Virtues and knowledge were highly regarded in ancient India. Hence, the great rishis and munis of the past held knowledge as sacred and divine. Therefore, one must respect it at all times. In the olden days, every subject—academic or spiritual—was considered holy, and gurus taught them in open schools known as gurukuls. Since the dawn of time, the importance of books in Hinduism is unmatched. It is not only sacred but we also worship books. This is why we never step on it.
Importance of Books in Indian Culture
The tradition of not stepping on books and other educational tools, even inadvertently, is a reminder of the elevated position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. In addition, this attitude towards books fosters us from an early age, a deep reverence for books and educational objects. Since we gain knowledge from it, it is all the more revered. Therefore, books are considered so sacred and we worship them. This is one of the major reasons for the importance of books in Hindu tradition.
There are other reasons as well for not stepping upon books. Socially, stepping on books is equivalent to disrespecting and disregarding them. And because of the importance of books in Hinduism, we never do that. Scientifically speaking, a man discharges negativity through his feet; therefore, we make them unholy when we step on books and other such educational tools. And when we read such unholy books, we do not receive the required and desired vibrations from them.
In the Hindu calendar, a day to respect and worship books.
On the day of Basant Panchami, in the month of February every year, Hindus worship their books, pens, and ink, and perform Saraswati Puja to honor the goddess of learning—Saraswati. When the book is equivalent to God, then how can you step on it?
