CONTENTS

sUrnnsrnANl
CHAPTER I
VedotpaniAdhyaya( Ori7in of theAyurveda): - Theeight divisionsof
theAyuwedaandthecharacteristicfeatures of eachof them- History
-
of Surgeryand its primary importance Gradual extensionof the
Ayurveda- Definitionof Puruqa- Classificationof themobileandthe
immobile- Definitionandclassificationof disease- Classificationof
Ogadhis- Thefourfactors to beemployedin successfullycoping with
a disease- Thefour stagesof a disease. t-I 3
a
CHAPTER II
SisSopanayaniya Adhyaya(lnitiation of a studentof theAyurveda): -
Qualificationsof a studentof medicine- Modeof Initiation - Compact
betweenthepreceptorand hisdisciple- Prohibitedperiodsof thestudy
ofthe Ayurveda. 14-18
o
CHAPTER III
Adhyayanas ampradaniyaAdhyaya( CIassificationof theAyuweda &
c) : - Thedistributionof its hundred andw entychapters ann ng thefrve
subdivisionsofthis Sarhhita- A synopsis ofthecontentsofthechapters
-
alloted to eachof itssubdivisions Skilfuland unskilfulphysicians-
Themodeof studyingtheAyuneda - Dutiesof a pupil after having
finished the sndy of theAyurt,eda. 19-30
a
CHAPTER IV
PrabhayrfiyaAdhyaya(General explanations):- Necessityof a clear
expositionof theAyuweda- Defectswhichflowfromnon exposition
'
of the same- Dutiesof a studentof theAyurveda. 31-33
LXXIV CONTENTS

CHAPTER V
Agropahara1iyaAdhyaya (Preliminary surgical measures):-
Classificationof surgical operations- Accessorieswhich are to be
collectedattheoutset- Qualificationsof a surgeon- Modesof incision,
etc. at the differentparts of the body- Measuresto be adoptedafter
surgical operations- TheprophylacticMantra- Directionsfor dressing
woundsandremovingbandages accordingn thennnre of tlwprevailing
-
seasonof the year Actsdnd articlesprohibited to a patient with a
granulatingwound- Measuresfor rem.ovingthepain in a surgical
wotnd. 34-42
o
CHAPTER VI
RtucaryaAdhyaya(Characteristic featuresof thedifferentseasonsof
theyearand their influcnceon healthanddrugs): - Timcand itstraits
- Etymologyof thetermKaIa (time) - Divisionsof timeandclassification
of theseasonsof theyear,with theirrespectivefeatures. Classifications
of theseasons of the yearfo r thep urposes of theAyuweda - Inception,
aggravation oJ subsidenceof the derangedVayu,Pitta and Kapha
according to the nature of the prevailing seasonof the year -
Aggravationor subsidence of thesamcin thedffirent quartersof the
-
day dnd night Causesof epidemics- Prophylacticmeasures-
Featuresof naturalor unnaturalseasons. 43-53
o
CHAPTER VII

Yantravidhi Adhyaya (Surgical appliances, their use and

construction): - Numberof surgicalinstnnunts - Namcs,dimcnsions,
useandfunctionsof surgicalapplianceswithpointsof theirrespective
excellenceor defect- Minor surgical accessories- Excellenceof
Kankamukha. 54-60
o
CHAPTER VIII
Sastravac araryiyaAdhyaya (Surgical instrumcnts and their names,
use and constuction) :- Mode of handling the different surgical
 CONTENTS LXXV

instruments. -Their bommendablefeatures- Sharpening, edging and

tempering, etc. of surgical instruments and enumeration of cases
where they should be emploYed. 6t-67
o
CHAPTER IX

YogyasitnyaAdhyaya(Practiceof surgery): - Teachingof surgeryon

dummiesand suitablefruits, etc. 68-70
o
CHAPTER X

Vi3ikhanupr ave3antyaAdhyoya (Essenti aIqwlifi cationsof ap hysician

before heformally enters hisprofession):- Means of diagonsis-
Thingsto be obsewedin makinga diagonsis- Cure,palliation and
incurabitityof diseases- Prohibitedconductof a physician. 71-74
o
CHAPTER XI

K;drap aknvidhi Adhydya(Mode of preparing alknlis, and their

comparativeexcellenceas incising, excisingor scrapingagents):-
Atkntisfor extemalapplicationor internaluse- Caseswherealkalis
proveinj urious- Thethreep otenciesof alkalisfor externalapplication
- Commendableor defectivefeatures in an alkali - Mode of its
application,md aftermcasures- Symptomsof satisfactorycauterisation
- Personswho shouldnot be treatedwith alkalis - Dangerswhich
attend its abuse. 75-83
o
CHAPTER XII

