​What is the significance of touching elders’ feet​

Hinduism is full of rich traditions and culture. We all follow certain traditions and practices without even knowing the reason behind them. We follow it mostly because that is what was taught to us since our childhood. One such tradition is touching the feet (चरणस्पर्शः) of our elders. Every one of us touches the feet (चरण स्पर्शः) of the elders. But do you know why we touch the feet (चरणस्पर्शः) of our elders?
Some people will say this is a way of showing respect to elders, while others argue that there are many other ways also for respecting the elders, so why choose this specific one? Is there any scientific reason behind it, or is it just the myth being followed by generations?

Children in India are taught to touch the feet of their elders, be it their grandfathers, grandmothers, father or mother, etc. Most Indian households have this tradition that when you wake up in the morning, you touch the feet of your parents and grandparents, it is believed that even our Rishis have observed four beneficial factors of touching the feet (चरणस्पर्शः), & they are - bestowing with strength, intellect, knowledge & fame.

It does not matter how successful you are or how old you become, you will always need the blessings of your elders. The Vedas, too, suggest that when you touch the feet of your elders, you will be carrying forward their teachings to the next generation. To us, our elders are our teachers and to learn the wisdom of life, we must offer ourselves to the teacher so that he or she can teach us all the knowledge that he possesses.

The legend says that, those who are elder to you have walked this Earth longer than you have, thus have gathered all their wisdom and experience. So, if you touch all the dust on their feet that they’ve collected walking along their way, your life & future will be highly benefited. Moreover, It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for us & the sacrifices that they have made for our welfare. It is a humble way of acknowledging the greatness of that elderly person.

As per tradition by touching the feet (चरणस्पर्शः) of the elders we seek good thoughts & create positive vibrations. Good wishes springing from a heart of love, divinity & nobility have tremendous strength. When we touch the feet (चरणस्पर्शः) with modesty & respect, we invoke the good wishes & blessings (आशीर्वादः) of elders which flow in the form of positive energy to shield us from negativity.

The first one is very basic, bending forward and touching feet, this one is generally practiced to every elderly person. The second is to sit on the knees & then bend forward & touch the feet, also known as Panchanga Pranam, generally done for spiritual gurus. The third and the last one is lying down on the stomach with the forehead touching the ground and stretching the hands forward also known as Sashtanga Dandvat Pranam practiced generally by men devotees in Hindu temples.