In Hinduism, vegetarianism is not merely a dietary choice; it is a way of living that aligns with deeply rooted spiritual and ethical principles.
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Welcome to the oasis of delightful readings at www.onindianpath.com. Lets read on to know about the significance of vegetarian food in Hindu culture.
Introduction
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions. It emphasizes the importance of Dharma, Karma, and Moksha. These principles are essential for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
We believe in consuming sattvic food to maintain righteousness. One key aspect of this is following a vegetarian lifestyle.
Why do Hindus follow vegetarianism?
Ahimsa
Firstly, since childhood, we Hindus are conditioned to follow Ahimsa. Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence. It encourages us to not to harm any living being.
As a child, I often sat on the floor for my daily chores. One day, an ant bit me fiercely, drawing blood. Fueled by anger, I raised my hand to crush it. Just then, my grandmother’s voice rang out, “Don’t kill it! You might be reborn as an ant and suffer the same fate.” Later, my father clarified her words, revealing the profound wisdom of Ahimsa.
Although, vegetarianism is central to Hindu beliefs. It encourages not harming any living beings. Following a vegetarian diet helps minimize harm by avoiding animal consumption. Many Hindus also believe that food affects both the body and the mind.
Purity of mind and body
Secondly, vegetarian food is considered satwik food. As per our vedas, food is divided into three category :
a) Satwik
b) Rajsik
c) Tamsik
Satwik food refers to fresh vegetarian food, offers fullfilment and internal bliss to your mind and body. It includes fruits, vegetables, high fiber and freshly cooked vegetarian food.
Rajsik food includes dry fruits, oil, ghee and lots of high fats in the food like poori, halwa, spicy and oily food etc.
Tamsik food includes stale and addicted food including onion and garlic which makes you addicted to it.
Now, coming back to our point, satwik food promotes purity, calmness and spiritual clarity. Thus, Hindus prefer satwik food i.e. vegetarian food.
I am not an opponent of non vegetarian food. But, as per our ancient texts and people’s review, non-vegetarian food, can increase aggression, restlessness or impurity in the body and mind.
Compassion towards other living beings
Our Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita promote compassion toward animals. Why should we fill our stomachs with the offspring of another living being? Instead, shouldn’t we devote ourselves to the ethical treatment of all creatures? This belief has encouraged a vegetarian lifestyle for many Hindus, although practices may vary based on region, tradition, or individual preference.
Do you know why we Hindus have soft corner for animals? To know more, read the blog.
What is Tirumala Tirupati Laddu conflict?
Recently, a lab test has concluded that ghee used in the preparation of Tirumala Tirupati Balaji prasadam laddu having beef fat and lard as key ingredients. Surprisingly, temple committee lacking testing labs and machine have not answered. Apparently, the onus lies on the ghee makers and the current political government for hurting the sentiments of devotees at large.
What is Tirupati Laddu?
Tirupati Laddu, also known as SriVari Laddu, is the Indian sweet offered as Naivedhyam to Lord Venkateswara at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. After receiving darshan at the temple, devotees are given the laddu as prasadam, symbolizing the divine blessing of the deity.
Furthermore, thousands of devotees from around the world visit the temple daily for divine darshana and to receive the sacred laddu within the temple premises.
Why is it hurting Hindus all over the world?
The recent report on inclusion of animal fat in prasadam at Tirupati Balaji have raised many questions. Infact, it is considered hurtful for several key reasons, deeply rooted in Hindu beliefs and traditions. The reasons are:
1. Sacredness of Prasadam(Offerings)
As per temple official records, there are 300 Brahmins who prepare thousands of laddus daily for prasadam in temple kitchen. And, in Hinduism, prasadam is not just food; it is an offering to the deity, considered the most sacred and blessed. Eventually, it becomes divine. Using animal fat would violate the sacredness of this offering, as it is believed that the food offered should be pure, satwik and in alignment with dharmic values.
As a Hindu, I have traveled to many holy places and offered prayers at various pilgrimage sites. Bringing back prasadam and sharing it with family and friends is a personal ritual. Believe me, after darshan, you feel a deep sense of bliss. Receiving prasadam feels like carrying a piece of the divine sanctum with you, in the form of blessings.
Particularly the recent incident has evoked many questions in my mind about the accountability and purity.
Ahimsa
Many Hindus, particularly in temple practices, follow the principle of ahimsa, which emphasizes non-violence towards all living beings. Animal fat would contradict this core value of compassion and respect for life, which is a significant aspect of the vegetarian offerings in temples.
Subsequently, many people debate on Bali (sacrificial ritual) of animal in Hindu culture at large. It was a custom of offering animals to Goddess Kali at many temples. However, none of our holy text has advocated this evil practice. Hinduism and Jainism profoundly emphasizes non-violence.
Ritual of Purity
In Hindu temples, especially revered ones like Tirupati Balaji, prasadam is more of a symbol of purity and prosperity. Using animal products direclty or indirectly, especially fat, are considered impure in many traditional interpretations. And their inclusion in prasadam would defile the sacredness and purity of the temple rituals.
Devotional Sensibilities
For millions of devotees, visiting Tirupati Balaji is more than just a trip; it’s a spiritual pilgrimage. For many devotees, it is their ultimate goal to have divine darshana of Lord Venkateswara. They find spiritual, mental and physical relief just by having darshan of deity. Additionally, getting prasasam is cherry on cake for them. Consuming prasadam is a sacred act that connects us to the divine, filling our hearts with gratitude and blessings.
I remember my own experience, feeling a deep sense of peace as I received the laddu, knowing it was infused with the deity’s grace.
However, the thought of prasadam containing animal fat is troubling. For many of us, this knowledge would lead to emotional and spiritual distress. It goes against our beliefs about purity and non-violence—principles that are fundamental to our faith. Such a realization could diminish the profound experience we seek, shaking the foundation of our ethical practices and the sacredness of our rituals. It’s essential that prasadam remains a symbol of our devotion, reflecting the values we hold dear.
Temple Tradition
Temples like Tirupati Balaji hold a special place in my heart, steeped in ancient customs that have been cherished for centuries. Each visit is a reminder of the traditions that guide our worship. I’ve always appreciated how these customs prioritize offering vegetarian food, seen as the purest form of devotion.The thought of introducing animal fat into prasadam feels unsettling. It would not only break from tradition but also risk deeply offending many devotees, including myself. These rituals are more than just practices; they create a spiritual bond that connects us to our Lord, our faith and to each other. Maintaining these sacred traditions is essential for preserving the sanctity of our worship and the sense of community that surrounds it.
Conclusion
Hindus emphasize vegetarianism as an integral part of their lifestyle, grounded in the philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence, towards all living beings. For many, abstaining from meat is an expression of compassion and respect for life, which extends beyond humans to animals and the environment. This ancient practice reflects a harmony with nature and a commitment to nurturing the soul through mindful living and conscious consumption.
At the end of the day, I just hope for a better, non-violent, and happy world around us.
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