Priests at a Varanasi temple do much to instigate soul-searching.
By ET Bureau |
At the Shiva-Parvati temple at Sigra, Varanasi, the priest has put pollution masks on the deities. The picture of the idols wearing masks is redolent of the piquancy of the clash of modernity with tradition and resonates with the eclecticism of Indian tradition.
Gods never wore masks to keep suspended particulate matter out of their system, even though smoke from oil lamps and burning incense was commonplace in their sanctum sanctorum.
पर्यावरण की भयावह स्थिति को देखते हुए वाराणसी के सिगरा स्थित मंदिर में पुजारी हरीश मिश्रा और भक्तों ने बाबा भोलेनाथ… https://t.co/TyINNOdLTW
But, then, do gods need protection, leave alone their images made of base element? Aren’t these metal, clay or stone idols mere representations of metaphysical verities immune to physical harm? By venturing to offer them protection, is the devotee overstepping his station visà-vis the gods? After all, if gods do need protection, and mere humans are capable of providing it, it does invert the roles of the protector and the protected.
Another way to see the matter would be as pure metaphor, since even gods themselves are illusion, or Maya, meant for the convenience of those too ignorant to grasp the truth of Brahman, the only reality that manifests itself as everything that moves or is inert and manifests as the creator or creation. Idols are metaphor, even the masks on them are metaphor, a token of human love for the divine. Masks on gods do serve to provoke reflection beyond a transactional prayer.
Pollution On The Rise: These 6 Common Mistakes Are Hurting Your Health
1/7
Delhi has, once again, been transformed into a gas chamber, with its residents suffering greatly.
According to the government's air quality monitor, SAFAR, the overall AQI (Air Quality Index) in the National Capital, on the day after Diwali stood at 506, touching 999 at 4 am.
The perpetual smog in the air is leading to numerous health issues, including:
- Dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Hypersensitivity and allergies
- Sinus congestion
- Coughing and sneezing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
As the problem persists, we asked Dr Piyush Goyal, senior consultant, pulmonology and critical care at Gurugram's Columbia Asia Hospital, to help us decode some common mistakes that people make that may be worsening the effects of pollution.
Delhi has, once again, been transformed into a gas chamber, with its residents suffering greatly.
According to the government's air quality monitor, SAFAR, the overall AQI (Air Quality Index) in..
Read More
While exercising is an essential aspect of life, dire situations call for dire measures. Your daily morning walk may do more harm than benefit in these extreme weather conditions.
For the upcoming days, refrain from any outdoor activity to ensure for the sake of your health.
While exercising is an essential aspect of life, dire situations call for dire measures. Your daily morning walk may do more harm than benefit in these extreme weather conditions. For the upcoming da..
Read More
The air quality has deteriorated to such an extent that remaining outdoors for more than an hour can cause immediate irritation to your respiratory system.
While we can’t avoid leaving the house, it is prudent to wear mandated masks- N95/99, while stepping out.
The air quality has deteriorated to such an extent that remaining outdoors for more than an hour can cause immediate irritation to your respiratory system. While we can’t avoid leaving the house, it ..
Read More
While outdoor air pollution is a grave issue, what’s worse is that indoor air too affects your respiratory system at a rapid scale. To combat this, it is important to ventilate your home, especially closed spaces such as the kitchen and washrooms.
Make sure you have an exhaust fan installed for the kitchen and bathrooms, as this helps in air recirculation, improving the air that you breathe.
While outdoor air pollution is a grave issue, what’s worse is that indoor air too affects your respiratory system at a rapid scale. To combat this, it is important to ventilate your home, especially ..
Read More
Thinking that you can avoid the pollution outdoors by maintaining bare minimum ventilation at home is bad not just for you, but also for your loved ones.
It is important to open let your house breathe. However, avoid doing so during peak pollution hours, and rather open the windows and doors between 3 pm-5 pm, as the pollutant level is generally low during this period.
Thinking that you can avoid the pollution outdoors by maintaining bare minimum ventilation at home is bad not just for you, but also for your loved ones. It is important to open let your house breath..
Read More
Certain practices, passed over from our grandmothers, can be beneficial during this period. Choosing modern remedies and discarding traditional ones isn't always the smartest choice.
Inhaling steam is an important aspect of respiratory purification as it helps in relaxing your air-passages while removing the harmful particulate substances. Try taking steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil regularly in the evening and you’ll see the difference.
Certain practices, passed over from our grandmothers, can be beneficial during this period. Choosing modern remedies and discarding traditional ones isn't always the smartest choice.Inhaling steam is..
Read More
Maintaining one's private garden has various benefits, with air purification being one of the primary ones.
So, go all out when it comes to bringing the garden into your home. Several indoor plants are excellent air purifiers.
If you're looking for names, Aloe Vera, Ivy and Spider plants can be of great use to the respiratory system as they help purify indoor air.
Maintaining one's private garden has various benefits, with air purification being one of the primary ones. So, go all out when it comes to bringing the garden into your home. Several indoor plants a..
