Pyramids are structures usually with a square base and sloping triangular sides meeting in an apex. Even though they are normally associated with the Egyptian culture, they are to be found in almost all ancient cultures. The stepped pyramids of the Mayan culture of South America are well known. One can find pyramidal structures mentioned even in the ancient Vedic culture as part of Vaastu Shastra. The canopy of the sanctum sanctorum in Indian temples is an example of the use of a pyramidal structure.
Lots of legends have grown around the purpose of the pyramids, especially of the Egyptian variety. Many claims are made about the influence of pyramids on both living and non-living matter. There are claims that perishable substances placed inside pyramidal structures are preserved for long periods. This is attributed to the property of pyramids of capturing cosmic energy from the surroundings, which is supposed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, arresting or retarding the decay process.
While these claims are part of a cultural heritage, there are no records available about systematic scientific controlled experiments done to substantiate these claims. The claims also cannot be dismissed offhand as superstition, since they are the accumulated wisdom of several millennia. Hence they deserve serious consideration. It was therefore decided to undertake an experimental investigation, using standard experimental techniques, subjecting the results to a rigorous statistical analysis, but focusing the attention here on only one aspect of the problem, viz. the effect of the structure on the growth of microorganisms in samples of fresh milk placed inside pyramidal structures.
There is a vast popular literature available on Egyptian pyramids, about the Pharaohs who built them, how they came to be opened up, etc. They are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, literature about the scientific aspects of pyramids is scanty. It is only recently that attempts have been made to investigate these peripheral aspects1. In a recent publication, researchers have tried to draw parallels between Egyptian pyramids and Indian temple architecture2, the latter being based on the principles of Vaastu Shastra.3 The Indian science of Vaastu traces its origins to the Atharvaveda, which is now considered to be at least as old as 2500 BC, according to the latest discoveries of the Sarasvati Valley Civilization4.
The theory of creation of the universe, according to the Vedic thought, recognises five primordial elements, known as the Panca Mahabhutas. These are Space, Wind, Fire, Water and Earth. Of these, Space is the subtlest and is the repository of all cosmic energy. It is the source for the other elements and hence occupies a preeminent place in Creation. It is limitless, without boundaries, in the absence of which nothing else can exist. It is this thought which has played an important role in defining the principles of Vaastu.
Pyramids are considered to represent this space element in ancient architecture. They came into prominence in Indian culture with the design and construction of temples. Practically every temple built on traditional lines has a pyramidal structure over the sanctum sanctorum. This structure makes use of geometrical shapes, such as domes, trapezoids, etc. It was the belief in ancient times that these geometrical shapes, representing space in miniature, help in trapping cosmic energy from outer space and thus impart divinity to the idols installed at their epicenter or at the base below the apex. This could also be the thought behind the Egyptian pyramids, that the cosmic energy would keep the souls of the mummies intact until the day when they would return from the land of the dead.
How far are these claims true? This is a question which has been bothering Egyptologists for several centuries. These claims have contributed in a substantial measure to the legends associated with the pyramids, bordering almost on superstition. The same could be said of the claims of Vaastu Shastra. However, very recently, some publications have appeared about studies on pyramids, especially about their astronomical significance5,6. This is a welcome sign that some serious investigations are going on in this field.
Where it concerns claims of Vaastu Shastra, the situation is different. There are hardly any investigations, which have found a place in scientific journals. It is to fill this lacuna that the current investigation was undertaken on strictly scientific lines to study one aspect of the problem, viz, whether pyramids have any influence on the growth of microorganisms.
