Remedial Measures-- Bathing

Remedial Measures-- Bathing

Remedy by Aushadhi Snaan:- In the Hindu Religion, taking "bath" is considered as the most important daily ritual.  "Bathing" is defined in almost all Vedas, Upanishads, Suthras, etc. in many ways.   The early morning 4 O'  clock is considered as the most auspicious time in the Hindu Religion.  It is known as "Pratha Kala" or "Brahma Muhoortham" or the most  auspicious time.  Most of the "Rishis" (Saints) in olden days used to take bath in this hour and attained the sainthood.   "Parasara Smirithi" explains this very well as "rusheenaam rusheetha nityam prathas snanath na sam sayaha" i.e Saints always take bath well before early morning and start their daily rituals. As per the Upanishands, one has to follow certain methods while taking bath.  While taking bath in rivers one has to face opposite to the  water direction; in ponds, lakes where the water normally remain  standstill, one has to face the direction of Sun and during night hours  one has to face east or north direction.  While taking bath at home, well, etc. they should face east only. The Vedas and Upanishads further advise the Married people to take bath twice daily and insist Saints for bathing thrice a day.  However, the bachelor is allowed for bathing once a day.  This bathing "known as Snanam" (in Sanskrit language) is categorized in many ways. Vaaruna Snanam Taking bath in normal way in the luke warm or hot water.  Aagneya SnanamAfter normal bath, apply tilak on different parts of the body, while chanting various mantras.  Veeya Snanam For specific purpose, feel the wind when the Cow's tail is swinging.  This acts as remedy for certain bad Oman.  Prokshana Snanam While doing Nitya Karma viz. Sandya Vandhanam (Praising the Sun God and Goddess Gayathiri), and other Homams (hawan), dip Holy grass (known as Dharpas) and recite mantras viz. "Aabohishta mahabuvaha, etc." and sprinkle the water on head.  Mantra Snanam On certain auspicious occasion such as Birth day etc. keep water in certain specified vessel and continuously praise the Name (Japa) of God and offer Pujas (special prayer), etc. and take bath on this water.   On such occasions, the bathing is carried out by experts in the field of Vedas known as (Sastrigal).   Dhivya Snanam This is a very rare way of bathing and mostly done by Saints.   When there is a good rain along with sunshine, Saints take bath in the rainwater. Gowna Snanam When someone is not well or having fever, etc. but has to take bath as per the customs, he is allowed to take bath wetting his body expect head.   This way he may get relief from cold, etc but at the same time fulfilled his religious duty. Kaapila Snanam When someone is not well or having high fever and he/she is not able to take bath as narrated above, he is allowed to take a sponge or towel bath.   This way he can continue his religious duties without any hindrances. Nitya Snanam Normal way of bathing while at home on daily basis. Naimithiga Snanam Hindus should take bath during and after Solar/Lunar Eclipse.  Further, they should take bath if they are part of any untoward incidence and such bathing is done after offering certain prayer.  Kaamya Snanam For certain obligation and special purpose prayer, when someone takes bath at rivers Ganges, Sea or Mahamaham or any other festival places, is known as Kaamya Snanam.  Kriyaanga Snanam This is done before carrying out ceremonies for Pithrus (ancestors) or special Pujas, etc.  Malaharsha Snanam Oil or herbal bath  Kriya Snanam Taking bath at auspicious rivers, ponds, etc. Shethra Ganga Snanam Taking bath at ponds or lakes at important shrines, temples, etc. Vedas say, "Snana Moola Kriya: Sarvaa:" i.e. one should purify his body and soul by the various methods of bathing as defined above.  When someone could not take any type of bathing due to various reasons like, working in shift, overtime, working at atomic plants or any such occasion, Saint Yaagnyavalkiyar says that they should pray God and plead Him to purify their soul and body.  This is known as "Maanasa Snanam".