Agnikanmvidhi Adhyaya(Actualcauteries):- Accessories to an act

-
of cautertsation Preliminary mcasures ' Symptoms which manifest
themselves as the skin,orflesh,or a vein,or joint is cauterised- Seats
of cauterisationindifferent -
diseasesDifferentnwdesof cauterisation
- Characteristicsymptomsof burnsand scalds,etc. - Rationaleor
treatinga bum or a scaldwith heat- Medicaltreatnrcntof burnsand
 LXXVI CONTENTS

scalds,etc. - Symptomswhich appearwhen the nostrils,etc.

of a
personis chokedwithsmake- Itstreatment- Medicaltreatmcnt
of sun
strikes,and scorchingsby hot wind, etc.
64_92
o
CHAPTER XIII
JalaukdvacararyiyaAdhyaya (I*echesand their use) :- personswho
may be leeched- Mode of extractingthe vitiated broodin such
- Modeof applyingthereeches cases
- crassification,andmodeof coilecting
andkeepingtheleeches- Badreeches andtheir characteristics- After
measures.
%-100
O

CHAPTER XIV

fo\itavarya4tya Adhyaya (origin and characteristicfeatures of

lymphchyle):- Its location,courseand metamorphosis
into btood _
Menstrualblood and its nature - seccessive melamorphosisof the
fundamentalprincipresof the body- Etymorogyof the'termoiatu -
Blood- swellingswhichshouldnotbebred-riikinas
of bloodretting
- venesection,itsmodeanddffirent - Mischiefcreatedby the
aspects
vitiated blood not ex*actudfrom the system- causes
of excessive
ll-eedjns and its effect upon the -
system symptoms of iatisfactory
bleedingand itsbeneficiatresults- Measuresto be adipted
in ror^
of excessiveor scanty bleeding - Medicar treatmeni
oy excessive
bleeding- Variousinstructions.
I0I_II3
o
CHAPTER XV
Doqa-dhatu-mala K; ayavyddhivij fianiya Adhyaya (D
evelopment or
non-development of theexcrenrcntsandconstituentprincriks of the
body): - Nature,rocationsandfunctionsof theNormit vayi, pitti
and
Kapha, as well as of the lymphchyle,bliod,fat, manow,
semenand
ojah (albumcn),andtle symptomswhichma* their incre
ase,decr ease,
or dislodgmentin the humnn system- Etiorogies
of obesityand
thinness.
|I4_I3I
 CONTENTS LXXVII

CHAPTER XVI

Karyavyadhabandhavidhi Ailhyaya(Piercingand bandagingof the

-
lobulesof ears): Evilswhichottendtheaccidentalhurtingof a local
vein - Medical ung uentsand lints - D ffir entp rocess of bringing about
the adhesionof a bifurcatedear-lobe - plastic and rhinoplastic
operations. 132-146
O

CHAPTER XVII

Amapakvaiqaqtya Adhydya (D istinctionbetween supp urating and

non-suppurating ) : - Dffirent typesof intlamnntoryswellings
swellings
producedby thederangedVdyu,Pitta, etc.and thesymptomswhich
marktheir respectiveactionsin eachtype- Characteristicsymptoms
of a suppurating,suppurated,or non-suppurated swelling- Hints on
-
incising suppuratedswellings Evilsof openingan abscessat its
inflammntorystage- Feedingand anoesthetising of a patient before
-
lancing off an abscess Classificationof surgical operationsin
connection with an abscess. t47-153
o
CHAPTER XVIII

Vrsryalepanabandhavidhi Adhydya (Dressingsand bandagesof

ulcers) :- Classificationof medicinalplasters according to their
thiclorcss,application and functon - Use of the dffirent types of
plasters- Articlesof bandaging- Bandagesand their namcsand
applications - Tow - Mode of introducing a lint - Renewalsof
bandagesaccordingta the nature of the ulcer and the prevailing
seosonof theyear - Evilsof non-bandaging - Benefitsof bandaging'
Caseswhere bandagingisprohibited- Hintson theproperlubrication
of the lint - Incidental remarkson the bandagingof fractured or
dis,located bones. 154-165
o
CHAPTER XIX

