All tools and implements of vocation are first cleaned and polished, after which they are smeared with turmeric and kumkum (vermillion),and crushing a lemon between running part or gear systems in the machine to ward off evil. More elaborate rituals may include placing them on a raised platform and decorating with flowers.
Brass and gold are employed for making the jewelry for temple deities and lamps, since the Vedas proclaim these metals emanate positive vibes; while iron and aluminum are prohibited since they are nom absorbent of Vedic chants. Zinc is believed to bestow creativeness, coherence and charisma; brass symbolizes divine beings, and silver gives protection from black magic. Ofcourse, gold is the most preferred metal to wear for auspicious occasions by women and men in the South Asian culture. From a spiritual point of view as well, gold is believed to have purifying properties, and associated with Lakshmi – goddess of wealth, good health, and opulence. Most of the temples have idols of worship made of gold, or decorated with gold ornaments.
Metal really is an inseparable part of South Asian psyche. It is not just worshipped and revered, it is also feared. There is a common superstition of not purchasing metal (such as a television set, a car or phone) on a Saturday, the day of Saturn ruled by Lord--Shani. Something perhaps car dealers and Apple stores could take note of.
