From “In Indian Culture, Why Do We…” by Swamini Vimalananda Radhika Krishnakumar.
Copyright: Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Chinmaya Mission UK, www.chinmayauk.org
Copyright: Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Chinmaya Mission UK, www.chinmayauk.org
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject – academic or spiritual – was considered divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula.
The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we pray:
Saraswati namasthubhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaaO Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
I prostrate to You before
starting my studies.
May You always fulfill me
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaaO Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
I prostrate to You before
starting my studies.
May You always fulfill me