Desi Ghee in Ancient Texts: References from Vedas and Ayurveda (Layman-Friendly)

Introduction: Desi Ghee in Ancient Texts

While modern science is still discovering the benefits of Butyric Acid and CLA, the ancient sages of India—the Rishis—had already explained the “biological code” of ghee thousands of years ago. It is mentioned in Sanskrit texts that ghee is not just an ingredient; it is “Ghrta,” a word derived from the root ‘ghr’, meaning “to shine” or “to brighten.”

If you read the ancient scriptures in detail , you’ll find that A2 Pure Cow Ghee is what the ancestors were described when they said about the “Nectar of the Gods.”

The Rigveda: The World’s Oldest Reference to Ghee

The Rigveda, dated over 3,500 years ago, contains an entire hymn dedicated to ghee, known as the “Ghrta Sukta.” In these verses, ghee is described as the “tongue of the gods.” The Rishis believed : as Agni (the God of Fire) is fed with ghee, and in return, Agni provides health and prosperity to humans.

“This is the secret name of Ghee: ‘The Tongue of the Gods,’ ‘The Navel of Immortality.’ We will proclaim the name of Ghee; we will sustain it in this sacrifice with bows of reverence.” — Rigveda (IV.58.1)

The Creation Ghee

According to Vedic mythology, the Creator, Prajapati, created ghee by rubbing his hands together and pouring it into the fire to create his progeny.

This story symbolizes that ghee is the fundamental energy of life. Just as butter is hidden in milk, the potential for life and health is hidden within nature, waiting to be “churned” out.

Ghee in the Ayurveda Samhitas

Just like Vedas are the spiritual foundation, the Ayurvedic Samhitas are the medical textbooks. Two major texts—the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita— give detail explanation about why ghee is the king of all fats.

Charaka Samhita : The Manual for Longevity

Acharya Charaka, the father of internal medicine, famously wrote:

“Of all the oils and fats, Ghee is the best.”

Charaka explain four primary reasons for this:

Samskarasya Anuvartana: Ghee has the unique ability to take on the medicinal properties of herbs when it is cooked with them, without losing its own goodness.
Smriti & Buddhi: It is the primary food for the brain, enhancing memory and intelligence.
Vayasthapana: It slows down the aging process by nourishing the Dhatus (tissues).
Jwara-hara: It is used to treat chronic fevers and inflammation.

Sushruta Samhita: The Manual for Healing

Acharya Sushruta, the father of surgery, explained ghee for physical healing.

Wound Healing: He described Ropana (healing) properties of ghee, usage of it to treat burns and surgical incisions.
Netra Tarpana: He also invented the use of ghee for eye health, a practice still used today to treat eye strain caused by modern screens in this digital era.

The “Surabhi” Cow : The Only Source of Vedic Ghee

A common question and doubt today is: “Does any ghee count as Vedic ghee?”

The ancient texts specifically mention about the Surabhi or Kamadhenu— as the wish-fulfilling cows. These were the indigenous (Desi) cows of India, known for their hump on their back and the Surya Ketu Nadi (a vein that absorbs solar energy).

Our prioritiy as a brand – Shahji Ghee

Modern “A1” hybrid cows (like Holstein-Friesian) did not existed in India when these ancient texts were written so ,the benefits described in the Vedas only apply to the milk we get from A2 cows. In Shahji A2 Ghee, we only use milk from A2 cows (Gir cow and Sahiwal cow) which contains same biological substance which were studied by the Rishis. Our Pure A2 cow ghee is free from the A1 protein as we only use A2 milk which then turn into Shahji A2 ghee using traditional Bilona method not by any industrial mass-production.

Shahji A2 Gir Cow Bilona Ghee
Made using curd-fermentation and slow cooking, this ghee closely mirrors the Ghrita described in the Rigveda and Charaka Samhita—ideal for Agni, brain nourishment and daily rituals.
https://shahjighee.com/product/a2-gir-cow-ghee
Shahji A2 Sahiwal Cow Bilona Ghee
Traditionally valued for its smooth digestion and tissue-nourishing qualities, this ghee is suitable for regular consumption and Ayurvedic lifestyle practices.
https://shahjighee.com/product/a2-cow-ghee

Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science

Ancient Saying	Scientifc explanation
“Ghee is the navel of immortality” – *Rigveda*	Ghee contains Butyric acid, which repairs DNA and prevents colon cancer.
It ignites the digestive fire (Agni).	Ghee stimulates Gastric Lipase, aiding in the breakdown of fat and protein resulting in better digestion and metabolism.
Ghee removes toxins (Ama).	Ghee is also used for lipophilic detoxification that means to pull fat-soluble toxins out of cells.
It sharpens the mind (Medhya).	Ghee is rich in DHA and Omega-3, which is essential for the myelin sheath in the brain.

You don’t need to be a scholar of Sanskrit to get benefits from Ancient texts ,wisdom given by our sages .The ancient texts can be also read simply as a “User Manual” guide for the human body.

They teach Us:

Ghee is a “Smart Fat”: It knows how to reach your brain and your joints.
Purity is Paramount: If the ghee isn’t made from curd (Bilona) or from the right cow (A2), it isn’t “Ghrita”—it’s just oil.
Consistency is Key: A small amount (1 teaspoon) every day is better than a large amount once a week.

