Copper: The Sacred Metal - Its Importance Revealed

Table of content-

• Introduction

• The Vitality of Copper: An Essential Element

• Copper is a sacred metal

• Symbol of Purity

• Offerings to the Gods

• Ayurvedic Connection

• Understanding the Three Doshas

• Vata Dosha

• Pitta Dosha

• Kapha Dosha

• Copper: Tracing its Mention in Ancient Text

• Charaka Samhita

• Sushruta Samhita

• Ashtanga Hridaya

• Other Important Text

• Vibrational Resonance

• Conclusion

• Frequently asked questions

Introduction

India, full of ancient traditions and cultural heritage, is famous for the intelligent use of metals since time immemorial. Copper holds a special place among these metals. It is said to be related to the planet Sun. The red hue of copper metal is comparable to the color of the sun's core. Its reputation as an essential object in rituals has been established because of its purity, spiritual power, and longevity. Copper is used as a serving vessel in many rituals.

The Vitality of Copper: An Essential Element

Copper as a Sacred metal

Copper, with its lustrous appearance and chemical properties, has been revered as a sacred metal in Hinduism since ancient times. Equipped with purifying properties, it is prevalent in both physical and spiritual forms. Due to its lively and warm nature, copper resonates with divine energy and is reminisced in the form of an ideal metal for religious practices. It is used for making Abhishek Patras, Agnihotra sets, Havan Kund, Pancha Patra, Himshikhar, and copper idols. Items made with copper increase the sanctity of the ritual.

Symbol of Purity

Maintaining purity is given great importance in Hindu rituals. For this reason, copper, which is an unadulterated metal, is popular as a serving vessel. Due to the absence of any mixture, it helps clean the impurities both externally and internally. Whether it is water offered to Gods or water kept for self-consumption, in both these situations, copper equips the water with useful properties and makes it pure, and consumption of this water detoxifies the body. Copper plates, glasses, or religious symbols such as Sudarshan Chakra and Panchajanya, Sri Yantra, Shri Ganesh Yantra, and Vastu Pyramids are used for ritual purposes.

Offerings to the Gods

Copper's ability to attract positive energy and divine blessings makes it suitable for use as copper idols, yantras, chowkis, yagya kund, etc, in temples, homes, and in worship ceremonies. It is believed that flowers, water, and other offerings kept in copper vessels become sacred and help in the spiritual success of the ritual.

Ayurvedic Connection

Beyond religious rituals, copper also plays a vital role in Chikista Khestra or traditional medicines. In the ancient system of medicine or Ayurveda, copper is highly valued for its health benefits and is mentioned in many texts as the king of metals. There is written evidence in Ayurveda that the consumption of water stored in a copper vessel is beneficial for the three doshas (energetic forces) in the body; Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha. By automating the defects arising from the imbalance of Doshas, good health can be promoted by preventing various diseases. It is believed that by taking food in copper utensils one can control the Pancha Pranas (Apana, Samana, Prana, Udana, Vyana) and lead a healthy life.

Understanding the Three Doshas

1. Vata Dosha: Vata is a symbol of air or dynamic nature.

It governs creativity or flexibility, the flow of breath, cellular functioning, movement of tissues, movement of muscles, circulation, and functioning of the nerves of the brain and functioning of the heart.

2. Pitta Dosha: The dosha is associated with the transformative nature of fire.

Pitta is related to intelligence, the ability to think and understand, emotions and experiences. The Pitta governs the ability to sense and react to any situation and control body temperature.

3. Kapha Dosha: this Dosha is related to the binding nature of water.

Due to its binding ability, it provides strength, cohesion, and weightage to all cells. It is related to hydrating properties like the hydration of cells and nerves, which also lubricates the joints and provides moisture to the skin. Maintaining immunity and protecting tissues is also considered Kapha Dosha.

Copper: Tracing its Mention in Ancient Text

Charaka Samhita

One of the basic texts of Ayurveda, Charkha Samahita (a part of the Brhat Trayi) describes the properties of copper, basically the healing properties. Copper has been included in the category of Bhuma Ausadha or soil-derived medicine.

Here special emphasis has been made on the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties of copper. Known as Tamra (Sanskrit), this metal is believed to have the ability to modulate the Doshas (energetic forces), especially the Pitta dosha (it controls metabolism).

