Water is considered a purifying material both in the scripturally speaking as well as on matters related to the material world. As water cleanses physical body, it is considered as a purifying material in the materialistic world. Scriptures say that when physical body is cleansed, it also cleanses the soul.
Likewise, both turmeric and vermilion powder are said to be auspicious materials in the tradition for ages. Solely because our tradition has shown this for us, we accept this obediently.
Turmeric is one of the supreme materials that is acceptable for a human body. Since it is said that there is a presence of Bhagavan in such superior materials, this is applicable to turmeric as well. A component of Thayar is said to be present in turmeric, lotus and gold.