Diseases Arising from Sins of Past Lives
Among all living beings, the human being is considered superior because, alongside physical advancement, humans have composed scriptures for spiritual progress. Inspired by divine influence and devotion, they engaged in deep study, absorbed the essence of the scriptures, and discovered ways to live happily and healthily. When those methods failed and no cure for diseases was found, they began to investigate the root cause of illness. They utilized Ayurveda to the extent possible and also drew upon religious scriptures.
Here, more than Ayurveda, various Dharma Shastras (religious scriptures) have been consulted for insights on the origin of diseases and the sinful actions in past lives that manifest as specific ailments in the present. It is believed that sins committed in previous births result in disease, but through spiritual practices such as mantra chanting, peace can be attained and the diseases can be cured.
“The sin committed in a previous life, when the results of hell have been exhausted, appears as disease. Its pacification occurs through chanting and other divine remedies.”
(Shata Smriti 15)
The karmic consequences described in Dharma Shastras are briefly outlined below:
1. Tuberculosis (Kshaya Roga) – Arises from stealing oil, ghee, or fatty substances. Skin patches or rashes are also linked to this sin. The sinner also suffers birth in lower life forms. (Gautama Smriti 20.1)
2. Epilepsy (Mrigi) – A disciple who strikes or kills their teacher is reborn with epilepsy. Donating cows is said to bring relief. (Gautama Smriti 20.1)
3. Blind from Birth – A result of killing cows. (Gautama Smriti 20.1)
4. Flesh Lump Disease – Caused by earning a living through astrology. The disease appears as a lump in the abdomen or on the shoulder.
5. Glandular Disease (Ganda Roga) – Results from walking a sinful path.
6. Baldness (Khalvata) – Caused by immoral conduct.
7. Diabetes (Madhumeha) – Arises from promiscuous and unregulated sexual activity. Atonement brings relief.
8. Elephantiasis – Results from sexual relations with a woman of the same lineage (gotra).
“Sagotrastriyabhigami shlipadi”.
9. Indigestion (Ajirna) – Caused by disrupting others' meals. Peace is attained by offering 100,000 Gayatri mantra oblations.
10. Intestinal Worms (Krimi-Udara) – Caused by consuming food contaminated by menstruating women or outcasts. Purification is through drinking cow urine.
11. Asthma and Cough (Shwas-Kasa) – After experiencing hell, the person who slanders behind others' backs is afflicted.
12. Sharp Pain (Shoola Roga) – Afflicts those who cause pain to others. Relief through food donations and Rudra chanting.
(Shata Smriti 3.12)
13. Dysentery (Raktatisara) – Caused by setting fire to forests. The remedy is to establish a public water facility. (Shata Smriti 3.13)
14. Fistula and Hemorrhoids (Bhagandara, Bawasir) – Caused by urinating or defecating in a temple or holy water. (Shata Smriti 3.14)
15. Ascites and Spleen Disorders (Jalodara, Pliha) – Afflict those who cause abortions.
16. Paralysis (Lakva) – Strikes those who are biased in judgment. Atonement involves gifting 12 tolas of gold to a pious Brahmin. (Shata Smriti 3.22)
17. Eye Disease (Netra Roga) – Results from stealing tin or honey. Remedies involve fasting and donations of tin or a cow that yields honey.
18. Itching (Khujali) – Caused by stealing oil. Remedy includes fasting and donating two pots of oil. (Shata Smriti 4.13)
19. Digestive Disorders (Sangrahani) – Result from stealing various goods. Relief through donation of food, water, clothes, and gold. (Shata Smriti 4.32)
20. Kidney Stones (Pathri) – Caused by sexual relations with a stepmother. Remedy: donate honey-yielding cows and 100 measures of sesame seeds. (Shata Smriti 5.26)
21. Hunchback (Kubda) – Due to forbidden sexual acts. Remedy: donate black deer skin.
22. Urinary Disorders (Prameha) – Caused by relations with an ascetic woman. Remedy: recite Rudrashtadhyayi for one month and donate gold.
Among all living beings, the human being is considered superior because, alongside physical advancement, humans have composed scriptures for spiritual progress. Inspired by divine influence and devotion, they engaged in deep study, absorbed the essence of the scriptures, and discovered ways to live happily and healthily. When those methods failed and no cure for diseases was found, they began to investigate the root cause of illness. They utilized Ayurveda to the extent possible and also drew upon religious scriptures.
Here, more than Ayurveda, various Dharma Shastras (religious scriptures) have been consulted for insights on the origin of diseases and the sinful actions in past lives that manifest as specific ailments in the present. It is believed that sins committed in previous births result in disease, but through spiritual practices such as mantra chanting, peace can be attained and the diseases can be cured.
“The sin committed in a previous life, when the results of hell have been exhausted, appears as disease. Its pacification occurs through chanting and other divine remedies.”
