Thoppu-Karnam Gone International

What we have been doing in front of Lord Ganesha has now scientific backing: 

As anyone from south India would tell you, this is an age old custom out here. Right from the time we are kids, we are taught to do this in front of Lord Ganesha. And this form of movement is known as (as near as I can write the sound) “Thoppu-karnam”…

In our daily rituals, a Hindu prays to Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed God by crossing their arms and holding the ear lobes between the tips of the fore and middle finger; next they bend their knees and get up–doing this three times. This prayer is called thoppu karanam. 

Which word, is related to the Sanskrit “Dvau-bhuja-karnam” [ from what I have recollect reading Mahaperiyava of Kanchi say in an article...Note: My recollection was in error. Please see correction below] The meaning of that is, ‘two hands on two ears’… And is done exactly the way described in the video.

(Correction: I had recollected the term as Dvau-bhuja-karnam… On checking Deivattin Kural, I found the reference in Vol 4… I was in error. The phrase is “Dorbhi: Karnam”.. meaning the same as Dvau-bhuja-karnam, ‘two hands on ears’. Also, please see L Srini’s comment below, on the derivation from ‘toba karna’). 

In the video, a teacher, doctor, neurobiologist, occupational therapist, and parent discuss how one easy exercise:

• Stimulates neural pathways via acupressure points in the earlobes
• Synchronises the right and left side of the brain to improve function and promote calmness
• Sharpens intelligence in seniors, juniors, mums, dads and kids
• Helps those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, learning difficulties and behavioural problems
• Is fast and simple to do – takes just 1 to 3 minutes a day
• Benefits anyone of any age

• Results may be immediate or gradual.
• Concentration should certainly be stronger within 3 weeks.
• The exercise only needs to be done once a day but if concentration wanes it can be repeated as often as desired.

I guess the folks who have scientifically checked out this “super brain yoga” should next check out “pillayaar kuttu” as well - which is knocking one’s temple (side of forehead) region three or five times.