Gokarna, 22 September 2026: Machines may be able to analyse the physical properties of ghee, but they cannot reveal its complete power, said Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Speaking at a religious gathering held as part of the ‘Annabrahma Chaturmasya’ programme at the Ashoke Moola Math premises in Gokarna on September 22, 2026, the Swamiji spoke about the importance and qualities of ghee as part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ series.
“Ghee is not merely a substance with physical properties. It has divine qualities that go beyond what can be understood by the eyes and the mind. These qualities can be understood through experience,” he said.
Swamiji said that genuine ghee made from the milk of indigenous cows is believed to support memory and intellect. It also promotes ojas, the vital essence of the body, he said.
According to him, ghee can help make the voice sweeter and support the body's natural complexion. He also described ghee as beneficial for reproductive health, healthy ageing and eyesight. For those pursuing spiritual practices, he said, ghee can also be a useful food.
“Describing the qualities of ghee would itself become a thousand names of ghee,” he said.
Ghee and detoxification
Swamiji said detoxification or cleansing of the body has gained attention in modern cities and referred to ghee as an important substance in traditional Ayurveda. Citing Ayurvedic texts, he said ghee has traditionally been used in the management of several health conditions. He also explained that ghee is believed to provide both strength and softness to the body.
He said both fresh and aged ghee have their own benefits, referring to traditional Ayurvedic literature.
Indigenous cow ghee
Ghee can be prepared from the milk of different animals, but indigenous cow ghee holds a special place in Ayurveda, the Swamiji said. Referring to descriptions attributed to Sushruta, he said different types of animal ghee were discussed in Ayurvedic literature and cow ghee was considered particularly beneficial. He also said Ayurveda considers cow ghee highly beneficial for eye health.
Ghee and food prepared by others
Swamiji also referred to the traditional belief that food prepared by others should be consumed with care because the way the food was sourced and prepared may not always be known. Quoting the teachings of Sri Rangamahaguru, he said that when one has to eat food prepared by others, adding ghee before eating was traditionally believed to help remove possible negative effects or impurities associated with such food.
Visitors and Vedic chanting
Former Kumta MLA Sharada Shetty met the Swamiji and received his blessings. Swamiji also participated in the Krishna Yajurveda Ghana Parayana and blessed the Vedic scholars taking part in the chanting. Yakshagana artiste Totimane Ganapati Hegde was present. Manjunatha Hegde Magegaru and his wife were also present as day patrons.
Keywords: Raghaveshwara Swamiji, ghee benefits, indigenous cow ghee, Ayurveda, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna News, Gokarna, Citizen News Puttur