Gokarna, September 13, 2026: People should gradually move away from plastic and other modern utensils and revive the use of traditional vessels to protect their health, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, has said.
“Utensils are not merely containers for storing water. The qualities of the vessel can influence the water kept in it,” he said while delivering a discourse on water vessels under the ‘Annam Brahma’ series at a religious assembly held as part of the Annabrahma Chaturmasya programme at the Ashoke premises of the Math’s Gokarna headquarters on September 13.
According to the Swamiji, traditional vessels serve not only to hold substances but can also contribute to enhancing their qualities. He said gold, silver, copper, bronze and brass vessels were traditionally valued for their perceived ability to improve the quality of water. While glass does not enhance the qualities of water, it does not cause deterioration, he said. However, he advised people to avoid stainless steel, aluminium and plastic vessels for regular use.
Traditional Practices and Health
Referring to the absence of plastic and stainless steel during the time of ancient sages, the Swamiji said traditional scriptures naturally do not contain detailed references to these materials.
He referred to experimental research attributed to Sriranga Mahaguru, who was known for his expertise in Nadi Vijnana, involving the effects of storing milk in different types of vessels. According to the Swamiji, the research recorded adverse effects associated with stainless steel vessels on the body’s vata, pitta and kapha balance.
He acknowledged that modern science considers food-grade stainless steel suitable for use, but argued that scientific understanding changes over time. “Until science changes its position, we need not put our valuable bodies at risk,” he said, urging people to consider a gradual shift towards traditional alternatives.
Appeal to the Public
Swamiji said the Math had avoided steel, plastic and similar materials in its worship-related practices and in the daily use of its pontiffs for several years. He appealed to the public to adopt healthier practices by using copper, bronze, brass and glass vessels wherever practical.
“Nothing is more valuable than life and livelihood. Reduce wasteful expenditure, move away from steel, aluminium and plastic vessels, and make the use of traditional vessels a habit.”
| Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji
“People spend money on many unnecessary things, but continue to drink water from plastic cups that may be harmful. Our choice of vessels should gradually change in a positive direction,” he said. He described the discourse series as part of the Math’s social concern for society and public well-being.
Political Leaders Attend Programme
Shirsi MLA Bhimanna T. Naik, Yellapur MLA Shivaram Hebbar and senior advocate Arun Shyam were present at the programme and received the Swamiji’s blessings.
K.M. Diwakar and his family offered gurubhiksha seva on behalf of the Bengaluru North Mandal. Ganapati Pudukoli and his wife attended as dinapradhanis.
Keywords: Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, traditional vessels, plastic utensils, stainless steel utensils, copper brass bronze vessels, Gokarna news