Significance of Silver
Silver is one of the most widely used precious metals in jewellery. The jewellery made from silver is elegant, classy, long-lasting, and more affordable than other precious metals.
Generally Indians like wearing gold ornaments but don’t wear gold ornaments under the waist, as it represents the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Due to this reason anklets and toe rings are made of silver.
Our Hindu dharma says wearing silver toe rings on the second toe of both feet by married women is very promising and good for their health. Further, the Ayurveda sastra says a nerve on the second toe of the feet regulates their menstrual cycle and also balances their hormonal levels.
As per Rasa Shastra (a special branch of Ayurveda) Silver is considered a purer metal than gold. This is why the worship utensils like lamps, idols of gods and goddesses, harati plate, bell and naivedya bowl etc. are made of silver. As per astrology silver is associated with the moon. Moon bestows peace in our minds.
Hence by wearing a pearl-studded silver ring, stress and anxiety can be reduced. As the moon is the ruling deity of Monday, those who worship lord shiva with silver flowers on Mondays get free from the ill effects of the moon and are blessed with wealth and luck.
In Garuda Purana, under the 47th chapter of the Preta Khanda mentioned the river Vaitarni. It lies between the earth and the Naraka, the realm of Yama, the Hindu god of death. It is believed to be capable of purifying one’s sins.
After the soul leaves the body, it must cross this river. Persons who have done good karmas and dhaanas in their lifetime can easily cross this river. It is believed that people who do Go (cow) dhanam never fall into the Vaitarni river after death.
Nowadays donating a cow to a brahmin is too expensive. So it is suggested that instead of a cow, a silver cow can be donated.
Scientific research says that drinking water in silver vessels stays pure and free from contaminants. If we drink this stored water it helps to balance the ‘ph’ level of water which can support our immune system and reduce inflammation in our body. Due to this reason thousand years back when sailors used to travel on long voyages, they carried silver coins with them and kept them in their water bottles. Then they used to drink this silver-induced water.
Of course, it is one of the reasons for distributing tirtha (sacred water) kept in silver bowls to devotees adjust at temples.
Health Benefits of Silver
It can treat and prevent sinus infections and benefit allergy sufferers. It can heal wounds and skin conditions. Silver alloys are used inside the human body for placing plates in bones etc. It can prevent and kill viruses. It treats and fights against bronchitis and pneumonia. It has Anti-Inflammatory properties. Thus silver is an amazing natural resource that can help us in many ways, both physically and spiritually.
Silver Coins and Dollars in Tirumala Temple
Generally, the devotees of lord Venkateswara use to perform various sevas like Vasanthotsavam, Dolotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankarana seva etc. In addition to this Niluvu dopidi (giving up their belongings-silver, gold or cash to the lord), Thulabharam can also be performed at Tirumala.
The objective of the Srivari Thulabharam is to donate some offerings as per the wish of the pilgrim which is equal to their weight.
Offerings like Rice, Jaggery, Sugar Candy, and gold and Silver Coins can be offered to the Lord. But devotees need not bring these things along with them because TTD will provide these offerings to the devotees on a payment basis inside the temple.
In addition to this 5 grams, and 10 grams of silver dollars of Lord Venkateswara and his divine consort Padmavati Devi are also sold by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to devotees at bullion market rates on the date. People also consider these dollars as sacred as it is sold directly from TTD.
