Many Hindus have a misconception that Hindu scriptures prohibit non-vegetarian food but when one read the Hindu scriptures, they speak the opposite. I’ll just provide few references.
“The eater who daily even devours those destined to be his food, commits no sin; for the creator himself created both the eaters and those who are to be eaten” (Manu Smriti
'The consumption of meat (is befitting) for sacrifices,' that is declared to be a rule made by the gods;” (Manu Smriti
“A twice-born man who, knowing the true meaning of the Veda, slays an animal for these purposes, causes both himself and the animal to enter a most blessed state.” (Manu Smriti 5:42)
The Sages even had beef according to the Vedas.
lets see now what Rigved has to say
“…..Indra will eat thy bulls, thy dear oblation that effecteth much. Supreme is Indra over all.” (Rigved Book 10 Hymn 86 verse 13)
“Agni, flesh-eater, who hath past within your dwelling,…..” (Rigved book 10 Hymn 16 verse 10)
Even Rama had meat. We can read this in Ramayana. Its mentioned in Ayodhya Kanda chapter 20. Rama says
“I shall live in a solitary forest like a sage for fourteen years, leaving off meat and living with roots, fruits and honey”. (Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda chapter 20)
Find this here.
http://www.valmikiramayan.net/ayodhya/sarga20/ayodhya_20_frame.htm
If Rama can eat meat then why can’t you Hindus? Are you more holier than Rama?
Thus Hindu scriptures permit non-vegetarian food. Its because of the influence of other religions like Jainism etc. that Hindus adopted this philosophy of vegetarianism otherwise the Hindu scriptures permit non-vegetarian food.
