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Only a few days are left for the much-awaited and grand consecration of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir and preparations for the celebration are in full swing for January 22, 2024. From prasad being served online to feasts that feature record-breaking halwas, ministers, devotees, and people in Ayodhya are busy preparing for the holy ceremony with great fervour. Amid this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken an 11-day anushthan ahead of the consecration to purify his body and soul.
Video Credit: Cook With Lallu Ji/ YouTube
Taking to his social media handle on X (formerly known as Twitter), PM Modi wrote on January 12, 2024, “Only 11 days left for the consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. It is my honour to witness this pure, historic moment.” He added that he would undertake anushthan for 11 days. As a part of this anushthan, PM Modi has revealed that he will sleep on the floor, do jaap and meditation, immerse himself in religious scriptures and eat only sattvic food in small amounts.
As he has himself revealed, a major part of this purifying ritual is to follow a sattvic diet. While the exact dietary restrictions he’ll follow are not known, PM Modi, who is anyways a vegetarian who follows a pure and minimalistic diet, is likely to follow the Ayurvedic concepts of sattvicism. Here is all you need to know about it.
What Is A Sattvic Diet?
The sattvic diet refers to consuming lightly cooked, fresh, and raw vegetables and fruits. When the food is not cooked to perfection, it comes under this kind of diet. It is believed to be high in nutrients and includes minimal to no amount of processed or fried food. Some of the common ingredients that are a part of this diet include,
- Fresh fruits
- Milk of seeds and nuts
- Sprouted grains
- Legumes
- Whole grains
- Fresh curd and paneer
- Seeds
- Herbal tea
- Ghee
- Nuts
- Sea and land vegetables
- Honey
The foods that are avoided while a person is on a sattvic diet include,
- Onion
- Fast food
- Tea
- Coffee
- Garlic
- Meat
- Sour and salty foods
- Eggs
- Fish
- Microwaved foods
- Leftovers
- Frozen foods
- Processed foods
- Alcoholic beverages
The sattvic diet is a yogic diet that includes foods promoting no harm caused to any living being. It only includes dairy products from cows that are fed and milked appropriately. This diet also promotes eating in moderation. Therefore, it includes food that is ‘pure, essential, natural, vital, energy-giving, clean, conscious, true, honest, and wise.’
Benefits Of The Sattvic Diet
The sattvic diet includes all fresh ingredients, it is considered beneficial for health in many ways. Here are a few reasons why many people follow it.
Increases Energy Levels
Many devotees follow this diet during the monsoon season, and it is associated with increasing energy levels. Since the food is highly nutritious and lightweight, it does not weigh you down. Consuming seasonal and fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains can boost your energy levels and ensure that you can lead a healthy life.
Detoxifies Body
Since you are not consuming processed or fried foods, a sattvic diet allows you to detoxify your body. It helps to flush out toxins and keeps you in the prime of your health. By following this diet, you are able to avoid processed food that might contain additives and preservatives, leading to the build-up of certain toxic substances in the body.
Supports Digestive System
Sattvic diet contains fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and other fresh products, they help with digestion. Since most of these ingredients are rich in dietary fibre, they help to regulate bowel movements and improve the gut flora. People who often struggle with constipation can try this diet to improve their digestive health.
Keeps The Body Hydrated
When a person is on a sattvic diet, they drink more fresh juices, directly sourced from seasonal fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it helps to maintain the hydration levels of the body, irrespective of the weather. Herbal beverages, coconut water, and locally sourced juices keep the body temperature in check, replenish levels of electrolytes, and prevent dehydration.
