During my visit to S3 Gaushala in Memphis, I made two presentations.  First one on the importance of Hindu Temples, comparison of Hindu Temples with human body and the differences between one and multiple gods.” The second one was about the science behind the traditions and customs we observe in Hindu Temples. We observe people applying a tilak, performing Pradakshana, witnessing Abhishekam, squatting in front of Ganesh, sipping a few drops of Theertham, listening to the chanting of Sanskrit mantras, performing Puja to the presiding deities, visiting multiple shrines, and following many other customs. Many of us keep wondering why we do all these things. Is there a meaning behind these observances, and can we explain these customs scientifically? Please read about the science behind applying Tilak on the forehead.
Kumkum/Bindi / Tilak is applied in the center of the forehead or on the sixth chakra, which is located between the two eyebrows. This spot is considered the Ajneya Chakra, the Commanding center. It is believed to be the converging point of major nerves. It is the junction where the highest number of neurons meet, hence described as the most important yet sensitive area. There is spiritual and scientific significance to the concept of Kumkum/Bindu /Tilak.    
This Center controls the entire body. This is the only Chakra exposed to the outside, while the rest are covered by either clothes or hair. This is the chakra that makes all the decisions. It is immensely important to protect oneself from outside forces or evil eyes. Maharishi Yagnavalkya said that this position is appropriate because Shiva's third eye is located here. 
 In fact, our scriptures say that a forehead without a Tilak is as good as a village without a well, a country without a river, a country without justice, wealth not given away as charity, a flower without a scent, etc.
The word Ajna translates to “command” or “perceive.” This reflects the idea that the third eye chakra guides our inner vision, helping us command our thoughts, choices, and insights. 
After applying Tilak, pure thoughts are said to emerge. The application enhances concentration, increases spiritual energy, and wards off negative vibrations, dispelling the effects of evil eyes. 
When you press the Ajneya chakra while applying Tilak, it activates the pineal and pituitary glands. 
These spots represent the body’s vital energy centers. Applying a Tilak is a small act with massive spiritual rewards. It reminds us that our life is sacred. It keeps us grounded while we aim for the sky.
Your pineal gland is a tiny endocrine gland in the middle of your brain that helps regulate your body's circadian rhythm by secreting the hormone melatonin. Your pineal gland’s main job is to help control the circadian (every day) cycle of sleep and wakefulness by secreting melatonin
The Pituitary gland, considered the Master gland, secretes hormones that regulate various body functions. It is critical for spiritual awakening and balance.
Theertham 
It means holy/sacred water offered or associated with a deity. When ingredients like cloves, cardamom and edible camphor is mixed with water and used in the Pooja of a deity for Padyam, Aarghyam and Achamanam, it becomes Theertham. This water becomes pure, sacred and holy after it touches Lord’s legs, hands, mouth and whole body.
According to one's samskara Balam (strength of character), he relates himself to God like father/mother, son/daughter, guru or friend. Anything offered to God has significance in its own way. Abhishekam is one of the known easiest ways to please Him or care for Him. 
(1) Theertham has become holy since it has touched the body of the god while holy mantras are being chanted. It can also be seen as one of the mediums to receive divine positive energy. 
(2) Theertham is a (herbal) medical composition for health benefits
(3) Theertham is special because of the purpose of Abhishekam like for health, wealth, peace of mind, removal of sins; different liquids like coconut water, milk, honey, and rose water are used.
We should note that the right palm is like a cow’s ear. The amount of water for consumption should be equal to the quantity of water just to immerse a black gram.
Water, Herbs, copper vessel, and Chanting Mantras are used in preparing Theertham.
Superbrain Yoga
Hindus perform squatting in front of Lord Ganesh request him to remove the obstacles in life. It is called Superbrain Yoga. This simple squat exercise offers benefits not just for young students, but also adults seeking brain wellness into their senior years and patients with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, or other development challenges and cognitive delays seeking normalcy and cures.
Superbrain Yoga looks simple. Hold your ears. Squat. Breathe. Repeat.
But behind this simple movement, there may be a useful brain-body connection. Here’s why it may help:

1. Improves blood flow - Squatting activates large leg muscles and may improve circulation.
2. Boosts focus - Coordinated movement + breathing can switch the brain into attention mode.
3. Uses both brain hemispheres - Cross-body hand positioning may engage bilateral brain networks.
4. Reduces stress - Slow breathing and rhythmic movement can calm the nervous system.
5. Builds discipline - Doing it daily creates a brain-friendly habit loop.

The Science Behind Superbrain Yoga
Based on the research of Dr. Joie P. Jones of the Dept. of Radiological Sciences at the University of California, exercise works using the body’s energy centers which absorb, digest, and distribute energy to different parts of the body. These primary energy centers are major acupuncture points. Acupressure energy points for the brain, eyes, forehead, mouth, ovaries, parotid, temples, and testes congregate around the area of the ear affected by pressure from the exercise. In addition, the finger pads used in the exercise stimulate neuropathways into the brain by activating acupuncture points on the earlobes. According to Dr. Jones, after doing the exercise, an EEG scan shows the right and left hemispheres of the brain have synchronized. When done correctly, the Superbrain Yoga exercise helps the energy trapped in the lower energy centers move up through the physical body’s other major centers. As the energy travels upwards, it passes through the practitioner’s heart centers and fills it with feelings of calm and inner peace. When the energy moves up further into the throat and beyond, the practitioner’s intelligence and creativity are improved. Other benefits include regulation of the sex drive, which is especially important for teenagers. We are a culture accustomed to exercising to get fit, but with the power of the Superbrain Yoga squat we can now become brighter in the process! Prolonged practice of Superbrain Yoga makes the practitioner, in general, smarter and more psychologically balanced. 
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