(Shata Smriti 15)
The karmic consequences described in Dharma Shastras are briefly outlined below:
1. Tuberculosis (Kshaya Roga) – Arises from stealing oil, ghee, or fatty substances. Skin patches or rashes are also linked to this sin. The sinner also suffers birth in lower life forms. (Gautama Smriti 20.1)
2. Epilepsy (Mrigi) – A disciple who strikes or kills their teacher is reborn with epilepsy. Donating cows is said to bring relief. (Gautama Smriti 20.1)
3. Blind from Birth – A result of killing cows. (Gautama Smriti 20.1)
4. Flesh Lump Disease – Caused by earning a living through astrology. The disease appears as a lump in the abdomen or on the shoulder.
5. Glandular Disease (Ganda Roga) – Results from walking a sinful path.
6. Baldness (Khalvata) – Caused by immoral conduct.
7. Diabetes (Madhumeha) – Arises from promiscuous and unregulated sexual activity. Atonement brings relief.
8. Elephantiasis – Results from sexual relations with a woman of the same lineage (gotra).
“Sagotrastriyabhigami shlipadi”.
9. Indigestion (Ajirna) – Caused by disrupting others' meals. Peace is attained by offering 100,000 Gayatri mantra oblations.
10. Intestinal Worms (Krimi-Udara) – Caused by consuming food contaminated by menstruating women or outcasts. Purification is through drinking cow urine.
11. Asthma and Cough (Shwas-Kasa) – After experiencing hell, the person who slanders behind others' backs is afflicted.
12. Sharp Pain (Shoola Roga) – Afflicts those who cause pain to others. Relief through food donations and Rudra chanting.
(Shata Smriti 3.12)
13. Dysentery (Raktatisara) – Caused by setting fire to forests. The remedy is to establish a public water facility. (Shata Smriti 3.13)
14. Fistula and Hemorrhoids (Bhagandara, Bawasir) – Caused by urinating or defecating in a temple or holy water. (Shata Smriti 3.14)
15. Ascites and Spleen Disorders (Jalodara, Pliha) – Afflict those who cause abortions.
16. Paralysis (Lakva) – Strikes those who are biased in judgment. Atonement involves gifting 12 tolas of gold to a pious Brahmin. (Shata Smriti 3.22)
17. Eye Disease (Netra Roga) – Results from stealing tin or honey. Remedies involve fasting and donations of tin or a cow that yields honey.
18. Itching (Khujali) – Caused by stealing oil. Remedy includes fasting and donating two pots of oil. (Shata Smriti 4.13)
19. Digestive Disorders (Sangrahani) – Result from stealing various goods. Relief through donation of food, water, clothes, and gold. (Shata Smriti 4.32)
20. Kidney Stones (Pathri) – Caused by sexual relations with a stepmother. Remedy: donate honey-yielding cows and 100 measures of sesame seeds. (Shata Smriti 5.26)
21. Hunchback (Kubda) – Due to forbidden sexual acts. Remedy: donate black deer skin.
22. Urinary Disorders (Prameha) – Caused by relations with an ascetic woman. Remedy: recite Rudrashtadhyayi for one month and donate gold.
Considerations of Sootak (Impurity due to Birth) / Paatak (Impurity due to Death)
〰️〰️🔸〰️🔸〰️〰️
One of the reasons for the troubles we face could be not following the rules related to Sootak.
Sootak is associated with the impurity caused by birth and death. At the time of birth, the act of cutting the umbilical cord and other forms of minor violence involved in the birthing process result in certain karmic impurities, and Sootak is observed as a form of atonement for those.
Impurity due to birth (Sootak):
Up to 3 generations: 10 days
Up to 4 generations: 10 days
Up to 5 generations: 6 days
Note: For people eating from the same kitchen, the generation is not counted—full 10 days of Sootak are observed.
The mother (post-delivery) observes 45 days of Sootak.
The place of delivery is considered impure for 1 month, which is why many people take a bath upon returning from the hospital.
For one’s daughter:
If childbirth happens at her parental home: 3 days of Sootak
If it happens at her in-laws' place: 10 days of Sootak for them, and none for us.
For servants/maids:
If childbirth happens in our house: 1 day of Sootak
If outside: no Sootak for us.
For domestic animals (like cows, buffaloes, goats, etc.):
If they give birth at home: 1 day of Sootak
If outside the home: no Sootak
Milk from cows, buffaloes, and goats that have given birth is considered impure:
Cow’s milk: 15 days
Buffalo’s milk: 10 days
Goat’s milk: 8 days
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Paatak (Impurity due to Death):
Paatak relates to the impurity caused by death. The violence involved in funeral rites like cremation leads to karmic stains, and Paatak is observed as atonement.
Impurity due to death:
Up to 3 generations: 12 days
Up to 4 generations: 10 days
Up to 5 generations: 6 days
Note: The count of Paatak days starts from the day of cremation, not from the day of death.
If a family member is abroad or away, their Paatak begins from the day they receive the news.
If the information comes after 12 days, a ritual bath is enough for purification.
