Saptrushi Mandal and Its Connection with Each Season: An Ayurvedic Guide to Eating for Optimal Health

Saptrushi Mandal is an ancient Indian concept that describes the connection between the seven seasons and the human body. The term “Saptrushi” means “seven tastes,” and “Mandal” refers to a cycle or circle. According to this concept, the human body has a natural connection with the seasons, and our diet should be adjusted according to the changing weather to maintain our health and well-being.

Ursa Major is the Latin name for the constellation commonly known as the “Great Bear” or the “Big Bear” in Europe. In the United States, the same constellation is known as the “Big Dipper” due to the shape of its seven stars resembling a ladle or Dipper. “Osa Mayor” is the Spanish translation of “Ursa Major”.

The Seven Seasons

The seven seasons of Saptrushi Mandal are as follows:

1. Vasant Ritu (Spring Season)
2. Grishma Ritu (Summer Season)
3. Varsha Ritu (Monsoon Season)
4. Sharad Ritu (Autumn Season)
5. Hemant Ritu (Pre-Winter Season)
6. Shishir Ritu (Winter Season)
7. Aadaan Kaal (Late Winter Season)

Each of these seasons is associated with a particular taste, and our diet should include those tastes to balance our body’s energy.

1. Vasant Ritu (Spring Season)

Vasant Ritu or the spring season falls between mid-February to mid-April. This season is associated with the taste of sweet. The sweet taste helps in balancing the Kapha dosha, which tends to increase during this season. Fruits like mangoes, papayas, bananas, and pineapples, along with vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes, are recommended during this season.

2. Grishma Ritu (Summer Season)

Grishma Ritu or the summer season falls between mid-April to mid-June. This season is associated with the taste of sour. The sour taste helps in balancing the Pitta dosha, which tends to increase during this season. Fruits like lemons, oranges, and tomatoes, along with vegetables like tamarind, sorrel, and raw mangoes, are recommended during this season.

3. Varsha Ritu (Monsoon Season)

Varsha Ritu or the monsoon season falls between mid-June to mid-August. This season is associated with the taste of salty. The salty taste helps in balancing the Vata dosha, which tends to increase during this season. Foods like pickles, chaat, and other salty snacks, along with vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, and celery, are recommended during this season.

4. Sharad Ritu (Autumn Season)

Sharad Ritu or the autumn season falls between mid-August to mid-October. This season is associated with the taste of astringent. The astringent taste helps in balancing all three doshas and is beneficial for the digestive system. Foods like pomegranates, apples, and guavas, along with vegetables like beans, okra, and broccoli, are recommended during this season.

5. Hemant Ritu (Pre-Winter Season)

Hemant Ritu or the pre-winter season falls between mid-October to mid-December. This season is associated with the taste of bitter. The bitter taste helps in balancing the Pitta and Kapha doshas and aids in digestion. Foods like bitter gourd, neem leaves, and turmeric, along with vegetables like kale, collard greens, and arugula, are recommended during this season.

6. Shishir Ritu (Winter Season)

Shishir Ritu or the winter season falls between mid-December to mid-February. This season is associated with the taste of astringent and sweet. The astringent taste helps in balancing the Kapha dosha, while the sweet taste provides warmth and energy to the body. Foods like sesame seeds, jaggery, and dates, along with vegetables like carrots, beets, and potatoes are recommended during this season.

7. Aadaan Kaal (Late Winter Season)

Aadaan Kaal or the late winter season falls between mid-February to mid-March. This season is associated with the taste of pungent. The pungent taste helps in balancing the Kapha dosha and promotes digestion. Foods like ginger, garlic, and peppers, along with vegetables like onions, radishes, and mustard greens, are recommended during this season.

The Connection between Saptrushi Mandal and Ayurveda

Saptrushi Mandal is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian medical system that emphasizes the importance of balance in all aspects of life. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – these are the three fundamental of basic Doshas or energies, according to Ayurveda, our body is made of. These energies should be in balance for optimal health and well-being.

Saptrushi Mandal helps in maintaining this balance by providing the necessary nutrients for each season. It also helps in preventing various health problems that can arise due to imbalances in the doshas. For example, during the summer season, when the Pitta dosha tends to increase, consuming sour foods helps in balancing the dosha and preventing heat-related health problems like dehydration and heatstroke.

The Importance of Following Saptrushi Mandal

Following Saptrushi Mandal is crucial for maintaining our overall health and well-being. The foods we consume have a direct impact on our body and mind. Consuming foods that are not suitable for the season can lead to imbalances in the doshas, which can result in various health problems.

Following Saptrushi Mandal also helps in boosting our immune system, promoting digestion, and improving our overall energy levels. Consuming foods that are in season and locally sourced also has a positive impact on the environment and supports sustainable farming practices.

In Conclusion

Saptrushi Mandal is an ancient Indian concept that emphasizes the importance of consuming foods according to the changing seasons. This concept is based on the belief that our body has a natural connection with the environment, and our diet should reflect this connection to maintain our health and well-being.

Following Saptrushi Mandal is essential for balancing the doshas, preventing health problems, and promoting overall health and well-being. By consuming foods that are in season and locally sourced, we can also support sustainable farming practices and have a positive impact on the environment.

Incorporating Saptrushi Mandal into our diet may take some time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. By making small changes to our diet and consuming foods that are suitable for the season, we can improve our overall health and well-being and live a more balanced life.