Gokarna, September 16, 2026: Regularly practising Ushapana- drinking water before sunrise - and Nasapana, a traditional nasal water practice, can help people maintain a healthy life and potentially live up to 100 years, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Matha.
Swamiji was delivering a discourse on “Ushapana–Nasapana” as part of the Annam Brahma series during the Annabrahma Chaturmasya religious gathering at Ashoke Moola Matha in Gokarna on September 16.
Importance of Ushapana
Explaining the traditional practice, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati said Ushapana refers to drinking water before sunrise, traditionally described as consuming approximately eight handfuls of water.
He said the practice finds references in Ayurveda and yoga traditions and is recommended as a daily routine. According to him, Ushapana is believed to support the body's well-being and help overcome health problems and the effects of ageing.
He suggested that the practice could be introduced gradually from childhood, increasing water intake in stages and reaching the traditional quantity by around the age of 16. He also advised that water stored overnight for this purpose should be kept in a copper or another suitable clean vessel.
Nasapana and traditional nasal cleansing
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati also explained Nasapan, described in yoga and Ayurveda traditions as introducing water through the nostrils before sunrise. He said the practice is associated with improved mental alertness and eyesight in traditional accounts. It is also referred to in connection with practices such as Jala Neti and Jala Nasya.
He emphasised that the practice should be learnt gradually and performed carefully. He also noted that there are circumstances in which it should not be undertaken and that practitioners must observe the necessary precautions.
Water and the traditional concept of Agni
Referring to traditional concepts of Agni, the seer said water is regarded as an important factor in sustaining the different forms of fire, including Jatharagni, or digestive fire.
He stated that the subjects discussed in the discourse were not merely theoretical references from books, but included practices that had been observed and followed. He encouraged society to adopt beneficial traditional practices for a healthier lifestyle.
Ghana Parayana begins
As part of the Chaturmasya observances, the Ghana Parayana of the Taittiriya Shakha of the Krishna Yajurveda also commenced at the matha.
The recitation is being conducted under the leadership of Vedic scholar V.B. Pallathadka Shankaranarayana Bhatta Ghanapathi, with the participation of ten prominent Ghanapathis from the region. The Ghana Parayana will continue from September 16 to September 23.
Ghanapatha is a specialised method of reciting Vedic mantras. Traditional Vedic recitation includes eight forms of Vikriti Patha, among which Ghanapatha is regarded as one of the most elaborate and technically demanding forms.
Guests and offerings
Karnataka Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Raghavendra Bhat, V.B. Ravish Tantri and senior writer Bhuvaneshwari Hegde were present and received the blessings of Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati. Members of the Shivaramachandra Shivala family offered Guru Bhiksha Seva, while Rajaram Marigadde and his wife attended as the day's principal hosts.
Keywords: Ushapan and Nasapan, Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, Gokarna Chaturmasya, Ghana Parayana, Sri Ramachandrapura Matha, Ayurveda and yoga practices, Citizen News Puttur, Annabrahma chaturmasya