Benefits of Drinking Rainwater During Magh Nakshatra: Experts Reveal Truth
The belief that drinking rainwater is beneficial to the body has persisted for years. It is particularly considered most advantageous to consume rainwater collected during the Magh Nakshatra. In cities like Ahmedabad, Junagadh, and Porbandar, people often store rainwater in underground tanks for use throughout the year.
Is Rainwater Really Beneficial?
The question arises whether rainwater is truly beneficial for health and if it should be used directly. What does Ayurveda say about rainwater? What is its significance from an astrological perspective? And what does science say? To uncover the truth behind these beliefs, Divya Bhaskar has conducted an investigation.
Experts Consulted
To explore this, we spoke with Ramjibhai Patel, who uses rainwater, Manojbhai Patel, who owns a store selling Magh Nakshatra rainwater, Dr. Manoj Lunagariya from Anand Agricultural University, astrologer Ashutosh Acharya, and senior dietitian Dr. Darshna Jain.
Q: What type of water is beneficial for the body?
A: Water obtained from natural sources like wells, rivers, and underground sources is beneficial.
Q: What benefits does this water provide?
A: Water from the ground contains minerals that dissolve into it and then benefit the body.
Q: Does rainwater contain minerals?
A: Directly collected rainwater does not contain minerals. It is pure water.
Q: Are all minerals good for the body?
A: No, not all minerals are beneficial. For example, aluminum and arsenic are harmful.
Q: What are the benefits of using rainwater?
A: Rainwater is pure and free from contamination. It also reduces the burden on groundwater sources.
Q: Should we collect the first rain?
A: No, the first rain is often contaminated and should not be collected.
Q: What precautions should be taken when collecting rainwater?
A: The collection area should be clean. The roof should be cleaned thoroughly. The pipes leading from the roof should be flushed before use. The collected water should be filtered through cloth 2-3 times and then boiled before use.
Q: How does rainwater compare to well water, river water, and RO water?
A: Well water is considered the best as it is deep and free from surface contaminants. Stored and filtered rainwater can be as good as well water. River water may contain various chemicals and minerals.
Scientific Opinions on Rainwater
Dr. Manoj Lunagariya from Anand Agricultural University mentioned that rainwater should not be used directly. Scientifically, rainwater is considered distilled, meaning it lacks salts and other elements. It may contain a mild organic acid but does not have any significant health benefits. Distilled water is generally not recommended for drinking because it lacks essential minerals and may taste unpleasant.
TDS Levels in Rainwater
Dr. Lunagariya also noted that rainwater has no Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). As rainwater percolates into the ground, it absorbs salts from the soil. However, rainwater has very low TDS levels.
Historical Beliefs vs. Scientific Evidence
The beliefs regarding rainwater are based on historical experiences rather than scientific studies. People may have observed benefits in the past, but there is no scientific literature confirming these benefits. Rainwater is simply used to meet basic water needs and should be boiled before use.
The Purity of Magh Nakshatra Rainwater
According to tradition, rainwater collected during specific times, like the Magh Nakshatra, is believed to be purer. This belief may be based on past experiences when rainwater collected at certain times was found to be cleaner due to the atmospheric conditions.
Rainwater for Agriculture
It is believed that rainwater collected during the Magh Nakshatra benefits agriculture, leading to better crop yields. This may be because crops require more water at this stage. However, there is no direct scientific correlation with the Nakshatra.
Rainwater Usage Experience
Ramjibhai Patel from Salimgadh village in Banaskantha district has been using collected rainwater for years. He has a 12-foot deep and 6-foot wide tank for storing rainwater. Patel claims that using rainwater has provided numerous health benefits and has eliminated his need for medication. The water is carefully stored to avoid exposure to sunlight and air, preserving its quality.
Manojbhai Patel’s Store
Manojbhai Patel, who runs a store selling Magh Nakshatra rainwater, explained that they collect up to 10,000 liters of rainwater. They ensure the collection area is hygienic and use multiple filters to maintain the water’s purity. They also take care to prevent sunlight and air from affecting the stored water.
