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Olai Chuvadi: Secrets of Indian Customs and Belief Systems (A Scientific Approach to Indian Customs, Observances and Practices)

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Item Code:	NAM808
Author:	Dr. Venganoor Balakrishnan
Publisher:	Addone Publishing Group, Thiruvananthapuram
Language:	English
Edition:	2015
Pages:	316
Cover:	Hardcover
Other Details	8.5 inch X 6.0 inch
Weight	450 gm

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Book Description

About the Book

Olaichuvadi verbally means palm leaf. All the traditional lore of ancient India used to be kept inscribed on chemically processed palm leaves, handled with piety and devoid of impurities. Thus Olaichuvadi began to represent the lore of ancient India passed over from generation to generation, which included codes of ethics, instructions on the observances and practices and the tradition at large, to be followed.

The title used for the book here, is quite relevant, for, it is nothing but an exploration on the worth and value of India's customs, practices and belief systems, which are seasoned by a highly ethical and philosophical approach.

Every entry in this book is in its essence, the legacy of Indian cult presented in subtle, vet simple tongue. Dr. Venganoor Balakrishnan's Olaichuvadi that originally appeared in Malayalam soared high in its massive appeal in a short time. Its translations into other Indian languages also turned out to be best-sellers in no time. Hence we bring out the English version for the benefit of the whole world for the ardent readers as well as the seekers of India's soul in her rich and varied heritage, in the sagacious rishi-dominant past, and highly scientific, yet saintly-looking tradition.

As publishers of a noble and unique work, we feel proud. However, we stand humble and modest before our expectant readers scattered over the world, submitting this great book for their approval and appreciation.

Foreword

Writing is a sort of meditation. One has to stay tuned to the subject in all its dimensions keeping the mind ob- servant, yet unbiased, analytical yet critical and receptive yet unprejudiced. The compilation of Olaichuvadi which called for a decade s research work and study of Indian tradition spread over rather a wide canvas, in its every aspect, to the very minute details of practices, observances and beliefs, effected a transformation of my very person. My career as an enthusiastic, aggressive and investigative journalist ceased; a rather serene, philosophical and metaphysically awakened person emerged within.

Compilation of Olaichuvadi that influenced and transformed me, sold out in lakhs, enchanting the readers with its awesome revelations and new realizations regarding the customs and practices they lived on hitherto.

I remain thankful to the Almighty who accorded me the strength to assume my role in this vast world. And I owe much to my publisher and readers as well.

Contents

1	Can mass prayer heal ailments	21
2	Will the faculty to forgive add to one's longevity?	22
3	Will meditation lead to salvation?	23
4	Why is crataeva leaf used in temples of Lord Siva?	24
5	Is getting up in the Brahmamuhoortha as prescribed by the sages beneficial to students?	25
6	Does peace of mind in turn contributes to a healthy body?	26
7	Why is gruel and ghee recommended for breakfast?	27
8	Is it advisable to plant night -blooming trees and plants near the house?	28
9	Is vegetarian food sathwika (substantial) food?	29
10	Is it right to say cooking is incomplete without turmeric added sufficiently?	30
11	Why is a feast without ginger curry incomplete?	31
12	Will coffee promote memory power?	32
13	Why should not one swing the leg?	33
14	After attending a funeral, is it advisable to enter the house without taking bath?	35
15	Do birds that avoid eating ants have longevity?	36
16	How is cat auspicious to a house?	37
17	Is mongoose enemy of snake?	38
18	Will the rays of the setting Sun add to one's charm?	39
19	Won't mother sea keep dead body?	40
20	Why were medicinal plants insisted on in houses?	41
21	Why should the house face East or North?	42
22	Can we set up kitchen in the Agnicon (South-East corner)?	43
23	Why should the bedroom be in the South-East direction?	44
24	Why is there window opening to the East, in the kitchen?	45
25	Why should not one sit on the door frame?	46
26	Why should we observe fasting?	47
27	Eating to the fill, you feel sleepy, why?	48
28	Why should not one place feet on a winnower?	49
29	Should we keep a kettle of water at the entrance of the house?	50
30	Has purity of mind and body anything to do with conception?	51
31	Why should we let a carrying woman listen to moral stories?	52
32	Will it be a girl-baby if the movement of the foetus is comparativey more?	54
33	Will a she-foetus accord a larger belly?	55
34	Why shouldn't we kill the ants bearing eggs and moving?	56
35	Why do we adorn a house with festoons of mango leaves during house warming?	57
36	Why is cow considered sacred by the Indians?	58
37	Why should we get up turning to the right?	59
38	On getting up, why should we sit chanting spells for sometime?	60
39	On getting up, why should we touch the earth with our hand and honour it first?	62
40	Why should there be a morning walk prior to a dip bath?	63
41	Why shouldn't we smear oil on the hair and body on days of fasting?	64
42	Is it advisable to apply oil on the body after a dip bath?	65
43	Is it advisable to walk bare-footed?	66
44	Should one face North East corner while brushing?	67
45	Why should one take oil bath?	68
46	Why should not one construct house while one's wife is carrying?	69
47	Why shouldn't carrying women watch trees being cut down?	70
48	Can we use comb on the head of the new born baby?	71
49	Why is Brahmi advisable for children?	72
50	Why should we write 'Ohm' on the tongue of the infant?	72
51	Should boys be given glowy names?	73
52	When should the rice food be given first to an infant?	74
53	Is it a sin to take bath in a tank belonging to another person?	75
54	Is the setting Sun as powerful as the rising Sun?	76
55	What are the timings one has to avoid looking at the Sun?	77
56	Should we bow and touch the feet of the parents in salutation of them?	79
57	Is it essential to. wear Tilak mark on the forehead ?	80
58	Sandalwood paste is not applied down the waist. Why?	81
59	Why one wears Vibhoothi (holy ash) ?	82
60	Is it advisable to. wear Vibhoothi all over the body?	83
61	Why do. we pluck Tulsi (basil) leaf and place it behind the ears ?	84
62	What is the use of visiting temple in wet dress?	85
63	Why should the shoes be remo.ved while entering the temple?	86
64	While entering temple, can men wear upper garment?	87
65	Can women enter temples during menstrulation ?	88
66	Why should one observe reverential circumbulation?	90
67	Why should not one complete a circumbulation around the Siva temple?	91
68	Why human voice is confined to chanting in temples?	91
69	Is Tulsi holy water effective?	92
70	In Hindu temples, the devotees are not permitted to touch the priests. Why?	93
71	Is flag postthe backbone of a temple?	94
72	Should banyan tree be circumbulated?	95
73	Is it advisable to. look at the Sun during eclipse?	96
74	Why should not one stand right in front of the idol and make prayers?	97
75	Is it advisable for women to. lie prostrated before the idol?	98
76	Will Gayathri chanting stir intellect?	99
77	Why should offerings given to the deity?	100
78	What is the relevance of the bursting of fire-works as offering to deity?	101
79	Women are supposed to offer Ponkal (a kind of sweet broth) to Mother Goddess. Why?	102
80	Why is the sounding of conch considered great?	103
81	Why is the sounding of a bell important?	104
82	Why is Thaazhampoo (flower of species of screwpine) not used in poojas?	105
