In the last article, we looked at the scientific reason behind the fasts in Shravan. We have also seen that numerous fasts are observed during Shravan month and why non vegetarian food must be avoided. One distinctive aspect of the Shravan month is that we observe various Pooja(rituals) like Shravan-Somvar, Mangala-Gauri, Satyanarayan and Jivati which we do not see in any other month . Given that we have 11 more months, why have our traditions packed so many poojas into this one month? A lot of mythological stories have been told to explain this. There may be truth to these. However, living in the 21st century, rather than mythology, can there be a more scientific and rational approach to it? After thinking thoroughly, the answer to this question was found in Ayurveda’s Varsha Rutucharyaa!
In the last article I used the word ‘Durdin’. During the rainy season, many a times it rains incessantly. The weather is cloudy and gloomy. We feel lethargic and fatigued in such an environment. We do not feel like stepping out of the house. Such days are described as ‘Durdin’ in our old books of Ayurveda. It is advised to avoid working on such days. It is even mentioned to avoid studies. Our traditions have used such days beautifully through the medium of numerous pooja and rituals. Usually, everybody is busy with work. Because of our busy schedules, we are unable to devote time to such rituals and pooja. However, because of this weather in Shravan we do not want to go out of the house. Therefore, different pujas must have been advised during Shravan in order to make use of this free time in a truly auspicious manner.
Here, I am just trying to explain the relation between Varsha Rutucharyaa and the pooja in Shravan. In this pooja, there is a special feature. We use various garlands and flowers during other festivals. However, in this pooja, along with garlands and flowers, equal importance is given to the leaves(patri). In fact, these leaves are not very beautiful or fragrant like flowers. In spite of this, they are especially used in pooja due to their various medicinal properties. During the rainy season we observe various diseases like cough, cold, fever, vomiting, dysentery, slow digestion, worms in stomach, acidity and Asthma. The thought could have risen to stop these diseases which we observe during every rainy season. It led to the inclusion of these leaves in the Pooja. During this month, we would bring these leaves home for the Pooja. We could use it instantly if anybody falls sick. This is the scientific purpose behind using these leaves in the Pooja. Also, in the rainy season these leaves are fresh, and their properties are perfectly intact. Therefore, it shows good results.
We shall now look into the main leaves used in Patri. The Tulsi leaf is used in all Poojas and is also a favorite of Shri Satyanaryan. This leaf is the best medicine for the respiratory system. For diseases such as cold and cough, it is advised to have Tulsi juice(ras) along with honey. Tulsi leaf can also be chewed upon in case of sore or itchy throat. Tulsi Kadha or tulsi leaf extract is beneficial in treating cold and fever. Tulsi is beneficial in problems like loss of appetite, stomachache, worms in stomach. We can give Tusi juice frequently to Asthma patients to help with breathing. The same problem can also be solved using Aghada leaf which is offered to Magalagouri. The Parijatak leaf used in Pooja is also an excellent medicine for cold and fever. During the rainy season, many a times the root cause of fever is unknown. The kadha of Parijatak leaves is beneficial to treat such kind of fever or fever arising due to Malaria.
Plants like Dorli help in reducing cough and cold. Dorli is also used to reduce the problems caused by Asthma. Another remedy for such diseases is the Dhotra leaf. Inhaling the smoke that arises from burning the Dhotral leaf can reduce these problems as well. Aparajita or Gokarn is also one such beneficial plant. It reduces the Vaat, Pitta and Kapha doshas in the body. Juice made from Gokarni root is useful for removing cough from the body. The seeds of Gokarni are useful to treat problems such as enlarged tonsils. In case of Migraine, it is advised to put drops of the juice of Gokarni roots into the nose.
In this season, the digestive power of our body is slow. The Maka leaves in Patri are useful in improving digestive power. The juice of Maka leaves is an excellent remedy for the Liver. It can cure problems like lost appetite and indigestion. It is also useful in treating worms in the stomach. Bel leaves is another such an excellent medicine for the Liver. We can use Kadha or Churna of Bel leaves. The raw fruit of Bel is beneficial in treating loose motions. We can consume Muramba /Murrumba of Bel fruit. The kadha of Bel roots can reduce the Vaat Prakop occurring due to Varsha Rutu. Strong fragrant plants like Davana are useful in reducing fever and body aches . It is also useful for cough and cold. It helps in increasing appetite, treating worms in the stomach and improving the functioning of Liver.
Plants like Durva, Jai and Jui (variants of Jasmin) are useful in reducing the accumulation of Pitta occurring in the rainy season. Shami leaves also help in pacifying acidity. It also helps in stopping loose motions. All these plants have many more benefits. However, here we are discussing their uses for problems associated with the rainy season.
Whether we are carrying out our family duties or indulging in spiritual rituals, we need only one thing – our healthy body. It is important to protect ourselves from various diseases during the rainy season while performing various fasts and rituals. Therefore, we bring home all these plants that are used in various pooja. These, in turn, help us in maintaining our health. Friends, we have seen about Varsha Rutucharyaa. We have also seen the fasts and rituals during this season and it’s actual relations with Ayurveda’s Varsha Rutucharyaa. On this note I am ending this story of the month of Sharvan.
Dr Mayuresh Aagte
Note : Please use all the medications mentioned in this article after consultation with your doctor.