Madi is a term used by Brahmins, especially Tamil Brahmins, to denote a state of bodily purity. Madi is achieved by wearing clothes that have been freshly washed and dried, and that have not been touched by anyone who is not in a state of madi. Madi is also maintained by avoiding contact with impure substances or persons, such as meat, leather, hair, nails, saliva, sweat, urine, feces, menstrual blood, etc. Madi is observed by Brahmins before performing any religious ceremony, such as pooja, homam, upanayanam, vivaham, etc. Madi is also followed by Brahmins while cooking food, as food is considered sacred and an offering to God.
The practice of madi is based on the belief that purity of the body leads to purity of the mind and the soul. Madi is a way of expressing one’s devotion and respect to God, who is the source of all purity. Madi is also a way of honoring one’s ancestors, who have passed on the tradition of madi to their descendants. Madi is a sign of one’s identity and dignity as a Brahmin, who is supposed to uphold the highest standards of morality and spirituality.
There are different ways of madi practices followed by different Brahmin sub-sects, such as Iyers, Iyengars, Madhvas, etc. Some of the common rules of madi are:
- Madi clothes should be made of cotton or silk, and should be white or light-colored. They should not have any embroidery, prints, or designs on them. They should be washed separately from other clothes, and should be dried in the sun or in a clean place. They should be stored in a separate cupboard or shelf, and should not be mixed with other clothes.
- Madi clothes should be worn only after taking a bath with water, and applying sacred ash or sandal paste on the forehead. The bath should be taken in a clean place, preferably in a river, lake, or well. The bath should be done with the intention of purifying oneself from all sins and impurities. The bath should be followed by a prayer to God and the chanting of mantras.
- Madi clothes should be removed before going to the toilet, sleeping, eating, or engaging in any other activity that might cause impurity. They should be washed again before wearing them the next time. They should not be worn for more than a day, and should be discarded after a certain period of time, depending on the type of ceremony or ritual.
- Madi clothes should not be touched by anyone who is not in a state of madi, such as children, women during menstruation, people who have eaten meat or garlic, people who have not taken a bath, etc. If someone touches the madi clothes, they should be washed again before wearing them. If someone touches the person who is wearing the madi clothes, they should take a bath again before continuing the ceremony or ritual.
- Madi clothes should not be worn outside the house or the temple, unless it is necessary for the ceremony or ritual. They should not be exposed to dust, smoke, pollution, or any other source of impurity. They should not be worn in public places, such as markets, buses, trains, etc. They should be worn only in the presence of God and other Brahmins who are also in a state of madi.
The practice of madi has a scientific basis as well as a religious one. Madi helps to maintain hygiene and cleanliness, which prevents diseases and infections. Madi also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which improves mental health and well-being. Madi also helps to cultivate self-discipline and self-control, which enhances one’s character and personality. Madi also helps to create a positive and peaceful atmosphere, which fosters harmony and happiness.
Madi is a unique and ancient practice of purity among Brahmins, which has been preserved and followed for generations. Madi is a way of life, which reflects one’s faith and devotion to God, one’s respect and gratitude to one’s ancestors, and one’s pride and dignity as a Brahmin. Madi is a symbol of one’s culture and heritage, which enriches one’s identity and personality. Madi is a practice of purity, which elevates one’s body, mind, and soul.
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