Why Religion Was the Language of Science: A Reflection on Aadi Month

By Ramas Ramas -

Update: A Follow-Up Thought

After I shared my earlier post about the Aadi month, someone asked an interesting question: why do some groups seem to follow different rules, and was religion really necessary to explain simple seasonal patterns?

That got me thinking.

My limited understanding of Hinduism is that it is not just a religion, but a sophisticated system of knowledge shaped by our ancient Rishis and Sages. Much of what we today call “”science”; astronomy, ecology, health, social planning;  was already embedded in their thinking. But they faced a major challenge: how to pass on that wisdom to the masses, especially thousands of years ago when most people were not formally educated.

Their solution was clever. Instead of trying to explain the science behind every practice, they used stories, rituals, and symbolic figures. These were not just myths for belief, but tools for mass communication. For example, rather than giving a lecture on the ecological benefits of protecting cows, they created stories around Krishna that made cow reverence a natural part of daily life.

In the same way, Aadi month, with its rain, disease, and agricultural demands came with quiet rules. To keep people indoors, to avoid travel and illness, and to preserve resources, they encouraged spiritual observance and discouraged major celebrations. Not by saying, "The monsoon weakens your immunity," but by inviting people to fast, reflect, and worship the divine feminine.

As for Brahmins getting married during Aadi, I’m not fully sure if that’s widely practiced. But it could make sense. Since Brahmins traditionally weren’t engaged in farming or physical labor, their weddings wouldn't interfere with the seasonal work of the community. They may have also had a clearer understanding of the reasons behind the general restrictions  and applied them with discretion.

To me, it shows how religion functioned less as a rigid belief system and more as a medium for transmitting complex ideas in a form people could absorb. We may outgrow the forms, but the thinking behind them still holds relevance. That’s what I find fascinating.

Tags:
#AadiMonth #CulturalWisdom #AncientScience #IndianTraditions #ParentingReflections #SpiritualityAndScience #WhyWeDoWhatWeDo

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