Why do people throw coins in the holy river?

Rivers and water sources are equated to Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism. As a result, people revere nature, including trees, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

People also think that by presenting the currency to sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, or Narmada, one may receive numerous benefits. Throwing coins into the sacred rivers is also thought to bring good fortune and luck. As a result, people (mainly Hindus) join their hands, bow their heads, put the coin to their forehead, and toss it into the sacred rivers to bring them good luck and charm.

Furthermore, the villagers believe that depositing coins in the river will wash away one’s sins. And it grants you a life without regrets. Another idea is that placing anything important in the rivers will help one’s dreams come true.

Scientific Reasons behind throwing coins

The custom of pouring coins into the holy river, which dates back over a thousand years, also has scientific underpinnings. In ancient times, unlike today, the majority of coinage was made of copper or other valuable metals. The human body need copper to function properly. Our bodies cannot produce copper, thus it aids in metabolism. As a result, getting absorption supplies from the outside was critical. Copper is an important mineral for the human body. It promotes bone, nerve, blood vessel, and immune system health. It helps to create red blood cells when combined with iron.

In addition, submerging copper coins in water helps to eliminate hazardous microorganisms, protecting human health. Water purifiers were not available in the past. As a result, rivers and tanks were only used as drinking water sources. As a result, tossing pennies into the river was a technique of ensuring that our bodies received enough copper on a daily basis. Copper’s significance does not end there; it also assisted in the settling of dust particles at the bottom. This made drinking water readily available at the top, where it could be used on a daily basis.

In contrast to prior times, today’s currency is constructed of steel and paper. They provide no significant advantage to the human body. However, throwing coins into the river is still maintained as a ritual.

How does copper helps in enhancing quality of water?

According to Ayurveda scriptures, water held in a copper jar can balance all three doshas in your body (vata, kapha and pitta). All three doshas are present in every cell, tissue, and organ – for movement, metabolism, and fluidity – and are vital components of human life.

• The kidneys and gastrointestinal tract are flushed by drinking a glass of water from a copper vessel (at room temperature).
• The liver, spleen, and lymphatic system all benefit from copper.
• Aids in the maintenance of intestinal health.
• It stimulates the brain. Melanin (pigmentation of the eyes, hair, and skin) is produced in our bodies.
• Aids in iron absorption in the body.
• Kills dangerous microorganisms in water and regulates thyroid gland activity. Relieves aches and pains produced by swollen joints, such as those associated with arthritis. Slows the ageing process, decreases cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and helps to control blood pressure and heart rate. Heals wounds more quickly, and so on.

Note: It is not advisable to use water stored in copper container if it is more than 24hours

References:

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• sciencebehindindianculture.in
• astrotalk.com