Gokarna, 24 August 2026: Yoga Shastra does not discriminate against women, but prescribes certain restrictions out of concern for their well-being, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Addressing the Dharma Sabha of ‘Annabrahma Chaturmasya’ being held at the Ashokeya Moolamatha premises in Gokarna on August 24, 2026, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji spoke on ‘Amritahara’, as part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ series, and explained various subtle aspects of yoga.
Drawing an analogy with medicines, the Swamiji said that not every medicine available at a pharmacy is given to everyone. Some medicines require a prescription, while certain medicines are not meant for children. Similarly, not every yoga or pranayama practice is meant for everyone, and each practice has its own prescribed rules, he said.
‘Yogi Who Masters Amrita Can Overcome Even Snake Venom’
Explaining the concept of ‘Amritapana’ in yogic practice, the Swamiji said that a person who has attained mastery over this subtle yogic process would not be affected even by the deadly venom of Takshaka, according to the yogic tradition.
He said a yogi who learns to experience this ‘amrita’ repeatedly seeks that experience, adding that nothing else can compare with the experience of tasting it. Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji also explained the significance of practices including Jalandhara Bandha, Mula Bandha, Khechari and Viparita Karani.
He elaborated on the subtle aspects of Mula Bandha, the process associated with the awakening of Kundalini Shakti and the benefits traditionally attributed to its awakening. According to him, the process leads an individual towards moksha, which he described as the ultimate goal of life.
Why Are Some Yoga Practices Restricted for Women?
Swamiji said women can practise breathing exercises, but certain pranayama practices involving Mula Bandha and some other yogic processes should not be undertaken by women.
“Yoga Shastra has no bias against women, but it has concern for them,” he said, explaining that certain practices could have adverse effects on a woman’s body and potentially affect reproductive health. He therefore stressed the need for caution while undertaking such practices.
UK Havyaka Group Offers Guru Bhiksha Seva
G.M. Hegde, Vice-President of the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industries, and retired Police Commissioner T.G. Krishna Bhat, IPS, were among those present and received the blessings of the Swamiji.
Representing the United Kingdom Havyaka group, Vivek Bhat and his family offered Guru Bhiksha Seva. Ramananda Hosmane and his wife, Suresh Bhat Adagodi, Dinesh Hegde, Narasimha Bhat Badagu, Dr Ravi Pandavapura and Sudhanva Shastri were among those present.
Kharvi Community Performs Swarna Paduka Puja
Members of the Kharvi and Konkani Kharvi communities, who have traditionally maintained a relationship with Sri Math, performed Swarna Paduka Puja. Swamiji recalled the traditional Guru-Shishya relationship between the Guru Peetha and the Kharvi and Konkani Kharvi communities and said that the Math has always maintained concern for the community. He assured that Sri Math would continue to stand with the community in both its joys and difficulties.
Chandru Kharvi Maravante, Vasu Kharvi, Suresh Kharvi, Charan Kharvi, Umakantha Kharvi, Gopala Kharvi and other members of the community were present.
Keywords
Yoga Shastra and women, Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, Gokarna Chaturmasya, Mula Bandha, Kundalini Yoga, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Citizen News Puttur