The idea behind bowing one’s head at the feet of Bhagavan is that thereby sacred thoughts enter the devotee’s mind. This means that when one comes in contact with Bhagavan’s feet, the sacred impulses from them flow to the devotee. When the devotee’s head touches the Lord’s feet, the Lord’s divine energy flows towards him. This implies that you should keep contact with only pure objects and keep away from impure objects.

You are affected by whatever you touch. For instance, if you touch fire, it scalds. Fire can burn even iron. It is so potent. But when the fire is extinguished, the residue is mere charcoal. When you touch charcoal, your hand becomes black. Thus, in either case, the contact is not beneficial. But, what happens when you come into contact with divine fire? All your bad thoughts and bad actions are reduced to ashes. This is the sanctity attached to the performance of padanamaskar (prostrating at the Feet of the Lord).

When you associate with anyone, you are affected by the qualities of the other person. That is why, it has been said: ‘Through association with the good, develop detachment and solitude. Through seclusion, steady the mind. Through steadiness of the mind, get rid of all delusions. Freedom from delusions is Liberation’. (SSS Vol.25)