Why Our Ancestors Preferred the Lota Over Glass

For thousands of years, Indian culture has embraced a unique way of drinking water—not from glasses, but from the traditional lota (rounded metal vessel). While modern homes have adopted European glassware, there's fascinating wisdom behind why our ancestors insisted on using round vessels for water consumption.

The History of Glass

The glass, as we know it today, isn't originally Indian. It came to our shores through Portuguese traders and colonisers, gradually replacing the traditional lota that had served us for millennia. Ancient Ayurvedic texts, including the writings of Vagbhata, specifically recommended avoiding straight-sided vessels for drinking water.

Why Shape Matters

The fundamental difference between a lota and a glass lies in their shape. The lota's round design isn't just aesthetic—it serves a practical purpose rooted in how water interacts with different container shapes.

The Round Well Principle

Have you noticed that traditional sadhus and saints specifically seek out water from round wells? Ancient wisdom holders understood that circular vessels and storage systems interact with water differently than straight-sided containers. Round wells, round lotas, and spherical water drops in nature all share a common geometric principle.

Health Benefits of the Traditional Lota

Better Digestive Cleansing

Water stored and consumed from a lota is believed to assist in the body's natural cleansing processes. Just as milk applied to the face can help draw out impurities from the skin (try this experiment with cotton—you'll see the dirt it removes!), water from a rounded vessel is thought to help cleanse the intestinal membranes more effectively.

Gentle on Your System

Traditional practitioners observed that water from round vessels feels gentler on the digestive system. In contrast, water from straight-sided glasses was associated with increased tension in the intestinal tract, potentially causing waste matter to remain trapped rather than being flushed out naturally.

The Natural Order

Nature itself offers clues: raindrops are spherical, not rectangular. Traditional water storage systems—whether wells, ponds, or lotas—were designed round for good reason. Even the humble lota carried by wandering monks follows this principle.

Making the Switch

Bringing back the lota doesn't mean rejecting modernity—it means reconnecting with practices that served our ancestors well for generations. Here's how to start:

1. Purchase a quality lota made from copper, brass, or stainless steel
2. Store your drinking water in round vessels overnight
3. Make it a family practice and teach children about traditional wisdom
4. Observe the difference in how you feel after consistent use

Beyond Tradition: A Sustainable Choice

Apart from potential health benefits, the traditional lota is:

• Durable and long-lasting (often passed down through generations)
• Eco-friendly (no glass manufacturing carbon footprint)
• Unbreakable (perfect for households with children)
• Multi-purpose (can be used for storage and serving)

Conclusion

While modern science may debate the specifics, the traditional lota represents thousands of years of observational wisdom. Whether you fully embrace this practice or simply add a lota to your kitchen alongside your glasses, you're connecting with a piece of cultural heritage that deserves preservation.

As Vagbhata wisely advised: abandon straight-sided vessels and embrace the traditional ways. Your body—and your connection to ancestral wisdom—may thank you for it.


Have you tried drinking from a traditional lota? Share your experiences in the comments below!