Gokarna, 9 September 2026: Indian tradition represents timeless truth, while modern thinking keeps changing with time, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji said at a religious gathering in Gokarna on Wednesday.
Speaking at the ‘Annam Brahma’ series during the ongoing Annabrahma Chaturmasya at Ashoke Moolamatha on September 9, the Jagadguru of Sri Ramachandrapura Math spoke about traditional knowledge concerning water and cautioned people against blindly changing their lifestyle based on changing modern scientific views.
Sun, moon and air important for water: Swamiji
Raghaveshwara Bharati said water that comes into contact with the sun, moon and air is suitable for use. According to him, sunlight has germ-killing properties and provides life energy, while moonlight cools water and adds medicinal qualities. Air, he said, helps water undergo natural purification. He noted that modern water storage and supply systems often keep water away from sunlight and air.
“Today, we are using water that does not have contact with the sun, moon or air,” he said, referring to water stored in cement and plastic tanks and transported through plastic pipes. He also referred to modern scientific views regarding water exposed to sunlight and said traditional practices needed to be examined carefully rather than being dismissed.
‘Our ancestors followed these practices for generations’
Swamiji said generations of people had lived by consuming water exposed to sunlight, moonlight and air. He called for a reconsideration of modern practices concerning drinking water and urged society to examine traditional knowledge alongside contemporary thinking.
‘Modern thinking changes every few years’
Raghaveshwara Bharati said the last 50 years had seen several changes in modern ideas about health and lifestyle. “Something considered healthy 10 years ago may be considered unhealthy today,” he said, pointing to the changing nature of modern thinking.
Indian tradition, however, does not change in the same manner and represents what he described as “eternal truth,” he said. He cautioned that changing one's lifestyle every five or 10 years based solely on changing modern ideas could create risks.
‘Modern thinking is not a theory’
“Modern thinking is not a theory. A theory is something that emerges after extensive discussion and criticism. A theory is an eternal truth. Unlike modern thinking, it does not change every 10 years.”
| Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji
Ayurveda had detailed knowledge of water
Swamiji also highlighted the detailed classification of water found in Ayurveda. He referred to different types of water, including melted snow water, dew water, short-duration rainwater, fast- and slow-flowing river water, and water flowing over rocks and sand.
He said Ayurveda also discusses rivers that flow only during the rainy season. Referring to Sushruta's writings, he said ancient Indian knowledge examined the qualities of river water based on the direction in which rivers flowed and the mountains from which they originated. This, he said, demonstrated the depth of knowledge and observation that existed in ancient India regarding drinking water.
Bhovi community performs Swarna Paduka Puja
Members of the Bhovi community, which has traditionally been associated with the Sri Matha, performed Swarna Paduka Puja during the programme. Raghaveshwara Bharati accepted the Paduka Puja and blessed members of the community. Anantha Baindur, Narasimha Ankolekar, Chandrashekhara Sirsi and other community leaders and devotees were present.
Members of the Narayana Bhat Sadangaya family offered Guru Bhiksha Seva. Entrepreneur Nidle Rama Bhat, Ravishankar Bhat Kadathoka, entrepreneur Muralidhar Prabhu, Subray Bhat Konare, V.M. Hegde Almane and Babu Hegde Alavalli and his wife were also present.
Keywords: Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, Indian tradition, modern thinking, Gokarna, Ayurveda water, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, Gokarna News, Citizen News Puttur, sun, moon and air