Northern solstice. Sun absorbs strength. Śiśira → Vasanta → Grīṣma
Southern solstice. Moon nourishes. Varṣā → Śarad → Hemanta
वर्षा · Monsoon
Varṣā Ṛtu
Mid-July — Mid-September · Water + Air dominant
Sun moves southward — moon nourishes the earth, but Agni is impaired
"In Varṣā, the digestive fire (Agni), already weakened in Grīṣma, is further debilitated by humidity and gases from the earth. Vāta is aggravated due to acidic atmosphere and cold winds. Hence one should eat foods that are easy to digest, slightly acidic, and unctuous."
— Charaka Samhita, Sūtrasthāna 6.33-36
🌧️ Pathya Thali — Varṣā Ṛtu
Seasonal foods recommended by Charaka Samhita
👅 Favored Rasas (Tastes)
✅ Pathya (Favorable Foods)
- Old grains — aged rice, barley, wheat
- Soups with moderate spice and fat
- Medicated water boiled with ginger or pepper
- Light meat soups (Māṃsa Rasa)
- Ghee-fried preparations
- Well-cooked mung dal
- Warm, freshly cooked foods only
❌ Apathya (Foods to Avoid)
- Raw salads, uncooked vegetables
- Heavy, hard-to-digest foods
- Excessive liquids (dilute Agni further)
- River water (contaminated in rains)
- Leafy greens (high insect/bacteria risk)
- Curd (yogurt) — aggravates in monsoon
🍲 Seasonal Recipes
🌿 Spices & Herbs (Auṣadha Dravya)
🌿 Auṣadha Dravya — Varṣā Ṛtu
🍵 Recommended Beverages (Pānīya)
🍵 Pānīya — Varṣā Ṛtu
Questions about Monsoon seasonal practices?
Ask Ardya for personalized seasonal guidance tailored to your Prakṛti and current Vikṛti.
"स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणं, आतुरस्य विकार प्रशमनं"
The purpose of Āyurveda: to protect the health of the healthy, and to alleviate disorders in the diseased.
— Charaka Samhita, Sūtrasthāna 30.26