Gokarna, 27 September 2026: Social transformation, rather than publicity or recognition, was the primary objective of the Annabrahma Chaturmasya, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Speaking at the Annabrahma Mahasamaropa Sabha held at the Moola Matha in Ashoke Gokarna on September 27, 2026, the seer said the purpose of the Chaturmasya was to encourage positive changes in society through spiritual discourse and awareness.
“If society is transformed through the discourses, the benefit will reach the wider world,” he said, stressing that fame and publicity were not the objectives of the Chaturmasya.
Focus on Food and Traditional Practices
Swamiji noted that it was unusual for a religious institution to dedicate an entire two-month Chaturmasya period to the subject of food. He said the Ramachandrapura Math had conducted a continuous traditional discourse series without sensationalism, focusing on reflection and discussion about food and traditional dietary practices.
According to him, the ‘Annam Brahma’ discourse reached people across Karnataka through the media and social media. He said its impact could be seen among people of different age groups, including children.
The seer added that feedback had come from different sections of society and that changes in food-related practices were being observed. The discourse series would continue after a short break, with further discussions on what he described as appropriate and inappropriate food practices.
‘Even Critics Have Been Influenced’
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji also referred to an incident involving a person who had reportedly been critical of the Math for several years. He said information had reached the Math that the person had recently purchased around ₹50,000 worth of copper and brass utensils from a utensil shop.
Swamiji presented the incident as an example of the influence of the discourse and reiterated his call to use traditional utensils and follow traditional practices in food consumption. “Our wish is that the world should change and society should move in the right direction,” he said.
‘Annabrahma Created Awareness About Food’
Renowned Ayurveda expert and Havyaka Mahasabha president Dr. Giridhar Kaje said conducting Chaturmasya with a sustained public-awareness focus on a specific subject was distinctive. He said the Ramachandrapura Math had provided detailed guidance to society on food through the discourse series and described it as a major awareness movement concerning food.
Dr. Kaje also spoke about differences between modern approaches to nutrition and traditional Indian dietary practices. He argued that modern nutritional discussions often focus heavily on calories and protein, while traditional systems consider other aspects of food as well. He called for greater attention to traditional dietary practices while avoiding what he described as excessive influence of commercial trends.
Over 1.5 Lakh Devotees Participated
Reviewing the Chaturmasya programme, Math Administrative Officer Santosh Hegde said more than 1.5 lakh devotees participated in the various programmes. He said the Chaturmasya featured more than 300 varieties of traditional dishes, while over 3,000 volunteers were directly involved in organising the programmes.
More than ₹1 crore worth of materials were reportedly contributed for the worship of Annabrahma, he said, while thanking everyone who contributed to the successful conduct of the Chaturmasya.
‘Annam Brahma – Poorvaranga’ Book Released
The first eight days of the Chaturmasya discourse have been compiled in book form as ‘Annam Brahma – Poorvaranga’, published by Sri Bharati Prakashana. Students of Vishnugupta Vishwavidyapeetha formally released the book during the programme.
Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister K. S. Eshwarappa, K. E. Kantesh and family members also participated in the programme and received the blessings of the seer.
Sri Matha Finance President Ganesh J. L., Shasana Tantra President Mohan Bhaskara Hegde, Havyaka Mahamandala Secretary Mahesh Chatnalli, Narayana Bhat Harakere, Ramachandra Kekkar, Praveen Bhimmanakone, Thimmapa Gudde Dimbha, Raghavendra Madhyastha, Eshwari Berkadavu and Deepak Hegde Golikai were among those present.
Keywords: Annabrahma Chaturmasya 2026, Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, Annam Brahma, Gokarna Chaturmasya, traditional food awareness, Gokarna News, Citizen News Puttur