Sushruta Samhita

Many uses of copper have also been described in another important Ayurvedic book Sushruta Samhita. Here Tamra is described as Tamravarna. Copper, Tamra, or Tamravarna has been especially praised for its positive effect on the digestive system. It is believed that water stored in a copper vessel increases digestion, and appetite and helps in detoxification.

Ashtanga Hridaya

Many comments related to copper have been made in Ashtanga Hridaya, an Ayurvedic address related to Sage Vagbhata. Here importance of keeping water in copper utensils is explained. It is mentioned that keeping the medicinal mixture in copper utensils increases its properties and enables it to cure various diseases such as skin disorders, anemia, and respiratory problems.

Other Important Text

• Rasa Hridaya Tantra (7th century) described the kinds of Tamra in detail.

• Rasendra Chudamani (12th century) described the pharmacological action of Tamra, its Shodhana and Marana, and its use in Anaemia, Arshas, and Netra Roga.

• Rasaprakash Sudhakara (13th century) describes types of Tamra Shodhana, Marana, and remedial use.

• Rasendra Chintamani (14th century) described the styles of Shodhana, Marana, and Amritikarana of Tamra.

• Rasachintamani (15th century) described the special system of medication of white Tamra Bhasma.

• Rasa Paddhati (16th century) gave details of Tamra with a special system of Marana without mercury and its remedial suggestions.

• Tamra's Shodhana, Marana, and Amritikarana processes were described by Ayurved Prakash (17th century) and Rasa Tarangini (19th century).

Vibrational Resonance

Hindu rituals include performing homa, aarti, chanting mantras, and ringing bells to create a holy atmosphere. All these materials are made of copper. It is said that being the holder of sacred energy, the vibrational frequencies created by the ringing of bells in these religious activities increase the sattvic energy of the rituals. Because of this, the relationship between the worshiper and the divine deepens and a spiritual experience takes place.

Conclusion

The importance of copper in Hindu rituals honors its physical qualities along with its spiritual primal. Copper, an integral part of religious practices in India, is associated with purity and divine energy and promotes overall well-being. The presence of copper, shaping the spiritual landscape of the country, is deeply rooted in its presence in temples, sacred rituals, and cultural ceremonies. So next time you see any copper item, take some time to appreciate its uses and its integral part in the culture. Here the sacred metal is contributing to our good health for several generations and the next generation will also get its benefits.

Frequently asked questions -

Are copper utensils safe for daily use in cooking and drinking?

Yes, copper utensils are appropriate and safe for daily use if properly kept. Copper has detoxifying capabilities, however, storing the food for an extended length of time may cause various chemical reactions that have negative consequences.

What are the benefits of using copper utensils in daily life?

Copper is recognized for its ability to balance the Doshas (Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha) and control the Pancha Prana (Apna, Saamana, Prana, Udana, and Vyana). It infuses positive energy into the stuff held within it, increasing the material's goodness.

How should I care for and clean copper utensils?

Copper kitchenware does not require complicated cleaning methods to care for and clean. A simple combination of lemon and salt may clean and polish the copper item. If these natural materials are not accessible, regular dishwashing detergents can be used as long as the utensils are well-dried. Water that remains on the metal's surface might cause corrosion.

Can copper utensils change the taste of food and beverages?

When used properly, copper utensils do not alter the flavor or chemical balance of food, however acidic and alkaline foods can stimulate chemical reactions and cause certain alterations. It is advisable not to keep or cook acidic foods in copper utensils.

Are there any precautions or considerations when using copper utensils?

The directions for pure copper kitchenware are quite straightforward. It is not necessary to keep or cook acidic or alkaline foods in it. It should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. The utensil should not be exposed to excessive heat as this may cause the surface to melt. The precautions are less severe for copper-coated utensils with iron lining, as the iron lining protects the copper from direct contact with alkalinity, heat, or water.

Key Takeaways

• Copper is considered a sacred metal in various cultures.

• It has been used for religious rituals and artifacts.

• Copper vessels are believed to have health benefits due to their antimicrobial properties.

• The metal has aesthetic appeal, and its malleability makes it suitable for intricate designs.

• Copper's association with deities and divinity is prevalent in Hinduism and other religions.

• The article explores the historical and cultural significance of copper in India.