Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 18: On the occasion of Deepavali festival, ‘Thaila Abhyanjana Shastra (oil bath)’ was performed at Srikrishna Math here on Wednesday, October 18.
The tradition of taking oil bath during Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali is followed by Hindus. This ritual is known as Neer Thumbuva Habba to denote collection of water for bath in Karnataka and Abhyanga Snan in Maharashtra. In other regions, the oil bath tradition is also followed during Diwali celebrations.
The oil bath on Naraka Chaturdasi and Deepavali symbololize new beginning and getting rid of ego, anger, fights, pride and jealousy and a fresh new beginning. It further connotes physical cleansing of the body and a spiritual purification of the mind for getting closer to God.
Legend has it that Lord Krishna, after witnessing Satyabhama annihilating Demon Narakasura, took an oil bath to get rid of the blood spattered on his body.
Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar math, Sri Vidyasagarateertha Swamiji of Krishnapura math performed ‘Abhyanjana’ under the guidance of Vedamurthy Purohit.
After the oil bath, Sri Vishwavallabha Theerta Swamiji of Sode math and Sri Vishwaprasanna Swamiji, junior Swamijii of Paryaya Pejavar math, played Kabbaddi at the dining hall along with some other inmates of the math.
Vishwaprasanna scored well in the game through his super raiding kill which defeated the opposition team. The game was played not as per the traditional requirements, but it is believed that this game is good for physical exercise.
According to the ritual, ‘Abhyagana Snana’ is applying oil on the whole body and massaging it till it is absorbed by the skin before sunrise and then taking bath in hot water.
Scientifically, ‘Abhyanga Snana’ consists of an oil massage to facilitate the absorption of oil in the skin. Once the oil has been absorbed in the skin, hot water bath is taken. Applying oil to the skin helps it to improve its elasticity and gain in radiance. Hot water is auspicious and pleasing for the body.