Known for his spiritual discourses and as the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, has become one of the country’s most recognised spiritual leaders. But when he joined the latest episode of Sunday Brunch, the conversation wasn’t limited to religion. Between his quick wit, infectious laughter and candid life lessons, one question stood out: can something as ordinary as what’s on your plate shape your spiritual journey?
Bageshwar Baba Opens Up About His Daily Food Habits
It all began with a simple question from our Editor-in-Chief Kamiya Jani about his daily food routine. His answer was as unfiltered as the rest of the conversation. “I don’t even have a fixed sleeping schedule,” he said with a smile, adding that if sleep itself isn’t routine, expecting fixed lunch and dinner timings would be unrealistic. As for his food preferences, he revealed that fruits are his favourite and that he genuinely enjoys falahar meals, a simple fruit-based diet traditionally associated with fasting.
That naturally led to a bigger conversation. Does food have anything to do with spirituality, or is it merely a matter of personal choice?
For Bageshwar Baba, the connection is undeniable. He explained that those seeking spiritual growth should avoid onion and garlic because they increase tamasic tendencies within the body. The idea comes from ancient Hindu philosophy, which classifies human nature into three gunas: sattva (clarity and balance), rajas (activity and desire) and tamas (inertia).
A person experiencing a stronger tamasic influence is believed to feel mentally tense, less alert and more drawn towards laziness, ignorance and inactivity. In many yogic traditions, that state is seen as a hurdle because spiritual practices demand awareness, concentration and a calm mind.
Also Read: “Mere Pagal Chele…” THIS Is The Most Bizarre Thing A Follower Has Done For Bageshwar Baba
Food, Faith And Mindfulness: Bageshwar Baba’s Perspective
His reasoning wasn’t limited to philosophy alone. He added that onion and garlic can also leave an unpleasant odour in the mouth, which, in his view, is another reason many saints and practitioners choose to stay away from them.
Modern nutrition doesn’t universally agree with these beliefs; onions and garlic are widely regarded as nutritious foods with several health benefits. Yet within many Hindu, yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, diet has never been judged only by calories or nutrients. Food is also believed to influence the mind, emotions and one’s ability to turn inward. Whether one agrees with Bageshwar Baba’s perspective or not, his conversation on Sunday Brunch with Kamiya Jani offered an interesting reminder that for millions of people, spirituality doesn’t begin in a temple. Sometimes, it begins with what’s served on the plate.
Also Read: “Dhyaan Ka Arth Hai Bhool Jaana,” Bageshwar Baba Reveals True Spirit Behind Meditation
Watch the full Sunday Brunch episode on the Curly Tales App.
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
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FAQs
Why does Bageshwar Baba advise avoiding onion and garlic?
According to Bageshwar Baba, onion and garlic increase tamasic tendencies, which are believed in many Hindu and yogic traditions to reduce mental clarity and make spiritual practice more difficult.
What is Bageshwar Baba's favourite food?
During Sunday Brunch, he shared that he enjoys fruits the most and prefers falahar, a fruit-based diet commonly eaten during fasting.
Where did Bageshwar Baba share these views?
He discussed his food habits and spiritual beliefs during his appearance on Sunday Brunch with Kamiya Jani on Curly Tales.