NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Bhaswati: Chapter 3 — भास्वती
This chapter, "Ritucharya" (Seasonal Regimen), is compiled from the Charakasamhita, an Ayurvedic text by Maharishi Agnivesha and redacted by Maharishi Charaka. It details dietary and lifestyle recommendations for six seasons: Hemanta (pre-winter), Shishira (winter), Vasanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Varsha (monsoon), and Sharad (autumn). The text explains how slight modifications in daily routines can lead to longevity and a healthy life. It provides specific advice for each season, such as consuming warm, easily digestible foods in Hemanta and Shishira, avoiding excessive heat and pungent tastes in Grishma, and managing Pitta aggravation in Sharad. Following these seasonal guidelines helps maintain digestive fire (Agni) and prevent diseases, contributing to overall well-being as per Ayurvedic principles.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Bhaswati |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — भास्वती |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 201 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of seasonal regimen (Ritucharya) in Ayurveda.
- Identify appropriate dietary and lifestyle practices for each of the six seasons.
- Recognize the importance of seasonal adjustments for maintaining health and longevity.
- Learn about the influence of seasons on bodily humors and digestive fire.
- Appreciate the wisdom of ancient Indian texts like Charakasamhita.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ऋतुचर्या | Seasonal regimen/routine |
| चरकसंहिता | A foundational text of Ayurveda |
| आयुर्वेद | The traditional Indian system of medicine |
| हेमन्त | Pre-winter season |
| शिशिर | Winter season |
| वसंत | Spring season |
| ग्रीष्म | Summer season |
| वर्षा | Monsoon season |
| शरद् | Autumn season |
| अग्नि | Digestive fire |
| वात | Vata dosha (one of the three humors) |
| श्लेष्मा | Kapha dosha (one of the three humors) |
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Practice questions
- Which ancient text is the source for the chapter 'Ritucharya'? Answer: The chapter is compiled from the Charakasamhita.
- Name the six seasons discussed in the chapter. Answer: The six seasons are Hemanta, Shishira, Vasanta, Grishma, Varsha, and Sharad.
- What is the main benefit of following Ritucharya? Answer: Following Ritucharya helps in achieving long life and a healthy lifestyle.
- What kind of food is recommended in Hemanta season? Answer: Warm, easily digestible foods, milk products, sugarcane products, oil, and new rice are recommended.
- What should be avoided in the Grishma (summer) season? Answer: Saltish, sour, pungent, and hot foods, as well as excessive exercise, should be avoided.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The chapter 'Ritucharya' is compiled from which Ayurvedic text?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the chapter is compiled from the Charakasamhita.
Q2. Which season is characterized by accumulated Kapha (श्लेष्मा) that obstructs digestive fire?
Explanation: The chapter mentions that in Vasanta (spring), accumulated Kapha obstructs digestive fire, leading to diseases.
Q3. What is recommended to be consumed in the Hemanta (pre-winter) season?
Explanation: The text recommends consuming milk products, sugarcane products, oil, and warm water in Hemanta.
Q4. Which season is associated with the aggravation of Pitta due to exposure to sun and heat?
Explanation: The chapter states that Pitta, aggravated by heat, tends to get aggravated in Sharad (autumn).
Q5. What should be avoided during the Grishma (summer) season according to the text?
Explanation: The text advises avoiding exercise and pungent, sour, and hot foods during the summer season.
Q6. The text suggests that slight changes in daily routine can lead to:
Explanation: The introduction states that by making slight changes in one's daily routine, a person can achieve long life and a healthy life.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ritucharya?
Ritucharya refers to the Ayurvedic practice of adjusting one's diet and lifestyle according to the changes in seasons to maintain health and well-being.
From where is the chapter 'Ritucharya' taken?
This chapter is compiled from the Charakasamhita, a significant ancient Ayurvedic text.
How many seasons are discussed in the chapter?
The chapter discusses six seasons: Hemanta, Shishira, Vasanta, Grishma, Varsha, and Sharad.
What is the primary goal of following Ritucharya?
The primary goal is to achieve longevity and maintain a healthy life by aligning one's habits with seasonal changes.
What general advice is given for the Hemanta and Shishira seasons?
Warm, easily digestible foods, milk products, and avoiding excessive exposure to wind are generally recommended for these colder seasons.
What should be avoided in the Grishma (summer) season?
In summer, one should avoid excessive exercise and foods that are pungent, sour, or excessively salty and hot.
How does Ayurveda view the relationship between seasons and health?
Ayurveda believes that seasons significantly impact the body's humors (doshas) and digestive fire, and adapting to these changes is crucial for health.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit — Bhaswati — Chapter 3 — भास्वती. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.