In Hinduism, food is broadly divided into three categories: Saatvik, Raajsik, and Taamasik. Saatvik foods are pure, promote peace, and encourage spiritual growth. Raajsik foods stimulate passion and activity, while Taamasik foods are believed to increase ignorance, lethargy, and aggression.

Onion and garlic fall under the Taamasik and partly Raajsik categories, which is why they are traditionally excluded from offerings to gods and avoided during religious fasts and rituals.

The Mythological Origin: The Story of Samudra Manthan

The avoidance of onion and garlic in rituals is also rooted in Hindu mythology, specifically the story of the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. When the pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) emerged, a fierce battle broke out between the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) over who would consume it. To ensure only the gods received the nectar, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a mesmerizing enchantress.

The Deception of Rahu and the Birth of Ketu

One asura disguised himself to secretly consume the nectar, but Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chandra Dev (Moon God) spotted the deception and warned Lord Vishnu. Vishnu immediately cut off the asura’s head using his Sudarshan Chakra before the nectar could pass through his throat. Though his body and head were severed, the asura did not die because he had already touched the nectar. His head became Rahu, and his body, Ketu.

Legend has it that drops of blood from Rahu mixed with the divine nectar and fell onto the earth. From these drops originated onion and garlic. Due to their origin from this impure and demonic incident, onion and garlic are considered to carry negative or “taamasik” energy. This is why they are avoided in spiritual rituals and offerings to gods.

Spiritual and Medicinal Perspectives

While onion and garlic are valued in Ayurvedic medicine for their healing properties, their mythological origin and their supposed effects on the mind, promoting agitation, passion, and ignorance, make them unsuitable for spiritual practices. Thus, devotees abstain from consuming these during religious ceremonies to maintain purity and focus.

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