By choosing Shahji A2 Pure Cow Ghee, you are not just choosing any normal ghee ,but purity that follows tradition that has been revived from 5,000 years of human history.

Conclusion : The Bridge Between Ages

The journey of ghee from the sacrificial fires of the Rigveda taken to the modern kitchens of health-conscious families is a testament to its power. It is one of the few things from human history that will never go out of style.

Whether you want to boost your metabolism i.e “Agni” or to calm your mind i.e “the Sattva”, you should choose a product that has been following Ancient recommendation.

Beyond the Rigveda : Ghee in the Yajurveda and Atharvaveda

While the Rigveda praises the spiritual nature of ghee, the Yajurveda and Atharvaveda focus on its practical application in daily life and longevity.

The Yajurveda: The Energy of Sacrifice

The Yajurveda defines ghee as the ultimate “fuel” for both the external fire (Yagna) and the internal fire (Prana). It says that just as ghee sustains a flame, it also sustains the human “aura.”

The Ritual Connection: In Vedic times, no ceremony was complete without ghee. This wasn’t just symbolic , the ancient sages realized that when ghee is burnt , it purifies the air.
Modern Relevance: This translates to the “purity” of the fuel you put in your body. If you consume “impure” or industrial-grade ghee, your internal “flame” (metabolism) becomes smoky and sluggish. Shahji A2 Ghee is prepared with the Bilona method, as it retains ghee purity.

The Atharvaveda: The Veda of Longevity

The Atharvaveda contains verses which define ghee as an elixir for a hundred years of life (Shatayu). It was prescribed as a restorative tonic for those who are recovering from illness.

The “Ayushya” Quality: This says good quality of ghee will increase “Tejas” (radiance) and “Ojas” (vitality).

Ghee as a “Medhya Rasayana”: The Food for the “Modern” Mind

The ancient texts states the importance of desi ghee effect on the brain. It is known as Medhya Rasayana – a rejuvenator of the intellect.

Enhances Dhi, Dhriti and Smriti

Ayurveda defines the mind through three functions:

Dhi: Power of acquisition i.e Learning.
Dhriti: Power of retention i.e Understanding.
Smriti: Power of recall i.e Memory.

The Ashtanga Hridaya (another Ayurvedic text) states that Ghrta is the best substance to balance all three.

The Science behind the Text: We now know that the brain is 60% fat and requires DHA and saturated fats to maintain the myelin sheath (the insulation for our nerves).

The Modern-age Benefits : In an age of digital distraction and “brain fog,” the ancient text recommend a spoonful of A2 ghee is key element and is important than ever. It provides the “lubrication” to your neurons which is needed to communicate faster.

The Mystery of “Kumbha Ghrita” (Aged Ghee)

One of the most fascinating references in ancient texts is Purana Ghrita—ghee that has been aged for 10 to 100 years.

The Texts Claim: The Sushruta Samhita says that if pure cow ghee is aged for 10 years using proper technique can cure epilepsy and neurological disorders. Also, Ghee which aged for 100 years (Kumbha Ghrita) is said to be so powerful that its mere smell can revive a fainting person.
The Modern Parallel : We don’t sell 100-year-old ghee, but this highlights a key fact about Pure Ghee which means it does not rot. Unlike vegetable oils that go rancid and become toxic (oxidized), pure A2 Bilona ghee will remain stable if prepared using the right method.

The Ethics of “Dharma” in Ghee Production

Ancient texts never separated the “product” from the “provider.” The Manusmriti and the Mahabharata emphasize that the quality of ghee depends on the happiness of the cow.

The Concept of Ahimsa: It is mentioned in Vedic texts that milk given voluntarily by a happy mother cow, after her calf has been fed, contains “Prana” (life energy).
The Shahji Ghee Philosophy: We focus on A2 indigenous cows. Industrial farming centre treat cows as machines, which leads to stress hormones in the milk and also uses hormonal injections. By following the traditional path of treating cows with Dharma (duty and care), the ghee we produce isn’t just a chemical compound — it is a pure feeling.

Ancient “Hacks” for the Today’s Generation

How do you apply these thousands of years of wisdom given in these texts to your life today? Here are the following:

For Better Sleep: Apply a little Shahji A2 Ghee to the soles of your feet before bed. Ancient texts call this as Padabhyanga, and it is said to calm the Vata dosha of our body and will also induce good deep sleep.
For Digestion: Mix a teaspoon of ghee with half a teaspoon of ginger powder. It will help in improving slow metabolism.
For Glowing Skin: Instead of chemical night creams, use ghee as it is rich in fatty acids (Omega-3 & 9) and Vitamin E which helps in deep hydration and repair damaged skin The Vedas describe it as Sukumara— which means it makes the skin as soft as a flower.

Reclaiming Your Heritage

When you hold a jar of Shahji A2 Pure Cow Ghee, you aren’t just holding a cooking ingredient. You are holding a legacy that survived the rise and fall of empires, the industrial revolution, and the era of processed foods.

The ancient texts weren’t writing for their time alone; they were writing for us. They knew that a time would come when we would lose our way in a world of “synthetic fats.” By switching from your Regular ghee to Shahji A2 Ghee, you are reclaiming your health, your traditional roots, and your harmony.