Gokarna, 18 September 2026: Water is not merely a liquid that quenches thirst but also a divine medicine that supports bodily health and a means of practising the highest form of dharma, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Delivering a discourse on the “Annam Brahma” series during the ‘Annam Brahma Chaturmasya’ Dharma Sabha at the Ashoke Moolamatha premises in Gokarna on September 18, 2026, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati said that offering water to the thirsty is considered a noble act in the Dharmashastras.
He explained that even a person who may not have performed yajnas, austerities or vows could attain spiritual merit by offering water to those in need. Providing water to the thirsty, he said, is comparable to offering an oblation to another person’s digestive fire. Arranging drinking water for travellers during summer and constructing wells and ponds are among the most commendable forms of service, he added.
Traditional Significance of Swati Rainwater
Emphasising the importance of making use of rare opportunities in life, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati spoke about the traditional significance attributed to rainwater received during the Swati Nakshatra.
According to the traditional understanding he shared, Swati rainwater is light to digest, suitable for the body and possesses qualities that help it remain preserved for long periods. He also stated that, according to modern science, microorganisms do not develop in such water even when it is stored for years.
Repentance and the Purpose of Prayaschitta
Responding to a question about the belief that contact with the waters of the Ganga can remove sins, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati said that the authority to undertake prayaschitta rests with a person who experiences genuine remorse.
Recognising one’s mistake and making a firm resolve not to repeat it constitute the essence of prayaschitta, he said. A Ganga bath undertaken with such a repentant state of mind, he added, is what gives the act its spiritual significance.
Family of Anand Bhat offered Guru Bhiksha Seva. Ramachandra Rao Ganjala and his wife were present as day patrons.
Madiwala Community Performs Swarna Paduka Puja
Madiwala community, which has maintained a longstanding association with Sri Ramachandrapura Math across generations, performed Swarna Paduka Puja.
Accepting the Paduka Puja, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati blessed the community and expressed the hope that greater unity among its members would bring increased welfare. He assured that the Guru Peetha would always stand with the community and prayed for the removal of its difficulties and losses.
Manjunath Madiwala, Sadananda Madiwala, Manjunath Bilagi, Ramananda Madiwala and other members of the community were present.
Keywords - Raghaveshwara Bharati, Gokarna Dharma Sabha, water donation dharma, Swati rainwater, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, Swarna Paduka Puja, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Citizen News Puttur,