Why brahmins don t eat onion and garlic?

As someone who grew up in a Brahmin family that follows this practice, I can share the practical and cultural aspects beyond the spiritual reasons:

What we were taught growing up: - Onions and garlic are considered "heating" foods that can increase aggression and passion, which interferes with the calm demeanor expected of Brahmins - They're believed to produce body odor and bad breath, which isn't conducive when performing rituals or studying scriptures - There's also a concept of "food miles" - since Brahmins were traditionally priests and teachers who didn't farm, root vegetables that require digging were avoided as they potentially harm small creatures in the soil

Modern perspective: Many younger Brahmins like myself have started incorporating these foods into our diets, especially when eating out or in social situations. The strictness really depends on: - How orthodox the family is - Whether they're actively performing rituals - Regional differences (South Indian Brahmins tend to be stricter than some North Indian communities)

My grandmother still won't allow onion or garlic in her kitchen, but my mother uses them occasionally. It's one of those traditions that's evolving with time while still being respected.

The interesting thing is that Jain communities have similar restrictions but for different reasons (ahimsa/ non-violence toward microorganisms in the soil).

This is a fascinating aspect of Hindu Brahmin dietary practices with roots in ancient Ayurveda and spiritual beliefs. There are several reasons why many Brahmins avoid onion and garlic:

Spiritual reasons: - Sattvic diet: Brahmins traditionally follow a sattvic (pure) diet to maintain mental clarity for spiritual practices. Onions and garlic are considered rajasic (energy-stimulating) and tamasic (dulling), which can distract from meditation and worship. - Deity worship: Some scriptures suggest these foods create impurities that aren't conducive to temple worship or ritual purity.

Ayurvedic perspective: - Onions and garlic are believed to increase heat in the body and stimulate desires - They're thought to affect meditation by increasing restlessness

Historical context: - This practice is mentioned in several ancient texts including the Charaka Samhita - It was particularly emphasized for Brahmins engaged in Vedic studies and rituals

It's important to note that not all Brahmins follow this strictly today, and practices vary by region and family tradition. Many modern Brahmins do consume onion and garlic, especially those living outside India or in more progressive families.

The practice is similar to how some Buddhist traditions also avoid alliums for meditation purposes. It's about creating the optimal mental and physical state for spiritual pursuits.