Gokarna, 19 September 2026: Water is essential for survival, but cow ghee plays an important role in making life meaningful, said Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Matha.
He was speaking on ‘Ghee’ as part of the Annam Brahma series during the ‘Annam Brahma Chaturmasya’ programme at Ashoke Moolamatha in Gokarna on September 19, 2026. The Swamiji said the cow represents the essence of creation, milk is the essence of the cow, and ghee is the essence of milk.
He said the qualities of many things in the world decline with time. Ghee, however, is traditionally considered to gain in quality with age. He also referred to Ayurveda’s traditional description of very old ghee as a medicine.
According to the Swamiji, desi cow ghee is the genuine form of ghee. He also spoke about the traditional preference for ghee made from A2 milk. He said Sushruta placed ghee after water while discussing foods considered beneficial to living beings. This, he said, shows the importance traditionally given to ghee.
Swamiji expressed concern that people are increasingly being told that ghee should not be consumed because it is harmful to health. He said ghee is traditionally believed to help reduce certain defects in food. He also explained its importance in yajnas, where ghee is used along with other offerings.
Ghee also has a special role in traditional medicine, he said. When mixed with medicines, it is traditionally believed to help carry the properties of the medicine while retaining its own qualities.
According to Ayurveda, a meal should begin with ghee, not pickle. Starting a meal with pickle today is like turning the traditional order of eating upside down.
| Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji
Families from Chennai, Hubballi-Dharwad, Haveri, Yellapur, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and the Kerala region, representing the Bharata Mandala, offered Gurubhiksha Seva through the Gajanan Bhagwat family. Krishna Kalanji of Haveri, R.G. Bhat, Dr Sharada Jayagovind and Datturaj Manchale and his wife were present.
Keywords: desi cow ghee, Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, Gokarna Chaturmasya, Annam Brahma, Ayurveda ghee, cow ghee benefits, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Citizen News Puttur