Gokarna, Sept. 11, 2026: Society must choose the right path instead of merely seeking the easiest way in life, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
He was speaking during a discourse on water as part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ series at the Dharma Sabha being held in connection with the Annabrahma Chaturmasya at the Ashoka premises of the Math’s original monastery in Gokarna on Friday.
Swamiji said Indian scriptures had accorded special importance to the purity and sanctity of water. They even advised people not to spit into water and prescribed restrictions concerning certain practices in the Ganga.
“Those who pollute water are described as deserving punishment in the scriptures. As the country has moved away from following these principles, the condition of the nation and its water resources has deteriorated,” he said.
Ancient India’s respect for water
Explaining the importance given to water in ancient India, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati referred to an episode from the Ramayana, in which Bharata takes an oath that if he had deceived Rama, he should suffer the fate prescribed for those who pollute water.
According to the seer, the reference demonstrates the deep respect that ancient society had for water sources. He also spoke about traditional knowledge concerning water and its use in Ayurveda.
“We should not seek the easiest path in life. We must choose the right path. We should try to implement the teachings of the scriptures in our lives and make conscious efforts to correct our way of living.”
| Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji
Traditional resources disappearing
Swamiji expressed concern over the disappearance of several traditional substances and resources mentioned in ancient texts. He referred to the traditional use of water associated with Chandrakanta Mani in Ayurveda and said that the availability of such materials had become increasingly difficult.
“Tradition tells us that resources disappear when they are no longer used. Many substances mentioned in our traditional texts are no longer available today. At the same time, some resources are being destroyed by us in the name of development through encroachment and other activities,” he said.
He added that the destruction of water sources and heritage assets in the name of development was regrettable.
Ayurvedic classification of water
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji also explained the relationship between water and the seasons according to Ayurveda.He said traditional Ayurvedic texts describe differences in the qualities of water during Hemanta, Shishira, Vasanta and Greeshma seasons.
Referring to the Harita Samhita, he said water had been classified into four categories - Papodaka, Rogodaka, Amshodaka and Arogyodaka.
He explained that water boiled until it reduced to one-fourth of its original quantity was described as Arogyodaka. According to the traditional system, such water is believed to help balance Vata, support digestion and assist in preventing several ailments.
Siddi community performs Swarna Paduka Puja
Members of the traditional Siddi community associated with Sri Ramachandrapura Math performed Swarna Paduka Puja at the Math. Receiving the worship, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati said the Math would continue to stand with the Siddi community. He blessed the community, expressing hope that its difficulties would ease through the blessings of the Guru Parampara.
Shivananda Siddi, Narasimha Siddi, Krishna Siddi, Narayana Siddi and other community leaders and Gurubandhus were present. Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and his wife, entrepreneur Anand, Raghavalu from Hyderabad, and members of the Siddha Samadhi Yoga Samaj from Dharwad also received the seer’s blessings.
Family of Sheshagiri Hebbar offered Gurubhiksha Seva. Gurup rakash Hegde Kujalli and his wife were present as the day’s chief hosts.
Keywords: Raghaveshwara Bharati, Gokarna Dharma Sabha, water pollution, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, Annam Brahma, Siddi community, Gokarna News, Citizen News Puttur