- By Kashish Rai
- Fri, 20 Sep 2024 05:22 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shradh 2024: Pitru Paksha honours ancestors and observing food restrictions during this period is vital. These restrictions cultivate self-discipline. By adhering to these food restrictions, individuals honour their lineage, acknowledge the cycle of life, and seek liberation from karma. Additionally, abstaining from eating certain foods during Pitru Paksha holds spiritual meaning as some foods are categorised as being Tamasic in nature, which might disrupt the sanctity of this period dedicated to ancestors.
Moreover, it is believed that consuming certain foods during Pitru Paksha, typically vegetables might displease ancestors and bring misfortune. Hence, let us check out the list of vegetables you must eat and avoid during Pitru Paksha to avoid inviting the wrath of Pitra or the ancestors.
Shradh 2024: List Of Vegetables To Avoid During Pitru Paksha
1. Brinjal
During Pitru Paksha, eating brinjal (eggplant) is considered inauspicious. As per the sacred Hindu texts, Brinjal is an impure vegetable and is not ideal for spiritual pursuits. Consuming it during Pitru Paksha might disrupt ancestral worship. Abstaining from brinjal ensures spiritual purity, allowing devotees to honour their ancestors effectively and seek their blessings.
2. Onion And Garlic
During Pitru Paksha, onions and garlic are avoided due to their purported spiritual impurity. Believed to stimulate tamasic energies, these ingredients provoke emotions, passion, and negativity, hindering spiritual growth. In Hinduism, onions and garlic are thought to attract unwanted energies, disrupting ancestral worship.
3. Mushrooms
During Pitru Paksha, mushrooms are avoided due to their association with decay and death. Considered impure, they're believed to harbour negative energies. In Hinduism, mushrooms thrive on decomposition, symbolising attachment to worldly desires. Consuming them during Pitru Paksha may disturb ancestral worship, attracting unwanted spirits and hindering spiritual liberation.
During Pitru Paksha, individuals must avoid specific vegetables to avoid displeasing ancestors. (Image Source: Canva)
Shradh 2024: List Of Vegetables To Eat During Pitru Paksha
1. Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
Bottle gourd, or Lauki, is a recommended vegetable during Pitru Paksha. Its calming properties and high water content symbolise spiritual clarity. Rich in vitamins and minerals, Lauki promotes digestive health and mental balance. In Hinduism, Lauki represents humility and simplicity. Incorporating it into your diet during Pitru Paksha ensures spiritual growth and ancestral blessings.
2. Carrots
Carrots are considered auspicious during Pitru Paksha due to their vibrant orange colour, symbolising creativity and positivity. Rich in beta-carotene, carrots promote healthy vision and inner clarity. In Ayurveda, carrots calm the mind and emotions, facilitating spiritual focus. Eating carrots during Pitru Paksha enhances devotion and connection with ancestors.
3. Cucumber
Cucumber's cooling properties make it an ideal vegetable during Pitru Paksha. Representing spiritual refreshment and calmness, cucumber helps detoxify the body and mind. Its high water content signifies emotional clarity and balance. In Hinduism, cucumber symbolises mental purity and self-control. Including cucumber in your diet ensures a serene atmosphere for ancestral worship.
4. Spinach (Palak)
Spinach, or Palak, is revered during Pitru Paksha for its iron-rich properties and spiritual significance. Representing spiritual growth and nourishment, Palak promotes healthy blood circulation and mental clarity. In Ayurveda, Palak calms the nervous system, facilitating meditation and self-reflection. Consuming Palak during Pitru Paksha strengthens devotion and ancestral bonds.
5. Pumpkin
Pumpkin, a symbol of spiritual illumination, is encouraged during Pitru Paksha. Rich in vitamins and minerals, pumpkin promotes emotional balance and mental clarity. Its vibrant orange colour represents creativity and positivity. In Hinduism, pumpkin signifies selflessness and humility. Incorporating pumpkin into your diet during Pitru Paksha fosters spiritual growth, ancestral blessings, and inner peace.
6. Bitter Gourd (Karela)
Bitter gourd, or Karela, is valued during Pitru Paksha for its purifying properties and spiritual significance. Representing self-discipline and spiritual growth, Karela promotes healthy digestion and mental clarity. In Ayurveda, Karela calms the mind, facilitating meditation and self-reflection. Consuming Karela strengthens devotion and ancestral bonds.
Note: Common vegetables like potato, tomato, radish, sponge guard, capsicum, cauliflower and beans can additionally be consumed during Pitru Paksha.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)