In general, Hindu
culture rejects anything that might lead to a loss of control, such as
intoxicants and mind-altering substances.
The amount of opposition to these drugs varies depending on
the substance and the conditions in which it is eaten.
Use of distilled spirits ("foreign liquor"), for
example, is perceived as a sign of embracing outside ideals, but consumption of
un-distilled, fermented drinks like "country liquor" and toddy is seen
as a low-class activity.
However, at a few Hindu temples, wine is offered to the god
on a daily basis, and followers consume it as prasad, or sanctified food or
drink that bears the deity's favor.
The perception of intoxicating medications is likewise
complicated.
Shiva is depicted in Hindu mythology as habitually ingesting
both bhang, produced from crushed marijuana, and the intoxicating datura plant,
despite widespread opposition.
Many ascetics smoke hashish (charas) combined with tobacco,
a behavior regarded by some as a deliberate divergence from the normal social
structure, while some of Shiva's followers (bhakta) do the same in emulation of
their chosen god.
Although many individuals abstain, bhang use is a very prevalent component of some religious holidays, such as Shivaratri and Holi.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
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