why do swaminarayans not eat onion and garlic?

Question

why is it a must to not eat garlic to be a swaminarayan?

Answer 1

I don't know. I'm Italian and would probably die.

Answer 2

It is all due to religious beliefs.

Eating Garlic and Onion is considered as a sin by Swaminarayans. So they do not eat Garlic or Onion. It is mentioned as a sin. They consider Garlic and onions as non-vegitarian food, as it gives the pungent smell while eating and also after eating. This is the explanation given by Gujaratis to me.

Apart from the above, They are supposed to have sex on particular days only with many restrictions. Eating Garlic and Onions stimulates sex appetite. for this reason also they do not eat Garlic and Onion.

Elsewhere, say in West Bengal widows are not allowed to take Non-vegitarian food along with Onion and Garlic, where as they consider fish as vegetarian food and widows take it...

Answer 3

Onion and garlic are the factors which help increase sex emotions and disturb the peacefulness of mind. As a medicine, it is expected to take them in their natural form only (without treatement or cooking) as and when required under supervision of Ayurvedic Physician. Their smell irritates mind.

Answer 4

i did not know that,

but i love garlic and onion