Vra4topisaniyaAdhyaya(Nursing and management of an Ulcer-

-
patient) :- Natureof hisbedandchamber Articlesprohibitedto an
 LXXVIII CONTENTS

ulcerpatient - Prophylaxisagainstmonstersand demons- Diet and

conductof an ulcerpatient. 166-173
o
CHAPTER XX
HitahifiyaAdhyaya(salutaryandNon-salutary effectsof regimen,
etc.):-classificationof all articlesof fare accordingas theyare
wholesomcor unwholesome to the humansystem,or are relatively
wholesomeor otherwise - Foodstuff - Incompatibility through
combination- Injuriousnessthroughcombination- Incompatibility
throughpreparation, quantity of fravour - Effect of winis on the
humnnsystemas theyblowfrom thedifferentqu.artersof theheaven.
r74-183
o
CHAPTER XXI
vranaprasnaAdhyaya(Thederangedvayu,pitta, etc.,as theexciting
causesof ulcers):- Seatsof Vayu,pitta, etc.in the humanbody,and
theirfunctions- Dffirent kindsof vayu,pitta and Slegma,ani their
functions and locationsin the economyof narure - Factors which
aggravatethe derangedvayu, pitta and Kapha and their periodicity
- symptomsof thederanged p itta, Kapha and
brood - Expansion of the
derang.edvayu, Pitta, etc.,anddiseases dueto their iniarceration in
the different parts of the body - Disease- its developmcntand
occasionswhichnecessitate thecalling in of medicalail - rhe nature
of medical tr eatmcnt in thecasewheretwo or all of thevayu,p itta and
Kapha are involved. IA_D9
o
CHAPTER XXII
v,ra4asrdvavijfianiya Adhyaya(se*etions
from boits urcers) :-
shapesand seatsofboils etc. - symptomsofbad ulcers- secretions
from ulcers- Presumptionas to thederangemcntof vdyu,etc.from the
nature of the secretion- Dffirent kindsof pain which mark the
differenttypesof ulcers- Coloursof ltlcers. 200_206
 CONTENTS LXXIX

CHAPTER XXIII
Kytyakytyavi dhiAdhydya (Pr ognosi s in ulcer cases) : - Easycurabi lity
of an ulcer - Symptomsof an ulcer which readily granulates -
Symptomsof dfficult or incurableWes, as well as of thosewhich
admit only of palliation - Symptomsof a puriJied,granulating or
healedulcer - Factorswhichleadto thereopeningof a healedulcer.
207-213
o
CHAPTER XXIV
VyddhisamuddefiyaAdhyaya(Classificationof diseasesaccording as
they are medicalor surgical) :- Further classificationof diseases
accordingas they are congenital,etc. - Diseasesdue to mental,
physicalor providentialcauses- Diseasesdueto thederangement of
lymph chyle,etc. - Relationbetween Jeverand the derangedVayu,
Pitta and Kapha. 214-222
o
CHAPTER XXV

AqtavidhaSastrakarmiya Adhyaya(Eightdifferentforms of surgical

-
operation): Caseswhereincision,excision,scarification,aspiration,
extraction, etc., should be respectivelyresorted to - Mode and
conditionsof suturing - Defectivesurgical operations- Symptoms
whichnwrk theinjudicioushurtingof a vein,artery,ligament,joint or
bone,as well as thosewhich are mnnifestedwhenany of the other
Marmasis accidentallvhurt. 223-231
o

pranasta
s"t * sptinters, deep
",tjou:;:d:;;T#::L
- -
seatedin theorganism): Definitionof a Satya Classificationof the
shafts of atows - Flights or arrows - Characteristic symptomsof
arrow-reounds- Localisationof a shaftof anow lying imbeddedin the
body- Symptomswhich showthat theshaftor thesplinterdoesnot lie
imbeddedin thewound- Evilsof not extractingtheshaftof an arrow
from srch awound. 232-239
-
Intro 6
 LXXX CONTENTS

CHAPTER XXVII
SatyapanayaniyaAdhyaya(Extractionof splinters) : - Fifteendffi rent
processesof extraction- Tworecognisedmodesof extractingsplinters
from all typesof wounds- Measuresto beadoptedafter theextraction
- Mode of extracting splinters
from veins, etc. - Dakgers of not
extractinga splinterfrom a wound. 240-247
O

CHAPTER XXVIII
vipantavipanta vranavijfianiyAdhyaya(Favourabre or unfavourable
prognosisof an ulcer):- Fatalorunfavourable
symptoms - Advisability
of abandoningthepatientwhenthese unfavourable
symptoms appear.
248-252
o
CHAPTER XXIX
viparitaviparita svapnanidarsaniyaAdhydya (Favourable or
unfavourableprognosis in diseasesas lonwn from messengers,
otncns,birds of happyor evil augury):- Thesatuepredicted
from
dreams,etc.- Remediesfor
inawpiciousdreamsundilrthecircumstance
Descriptionof auspiciousdreams. 253-267
O

