“Salt represents the mineral element of our body. As such, it is indispensable to our life and plays a fundamental role in our metabolism.”

Before refrigerators were invented, salt was the only way of preserving meats for hygienic consumption. Although the scientific explanation for this process wasn’t clearly understood, religious scholars realized that salt had certain intrinsic properties that allowed it to preserve health and life. Due to this fact, salt took on a symbolic importance of its own and salt suppliers were often closely guarded by the local clergy themselves. This gave temples and churches considerable power in their community.

Although salt rituals generally involve the treatment of meat, in Hindu culture they are more closely associated with the distribution of prasada, nuts or sweets that are consumed after worship.