Gokarna, 25 September 2026: A long life and a healthy body are essential for spiritual practice, said Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Speaking at the Dharma Sabha being held as part of the ‘Annabrahma Chaturmasya’ at the Ashoke Moola Math premises in Gokarna on September 25, 2026, he spoke on the importance of ghee in spiritual practice as part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ series.
Ghee is considered the tongue of God
Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji said the Vedas describe ghee as the “tongue of God”. He explained that offerings made during homas and havans are offered to the deity through ghee. Even when different materials are offered in a ritual, they are purified with ghee before being offered, he said.
Ghee and spiritual practice
Explaining the role of ghee in spiritual practice, the Swamiji said spiritual practice is a way of seeking the grace of God. He said that, according to the spiritual tradition he was explaining, the results of past actions or sins can become an obstacle between an individual and God.
He said ghee is considered a sacred substance and that its sight, touch and consumption are traditionally believed to help reduce sins. He also said ghee is traditionally regarded as a protective substance against negative or harmful forces.
Ghee as a ‘Rasayana’
Swamiji said Ayurveda uses the term ‘Rasayana’ for substances believed to support the body against ageing, disease and decline and to strengthen the mind. He described ghee as an important Rasayana and said it is traditionally associated with several benefits.
‘Spiritual practice should begin when the body is strong’
People often begin reading the Bhagavad Gita only after reaching the age of 60, he observed. He said spiritual practice should not be postponed until old age because of physical weakness. According to Indian tradition, he said, spiritual practice begins during the Brahmacharya stage of life.
“A healthy and strong body is needed for spiritual practice. One should begin the practice when the body is strong,” he said.
He added that ghee is traditionally regarded as providing strength and supporting longevity, which he linked to the physical requirements of spiritual practice.
Representing the Mumbai, Dombivli and Hyderabad Havyaka circles of Bharat Mandala, the family of U.T. Krishnamurthy from Mumbai offered Gurubhiksha Seva. Industrialists Gopalakrishna Bhat, Prabhakara M.N. and Dr. Raviraj Kadle were present. Tekekkere Subrahmanya Bhat and his wife attended as the day's Pradhana couple.
Why is longevity important?
Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji said longevity is considered important because a strong body and a long life provide more time for spiritual practice. He said people should make use of the human birth they have received to pursue spiritual practice and seek liberation. He also said a longer life gives a person more opportunity to share the benefits of their spiritual journey with society.
Keywords: Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, ghee and spiritual practice, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna spiritual discourse, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, Ayurveda Rasayana, Citizen News Puttur