Our scriptures, puranas, and traditional beliefs meticulously detail every aspect of life, big or small. One significant aspect is the avoidance of stepping over certain objects found on roads or intersections. This isn't merely superstition, but rather a precaution from mental, social, and energetic perspectives, protecting us from negative influences.
In today's fast-paced life, people often overlook these details. However, these seemingly insignificant things can sometimes lead to significant problems. Let's understand why stepping over objects on the road is discouraged and the reasoning or beliefs behind it.
Lemons and Chillies: A Wall Against Negative Energy
In Hindu culture, lemons and chillies are used to ward off the evil eye, negative energy, and tantric curses. They are typically hung in homes, shops, or vehicles and then discarded at an intersection to dispel the contained negative energy. If someone unknowingly steps over discarded lemons and chillies, it's believed they absorb this negative energy, potentially leading to mental stress, unrest, or nightmares.
Worship Materials and Ashes: Warnings Related to Spells
We often find incense ash, dhoop (incense sticks), turmeric, vermillion, rice, etc., on roads or intersections. These are frequently components of spells or tantric rituals. Some individuals use these at night to control negative forces or resolve their problems. Stepping over these objects can bring ill effects. According to scriptures, touching or crossing such items can disrupt one's energy system, leading to life obstacles.
Coins or Money: Disrespecting Lakshmi
We often see coins or notes lying on the road. Some people step over them or ignore them. However, scriptures consider money a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. Stepping over money on the ground is considered an insult to Mother Lakshmi. This can result in a gradual decline in prosperity and blessings, potentially increasing financial difficulties, excessive expenses, and the likelihood of financial loss. Therefore, one should be cautious upon seeing coins and avoid stepping over them, even inadvertently.
Coconut and Puja Thali: Identifying Tantric Practices
Stepping over broken coconuts, rice, plates of flowers, or other puja (worship) materials placed on the road is also considered prohibited. These items often serve as mediums for specific tantric practices or energies. Experts believe that coconuts placed on the road as part of a spell attract negative energies. Stepping over them can expose one to these influences, potentially leading to life obstacles, illness, and misfortune.
Vermillion, Turmeric, Rice: Symbolic Energy Centers
Vermillion, turmeric, and rice are considered auspicious and energetic in Vedic religion. They are used in the worship of deities, aiming to receive divine grace. However, when found on roads or intersections, they might indicate a tantric or negative ritual.
Stepping over or touching them can disrupt an energy cycle, potentially causing mental distress or misfortune.
Scientific and Psychological Perspectives
From a modern perspective, these beliefs also have psychological and social aspects. Seeing such objects makes the subconscious mind cautious, increasing alertness. This alertness can sometimes prevent accidents or wrong decisions. Furthermore, consistent adherence to these beliefs within society can discourage the practice of discarding unwanted items at intersections, thus maintaining cleanliness.
What to Do if You See Such Objects on the Road?
- Stop and observe the object—try to understand its purpose.
- Avoid touching or stepping over it.
- Take an alternate route if possible.
- Teach children and unfamiliar people to maintain distance from such objects.
The practices mentioned in our scriptures are not merely related to religious faith, but also to natural, mental, and energetic safety. Whether you fully believe in these beliefs or not, it's essential to acknowledge that caution and awareness are key to safety.
