The No Onion No Garlic Season

Hindus partake in multiple rituals during the Shravan/Sawan month. The most intriguing is the fast that involves the vow of consuming neither garlic nor onion. It is all rooted in the belief of how these two eatable came into existence! While the planets move and myths narrate the stories of the divine and living, Hinduism as a culture will keep surprising us.

Onion and Garlic I Source: Medical News

Within the expansive expanse of the Hindu Calendar, the month of Shravan/Sawan assumes not just devotional significance but also a realm of profound sanctity. Across our nation, devout souls commemorate this month through various religious ceremonies, fasting, and regular temple visits. The term Shravan finds its origins in the dominance of the Shravan nakshatra in the celestial sphere during this period. According to Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu, as shadow planets, exist as ethereal mathematical points in space. While the Sun and Moon traverse separate paths, their trajectories intersect twice a year, leading to solar and lunar eclipses, moments of transient darkness. These intersectional paths of the Sun and Moon denote Rahu and Ketu.

Yet, how do these cosmic phenomena intertwine with our narrative? To comprehend fully, let us delve into Hindu Mythology, exploring the profound implications of celebrating the Shravan month, the rationale behind the omission of onion and garlic from temple offerings, and the intrinsic link to Rahu and Ketu.

According to Hindu Scriptures and Puranas, the Samudra Manthana (Churning of the Ocean) stands as a monumental event in which Devas and Asuras momentarily united. This saga commenced when Airavata, Lord Indra’s celestial elephant, discarded a garland bestowed by the revered Sage Durvasa due to its vexatious fragrance. In response, the sage's curse befell not just Lord Indra, but all Devas, stripping them of their affluence, potency, and glory. This led to the Devas' decline in prosperity, ultimately succumbing to the might of the Asuras.

Samudra Manthana I Source: Wikipedia

Desperate pervaded, compelling the Devas to seek solace from Lord Vishnu, who counselled them to churn the Kshir Sagar, the ocean of milk, to extract the Amrit (nectar). This elixir held the promise of rejuvenation and immortality. The task of churning this vast expanse was Herculean, requiring the collaboration of Mount Mandara, Naga King Vasuki, and Kurma, Lord Vishnu's turtle incarnation. Amidst the churning, an array of fourteen precious gemstones surfaced, alongside the potent Halahala poison, capable of obliterating existence. This poison had the potential to destroy the world of living and divine alike.

At this dire juncture, Lord Shiva intervened, consuming the poison which dyed his throat azure, earning him the appellation Neelkanth. Simultaneously, Dhanvantari emerged, bearing the vessel of nectar. Amid the ensuing division of treasures, an Asura absconded with the nectar. Lord Vishnu adopted the guise of Mohini, a captivating woman, to reclaim the nectar for the Devas. Nevertheless, the Asura persisted, masquerading as a Brahmin, attempting to disrupt the consumption of nectar. Sensing foul play, Lord Surya and Chandra alerted Lord Vishnu, who promptly vanquished the demon with his Sudarshana chakra. As the demon perished with nectar lingering on his lips, his severed head and body metamorphosed into the eternal entities Rahu and Ketu. The vengeful Rahu vowed to eclipse the luminance of both the Sun and Moon, thus giving rise to solar and lunar eclipses.

Lord Vishnu in Mohini Avatar, slitting the throat of the demon I Source: Hindu Blog

But how does this narrative intertwine with onion and garlic? The Sudarshana chakra, severing the demon's throat, resulted in droplets of his blood staining the earth, transmuting into crimson and ivory onions. Originating from demonic blood, these vegetables find no place in divine offerings. Consumption of onions and garlic during Sawan is believed to arouse desires and ignorance, attributes associated with demons. Therefore, every Sawan month, we humbly offer Ganga Jal to Lord Shiva, commemorating his valiant act of ingesting poison to safeguard the world. Within this intricate tapestry of mythology, symbolism, and devotion, the saga of Shravan persists, captivating and inspiring across successive generations.