Why onion garlic is prohibited in Bageshwar Dham as well as Hinduism.

In this article, we’ll try to find the facts about why onion garlic is prohibited in Bageshwar Dham as well as Hinduism (Sanatan Dharm). As you know Bageshwar Dham devotees practice Hinduism. In Hinduism, all types of Tamasic food are not allowed to the Hindu. We will know the list of Tamasic foods and facts about not consuming them in your meal, we’ll see three side science side, the ayurvedic side, and the spiritual side.

The scientific side of Why no to onion garlic

Onion and Garlic are known as Tamasic Foods. Tamasic food means which increases physical and mental imbalance in the body. Much research has been published on “Why no to onion garlic”.

During the 1950s, Dr. Beck worked in flight test engineering as a part of Doc Hallan’s group. According to his recollection, the flight surgeon would visit the team each month and caution them against consuming garlic for at least 72 hours before flying any airplanes. The reason is that garlic could potentially double or triple their reaction time, making them much slower and less responsive than they would be without it.

Research Paper – https://www.isical.ac.in/~goutam.paul/onion.pdf

Here some points define Why onion garlic is prohibited-

1. Onions and garlic contain high levels of sulfur compounds which can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.
2. These compounds can also irritate the lining of the stomach leading to inflammation.
3. Consuming too much onion or garlic can lead to an imbalance in gut bacteria which can cause further digestive problems.
4. Both onions and garlic contain high levels of oxalates which can increase the risk of kidney stones if consumed in large amounts over a long period of time.
5. Consuming too much onion or garlic may also increase the risk of certain types of cancer due to their high levels of carcinogenic compounds.
6. Both onions and garlic have been linked to an increase in blood pressure. Furthermore, the sulfur compounds found in onions and garlic can cause reduced stomach acidity which could lead to an increased risk of developing celiac disease.
7. Research has shown that both onions and garlic may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Spiritual Side of Why no to onion garlic

Here are some verses from Hindu scriptures that will prove why onion garlic is prohibited. Find the following verses-

Palandu lasunam sigrum alambum grjanam palam
bhunkte yo vai naro brahman vratam candrayanam caret

(Padma Purana, Brahma Khanda 19.10, Suta Goswami)

Meaning: O sages, one who eats garlic, onions, drum stick, turnips, bottle gourd, and meat, that person should observe a candrayana fast.

vrntakam jalisakam kusumbha smantakam tatha
palandu lasunam suklam niryasan caiva varjayet
gRJjanam kinsukan caiva kukundanca tathaiva ca
udumbaram alavun ca jagdhva patati vai dvijah

(Hari Bhakti Vila 8.158,159, Kurma Purana)

Meaning: One should not eat eggplant, banana leaves, sunflower leaves and asmantaka leaves, onions, or garlic. One should not eat sour gruel (a thin watery porridge) or the juice of the tree. One should also give up turnips and beetroots, carrots, kinsuka, forest figs, and white pumpkins. If the twice-born persons (twice-born means one that has taken up a spiritual life with proper initiation into it) eat these things, they all become fallen.

palandulasunadini jagddhva candrayanam caret
sraddhe devanpitrnprarcya khadanmamsah na dosabhak

(Garuda Purana 1.96.72)

Meaning: By eating garlic and onion one becomes sinful and as atonement one should perform Candrayana.

5.5. Garlic, leeks and onions, mushrooms and (all plants), springing from impure (substances), are unfit to be eaten by twice-born men.

5.19. A twice-born man who knowingly eats mushrooms, a village-pig, garlic, a village-cock, onions, or leeks, will become an outcast.

Manu-samhita

There are many shlokas in our Hindu scripture who don’t allow to eat Tamasic Food like Onion Garlic.

Ayurvedic Side of Why Onion garlic is prohibited

As you know, Ayurveda is the oldest and more accurate Bhartiya(Indian) system of medicine. Ayurveda divides our foods into three parts only for maintaining our health is naturally good and preventing disease.

Ayurveda principles work on balancing the energies of the body into three dosha – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It says if anybody maintains this three dosha, he/she will be a Nirogi(Disease Free body). And his/her body will work properly with physical and psychological functions.