In case of miscarriage:
The number of months the fetus had developed = number of days Paatak to be observed.
If someone in the family becomes a monk/sage/ascetic, they are not bound by Sootak or Paatak related to their family.
However, if they die, their family observes 1 day of Paatak.
---
Special cases:
Attending someone else's funeral: 1 day of impurity
Touching a corpse: 3 days
Carrying the body (shoulder): 8 days
If someone in the house commits suicide, 6 months of Paatak is observed.
Examples include:
A woman sets herself on fire out of attachment or detachment from her husband
A student commits suicide after failing an exam
Anyone who dies blaming themselves
In such cases, the house is considered impure for 6 months, and:
No wise person should eat or drink water there
No one should visit a temple or offer temple donations from that house
Even water from that house should not be consumed for six months
Immoral men or women are believed to carry a continuous Paatak with them.
---
Important Observations:
During the period of Sootak or Paatak:
Worship of deities, reading scriptures, offerings, and other religious activities are prohibited
Even touching temple items is forbidden
Donations to the temple or placing money in donation boxes is not allowed
However, glancing at deities, walking around the temple, chanting prayers or mantras already memorized, mental worship, or chanting on fingers is permitted according to scriptures.
In some places, people avoid going to the temple during Sootak/Paatak and bring back consecrated water to purify their home/shop afterward. This act is said to bind one with great sin if done improperly.
Believe it or not, this is considered the truth.
Ignoring it may result in suffering, pain, or hardship.
Understanding these practices is important so that, during future birth or death events in the family, we avoid unknowingly accumulating karmic stains.
---
〰️〰️🔸〰️🔸〰️〰️
One of the reasons for the troubles we face could be not following the rules related to Sootak.
Sootak is associated with the impurity caused by birth and death. At the time of birth, the act of cutting the umbilical cord and other forms of minor violence involved in the birthing process result in certain karmic impurities, and Sootak is observed as a form of atonement for those.
Impurity due to birth (Sootak):
Up to 3 generations: 10 days
Up to 4 generations: 10 days
Up to 5 generations: 6 days
Note: For people eating from the same kitchen, the generation is not counted—full 10 days of Sootak are observed.
The mother (post-delivery) observes 45 days of Sootak.
The place of delivery is considered impure for 1 month, which is why many people take a bath upon returning from the hospital.
For one’s daughter:
If childbirth happens at her parental home: 3 days of Sootak
If it happens at her in-laws' place: 10 days of Sootak for them, and none for us.
For servants/maids:
If childbirth happens in our house: 1 day of Sootak
If outside: no Sootak for us.
For domestic animals (like cows, buffaloes, goats, etc.):
If they give birth at home: 1 day of Sootak
If outside the home: no Sootak
Milk from cows, buffaloes, and goats that have given birth is considered impure:
Cow’s milk: 15 days
Buffalo’s milk: 10 days
Goat’s milk: 8 days
---
Paatak (Impurity due to Death):
Paatak relates to the impurity caused by death. The violence involved in funeral rites like cremation leads to karmic stains, and Paatak is observed as atonement.
Impurity due to death:
Up to 3 generations: 12 days
Up to 4 generations: 10 days
Up to 5 generations: 6 days
Note: The count of Paatak days starts from the day of cremation, not from the day of death.
If a family member is abroad or away, their Paatak begins from the day they receive the news.
If the information comes after 12 days, a ritual bath is enough for purification.
In case of miscarriage:
The number of months the fetus had developed = number of days Paatak to be observed.
If someone in the family becomes a monk/sage/ascetic, they are not bound by Sootak or Paatak related to their family.
However, if they die, their family observes 1 day of Paatak.
---
Special cases:
Attending someone else's funeral: 1 day of impurity
Touching a corpse: 3 days
Carrying the body (shoulder): 8 days
If someone in the house commits suicide, 6 months of Paatak is observed.
Examples include:
A woman sets herself on fire out of attachment or detachment from her husband
A student commits suicide after failing an exam
Anyone who dies blaming themselves
In such cases, the house is considered impure for 6 months, and:
No wise person should eat or drink water there
No one should visit a temple or offer temple donations from that house
Even water from that house should not be consumed for six months
Immoral men or women are believed to carry a continuous Paatak with them.
---
Important Observations:
During the period of Sootak or Paatak:
Worship of deities, reading scriptures, offerings, and other religious activities are prohibited
Even touching temple items is forbidden
Donations to the temple or placing money in donation boxes is not allowed
However, glancing at deities, walking around the temple, chanting prayers or mantras already memorized, mental worship, or chanting on fingers is permitted according to scriptures.
In some places, people avoid going to the temple during Sootak/Paatak and bring back consecrated water to purify their home/shop afterward. This act is said to bind one with great sin if done improperly.
Believe it or not, this is considered the truth.
Ignoring it may result in suffering, pain, or hardship.
Understanding these practices is important so that, during future birth or death events in the family, we avoid unknowingly accumulating karmic stains.
---