Gokarna, August 19: Correct pronunciation of aspirated sounds in the Kannada alphabet can stimulate the body’s digestive fire and strengthen it, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Speaking at a religious gathering held as part of the ‘Annabrahma Chaturmasya’ programme at Ashoke in Gokarna on Wednesday, August 19, Swamiji explained the relationship between food, digestion, the five vital airs and the body’s digestive system.
According to him, pronouncing Mahaprana (aspirated) letters correctly creates pressure around the navel region, which can help strengthen the digestive fire. He said proper pronunciation of letters can indirectly stimulate Agni in the body.
The body has its own ‘kitchen’
Describing digestion through the traditional concept of the five pranas, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati said the body essentially has a kitchen of its own. Krikara prana signals hunger and initiates the process of eating. The Prana moves food from the mouth towards the stomach, while Samana Vayu helps process the food and separate nutrients from waste.
Vyana Vayu carries the nutrients to different parts of the body. Apana Vayu helps eliminate waste and undigested material from the body, while Udana Vayu contributes to strength and complexion through the nourishment derived from food. Thus, the five vital airs work together like a kitchen inside the body, he explained.
‘Listen to the body while eating’
Swamiji also emphasised the importance of recognising the body's natural signals while eating. He said the Naga prana indicates when the stomach is full. A person should pay attention to such signals instead of continuing to eat beyond the body's capacity.
“Food should be stopped when a belch occurs while eating,” he said, explaining that repeatedly ignoring such natural signals could eventually disturb the body's normal processes and lead to health problems.
Digestive fire and food
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji said understanding digestion is far more complex than simply eating food. According to the traditional Ayurvedic understanding referred to in his discourse, the body has 18 important forms of Agni, all of which are connected to Jatharagni, or the digestive fire.
Any disturbance in Jatharagni, he said, can affect the functioning of the other forms of Agni. A balanced intake of wholesome, moderate and appropriate food and drink provides the necessary fuel for Jatharagni to function properly, he said. “Both strength and longevity of the body arise from Jatharagni,” he said.
Dignitaries attend programme
Scholar Umakanta Bhat Kerekai, former Minister Haratalu Halappa and BJP leader Mallikarjuna Hakre were among those who participated in the programme and received the blessings of the seer.
Members of the Lakshminarayana Hegde family rendered Gurubhiksha Seva on behalf of the Gerusoppa, Honnavar, Kadle, Mugva and Hosakuli Havyaka circles of the Honnavar Havyaka Mandala.
Vedamurthy Subrahmanya Bhat Ammanavaramane, R.G. Hegde Hosakuli, Parameshwara N. Bhat, Krishna Hegde Chittani, Reshma Bhat, Dinesh Hegde and Mahesh M.N. were present. Vishweshwara Bhat Eliyuru served as the event's Dina Pradhani.
Keywords
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, Mahaprana pronunciation, digestive fire Agni, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna spiritual discourse, five pranas, Citizen News Puttur