In mythology, garlic and onions are considered offspring of Rahu and Ketu. Astrologically, they are considered tamasic, and abstaining from them is essential during spiritual practices or fasts. In Ayurveda, they hold medicinal importance and are beneficial for heart and blood-related ailments. A balance in their use or abstinence is considered necessary from a religious, astrological, and medical perspective.
Garlic Onion Mystery: Onions and garlic are not just everyday vegetables; in mythological stories, they are considered the offspring of Rahu and Ketu. Being tamasic foods, they are often avoided during festivals like Navratri, Ekadashi, and other fasts. According to Ayurveda, they possess medicinal properties beneficial for heart and blood disorders. From an astrological point of view, their consumption or abstinence affects the energies of Rahu and Ketu and spiritual practice.
Mythological Tale: Origin from a Drop of Amrit
During the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), when gods and demons obtained the nectar of immortality, Rahu and Ketu deceitfully consumed it. Lord Vishnu then severed their heads with his Sudarshan Chakra. It is believed that onions originated from the blood of Rahu, and garlic from the blood of Ketu. This is why they are mythologically referred to as the offspring of Rahu and Ketu.
According to this tale, these vegetables are prohibited in spiritual practices and worship. It is also believed that their consumption can increase mental restlessness and desires.
Medicinal Benefits for Those with Rahu-Ketu Dosha
In astrology, Rahu and Ketu are associated with human attachments, illusions, and desires. These planets can cause mental restlessness and instability. Similarly, garlic and onions are considered tamasic foods. Consuming them during spiritual practices can disrupt concentration.
However, their medicinal properties are also considered beneficial for individuals with Rahu-Ketu dosha (afflictions). The medicinal qualities present in garlic and onions are helpful in blood purification, heart health, and boosting immunity.
Mythological and Scriptural Evidence
- Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17, Shlokas 8-10): The Gita categorizes food into Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. Foods that are pungent and cause irritation are described as Rajasic-Tamasic. Garlic and onions fall into this category.
- Ayurveda - Charaka Samhita: The consumption of garlic (Rasona) is beneficial in heart diseases and blood disorders. However, it should be avoided during spiritual practices and fasts.
- Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana: The tale of Samudra Manthan describes the origin of onions and garlic from the blood of Rahu and Ketu.
- Manusmriti: Garlic and onions are included as impure foods for Brahmins and seekers.
- Vaishnava and Shaiva Traditions: In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, onions and garlic are considered tamasic and are instructed to be avoided during spiritual practices. The Shivapurana and Lingapurana also advise seekers to abstain from tamasic foods.
- Religious Traditions and Fasts: The consumption of onions and garlic is prohibited during occasions like Navratri, Ekadashi, Somvar Vrat (Monday fast), and Guruvar Vrat (Thursday fast). Consuming them during the worship of the Moon, Jupiter, and Venus can make the mind restless. They do not have a place in offerings and prasad in temples.
Rahu-Ketu Dosha and Remedies
If there are Rahu-Ketu doshas in the birth chart, following a balanced diet and avoiding prohibited items is beneficial.
- For Rahu, donate black sesame seeds, blue cloth, and mustard oil.
- For Ketu, donate blankets, food to dogs, sesame seeds, and woolen clothes.
- Mantra chanting: Om Ram Rahave Namah and Om Kem Ketave Namah.
- Perform special meditation and charity on Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon) days.
Health Benefits and Precautions
- From a religious perspective: Abstaining from onions and garlic is essential for spiritual practice and mental purity.
- From a medical perspective: They are rich in medicinal properties and protect the body from diseases.
- From an astrological perspective: Their consumption or abstinence directly affects the energies of Rahu and Ketu and the mental state.
The consumption of garlic and onions can have different effects on life depending on the time, circumstances, and purpose. They should be included or avoided in the diet only after understanding their mythological, astrological, and Ayurvedic significance.
