Rudrabhishek: What could be the Possible Logic behind ‘Wastage’ of Milk?

In Sanatan Dharm, Bhagwan Shiv is known to consume the poison which came out during Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Oceans). Thus, it’s customary to offer whatever is poisonous to Bhagwan Shiv and the whole process is termed as “Rdurabhishek”. So the Hindus offer milk over Shivling (Sanskrit for a symbol of Shiv) during the month of Shravan as it is considered akin to a poison by the science of Ayurveda.

Come to the scientific aspect of pouring milk over Shivling, but before coming I must underscore that science is an ongoing process of exploration. Thus, I can only that much unfold, what is known to date.

So, why one should waste milk

Firstly, it not only milk but some other ingredients also included in the whole Abhishek, which is a Sanskrit term denoting a devotional activity of giving a Holy bath to a deity. It literally means “to cleanse.” Before starting the ritual, a devotee washes his hands and pours water over the Ling. These include Gingelly oil, Panchaamrit (a mixture of five ingredients - milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar), Ghee, Milk, Curd or yogurt, Honey, Sugar cane juice, Lime juice, Tender coconut water, Sandal paste. However, I would rather like to confine with milk only, to save your time.

So what happened, if milk goes into soil? As we all know milk is a good source of nutrition and therefore when it goes to the soil, it enters into the biogeochemical cycle. This, in a later course, ensure the equilibrium in ecological dynamics of the soil. Although, there is no research paper available that directly suggests that the addition of milk alters soil flora and fauna but any student of life science could easily understand these alterations in soil. However, some research papers are available, which suggest that the addition of milk’s wastes to soil increased its fertility (Q). A book is written by Nikki Tilley, ‘Soil, Fixes and Fertilizers’ advocated the use of unpasteurized, 50% diluted milk to the soil will be helpful in the growth of plants (Q).

Raw, or unpasteurized, cow’s milk has some of the same nourishing properties for plants that it has for animals and people. It contains beneficial proteins, vitamin B, and sugars that are good for plants, improving their overall health and crop yields. The microbes that feed on the fertilizer components of milk are also beneficial to the soil. Feeding soil with milk has been used with varying effectiveness in pesticide applications, especially with aphids. Perhaps the best use of milk has been in reducing the transmission of mosaic leaf viruses such as tobacco mosaic. Milk has been used as an effective antifungal agent, specifically in the prevention of powdery mildew. (Soil, Fixes & Fertilizers by, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden)

Some other research papers which can be used to remotely connect that the addition of milk to the soil can helpful in the fertilization of the soil. A paper concluded that dried algal biomass produced from the treatment of anaerobically digested dairy manure can substitute for commercial fertilizers used for potting systems (Q).

In a test plot it has been observed that the plots treated with milk yielded approximately 1,100 more pounds of grass per acre than the untreated plots, an increase of 26%. Additionally, compaction testing showed the soil treated with milk was 18% softer than untreated plots -- meaning it had greater porosity (ability to absorb water and air). Scientists cite the natural enzymes and bacteria in raw milk as the trigger for enhanced microbial activity in the soil. Additionally, the many nutrients in milk -- including proteins and sugar complexes -- also promote plant growth. Researchers also attribute the many nutrients in milk to noticeable improvements in the feed value of the forage (Q).

Dairy products contain a high level of minerals and organic materials. Recycling of expired dairy products is the ideal practical solution for an integrated ecosystem. Greenhouse trials were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of natural fertilizer extracted from expired dairy products (EDPP) and it has been observed that EDDP increased the degree of soil aggregation and water holding capacity by 24 and 38% in comparison to inorganic fertilization and they concluded that based on the obtained results, the expired dairy products powder can be used as an organic fertilizer.

Now come to cost viability:

Approximately 33% of the food consumed by humans is dependent, either directly or indirectly, on honey bee pollination. The worldwide economic value of pollination services provided by insects in 2005 was estimated to be $190 billion for the main crops that feed the world. Pollinator-dependent crops contribute to 35% of global crop production volume. [OUR FOOD RELIES ON POLLINATORS]

Insect pollination constitutes an ecosystem service of global importance, providing significant economic and aesthetic benefits as well as cultural value to human society, alongside vital ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems (Q).

Indirect benefits from insects may be more numerous and important than direct benefits. Insects indirectly benefiting humans include all insect herbivores, prey, predators, and detritivores because they are an integral part of the biotic community of ecosystems (Triplehorn & Johnson 2005). A well-functioning ecosystem provides services such as soil fertility, clean air, and clean water. Termites, cockroaches, and other soil-dwelling insects help to break down plant debris. Flies, beetles, and moths help to decompose dead animals. Dung beetles are critical for the decomposition of animal feces. Insects are food for bats, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and many mammals. Aquatic insects such as mayflies and stoneflies are used to monitor the health of streams and lakes (Q).

Why in Shrawan month?

Shrawan month is the onset of Monsoon in India, which causes a major shift at the ecological level thereby at the microbial level too. That's why in Ayurveda, the use of any component which can cause Vata (gas formation in the gut) is prohibited, which can easily be correlated to the altered gut microbiota. As we know today, that fermentation intestine can cause leaky liver which ultimately responsible for various other diseases.  

Of course, some more experiments are required which specifically conducted on the same topic to reach the final conclusion. However, the facts noted so far are enough to prove at least a couple of points: 

·   Milk enriches the soil in multiple ways.

·   This enrichment besides altering the physical properties of soil also alters its flora and fauna.

·        This fauna is essential pollination of plant and ultimately grain production.

Therefore, at least it can’t be said that it is better to donate the milk to the poor, instead of “Pouring it on Shivling” because it’s also not for self, but for the same society, where the poor belongs. Nevertheless, it's needless to mention that during performing any rituals, "goosebumps" are the natural way to enhance our immunity, as it is common in all cases.