Hail, Thy Lotus Feet!
By GAYATRI PAGDI
Indian literature often refers to the beauty of the feet. Jayadeva’s “Gita Govinda” often relates to Lotus feet -- Krishna’s passion for Radha’s feet, “gleaming like hibiscus blossoms,” and tormenting His heart.
The eternal romance of Kamal Amrohi’s Hindi film, “Pakeezah,”
to cull a modern example, begins with Salim’s paean or praise
for Sahebjaan’s glowing feet, “Aapke paon dekhe. Bahut
haseen hain. Inhe zameen pe mat utariyega…” [I’ve
looked at your feet. They are gorgeous. Please do not put them on
the ground].
At one time, anointing the feet was the beginning of worship; washing the feet an act of honour.
Our feet are not our servants. They deserve the same respect that we give our face.
Regular foot care is important, not only because ignoring them might limit our mobility, but also because our feet are connected to the body’s subtle energy channels… and, to all its organs. And, this includes the brain.
Reflexology, the massage of the energy points on the feet, is based on this concept.
Well-groomed and healthy feet complete a beautiful look.
Here are a handful of pointers on foot care and good health:
- Don’t suppress sweat; instead, make sure that the feet are clean.
- All of us know how being victims of flashy footwear fashion can cause serious injury to the toes, ankles, knees, calves, and back. We need to be kind to our feet when we choose our footwear.
- Apply a moisturiser on the feet as regularly as you’d on hands and arms.
- Mix almond oil and “besan” and apply the paste to your feet. Leave it on for ten minutes and rinse with warm water. Dry your feet gently and massage them with sesame oil.
- Rotate each foot over a rolling pin while sitting. It strengthens foot muscles.
- Do a foot-soak for ten minutes before bed-time. Soak them in warm water and massage them with avocado or olive oil. This can help eliminate sleeplessness.
Our feet are constantly exposed to the environment and need to
be cared for. Why? Because, soft, beautiful feet, with groomed toenails,
just like hands, reflect one’s personality. They are also
the foundation of beauty and, at times, romance and love.
As Jayadeva notes in the “Gita Govinda:” “Krishna, applying a shining coat of lac to the beautiful feet lying on his heart said… ‘Place your foot, a sublime flower, on my head…/Let it quell the harsh sun, burning its fiery form in my heart, at once…’”
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