प्राणद (Prāṇada)
Life-Giving Foods
That which enhances Prāṇa (प्राण), the vital life force
- Fresh fruits (फलाः – Phalāḥ) – Apples, pears, mangoes, berries, dates
- Organic vegetables (शाकानि – Śākāni) – Cucumber, carrots, leafy greens
- Whole grains (धान्याः – Dhānyāḥ) – Rice, wheat, barley, millet
- Herbal drinks (औषध जल – Auṣadha Jala) – Tulsi tea, ginger tea, saffron-infused water
सात्म्य (Sātmya)
Nourishing & Wholesome Foods
That which is compatible (suitable) with one’s constitution
- Easily digestible legumes (दालः – Dālaḥ) – Mung dal, red lentils, chickpeas
- Dairy (from ethical sources) (क्षीर – Kṣīra) – Warm milk, fresh paneer, homemade yogurt
- Healthy fats (स्नेह – Sneha) – Ghee (घृतं – Ghṛtam), sesame oil, coconut oil
- Mild spices (सुगन्धि द्रव्याणि – Sugandhi Dravyāṇi) – Turmeric, fennel, cumin, coriander
शुद्ध आहार (Śuddha Āhāra)
Pure & Cleansing Foods
Pure foods that detoxify the body and mind
- Hydrating foods (सलिलपूर्णाः – Salilapūrṇāḥ) – Cucumber, coconut water, fresh lime juice
- Detoxifying vegetables (शुद्ध शाकानि – Śuddha Śākāni) – Bitter greens, bottle gourd, beets
- Fasting-friendly foods (उपवास आहार – Upavāsa Āhāra) – Soaked almonds, herbal teas, fresh juices
- Triphala & Ayurvedic herbs (औषधि – Auṣadhi) – Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Neem
सात्त्विक बलवर्धक (Sāttvika Balavardhaka)
Strength & Immunity Boosting Foods
Sattvic foods that enhance strength (Bala – बल) and Ojas (ओजः – Vital Energy)
- Nutrient-rich nuts & seeds (बीजाः – Bījāḥ) – Almonds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds
- Superfoods (महौषधि – Mahauṣadhi) – Goji berries, Amla (Indian gooseberry), Shatavari
- Sweeteners (मधुर द्रव्याणि – Madhura Dravyāṇi) – Raw honey, jaggery, dates
- Sattvic desserts (मधुर आहार – Madhura Āhāra) – Kheer (rice pudding), saffron milk
भक्तिपूर्ण भोजन (Bhaktipūrṇa Bhojana)
Spiritually Elevating Foods
Food prepared and eaten with devotion (Bhakti – भक्ति)
- Temple foods (मन्दिर भोजन – Mandira Bhojana) – Offerings like Kitchari, fresh fruits, and Payasam
- Sacred herbs (पवित्र औषध – Pavitra Auṣadha) – Tulsi leaves, sandalwood-infused drinks
- Bhaṅg (भङ्ग) – Bhang Lassi - Ritual Use of Cannabis – Traditionally consumed in yogic and Shaivite practices, especially during festivals like Mahashivratri and Holi, believed to aid in meditation and deep states of surrender when taken in a controlled, sacred manner.
- Fasting foods (उपवास भोजन – Upavāsa Bhojana) – Light sattvic meals consumed on spiritual fasting days