83	You get divine grace even from the temple courtyard. Why?	105
84	Why do we need an interval before the foundation work of constructing a building, starts ?	106
85	'To err is human but to forgive is divine' Why is this proverb relevant?	107
86	Will too much consumption of salt make one thirsty?	108
87	Will stolen food cause hiccup?	109
88	Is falling and breaking of salt container a bad omen?	110
89	Why should one eat food, sitting?	110
90	Why is light supper prescribed?	111
91	Should we walk a little after supper?	112
92	Can a water snake "deny you supper?"	112
93	One should not sweep the yard at dusk or night. Why? "	113
94	Should we recollect the day's activities before going to bed?	114
95	Why should not one sleep with his head towards the North?	114
96	What is the right age for marriage?	115
97	Daughters-in-law are not sent to their house on Saturdays. Why?	116
98	What is 'Nishkramana Samskara'?	117
99	What is Choodakarma Samskara?	118
100	What is Upanayana Samskara?	118
101	Why should the rite ofVidyarambham observed?	119
102	What is 'Samavarthanam' ?	120
103	Will the baby start talking delayed if there is an early growth of teeth?	121
104	Will denial of feeding on milk cause hair fall of the newborn calf?	122
105	'Step on cowdung and you will get sweetmeat' . What does this saying mean?	123
106	Is the howling of fox a bad omen?	124
107	Should we take bath on seeing a bad omen?	124
108	Why should not we leave the bedroom windows open at night?	125
109	The papaya tree should not grow above the roof Why?	126
110	Does chameleon drink blood?	127
111	What is the use of scarecrow?	127
112	Why should not one plant a lime tree?	128
113	Can the split coconut be kept face up?	129
114	As the sugarcane blooms, its owner suffers. Why?	130
115	Will it rain if the frog croaks?	131
116	Should the tamarind tree on the South be preserved?	131
117	Frogs should not be thrown stones at Why?	132
118	It is not fair to call a man setting out on a journey, from behind. Why?	133
119	One should not cover the head while sleeping Why ?	134
120	Why should not children play with shadows?	135
121	Fasting on new moon day fetches blessing. Why ?	135
122	Why should not we observe fasting on new moon day Shashti ?	136
123	Will observance of Pradosha fasting please Lord Shiva ?	137
124	Why should women keep fasting on Monday and Friday?	138
125	Why should fasting be observed on Saturday?	139
126	On the day of fasting on Tuesdays the observer is not supposed to dig (cultivate) the land. Why?	140
127	While observing fasting on Wednesday, why should not one journey towards the North?	140
128	What observance offasting is prescribed for Thursday?	141
129	No return journey is auspicious after the setting of Hesperus. Why?	142
130	Why should one cover his face while sneezing?	143
131	Why should the corn seeds be soaked in milk?	143
132	Why should the Pisces in the Zodiac be considered in digging a well?	144
133	Pooja room (prayer room) should be constructed in Virgo in the Zodiac. Why?	145
134	Why should not one boast oneself?	146
135	Is dance more than an art ?	147
136	Is casting curse effective?	147
137	Why do we need festivals?	148
138	Is burning camphor useful in any way?	149
139	Can mustard seed tackle the effect of evil eye?	150
140	How did grandmothers solve the problem of aversion to food?	151
141	Should the bride be received with a lighted lamp?	152
142	Is the 'holy water' really effective?	153
143	Is it advisable to sleep with crossed hands resting upon the chest?	154
144	Should woman sit on man's left side?	155
145	Can the dog espy Yama dhanna, the messenger of death?	155
146	Is it a healthy practice to keep shaking the leg?	156
147	Can we go to sleep naked?	157
148	What posture of sleeping is prescribed for women?	157
149	Who are eligible to wear ochre dress?	158
150	What is the ethics of taking alms?	159
151	Day sleep of a woman and night sleep of a dog are alike. How?	160
152	Will there be water under the fig tree?	160
153	Will Koel (black Indian cuckoo) come if you eat licorice?	161
154	Gnashing of teeth brings harm. Why?	162
155	Is asparagus an all curing panacea?	162
156	Why should not one shirk supper?	163
157	Why should not oil lamp be placed on grinding stone?	164
158	Sitting on the grinding stone causes harm to parents. Why?	164
159	Eating uncooked rice will bring harm to mother. Why?	165
160	Don't talk while eat. Why?	166
161	Vacant grinding stone should not be worked. Why?	167
162	Do not carry a single coconut on head. Why?	167
163	Do not raise legs while lying face down on the earth. Why?	168
164	Carrying women should not step out of the house during night. Why?	169
165	Broom and winnower left together cause danger to the head of the family. Why?	170
166	Shoes should not be left face down. Why?	171
167	Don't sell cow on Tuesdays and Fridays Why?	171
