Abstract

A BIRD EYEVIEW ON ASHTANGA HRIDAYA

*Vaishnavi Gore, Arun Bhatkar, Manoj Nimbalkar, Ashvin Bagde and Sonali Fulkar

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is science of life. As it has been established since ancient time it is Shashwat (eternal) though there are number of classics available in the Ayurvedic literature. Among them Bruhatrayee (Grater Trio i.e. Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya and Ashtanga Sangraha) is more popular. Vagbhata is one of the Bruhatrayee writers (three classics) of Ayurveda along with Acharya Charak and Acharya Sushruta. Acharya Vagbhata writes the two most important classics like Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridaya. Ashtanga Hridaya is an important classic of great significance as it is more accessible because it is better organised and concise than Ashtanga Sangraha. Ashtanga Hridaya has the essence of another Samhita like Charaka and Sushruta Samhita. Ashtanga Hridaya can be called as Prakaran Grantha that means it has been written by quoting references from other texts which is neither too abridged nor too elaborated. It is most admired and frequently studied Samhita. Topics are arranged in a systematic manner and principles and their application in treatment are explained clearly. Acharya Charak has given more priority to Kaychikitsa, Sushruta has described topics related to Shalya (surgery) but Vagbhata has given importance to all eight types of branches. Major topics covered in Ashtanga Hridaya are focussing on Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine) and only few topics are related to other branches. It is divided into 6 sections and 120 chapters. Therefore, it is more necessary to study the unique characteristics listed in Ashtanga Hridaya. This review Article focuses on unique contribution of Acharya Vagbhata in Ashtanga Hridaya for the development of Ayurveda.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Bruhatrayee, Acharya Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hridaya.