Why Indian Gods Never Age: The Mystery of Eternal Youth and Aging Backward
Riya Kumari | Dec 20, 2024, 16:44 IST
Picture this: you're sitting at a wedding, subtly dodging invasive aunties when someone leans over and says, “You haven’t aged a day since college. What’s your secret?” Cue the smug inner monologue: "Is it my genes? My skincare routine? Or maybe... my ability to dodge drama like a pro?"
But let’s rewind a little—because before K-beauty serums and 12-step skincare routines, ancient Indian mythology had already cracked the code to aging gracefully. Turns out, eternal youth isn’t about creams or fillers (though no judgment if that’s your vibe). It’s about a state of being. Yes, I know. Profound. Shall we decode it together?
1. Soma
In Indian mythology, soma wasn’t just a drink—it was the drink. Think of it as ancient kombucha but on steroids. This celestial nectar, often consumed by gods, was said to grant immortality and eternal youth. Sadly, no one’s selling soma shots on Swiggy, but the modern equivalent? Staying hydrated. Plain and simple. Guzzle that water like it’s nectar from the heavens, and maybe toss in some tulsi or aloe vera for good measure. If you’re dehydrated and cranky, no amount of concealer will hide the fact that life is aging you faster than it should.
2. Pranayama
Ever noticed how the sages in mythology had perfect skin and zero wrinkles, despite living in caves? Their secret wasn’t a high SPF; it was pranayama, the art of breath control. Think of it as yoga’s answer to botox. Deep, conscious breathing is said to reduce stress, detoxify the body, and—here’s the kicker—slow down the aging process. Translation? If you’re not inhaling and exhaling like your life depends on it, life will literally take your breath away.
3. Amrit
According to legend, amrit was churned from the ocean of milk (yes, this is a thing in mythology) and granted immortality to those who drank it. The 2024 version? A balanced diet. Ayurveda suggests eating fresh, sattvic foods—fruits, veggies, and, yes, ghee—to nourish your body and keep your skin glowing. Sure, ordering pizza is easier, but the gods didn’t gain immortality by binging on extra cheese. Just saying.
4. Meditation
Every wise yogi in Indian mythology seems to have a natural glow that rivals your favorite Instagram filter. Why? Meditation. By calming the mind and focusing inward, you reduce cortisol (the "stress makes me break out" hormone) and enhance overall well-being. Bonus: it’s free. Next time you’re tempted to blow money on a miracle serum, maybe just sit cross-legged for 10 minutes and vibe with yourself instead.
5. Rasayana
Rasayana is a branch of Ayurveda dedicated entirely to rejuvenation. Think herbal concoctions like ashwagandha, shatavari, and triphala—essentially the OG superfoods. These are said to nourish your body, boost immunity, and keep those fine lines at bay. The moral? Stop rolling your eyes at your mom when she suggests “haldi doodh” (turmeric milk). It’s not just a trend; it’s tradition.
6. Karma Yoga
Here’s a curveball: youthfulness isn’t just skin-deep. Indian mythology suggests that good karma—helping others, being kind, not ghosting people—radiates outward. It’s like the cosmic version of “your vibe attracts your tribe.” Maybe that friend who’s aging like fine wine has been busy racking up good karma points while you’ve been binge-watching your ex’s Instagram stories.
7. Sound Therapy
Mantras like “Om” aren’t just spiritual—they’re vibrational. Chanting is believed to release positive energy, improve mental clarity, and slow aging. Don’t believe me? Try a few rounds of "Om Namah Shivaya" and see if you don’t feel like you’ve hit the reset button on your life. And no, screaming into a pillow during rush hour doesn’t count as sound therapy. Nice try, though.
8. Detachment
Here’s the toughest one. Mythology often emphasizes vairagya—detachment from worldly desires. The logic? Emotional baggage ages you faster than bad Wi-Fi ruins your day. Let go of grudges, drama, and toxic people (yes, even that one “friend” who’s always “just being honest”). Think of it this way—less baggage means fewer wrinkles.
1. Soma
Water
In Indian mythology, soma wasn’t just a drink—it was the drink. Think of it as ancient kombucha but on steroids. This celestial nectar, often consumed by gods, was said to grant immortality and eternal youth. Sadly, no one’s selling soma shots on Swiggy, but the modern equivalent? Staying hydrated. Plain and simple. Guzzle that water like it’s nectar from the heavens, and maybe toss in some tulsi or aloe vera for good measure. If you’re dehydrated and cranky, no amount of concealer will hide the fact that life is aging you faster than it should.
2. Pranayama
Pranayama
Ever noticed how the sages in mythology had perfect skin and zero wrinkles, despite living in caves? Their secret wasn’t a high SPF; it was pranayama, the art of breath control. Think of it as yoga’s answer to botox. Deep, conscious breathing is said to reduce stress, detoxify the body, and—here’s the kicker—slow down the aging process. Translation? If you’re not inhaling and exhaling like your life depends on it, life will literally take your breath away.
3. Amrit
Healthy food
According to legend, amrit was churned from the ocean of milk (yes, this is a thing in mythology) and granted immortality to those who drank it. The 2024 version? A balanced diet. Ayurveda suggests eating fresh, sattvic foods—fruits, veggies, and, yes, ghee—to nourish your body and keep your skin glowing. Sure, ordering pizza is easier, but the gods didn’t gain immortality by binging on extra cheese. Just saying.
4. Meditation
Meditation
Every wise yogi in Indian mythology seems to have a natural glow that rivals your favorite Instagram filter. Why? Meditation. By calming the mind and focusing inward, you reduce cortisol (the "stress makes me break out" hormone) and enhance overall well-being. Bonus: it’s free. Next time you’re tempted to blow money on a miracle serum, maybe just sit cross-legged for 10 minutes and vibe with yourself instead.
5. Rasayana
Turmeric milk
Rasayana is a branch of Ayurveda dedicated entirely to rejuvenation. Think herbal concoctions like ashwagandha, shatavari, and triphala—essentially the OG superfoods. These are said to nourish your body, boost immunity, and keep those fine lines at bay. The moral? Stop rolling your eyes at your mom when she suggests “haldi doodh” (turmeric milk). It’s not just a trend; it’s tradition.
6. Karma Yoga
Good deed
Here’s a curveball: youthfulness isn’t just skin-deep. Indian mythology suggests that good karma—helping others, being kind, not ghosting people—radiates outward. It’s like the cosmic version of “your vibe attracts your tribe.” Maybe that friend who’s aging like fine wine has been busy racking up good karma points while you’ve been binge-watching your ex’s Instagram stories.
7. Sound Therapy
Sound therapy
Mantras like “Om” aren’t just spiritual—they’re vibrational. Chanting is believed to release positive energy, improve mental clarity, and slow aging. Don’t believe me? Try a few rounds of "Om Namah Shivaya" and see if you don’t feel like you’ve hit the reset button on your life. And no, screaming into a pillow during rush hour doesn’t count as sound therapy. Nice try, though.
8. Detachment
Let go
Here’s the toughest one. Mythology often emphasizes vairagya—detachment from worldly desires. The logic? Emotional baggage ages you faster than bad Wi-Fi ruins your day. Let go of grudges, drama, and toxic people (yes, even that one “friend” who’s always “just being honest”). Think of it this way—less baggage means fewer wrinkles.