Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.
Hinduism Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for followers of the Hindu religion and those interested in learning more about Hinduism. It only takes a minute to sign up.
@tpb261, no it is not circular reasoning. we use left hand for unholy works because there are specific distinction and rules in shastras about which body part to use for which purpose. There are lot of devatas within our body who help us in daily tasks. Surya helps us see. Indra resides in right hand. Children should sit on right lap, wife on left. We should only donate with right hand. etc.
"toilet purposes" - this is more or less the explanation I have also heard from family, though I have no idea if this is the original reason for preferring the right hand.
This is circular reasoning. Q. Why do we use left hand for "unholy works"? A. Because we use right hand for "holy things" Q. Why do we use right hand for "holy works"? A. Because we use left hand for "unholy things". Nice.
@tpb261, no it is not circular reasoning. we use left hand for unholy works because there are specific distinction and rules in shastras about which body part to use for which purpose. There are lot of devatas within our body who help us in daily tasks. Surya helps us see. Indra resides in right hand. Children should sit on right lap, wife on left. We should only donate with right hand. etc.
All good deeds are done with the right hand, such as a tilak (coloured spot or mark worn by Hindus), vermillion, giving donations, or taking parsad. Generally, the left hand is used to take something which is temporarily yours, which means you have to return it. There is not much science behind it. The right hand is considered to be spiritually superior to the left hand as it is believed that the right hand is one's own while the left expresses the destiny and the traits of one's spouse.
Like any library, Hinduism Stack Exchange shares great information, but does not offer personalized advice, and does not take the place of seeking such advice from any Acharya, Pundit, astrologer, Guru or other trustworthy Counselor.
By clicking “Accept all cookies”, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy.