Astro Tips: Cleanliness has been given great importance in Hindu scriptures. Bathing is not only necessary for physical cleanliness, but it is also a symbol of spiritual and spiritual purity. It is clearly mentioned in the scriptures that it is mandatory to take bath before performing certain tasks, because without bath these tasks are considered inauspicious and their results are not achieved.
In Hindu religion, bathing is considered the first step of purification. According to Manusmriti Chapter 5 Verse 85, bathing purifies both body and mind, due to which the person is prepared for religion, work and worship. Bathing has also been described as the basis of purity in Vishnu Purana and Garuda Purana. Actions performed without bathing are considered impure, and they are not fruitful. Bathing not only removes physical dirt but also removes negative energy, thereby increasing the sattva (satvikta) of the person. Let us know that in the scriptures it is considered mandatory to take bath before doing which tasks?
Worship and religious rituals
It is clearly stated in the scriptures that bathing is mandatory before performing puja, havan, chanting, penance or any religious ritual. According to Manusmriti Chapter 2 Verse 222, worship without bathing becomes futile. Even according to Skanda Purana, worship of gods without purification is not accepted. Performing puja without bathing keeps the mind impure, and reduces reverence for God.
entry into the temple
It is considered mandatory to take bath before entering the temple. According to Bhagwat Purana Chapter 11 Verse 35, purification of body and mind is necessary before entering the temple. Entering the temple without bathing can affect the energy of the holy place. This rule especially applies to pilgrimage places.
yajna and havan
The essentiality of bathing has been emphasized in rituals like Yagya and Havan. According to Mantra 10 of Yajurveda Chapter 1, it is necessary to take bath before performing Yagya. Performing Yagya without bathing is considered impure, and one does not get results from it. The importance of bathing before Havan has also been mentioned in Garuda Purana.
cooking and eating
In Hindu scriptures, food is considered an offering to Annapurna. According to Manusmriti Chapter 5 Verse 139, one should take bath before preparing and eating food, because it maintains the purity of the food. Especially if food is being offered to God, it is also considered inauspicious to enter the kitchen without bathing.
auspicious work and rituals
Bathing is mandatory before auspicious functions and rituals like marriage, tonsure, naming, upanayana. It is mentioned in the Grihyasutras that bathing is necessary for purification during rituals. Performing these tasks without bathing reduces their classical importance. There is also mention of bathing before auspicious rituals in Vishnu Purana. Even the dead body is given a bath before being burnt after death.
Study of Vedas and scriptures
It is mandatory to take bath before studying the Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures. According to Mantra 4 of Yajurveda Chapter 2, purification of mind and body is necessary to attain knowledge. Studying the scriptures without bathing hinders the attainment of knowledge.
Pilgrimage and charity
One should take bath before going on pilgrimage and before doing charity. According to Skanda Purana, one gets the full benefits of pilgrimage after bathing. Similarly, taking bath before donating increases the virtue of charity manifold.
meeting gurus or saints
Taking bath before meeting Guru or saints is considered mandatory in the scriptures. According to Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 34, purity is necessary for service and respect of the Guru. It is considered disrespectful to meet the Guru without bathing.
Types and rules of bathing
Different types of bathing have been mentioned in the scriptures, which are Nitya Snan, Naimittik Snan, and Kamya Snan. In Manusmriti Chapter 5 Verse 86, taking daily bath every morning has been described as auspicious. While bathing ‘Om Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati. Chanting the mantra ‘Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jale’smin Sannidhi Kuru’ increases the effect of bathing.
Rules are given in special circumstances
In some special circumstances such as during illness or non-availability of water, alternatives to bathing have been given in the scriptures. It is mentioned in Garuda Purana that in such a situation, purification can be done by taking mental bath with the feeling of purity or by applying Tilak. However, under normal circumstances it is not advisable to avoid bathing.
Disclaimer: The information given here is based on the scriptures and beliefs and is being given for information only. Newshimachali does not confirm this.