Clarifications required on some traditions followed in the society

[Guest guest]

Dear members,

 

I would like to know the mythological and scientific reasons behind

some traditions followed in the Indian society:

 

1) We often perform various pujas and sandhyavandanam by sitting

either facing the East or North.(I came to know from some elders that

the Gayatri japam should be done facing the North in the evening). I

would like to know the reason behind this.

 

2) What is the importance of performing avaposana and uttara

avaposana before and after the meal? What is the meaning of the

mantra chanted while doing avaposana/uttara avaposana? Should it alos

be done at the time of breakfast and chiruthindi.

 

3) Is it advisable to share food in the same plate by more than one

person?

 

4) We have the tradition of keeping far the ladies during their

mensus period. They are not allowed to mix with the other persons in

the family. How far is this acceptable?