தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்.
The concept of prostration/namaskaaram exists in some form or other in all the major religions of the world. It signifies an act of reverential submission to a supreme being. In our culture, prostrations are also performed to show respect to teachers, elders and religious leaders.
There are multiple types of prostration/worship defined in our tradition. Some are as below:
- ashtaanga namaskaara – eight body parts touching the ground – feet, knees, hands, chest and chin
- shaashtaanga – six parts – toes, hands and head
- panchaanga – five parts – knees, hands and forehead
- dandavath – stick like – bowing forehead down and touching the ground
- pranaama/namaskaara – salutation – folded hands and bent forehead
The pranaama form is a kind of mudra (hand gesture) known as anjali mudra, where the palms are joined together and held at the level of their chest. This is the most common gesture of salutation that can be made equally before a deity, saints, elders, peers and common folk. The other forms are used before Gods, elders and spiritual Gurus.
In general, prostration to elders and learned men are done to seek blessings from them. In Mahabharata, Lord Yama (God of Righteousness) came in the form of a divine being (a Yaksha) and questioned his son Yudhishtra on how a person can become great and powerful. To which, Yudhishtra responded, ‘ A person can become great and powerful by devotedly touching the feet of parents, teachers and elders and by serving them until they are content ‘.
When we prostrate, we exhibit humility and respect. It symbolizes our acknowledgement of their love and the sacrifices they have done for us. This evokes good wishes and blessings from them. Prostrations can be done daily or on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. This tradition is also an indication of how we have been valuing family ties in our country. In certain groups, prostration is accompanied by Abhivaadana (to introduce oneself through his family lineage and other social details).
While the norm is for the younger people to prostrate towards elders, there are some exceptions. For example a king or a ruler, would have to prostrate before a spiritual master who might be inferior to him in social and economical status. Disciples learning from a Guru will have no hesitation doing so to their preceptor even if the person is younger. Similarly a Sanyasi (an ascetic) is not required to prostrate to any human being other than his guru and his mother.
Benefits of performing prostration
When we choose to prostrate in front of a person, we automatically contemplate and imbibe the qualities of the person in front of us. Doing this regularly will help us emulate the person’s good qualities. It also results in making us feel more humble and help in reduction of our ego. It takes a lot of effort to admit that someone is better than us and can lead us in the spiritual journey.
To the person who is receiving the prostration, he automatically becomes a granter of wishes as his sense of compassion is enhanced. Once again, in Mahabharata, during the onset of the war Yudhishtra got down from his chariot, walked to the opposition army and sought blessings from his elders like Bhishma, Dronacharya and Kripacharya. Even though fighting against Yudhishtra, this simple act from him triggered blessings from them which was another reason the Pandavas could win the war. Thus a simple gesture can have a great effect on history. Finally the physical effort involved in prostration also serves as exercise and promotes vigor, enthusiasm and focus.
Considering the huge rewards offered by prostration, it is a good idea to introduce/imbibe this practice in our kids. Not only will this gesture get them blessings from the elders, but also will rejuvenate and bring a spark in the lives of the elders too.
