Hindus universally avoid eating beef due to the sacred status of cows, seen as symbols of motherhood and divinity, but practices vary, with many also being vegetarian, while some may eat other meats like chicken or goat, though pigs are often avoided as unclean; dietary choices reflect ahimsa (non-violence) and spiritual guidance, not strict universal rules.
The religion doesn't forbids non-vegetarianism (meat-eating) but it strictly restricts the slaughter and consumption of specific animals like cows/bulls, buffaloes and one-hoofed animals (includes horses, donkeys and zebras) as mentioned in the Veds (holy scriptures).
The specific prohibition by Hindu Scriptures is only on beef. Other animals are allowed as long as proper conditions are met and procedures followed. Halaal meat is for example not allowed for Hindus, Jhatka is. Pigs are considered unclean and many Hindus avoid eating them.
Cows are sacred to Hindūs. Cow slaughter and beef consumption are forbidden in many Hindū Scriptures including the Vedas which are the most authoritative Hindu texts. None of the Hindū Sampradāyas (sects/traditions) permit cow slaughter or beef consumption.
Ahimsa - non-violence - teaches that it is wrong not only to kill living beings, but to also to kill embryos. Hindus believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice ahimsa or non-violence. All life is sacred because all creatures are manifestations of the Supreme Being.
What Does Hinduism Say About Meat Consumption? Advanced Yogini Explains
Do any Hindus eat beef?
In Kerala, for example, beef is widely consumed by Hindus, partly due to the state's diverse cultural influences and the significant Christian and Muslim populations that coexist there. Historically, South India has had different culinary traditions compared to the North.
These are kama (Desire/Lust), krodha (Anger), lobha (Greed), mada (Ego), moha (Attachment), and matsarya (Jealousy). In Hinduism, these 6 traits are considered negative characteristics that prevent humans from attaining moksha.
Even in the regions where fewer Hindus are vegetarians, however, many do follow at least some restrictions on meat in their diet. For example, 39% of Hindus in the South say they don't eat meat on certain days and don't eat certain meats, while another 14% abide by just one of these two limitations.
India's beef industry is predominantly based on the slaughter of domesticated water buffaloes or carabeef. Though it is an acceptable source of meat in Abrahamic religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, many Hindus abstain from consuming beef due to cattle's high regard in Dharmic divinity.
In Hinduism, the term "Unclean animal" pertains to specific animals deemed impure, such as vicious boars, rams, and dogs. Their presence during rituals like Agnihotra may require cleansing procedures or expiation.
The word Hindu is an exonym, and while Hinduism has been called the oldest surviving religion in the world, it is also described by the 19th century term Sanātana Dharma ( lit. 'eternal dharma'). Vaidika Dharma ( lit. 'Vedic dharma') and Arya Dharma are historical endonyms for Hinduism.
Accordingly, pork and pork-based products are forbidden in Judaism and Islam, as well as among Christian denominations that adhere to Jewish dietary laws. In spite of the common religious stigma associated with pigs, pork remains the most consumed meat of any animal globally.
In Hindu Puranas, Vishnu is a strict vegetarian god, but Shiva eats whatever he is given and the Goddess loves blood. Again this is not a strict rule. For when Vishnu descends as Ram, he hunts deer for food (an idea that many vegetarian Hindus reject rather violently).
Rabbit meat was banned in India primarily due to concerns over animal welfare and religious sensitivities. Hindus, who form the majority of the population, consider the rabbit a sacred animal and refrain from consuming its meat.
In Hinduism, eggs are pretty much considered nonveg and should be abstained from. Ofc, you can eat anything you want, even meat. But eating only Sattvic foods is highly recommended for everyone if they wish to get ahead.
For example, some Hindus refrain from eating beef and pork, which are strictly prohibited in the Hindu diet code, but do eat other meats. Some Hindu Sayings and Beliefs Related to Health and Diet Live a natural, healthy life—i.e., be like the birds and animals.
Jainism. Jainism practices non-violence and has strict rules for the protection of all life. For this reason, they do not eat eggs, fish, meat or poultry. They also avoid most root vegetables because the entire plant is usually killed when harvesting the root.
Milk and milk products are permitted, butter, yogurt, cream, etc. (but in India they're very expensive). Cheese must not be coagulated with rennet (an animal product). In India the acid coagulated cheese panir predominates.
The goddess Shasti rides a cat, and the way cats may carry their kittens from one home to the next is often compared to a soul's journey as it reincarnates. In terms of sacred animals – all life is sacred in Hinduism. For this reason, it's a sin to kill a cat.
Since the faith first evolved near Asia's Indus River more than 3,000 years ago, respect for animal life has been a central theme in Hindu life. While many scholars say early Hindus ate beef, most ultimately came to see the cow as a sacred animal to be esteemed, not eaten.
In Hinduism, this same time window is considered as Brahma Muhurta, a auspicious time before sunrise. Instead of being associated with danger, it is considered ideal for meditation, yoga, prayer, and spiritual practice.
There isn't a single universally agreed-upon "#1 worst sin," as different religions and even denominations have varying perspectives, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (attributing Jesus's work to Satan) is often cited as an unforgivable or eternal sin in Christianity, while pride and greed are seen as foundational sins in other traditions, leading to many others.
Hinsa, or violence, is considered to be one of the greatest sins in Hinduism and for this there is no forgiving. Hinsa in any form, be it physical harm to any living being, or mental and emotional harm to anyone, human or animal, is considered sinful.
