Why Brahmins And Vaishnavas Do Not Consume Onion And Garlic? Shastras Have THIS Answer

We all have encountered some individuals who refrain from consuming onion and garlic. Apart from certain Jains and Buddhists, certain sects of Hinduism, particularly Vaishnavas and Brahmins abstain from consuming these two vegetables. Let us understand why the consumption of onion and garlic is prohibited in Hinduism as per the reference from the Bhagavad Gita and the Hindu scriptures. 

Why Brahmins And Vaishnavas Do Not Consume Onion And Garlic? 

In Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (17.9), Lord Krishna states:

“Foods that are too bitter, sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such foods cause distress, misery and disease.”

Onion and Garlic fall under the category of these foods. The properties of garlic and onions are similar to the types of foods Lord Krishna described before. Garlic and onions arouse baser impulses and make it difficult to maintain sensory control. It is advised to avoid onions, garlic, and other similar foods due to their properties. Despite not being meat products, they still have the same impact on our gunas (modes) as meat products do.

Onion and Garlic are believed to be Rajasic and Tamasic in nature. (Image Source: Canva)

Garlic and onions are considered Tamasic foods and have been associated with arousing the body's carnal energy. It is additionally stated that consuming onion and garlic produces heat in the body. Additionally, Garlic and onions are cumulatively referred to as "Rajoguni," which means that these foods can lead a person to lose control over their impulses and find it difficult to discern between their priorities and wants.

Sadhaks, in particular, do not consume onion and garlic as they might get devoid from their path of Bhakti, similarly, Vaishanvas and Brahmins who are Dikshit and perform vigrah sewa (serving deity idols) abstain from consuming it as their main goal is to serve the Lord and not to fulfil their material desires. Additionally, the food prepared using onion and garlic is unfit to be presented to the deities. 

It is stated in the Vedas that whoever consumes onion and garlic has a rigid and strong body but a mundane and contaminated intelligence like demons. According to legend, when Rahu Ketu swallowed Amrit and Sudarshan Chakra sliced its neck, a few droplets of Rahu's saliva (white) and Ketu's blood (red) dropped to Earth. These droplets developed into onion and garlic roots. 

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Hence, for all of these reasons, members of certain Hindu sects refrain from consuming onion and garlic. 

(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)