Gokarna, 7 September 2026: Rainwater should be treated as a precious natural resource and carefully harvested instead of allowing it to flow into drains, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math, said.
Speaking at the Annam Brahma series during the Annabrahma Chaturmasya being held at the Moolamatha premises in Ashoke, Gokarna, on September 7, 2026, the seer highlighted the traditional wisdom associated with rainwater harvesting and its importance in human life.
“Earlier, kings used to collect rainwater systematically and even consume it. When properly harvested, rainwater can remain suitable for consumption for years. Today, however, we appear to have lost our understanding of rainwater as a form of amrita jala (nectar-like water). Instead of preserving it properly, we allow it to flow away through drains,” he said.
Water has the power to calm the mind
Raghaveshwara Sri said water has a unique ability to provide relief when a person is tired, exhausted or anxious. “There is nothing comparable to water when it comes to providing peace and comfort. When a person experiences fatigue, exhaustion or anxiety, water has the ability to bring relief,” he said.
He also referred to the traditional Ayurvedic understanding of rainwater, stating that Ayurvedic scholars across different periods and regions have described rainwater as suitable for consumption. According to him, rainwater possesses immense vitality and several qualities. Traditional Ayurvedic discussions identify six easily recognisable qualities of rainwater - coolness, purity, pleasant taste, freedom from impurities, auspiciousness and lightness for digestion.
Ancient classification of rainwater
Swamiji explained that traditional knowledge classified rainwater into two broad categories - Ganga and Samudra - with Ganga water considered superior for consumption.
Ancient sages had also prescribed simple methods to determine the nature and quality of collected rainwater, he said. Rain received during Ashwayuja Masa, particularly when the Agastya star is visible in the southern sky, was traditionally considered especially suitable for drinking. Raghaveshwara Sri further explained the traditional distinction between rainwater and water obtained from the ground.
Water that has fallen on the earth and is subsequently boiled and cooled may be considered suitable for consumption for that day, according to the traditional explanation he cited. The same water may change in quality by the following day and become heavier to digest. “Rainwater, however, is not like this,” he said, while explaining the traditional understanding of the subtle qualities of water.
Soil can influence the taste of water
Discourse also highlighted how ancient Indian traditions examined the relationship between rainwater, soil and taste. According to the traditional observations cited by the seer, rainwater falling on black soil develops a sweet taste, while water falling on white soil acquires an astringent taste. Rainwater collected near mountain foothills was described as developing a salty taste.
Such observations, he said, show the extent to which earlier generations studied the characteristics of water and its interaction with the environment. He also said that rainwater should traditionally be stored in gold, silver, earthen or glass vessels, as these containers were believed not to destroy the qualities of the water.
A reminder for water conservation
Message comes at a time when rainwater harvesting is increasingly being viewed as an important part of water conservation. Beyond its traditional significance, collecting rainwater can help reduce runoff and provide an additional source of water for households and communities when appropriately stored and treated.
Swamiji's discourse therefore linked traditional knowledge with a broader message: rainwater should be valued, harvested and conserved rather than simply allowed to disappear into drains. Sri Kshetra Gokarna's Upadhivanta Vedamurthy Parameshwara Bhat and his wife were present as the day's chief guests and received the blessings of the swamiji.
Keywords: Rainwater conservation, Raghaveshwara Sri, rainwater conservation, rainwater harvesting, Gokarna, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Ayurveda rainwater, Citizen News Puttur, Gokarna News Today