Gokarna, 15 August 2026: Traditional Indian understanding of digestion and the concept of Jatharagni offer perspectives that differ from modern medical approaches, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji.
He was speaking during a discourse at the Annabrahma Chaturmasya being held at Ashokeya Moola Matha in Gokarna. According to Raghaveshwara Sri, several concepts described in Indian scriptures were understood by ancient scholars through what is referred to as yogic vision, while modern scientific instruments may not yet be able to identify or measure all such aspects.
What is Jatharagni?
Explaining the traditional concept of Jatharagni, the seer said hunger is one of its important manifestations. According to the Indian tradition, the energy responsible for body heat, hunger and the digestion of food is described as Agni. He explained that this Agni is traditionally understood as playing a key role in transforming food and supporting the body's processes.
He referred to descriptions of Agni in traditional texts, including the Soundarya Lahari, Ashtanga Hridaya, Bhavaprakasha and Sushruta Samhita, which locate the digestive fire in or around the navel region, with variations in the precise description.
Raghaveshwara Sri explained that Agni is traditionally associated with two qualities — illumination and the ability to burn or transform. In the heart, it is described as a life-giving flame, while in the abdominal region it is associated with digestion and the transformation of food.
Why is sleeping on the left side mentioned?
One of the notable points in the discourse was his explanation of the traditional recommendation to sleep on the left side at night. He said that, according to the traditional understanding, Jatharagni is located towards the left side of the navel. Sleeping on the left side is therefore said to create conditions considered favourable for digestion.
The explanation was presented in the context of the traditional Indian understanding of the body's internal processes and should be distinguished from evidence-based medical advice on sleep position.
Swarna Paduka Puja by Ambiga and Vishwakarma communities
As part of the Chaturmasya programme, members of the Ambiga and Vishwakarma communities, traditionally associated with Sri Ramachandrapura Matha, performed Swarna Paduka Puja.
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji blessed the devotees and offered Mantrakshata, saying the Matha would continue to stand with its devotee communities and wishing for their welfare through the blessings of the Guru Parampara.
Members of both communities, including Guru Ambiga, Mahesh Govinda Ambiga, Manjunatha Shankara Ambiga, Shambhu Achari Vandur, Madhukar Achari Honavar, Jagadisha Achari Mirjan and Ganesh Achari Hebbankere, were among those present.
Senior advocates Arun Shyam, P. N. Manmohan, Shambhusharma and Narasimha, along with local leader Mahesh Shetty, attended the programme and received the Swamiji's blessings.
Udayashankara Neerpaje and his wife offered Gurubhiksha Seva on behalf of the Jaalatanigara Balaga. Members of the group were also present.
Keywords
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, Jatharagni, left-side sleeping, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna spiritual discourse, Ambiga, Vishwakarma, Swarna Paduka Puja, Citizen News Puttur, Gokarna News