New Delhi, January 14 (IANS). It is coldest in the month of Magh. Hence, the incidence of cold-borne diseases also increases. At such times, the use of hot sesame seeds is considered very important in both religion and Ayurveda. In festivals like Makar Sankranti, Til Dwadashi, Ganesh Chauth, bathing, donating, worshiping and eating food with sesame seeds gives special virtue.
Vata dosha increases due to cold in the month of Magh, which causes dryness, pain and fatigue in the body. The hot nature and oily properties of sesame remove these problems. In religious scriptures, donating sesame seeds, bathing with sesame seeds and eating laddus made of sesame and jaggery in this month have been said to be very virtuous. There is importance of offering sesame laddus to Ganpati on Ganesh Chaturthi. At the same time, on Sankranti and Shattila Ekadashi, there is a description of using sesame seeds in six ways.
There is a tradition of using sesame seeds in six ways. First, take bath with water mixed with sesame seeds. Applying sesame paste on the body. Offering sesame seeds in havan. Donating sesame seeds to Brahmins or needy people. According to the rules of the fast, it includes eating dishes made from sesame seeds and drinking water mixed with sesame seeds or offering tarpan to the ancestors. By doing all these things a person gets physical, mental and spiritual benefits.
Religion says that those who are unable to take a river bath, should take bath at home by mixing sesame seeds, they will still get the full benefits of Sankranti. In Ayurveda, sesame is also called ‘Sarvadosh Hara’, because it nourishes the body and increases immunity. Consuming sesame seeds in Magh not only gives religious virtue but also proves to be a boon for health.
According to Ayurvedacharya, the nature of sesame is hot. It produces heat in the body, which keeps away cold, cough, joint pain and weakness caused by cold. Sesame seeds balance Vata and Kapha doshas, while may slightly aggravate Pitta, so use sparingly in summer. It is heavy, oily and nutritious, which provides moisture to the tissues and provides strength to the body.
Calcium, iron, vitamin E and antioxidants are found in abundance in sesame seeds. Eating sesame seeds daily or massaging with sesame oil strengthens bones, keeps teeth healthy and reduces hair fall. It keeps the digestive system healthy, relieves constipation and provides relief from gas-acidity of the stomach. Sesame oil softens the skin, helps in wound healing and keeps the skin young with anti-aging properties.
–IANS
MT/AS
