! Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility. Thus, many of our customs are designed to be simple but powerful reminders or pointers of profound philosophical truths. This is one of the factors that has kept Indian culture alive across centuries.
Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet ?
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?