Gokarna, August 31, 2026: Food is not merely something that fills the stomach but represents the divine itself, said Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Addressing the religious assembly as part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ discourse series at the Ashoke Moola Math premises in Gokarna on Monday, during the ongoing ‘Annabrahma Chaturmasya’, the seer explained the spiritual significance of food.
“Food and mother are not very different. Parents nurture us from outside, but food alone has the power to enter the body and nourish us from within,” he said.
Explaining the distinction between the physical and subtle understanding of food, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati said that the Ganga, viewed scientifically, may appear to be merely H₂O. However, from a subtler perspective, the same river is revered as Ganga Mata.
Similarly, Lord Rama was born as a human being, but he was not merely a human being, he said. In the same way, while food may appear to be simply a meal from a physical perspective, a deeper understanding reveals it as a manifestation of the Divine and as Annapoorneshwari, he explained.
Food Must Be Treated with Reverence
Swamiji said food should be respected in the same manner as one's mother. “Food is not merely an inanimate physical substance. The way we look at food influences the way it affects us. If we see it merely as ‘food’, it remains so. But when we see it as Annapoorneshwari and as a manifestation of Brahman, it can have a profound effect on us,” he said.
He also pointed out the difference between wealth and food in terms of human satisfaction.
“When it comes to wealth, people rarely say ‘enough’. But when it comes to food, everyone eventually has to say ‘enough’ after reaching a certain point. Food provides a satisfaction that no amount of wealth can offer,” he said.
Peace and contentment are among the characteristics associated with the Divine, and food too possesses many such qualities, he added. Renowned writer Chintamani Kodlekere, noted Yakshagana artiste Vidyadhara Jalavalli, and Shivamogga Havyaka Sangha president Poornananda were present and received the blessings of the seer.
Lakshminarayana Pakalakunja family offered Guru Bhiksha Seva. Vedic scholars V.M. Subraya Bhat Agnihotri and V.M. Manjunatha Bhat Jalagadde, along with Dr. Purushottama Bhat and his wife, were present as Dinapradhanis.
Ammakodava Samaja Performs Swarna Paduka Puja
Ammakodava Samaja, which has traditionally maintained its association with Sri Math, performed Swarna Paduka Puja.
Accepting the offering, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati said that the fruits offered by devotees represent their devotion, while the mantrakshate blessed by the Guru represents the blessings of the Guru Parampara.
He wished the Ammakodava Samaja well and prayed that the blessings of the Guru Peetha would bring prosperity and welfare to the community. Ammakodava Samaja president Bananda N. Prathyu, B.S. Raghu, B.S. Praveen and hundreds of Gurubandhus were present.
Keywords
Raghaveshwara Sri, Annam Brahma, Annapoorneshwari, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, Gokarna, Ammakodava Samaja, Gokarna News Today, Citizen News Puttur