168	Don't sit resting your head on hands. Why?	172
169	Don't eat burnt coconut. Why?	173
170	Three people should not go together on a journey. Why?	173
171	Butter milk and milk should not be kept side by side. Why?	174
172	Do not lend-seeds kept apart for sowing. Why?	175
173	Do not take bath while you are sweating. Why?	175
174	Do not eat while the evening prayer is on. Why?	176
175	One should not stay eating as a guest bids farewell. Why?	177
176	Telling riddles turns one poor. How?	178
177	Do not split firewood at dusk. Why?	178
178	Why should young children wear anklets made ofPanchaloha(alloy offive metals)?	179
179	Should charity begin at home?	180
180	The inner beauty must reflect on the face. Why?	181
181	Will talkativeness adversely affect longevity of life?	181
182	'Spot the star Arundhathi and you will not die soon'. What is the logic behind this belief?	182
183	Playing chess should not be promoted. Why?	183
184	Who all will remain unaffected by evils?	184
185	What is the most important duty of a father to a son ?	184
186	What is the concept oflove in our tradition?	185
187	How can we do away the hostile attitude of others towards us ?	186
188	What is the relevance of a sweet-tongue?	187
189	What should be the criterion of a favour done to a person?	188
190	Who never gets redemption?	189
191	Who is an ideal middle-man?	190
192	Which sore cannot be healed?	190
193	What supports man in his journey oflife?	191
194	What is the most unethical and sinful act?	192
195	What is the noblest of qualities?	192
196	How should we treat the evil-doers?	193
197	How does envy ruin one's life?	194
198	Whose wealth remains safe for generations together?	195
199	Young women are not allowed to assume asceticism in Hindu tradition Why?	196
200	Can women chant the spell' Ohm' ?	197
201	Why is Annadaana (free offering of meals) considered great?	197
202	What does the symbol ofTilak (mark on the forehead) represent?	198
203	What are the prescriptions for lighting the lamp for the evening prayer?	199
204	What were the different types of marriages prevalent in ancient India?	200
205	What is the symbolic significance of Kanyadanam (giving the girl in marriage to the groom)?	201
206	Facing what direction, one should take dip bath?	202
207	Should we dry the back first after bathing?	203
208	Why should wet vibhoothi (holy ash) be worn after bath?	204
209	Evil should be defended with virtue. Why?	205
210	Why should we save material wealth?	206
211	What is true donation ?	207
212	Why is kindness regarded as a noble wealth?	208
213	Why do learned men avoid eating meat?	209
214	What act of man is as noble as performing thousand Yagas ?	210
215	Why should we share our food?	210
216	What according to the holy books is the best of life's ethics?	211
217	What is the relation between non-violence and truthfulness?	212
218	What is termed a sinful virtue ?	213
219	Whose fate is poverty and chronic diseases?	214
220	How does Time interfere in the day-to-day life of man?	214
221	What happens if you deceive your conscience?	215
222	When is a lie preferred to truth?	216
223	Will anger cause sorrow?	217
224	Why should we conquer the emotion of anger?	217
225	What should be the role of money in a man's life?	218
226	Who all are supposed to observe penance?	219
227	What accounts for the increase in the number of the poor in the world?	220
228	What accounts for the degeneration of the present day world?	221
229	Why is desire the cause of misery?	222
230	Why is human birth very important?	223
231	What is the message of Bhagavatha ?	223
232	Why is the blessing of Guru (preceptor) important in a man's life?	224
233	What are the six evils in the character of man that cut short his longevity?	225
234	What is the path to salvation?	226
235	What is the advantage-of attaining Supreme Knowledge?	227
236	Why should we cure ourselves ofKama, Krodha and Ajnjana (Lust, Wrath and Ignorance)?	228
237	Who experiences incessant bliss ?	229
238	What are the advantages of colours?	229
239	Which colour dress is suitable for each day ?	231
240	What are the advantages of tender coconut?	232
241	What accounts for diseases?	232
242	What are the healthy habits prescribed by our forefathers?	233
243	How can we acquire peace of mind?	234
244	What are the don'ts prescribed by our forefathers?	235
245	As per the traditional prescriptions, what all we should hide from others?	237
246	What are the taboos on women?	237
247	What are the taboos for maintaining a healthy life?	238
248	What are some of the rare tips one should keep in his knowledge?	241
249	Will money and wealth compensate lack of education?	242
250	An illiterate person is like an animal- how?	243
251	Why is ear important in acquiring knowledge?	244
252	How do the words of learned men help us ?	244
253	What differentiates the qualities of an individual?	245
