Gokarna, September 20, 2026: Ghee is not harmful to the heart and should not be subjected to misinformation, said Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
He was speaking at a religious discourse held as part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ series during the ongoing Anna Brahma Chaturmasya programme at the Ashoke Moola Math premises in Gokarna on Sunday.
Swamiji said there are different views about ghee. While traditional Indian thought considers ghee beneficial, modern concerns often link its consumption with increased fat and heart problems.
He said it was wrong to include adulterated ghee, vanaspati and ghee made from non-native cattle in discussions about traditional ghee from indigenous cows and then conclude that ghee is harmful to health.
“There is increasing misinformation about ghee. This has created a misconception that ghee increases fat and is harmful,” he said.
Swamiji said the adulteration of ghee and the decline of indigenous cattle breeds were serious concerns. He urged society to remain alert about the preservation of traditional food practices.
Traditional method of making ghee
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji also spoke about the traditional method of preparing ghee. According to him, the traditional process involves making curd from milk, butter from curd and finally ghee from butter.
He said a different practice has now become common, where milk cream is stored in refrigerators for several days and ghee is made directly from the cream. He expressed the view that this process does not represent the traditional method of making ghee and said such a product should not be equated with traditionally prepared ghee.
Ghee in traditional texts
Swamiji referred to the importance given to ghee in ancient Indian literature. He said ghee is frequently mentioned in Vedic literature and has traditionally been associated with digestion, intellect and longevity.
Referring to descriptions in the Bhagavata and other traditional texts, he also spoke about the cultural significance attached to seeing ghee in the morning as an auspicious practice. He said traditional practices surrounding food should be understood in their cultural and historical context.
Swarnapaduka Puja by Deshabhandari community
Babu Bhandari and other prominent members of the community were present. Shankaranarayana Shastri offered Gurubhiksha Seva on behalf of the Mysuru, Davangere and Harihar Havyaka circles.
Radheshyam Agarwal, Muntu Agarwal, Arun Hegde of Davangere, Dr S.R. Hegde of Davangere, Gokarna police officer Anil Kumar and Nagaraj Pedamale and his wife were among those present.
Keywords: Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, ghee health benefits, traditional ghee, indigenous cow ghee, Gokarna Chaturmasya, Sri Ramachandrapura Math