As the seasons shift in our external environment, our bodies undergo changes as well. According to the Lokpurusha principle of Ayurveda, what exists within us is also reflected in nature. These external changes have a direct impact on our health. Just as trees and plants adapt to their surroundings, it is essential for us to modify our lifestyle to maintain a healthy life. Hence, Ayurveda emphasizes transitioning from the routines of one season to those of the next, ensuring a balance between our bodies and the environment. This principle is articulated in the Ritucharya, the Ayurvedic guide on seasonal living, which remains relevant even today.
The Transition to Autumn
After the rainy season, autumn arrives. According to the Indian calendar, this season is observed from Bhadrapad to Kartik, typically spanning August to October-November. During this time, we celebrate festivals such as Shraddha, Navratri, Vijayadashami, and Sharad Purnima.
“जीवेम शरदः शतम्” – A Blessing from the Atharvaveda
Many of us have heard the blessing “Jivet Sharadah Shatam” on birthdays. This hymn from the Atharvaveda conveys the wish to live happily for a hundred years. As an Upveda of the Atharvaveda, Ayurveda expresses this desire in various ways. The 67th Sukta of the 19th section provides insights that are essential to understanding Ayurveda:
- First Sukta: पश्येम शरदः शतम् (May we see a hundred autumns; may our vision remain healthy for a hundred years.)
- Second Sukta: जीवेम शरदः शतम् (May we live for a hundred autumns; may we live for a hundred years.)
- Third Sukta: बुध्येम शरदः शतम् (May our intellect remain capable for a hundred years; may we maintain mental health for a century.)
- Fourth Sukta: रोहेम शरदः शतम् (May we continue to grow for a hundred years; may we achieve progress throughout our lives.)
- Fifth Sukta: पूषेम शरदः शतम् (May we remain nourished for a hundred years; may we receive good food.)
- Sixth Sukta: भवेम शरदः शतम् (May we remain pure for a hundred years.)
- Seventh Sukta: भूयेम शरदः शतम् (May we remain pure for a hundred years.)
- Eighth Sukta: भूयसी शरदः शतात (May we remain pure even after a hundred years.)
This mantra serves as a prayer for a happy and long life.
Why “जीवेम शरदः शतम्”?
As the rainy season ends, the bright rays of the sun begin to warm the earth, marking the start of autumn. Our bodies, accustomed to the cold of the rains, face challenges as the heat increases, naturally leading to an aggravation of the pitta dosha. The rise in temperature can lead to various diseases related to pitta. Additionally, the vegetables that grow during this time can become contaminated, leading to further health risks. Hence, it is humorously stated that autumn is the “mother of diseases” (Rogaanaam Shardi Mata). If one can navigate the autumn season healthily, it is believed that they will remain healthy throughout the year, hence the blessing “Jivem Sharadah Shatam.”
Sharad Ritucharya – Ayurvedic Lifestyle in Autumn
During autumn, the clouds become sparse, appearing white and beautiful. The rays of the moon become more effective and soothing, providing mental pleasure. The waters of rivers, lakes, and ponds become clear due to the sun’s heat and moonlight. Plants and medicines are rich in acid juice. As the warmth increases, the bile dosha that accumulated during the rainy season can become aggravated, leading to potential health issues such as fever, skin irritations, and digestive disorders.
Autumn Ritu Routine According to Ayurveda
- Eat When Hungry: Only consume food when you feel genuinely hungry, and eat only after previous meals have been digested.
- Moderate Portions: Eating in appropriate quantities is beneficial when hunger strikes.
- Incorporate Ghee: Use ghee instead of oil in cooking; it helps to calm aggravated bile. Applying ghee to your feet before bed is also advised.
- Emphasize Certain Tastes: Focus on sweet (Madhur), bitter (Tikta), and astringent (Kashaya) flavors.
- Choose Light Foods: Light, easily digestible, and cool foods are ideal.
- Recommended Cereals: Include rice, moong, wheat, barley, paddy, and sama (a type of grain).
- Suggested Pulses: Opt for gram, pigeon pea, green gram, lentil, and peas.
- Dairy Choices: Boiled milk, curd, butter, ghee, and homemade shrikhand can be included based on digestive capacity.
- Beneficial Vegetables: Cabbage, kakora, parwal, cluster beans, carrot, corn, ridge gourd, amaranth, bottle gourd, pumpkin, yam, and potato are recommended.
- Fruits to Enjoy: Pomegranate, amla, water chestnut, raisins, and lotus seeds are beneficial, with amla best consumed with sugar.
Additionally, drinks made from mixing black grapes (raisins), fennel, and coriander can help reduce heat, and Hansodak Jal (water stored in sun and moonlight) is believed to be purifying and nourishing.
Prohibited Foods in Autumn
- Avoid Spicy and Sour Foods: Extremely spicy, sour, and hot food items should be avoided.
- Mindful Eating: Do not overeat or consume food without feeling hungry.
- Prohibited Grains and Pulses: Bajra, maize, black gram, sesame, mustard, buttermilk, raw mango, and certain other items should be avoided.
- Limit Intoxicants: Strong intoxicants, alcohol, and soft drinks should not be consumed in excess.
- Avoid Cold Water: Cold water from fridges or coolers is harmful during this season.
- Sleep and Activity Patterns: Avoid excessive daytime sleep, prolonged sun exposure, and staying awake late at night.
The Scientific Importance of Autumn Festivals
The festivals celebrated during autumn, such as consuming kheer and ghee halwa, are designed to pacify the pitta dosha. Events like Chandravihar and Garba also aim to reduce pitta in the body. During Navratri, the coolness of the moon helps maintain balance within the body. The consumption of milk, rice, and kheer during Shraddha rituals is intended to be pitta-shamak. Celebrations like Sharad Poornima emphasize health, including practices like night vigils and moon-gazing, which are beneficial for both physical and mental well-being.
By following these Ayurvedic principles during the Sharad season, we can mitigate the risk of seasonal diseases and embody the essence of the blessing “Jivem Sharadah Shatam.”
Conclusion
As we transition into autumn, let us embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda to nurture our health and well-being. Following these guidelines at Dr. Jigar Gor’s Ayurveda Clinic in Bhuj will not only help you navigate the challenges of the season but also enhance your overall wellness through personalized Ayurvedic treatment and effective Panchkarma therapy.
My best wishes to all of you: Jivet Sharad: Shatam!
Dr. Jigar Gor
Ayurveda Expert
Shri Madhav Smranam Ayurveda & Panchkarma Treatment Center,
Bhuj-Kutch, Gujarat
For more information on Bhuj Ayurvedic treatment and consultations, visit our Ayurveda clinic in Bhuj.