254	Which weapon safeguards one till the end?	246
255	Where does God abide?	246
256	What all are prescribed for the one who celebrates his birthday?	247
257	What are the' don'ts' for the one who celebrates his birthday?	248
258	Why should we use sesame oil in the prayer lamp ?	249
259	What is the relevance ofKaali-Sastha temples?	250
260	What is the glory of betel leaf?	250
261	What is the importance of the direction East?	251
262	What is the importance of the direction South?	252
263	What is the importance of the direction West?	253
264	What is the importance of the direction North?	254
265	What are the taboos in food habits?	255
266	What are some of the best combinations of food that contribute to our health?	257
267	What are the effect of serving food on plates- made of different materials/metals?	257
268	What are the effects of prayers submitted to different planets?	258
269	What were the five virtuous acts prescribed by Sage Vyasa that help the observer obtain salvation?	259
270	Why should we wear a ring in the left hand's finger?	259
271	How should we conduct the evening prayer?	260
272	What are the taboos with regard to sleeping?	261
273	Why is cowdung considered an auspicious object?	262
274	What is Agnihothram ? What is its benefit?	263
275	How does the performance ofAgnihothram help the plants?	265
276	How does Agnihothram help in the cure of those addicted to intoxicants?	265
277	What is the importance of Grihasthashrama ?	267
278	What is the importance of pilgrimage?	268
279	What is meant by Rishiyajnja?	269
280	What is meant by Pithru Yajnja ?	270
281	What is meant by Manushya Yajnja ?	271
282	What is meant by Bhootayajnja?	272
283	How do temples differ in their construction from the worship centres of other religions?	273
284	Why should we go to temple?	274
285	Why is the tank attached to a temple important?	275
286	What is the importance of circumbulating the deity?	276
287	What are the different yaarn (a term for a two-hour span of time)?	277
288	Who is a really reputed person?	278
289	Whose wrath one cannot survive?	279
290	Why should we lead an ethical life ?	279
291	What actually is one's ethics?	280
292	In what respects is a family-bound person greater than an ascetic?	281
293	What is India's traditional concept of a wife?	281
294	What does' heaven' represent?	282
295	What is the significance of omen?	283
296	What does the term 'Doota Lakshanam' stand for?	284
297	Why should we chant' Ohm Santhi, Santhi, Santhi' ?	285
298	What are practices? How can we distinguish between practices and evil-practices?	286
299	Is suicide permitted in Hindu tradition?	287
300	How should a dead body be treated?	287
301	What is Pancha Sirassu ?	288
302	What should we do with a deserted well?	289
303	What is wrong with maintaining two kitchens in a house?	290
304	What does the tradition say about selecting domestic and pet animals?	291
305	What is the role of house lizard in divination?	291
306	What effects are there if the house lizard chirrs from different directions on Sunday?	292
307	What effects are there if the house lizard chirrs from different directions on Monday?	293
308	What are the effects of chirring of the lizard for Tuesday?	294
309	What are the effects of chirring of the lizard for Wednesday?	294
310	How does the chirring of the house-lizard affect one's fortune on Thursday?	295
311	How does the chirring of house-lizard affect the fortune of a person on Friday?	296
312	How does the chirring of house-lizard affect the fortune of a person on Saturday?	296
313	What are the effects of house-lizard falling on different parts of one's body?	297
314	How can we decide on the gem one has to wear?	298
315	What gems are recommended for each star?	299
316	What are the gems recommended for cure of different diseases?	300
317	What are the things to be taken care of while collecting flowers for worship?	301
318	What are the flowers used in the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva ?	302
319	What is the effect of a girl attaining puberty on specific stars?	302
320	What are the different categories of fasting?	304
321	How is astrology different from other sciences?	304
322	What is a horoscope?	305
323	Why should we consider the compatibility of horoscopes in deciding on marriages?	306
324	What are the different types of piety?	307
325	How is piety compared to lust?	308
326	What is the significance of triangle in Indian spirituality?	309
327	What are the seven tongues of Agni (fire)?	310
328	What does the offering of breaking coconut before Lord Ganesha stand for?	311
329	What are the important prescriptions ascribed to a Hindu priest?	312
330	What are the shad-darshanas (six visions)?	313
331	What are Smritis?	314
332	What is Sruti?	315
333	What are Yanthras ?	315

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