On Mondays, worshipping Lord Shiva and the moon holds special significance. According to astrology, consuming items like brinjal, onion, garlic, black sesame, meat, and alcohol should be avoided on this day, as they can negatively affect the auspiciousness of the moon and increase mental instability.
Somwar Upay: In Hinduism, Monday is considered dedicated to Lord Shiva and the moon. Astrologers state that consuming 'tamasic' (impure) food on this day weakens the moon, which negatively impacts a person's mind and emotions. Therefore, it is considered auspicious to avoid items like brinjal, onion, garlic, black sesame, and non-vegetarian food on Mondays. Consuming 'sattvic' (pure) food calms the 'Chandra Dosha' (lunar affliction) and maintains peace and balance in the mind.
Why is Monday Special?
In Sanatan Dharma, each day of the week is associated with a specific deity and planet. Monday is associated with Lord Shiva and the moon. On this day, the tradition of worshipping Lord Shiva, offering 'Jalabhishek' (water oblation), 'Rudrabhishek' (ritual bath for Shiva), and observing fasts is very prevalent. It is believed that observing a fast on Monday brings the blessings of Lord Shiva and pacifies lunar afflictions.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva adorns the moon on his forehead. Therefore, on Mondays, it is advised to adopt conduct and a diet that keeps the mind calm, balanced, and sattvic. Tamasic or aggressive-natured foods can disrupt this balance.
Astrological Reasons
According to astrology, the moon directly influences a person's mental health, thoughts, emotions, and decision-making ability. When the moon is b, a person's mind remains calm, thoughts are clear, and self-confidence is maintained. However, if the moon weakens, problems such as anxiety, insomnia, stress, and confusion can afflict the person.
Therefore, there is a tradition of consuming sattvic food on Mondays. This not only keeps the body light but also maintains mental stability. There are also some specific food items that should be avoided on this day.
What to Avoid on Mondays
1. Brinjal (Eggplant)
According to both astrology and Ayurveda, brinjal is categorized as 'tamasic' food. Tamasic food is that which makes the mind unstable, agitated, or lazy. Consuming brinjal on Mondays reduces sattvic qualities.
It is believed that eating brinjal increases laziness and aggression, preventing a person from concentrating on meditation and worship. This is why brinjal should be avoided on Mondays when observing fasts or performing pujas.
2. Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds are associated with Lord Shani (Saturn). There is a significant difference in the nature of Shani and the moon. While the moon symbolizes emotions and gentleness, Shani represents strict discipline and penance.
In astrology, it is stated that consuming black sesame seeds on Mondays can make the mind heavy and disrupt mental balance. This day is for the worship of Lord Shiva, so it is better to avoid consuming substances associated with Shani on this day.
3. Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion are categorized as tamasic foods. Their consumption increases heat and excitement in the body. Avoiding these on Mondays is considered important because they can cause mental unrest.
During meditation and spiritual practices, a sattvic diet such as fruits, milk, and light meals is advised to keep the mind calm. The consumption of garlic and onion can affect focus and concentration, so it is better to avoid them on this day.
4. Bitter or Astringent Foods
The moon is considered a factor in balancing 'Kapha' and 'Pitta' in the body. Consuming excessively bitter or astringent substances on Mondays can disrupt this balance.
Eating neem or other bitter things increases both Pitta and Kapha in the body, which leads to irritability, restlessness, and negativity. Therefore, on this day, it is advised to consume light, sweet, and mild-natured food.
5. Meat and Alcohol
From a religious perspective, the consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol is prohibited on Mondays. Both meat and alcohol increase tamasic tendencies. They bring unrest to both the mind and body.
The moon is the planet of emotions, so consuming these items can increase emotional instability. Additionally, their consumption is considered religiously inappropriate on the day of Lord Shiva's worship.
Impact on the Moon
Astrology states that consuming tamasic food on Mondays weakens the moon. This directly affects a person's mind and emotions. A weak moon can make a person unstable, sad, and confused.
Conversely, sattvic foods like fruits, milk, curd, and light meals keep the mind calm and stable. When a person moves towards sattvic practices, their mental and emotional balance improves, which in turn strengthens the auspiciousness of the moon.
What Kind of Diet Should Be Followed on Mondays?
People who observe fasts on Mondays typically consume fruits (falahar). Consuming milk, curd, fruits, peanuts, sago (sabudana), and plenty of water is beneficial.
Even if one is not observing a fast, it is still advisable to eat light, sattvic, and nutritious food on this day. Avoid overly spicy, fried, or tamasic foods.
Additionally, offering water, milk, or rice to the Shivalinga and chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' helps pacify lunar afflictions.
Sattvic Practices Lead to Mental Peace
Astrologers believe that adopting a sattvic diet and a disciplined routine on Mondays increases peace, balance, and positivity within a person. The moon is considered a calm planet, so its influence directly affects the mind.
Tamasic food weakens the moon's energy, while a sattvic diet strengthens it. This is why Monday is very important not only from a religious perspective but also from the viewpoint of mental health.
