Deepawali is all about luminosity. Luminosity, in our being, comes from an optimum availability of Praan Shakti – the energy of the Supreme. Whether in the form of a beautiful row of lamps, sparkling garlands of lights in our homes, festive foods designed for good health or wearing clothes of silk and ornaments of gold – all of these traditional rituals have one aim behind them – the attraction of Praan Shakti.
The tradition to worship gold on the occasion of Laxmi Pujan or Dhanatrayodashi is not only as a medium to ask for the blessings of Goddess Laxmi but it also reminds us of the ultimate health benefits of Gold.
An Ancient Practice
Gold is considered to be a noble metal and is known to mankind since time immemorial. The importance of Suvarna or Gold, is clear even in the Vedas. In Vedic literature, Gold was known by the name of ‘Hiranya’. The Vedas also mention that our health as a whole is dependent on Surya – the Sun. The relation between Hiranya and Surya is available as early as the Rig-Veda, which tells us that the Ratha Chakra of Surya (The Wheel of Surya’s Chariot) is fashioned out of gold.
The Ayurvedic Suvarna Praashan
In Ayurveda, one of the best ways to attract more Praan into our body is through the ingestion of gold. Gold is employed in Ayurvedic medicine to increase intellectual capacity and longevity of life through the procedure of ‘Suvarna Praashan’. From infants to the elderly, Suvarna Praashan can help people of all ages with different needs as per their stage of life.
Suvarna Praashan for Infants
Among the most authentic treasures on Ayurvedic pediatrics (child care) is the Kashyap Samhita. It recommends Suvarna-Prashan as follows.
A piece of pure gold should be rubbed on a clean and smooth piece of stone along with a little honey. Add pure cow’s ghee in a small quantity. This paste mixture should be given to child for licking.
Suvarna Praashan develops medha (grasping power), agni (digestive power) and bala (strength). It can lead to ayu vardhana (increase in life span), and it is also mangalakara (brings positive attitude in life, optimism, good luck etc.). In addition Suvarna Praashan is vrushya (leading to good strength and immunity), varnya (good complexion) and graha baadha nashaka (voids away infections and negativity).
If Suvarna Praashan is offered to the child regularly for one month, the child exhibits improved intelligence and will have greatly increased immunity to infectious diseases. If Suvarna Praashan is performed daily for 6 months with regularity, the child will develop the potential to become shrutadhara i.e. will have an excellent memory and grasping power.
Suvarna Praashan for Seniors
For elderly people, the easiest way to administer gold is to take it in Gold cultured water. This is just a simple addition to the traditional method of boiling water before drinking. Take a small flattened piece of 24 carat gold (it can be minimal in size) and boil in drinking water for 20 to 25 minutes. For example, if one needs 5 litres of drinking water for the entire family, take a large pot, immerse 5 gm of 24 carat gold in the form of a coin, biscuit or ring (that is not used for wearing by anybody) and set the water to boil. Once water comes to a boil, let it continue to cook on a mild to moderate flame for 20 minutes more. Then strain the cooled water through a cotton cloth and store. This is the simple method to make Suvarna Siddha Jala or Gold Cultured Water. Use it like normal drinking water all day long. When used regularly, this helps to improve immunity, strengthens the heart and brain, results in more daily energy and even improves skin complexion. The gold used will not get diminished, making this an inexpensive family therapy that can do wonders for everyone’s health in the long run. Suvarna Praashan is truly one of Ayurveda’s gifts to mankind!