Ayurveda says foods can be classified into three parts, Sattvic (Pure), Rajasic (Stimulating), and Tamasic (Dulling). Onion and Garlic are Tamasic foods, so they are believed to dull the mind and body. When you have this Tamasic food, it can stimulate the digestive fire excessively, which affects the imbalances in the body’s dosha

Ayurvedic practitioners recommended avoiding Tamasic foods because Tamasic foods increase the Pitta dosh of your body, and you’ll feel some disorder having Pitta dosh in your body. Common signs of Pitta imbalance: Fever, Nausea, Vertigo, Inflammation, Diarrhea, Shot temper, Excessive hate, jealousy or criticism, Workaholic syndrome, Egotism, self-absorbed, Heartburn/Acid indigestion, Arthritis, Hot flashes, Infections, Ulceration, Skin diseases such as eczema, Rash, hives, urticaria, Bleeding disorders, Photophobia, Perspiration, Bloodshot eyes, Migraine, Sour, acidic or metallic taste in the mouth, etc.

In some cases of medical problems, Ayurveda suggests using onion and garlic for their medicinal properties, such as their antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects.

List of Tamasic Food

According to Ayurveda, Tamasic foods include:

• Meat (especially red meat)
• Fish (especially large fish like tuna)
• Eggs
• Onions
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Fermented foods
• Alcohol
• Stale or leftover food
• Overly processed or refined foods
• Artificial sweeteners
• Highly caffeinated drinks
• Foods high in preservatives
• Fried foods
• Foods with added sugars or syrups.
• Alcoholic beverages
• Coffee
• Black tea
• Chocolate
• Fermented foods like vinegar, soy sauce, and pickles
• Foods that are deep-fried or extremely oily
• Overripe or spoiled foods
• Processed and artificial foods
• Stale or leftover foods
• Foods that are heavily processed with preservatives and additives

It’s important to note that not all individuals may have the same reaction to these Tamasic foods. It also depends on factors such as the individual’s dosha (body type) and overall health status. However, it is generally recommended to limit or avoid these foods as much as possible for optimal physical, mental, and spiritual health according to Ayurveda.

Benefit of avoiding onion and garlic

There are much more benefits to avoiding onion and garlic. By avoiding these foods you can have various benefits for the mind and body. Following are the potential benefit of avoiding onion and garlic that are enough to make you understand onion garlic prohibited in Hinduism.

Improving digestion: Tamasic foods are believed to be heavy and difficult to digest. Avoiding onion and garlic can help in improving digestion.

Enhancing spiritual and mental clarity: Ayurveda believes that Tamasic foods dull the mind and can interfere with spiritual practices. Avoiding onion and garlic is believed to enhance mental clarity and improve spiritual practices.

Reducing lethargy: Tamasic foods are believed to cause lethargy and lack of energy. By avoiding onion and garlic, one may feel more energized.

Balancing doshas: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balancing the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – for good health. Consuming too much Tamasic food is believed to aggravate the doshas. Avoiding onion and garlic can help in balancing the doshas.

Improving overall health: Ayurveda considers food to be a powerful tool for improving health. By avoiding Tamasic foods like onion and garlic, one can promote overall health and well-being.

What does Bhagwat Gita say about Tamasic Food Onion and Garlic

कट्वम्ललवणात्युष्णतीक्ष्णरूक्षविदाहिन: |
आहारा राजसस्येष्टा दु:खशोकामयप्रदा: || 9||
(kaṭv-amla-lavaṇāty-uṣhṇa- tīkṣhṇa-rūkṣha-vidāhinaḥ
āhārā rājasasyeṣhṭā duḥkha-śhokāmaya-pradāḥ)

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 17, Verse 9

Meaning: Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, very hot, pungent, dry, and full of chilies, are dear to persons in the mode of passion. Such foods produce pain, grief, and disease.

Commentary: In the Bhagwat Geeta, Arjun asks Lord Krishna about the foods. and the god says foods that are too bitter, sour, salty, very hot, pungent, dry, and full of chilies are considered Tamasic and are dear to persons in the mode of passion. These types of foods are believed to produce pain, grief, and disease, and should be avoided or consumed in moderation.

Foods that are bitter or sour can create excess acid in the body, which can lead to digestive issues such as acid reflux or heartburn. Salty foods can cause water retention and increase blood pressure, which can lead to health problems like hypertension. Very hot and pungent foods can cause inflammation and irritation in the body, leading to various diseases. Dry foods can cause constipation and dehydration, while chilies can cause digestive discomfort and inflammation.

People in the mode of passion are believed to be driven by desire, and these types of foods are often associated with indulgence and pleasure. However, according to Ayurveda, the consumption of these foods can lead to imbalances in the body and mind, which can manifest as physical and emotional health issues. It is recommended to choose foods that are fresh, natural, and balanced in taste, and to eat in moderation to maintain optimal health and well-being.

FAQ

You can read it: Untold Story of 300 yrs old Bageshwar Dham? and Biography of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri