Gokarna, 21 August 2026: Ordinary people too can gain control over the five elements by following disciplined food habits and fasting, Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sri Ramachandrapura Math, said on Friday.
Speaking at a Dharma Sabha held as part of the ongoing ‘Annabrahma Chaturmasya’ at the Ashokey Moolamatha in Gokarna on August 21, 2026, the seer said food should be consumed according to time, place and scriptural principles.
As part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ series, he spoke about how difficulties can come even in the lives of great personalities. Referring to the story of Nala and Damayanti, he explained Nala’s mastery and influence over fire. His true greatness and abilities became evident to the world when he faced a series of hardships, he said.
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji also stressed the importance of avoiding food waste.
Responding to a question about what should be done with food left on a banana leaf after a person stops eating following a belch, he said people should not have more food served than they actually need. Those serving food should also be mindful of the quantity.
“Food left on a banana leaf becomes waste, but eating more than required can become harmful,” he said. He added that food left uneaten is not necessarily completely wasted, as it may become food for another living being.
He urged people to be responsible about food if they want health, peace and spiritual growth in life. Protecting the jatharagni (digestive fire) and treating food as divine should be part of everyday life, he said.
Guru Bhiksha Seva
The family of Vedamurthy Balachandra Bhatta, Dharmadarshi of Sri Kshetra Hattiyangadi, offered Guru Bhiksha Seva to the seer. JDS Uttara Kannada district president Suraj Naik Soni and Shekhar Naik also received the blessings of the seer. Manjunath Suvarnagadde, Shantaram Hegde Kondadakuli and R.S. Hegde Hargi and his wife were present.
Namadhari community offers Swarna Paduka Puja
Members of the Namadhari community, traditionally associated with Sri Ramachandrapura Math, performed Swarna Paduka Puja. Accepting the puja and blessing the community, Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji said regular interaction between the Guru and disciples would strengthen their bond.
“The blessings of the Guru Parampara will always remain with the community, and the Math will stand with the community in its joys and challenges,” he said.
Namadhari community Kumta taluk president Arun Kumar G. Naik, Shekhar Naik, Harish Naik, Ashok Naik and other community members were present.
Keywords
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, food waste, jatharagni, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, Gokarna News, Citizen News Puttur