Gokarna, 11 August 2026: Properly observed fasting can help strengthen the body rather than cause weakness, while also making the body and mind feel lighter, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Addressing a religious gathering at the Ashoka premises of the Math in Gokarna on Tuesday, August 11, as part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ series during Annabrahma Chaturmasya, the seer spoke on the significance of fasting and the need to follow it with proper knowledge and guidance.
He said properly undertaken fasting can bring a sense of physical and mental lightness, inner clarity, elimination of unwanted elements from the body, cleanliness of the mouth and throat, and a healthy sense of hunger.
Different Forms of Fasting
Explaining the different forms of fasting mentioned in the Dharmashastras, Swamiji said eating twice a day without consuming food in between is considered Nityopavasa. Fasting observed on occasions such as Ekadashi and Shivaratri is known as Vratopavasa.
He also explained the Kricchra form of fasting, which is prescribed in the scriptures as a form of penance for certain wrongdoings. Different forms of Kricchra fasting are prescribed for different purposes, he said.
Referring to Ayurveda, Swamiji said proper food itself can help address several health problems. When food alone does not provide relief, fasting can be considered, while medicines are prescribed when neither appropriate food nor fasting provides the required relief, he said.
Wrong Fasting Can Harm Health
However, he cautioned that excessive or improperly practised fasting can cause problems such as joint pain, physical weakness, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, reduced taste sensation and mental imbalance.
“Fasting for therapeutic purposes should not be undertaken without medical advice,” he cautioned, adding that even religious fasting should be observed with proper guidance.
Pregnant women, children, elderly persons, those who are physically weak, people experiencing excessive hunger or thirst, and those suffering from certain illnesses should not undertake fasting on their own, he said.
Food and fasting are both natural aspects of life and should be approached with an understanding of Ayurveda, spirituality and proper knowledge. Both eating and fasting can contribute to health and spiritual progress when practised appropriately, but either can become harmful when undertaken without adequate knowledge, Swamiji said.
Guests and Seva
Renowned industrialist Padma Shri Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar and his wife participated in Sri Kararchita Rama Puja and Go Puja and received the blessings of Swamiji.
B. S. Manjunath Sharma and his wife rendered Guru Bhiksha Seva on behalf of the Siddapur Havyak Mandal's Bhankuli, Itagi, Dodmane, Chapparamane and Talaguppa-Iduvani units.
K. N. Manjunath Bhat, Shantaram Hireremane, Jayanti Hegde, Raghavendra Hegde Musavalli and Dina Pradhana Radhakrishna Bhat and his wife were present.
Keywords
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, fasting benefits, fasting and health, proper fasting guidance, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna news, Citizen News Puttur