365Telugu.com online news, November 19th,2024: In Hinduism, dietary practices are guided by certain spiritual and cultural beliefs. Many Hindus avoid foods like onions and garlic, as they are considered “tamasic,” meaning they are associated with darkness, lethargy, and impurity, much like non-vegetarian food.
This is particularly true for spiritual communities like sadhus, saints, and Brahmins, who follow stricter dietary codes.
One such food item that is avoided by many Brahmins is masoor dal (red lentils). The reason behind this practice has both mythological and astrological roots, as explained by Pandit Nalin Sharma, an astrologer from Ujjain.
The Mythological Origin of Masoor Dal
Pandit Sharma explains that masoor dal is believed to have originated from a significant mythological event. According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Vishnu severed the head of the demon Svarbhanu, the demon did not die immediately. Instead, his body split into two parts – his head became Rahu and his body turned into Ketu.
It is believed that the blood spilled during this event gave rise to masoor dal. Due to this association, masoor dal is seen by some as having a connection to the demon’s blood, which is considered impure. This is why certain spiritual communities, particularly those following Vaishnavism, avoid consuming it.
Impact on Mental and Spiritual Health
Another reason given by Pandit Sharma is that consuming masoor dal is thought to provoke violent or aggressive thoughts. In the spiritual traditions of some Brahmins and sadhus, food that is believed to trigger negative emotions or tamasic tendencies is strictly avoided to maintain peace of mind and spiritual purity.
Masoor Dal in Tantric and Tamasic Rituals
Masoor dal is also associated with tamasic worship, where food prepared with it is viewed as less pure or spiritually uplifting. In certain tantric rituals, where non-vegetarian food is not used, masoor dal is sometimes employed as a substitute for meat. This association with meat-like properties further strengthens the belief that masoor dal falls into the category of “tamasic” or impure foods.
In summary, Brahmins and certain spiritual communities avoid eating masoor dal due to its mythological connection to the demon Rahu, its association with violent thoughts, and its use in tamasic rituals. These beliefs are rooted in the desire to maintain mental purity and spiritual discipline, which is why masoor dal is considered by some to be equivalent to non-vegetarian food.