CHAPTER XXX
PaficendriyarthavipratipattiAdhyaya(prognosisthatcanbeobtained
from thepervertedfunctionsof thefive senseorgans):- Artgas or
unfavourablementalsymptoms- unfavourablesymptomsin connecton
with thefacultiesof hearing,touch,taste,smcllor sight. 26g-272
a
CHAPTER XXXI
c hayavipratipani Adhyaya (prognosis to begatheredfrom thealtered
condition of features) :- other Ari;ya symptomsin connectionwith
Asthma,Coughand Oedema& c. 273-278
o
 CONTENTS LXXXI

CHAPTER XXXII
SvabhavaVipratipauiAdhydya(Prognosisbasedon theperversionof
of the bodyand otherArigta symptoms).
the externalappearonces
279-283
a
CHAPTE,R XXXIII
AvaraqtyaAdhyaya(lncurable diseases,and Incurablesymptoms
developed in connectionwith diseases
of thenewoussystems, morbid
urethral discharges,lzprosy, Haemorrhoids):- Fistula in ano -
Urinary concretions,Dfficult labour, Ascites,Fever, Dysentery
Phthisis,abdominalgIands,Abscess, Chlorosis,Haemoptysis,Insanity
and Epilepsy. 284-288
o
CHAPTER XXXIV
YuktasenTya Adhyaya (Mode preserving the life of a king whose
soldiersare on themarch):- Thefour factors of medicalteatmcnt -
Goodwhichresultsfrom a satisfactorycombinationof all thesefour
factors-Commcndable featuresin a physician,patient,medicineand
289-293
O
CHAPTER XXXV

Anropakrama4lyaAdhydya( Clinical Obsemation): - Characteristic

features of a long lived or short lived man,or of onewith an average
duration of lrfe - physical temperaments and dimensionsof the limbs
and mcmbers of the body - Curable, incurable or suppressible
diseases- Sympatheticand Primary diseases- Different kinds of
digestivecapacity - Threestagesof man - Relativepreponderanceof
Vayu,pitta and Kapha during different stagesof life - Classification
of countriesaccordingto theirphysicalfeatures. 294-312
o
LXXXII CONTENTS

CHAPTER XXXVI
BhumipravibhagiyaAdhyaya(Miscellaneousremediesfor swellings) : -
Plastersfor establishingsuppurationin swellings - Plastersfor
swellings- Aseptic
bursting,pressingout thepusfrom,or asepsising,
- -
pastes FumigatingcompoundsHealingpastes- Compoundswhich
favour granulationin, or destroythesupergrowthsaroundan ulcer.
3r3-319
a
CHAPTER XXXVII
MiSrakaAdhyaya(Destructivetraits of the dffirent kinds of soil
commeruie dfo r thegrowth or cultureof medicinal herbs): - Exnmination
of thcsoilfromwhichmedicinaldrugsaretobegathered- Examination
of drugs- Modeof collectingdrugs- Commendable traits in a room
to be usedas a drug-store. 320-325
I

CHAPTER XXXVIII
Dravyasangraahanlya Adhyaya(A General Classicationof drugs
accordingto their therapeuticalproperties):-Enumerationof thirty
sevendifferentgroupsof medicinaldrugs- Theiruseandindications.
326-341
o
CHAPTER XXXIX
Sath1odhanaSafi$amanlya Adhyaya(Drugspossessed of cathartic or
soothing effects):- Emctics - Purgatives- Drugs possessedof both
enrcticandpurgativeproperties- Errhines- Drugswhichrespectively
soothethe derangedVayu,Pitta and Kapha - Mode of administering
mcdicines. 342-347
O

CHAPTER XL
Dr avya-rasa-gu4a- Wrya-Vipaka-Vijfianiya Adhyaya (Dr ugs andtheir
flavours, virtues,potencies,andchemicalactions):-Disquisitionsas
 CONTENTS LXXXII

regardstheprimary importanceof drugs,or theirflavours, potency,

or chemicalreactionin respectof curing diseases- Causesof different
kindsof digestion- Conclusionas regardstheprimary importanceof
drugsin curing a disease. 348-356
o
CHAPTER XLI
Dravya VifleqavijftaruyaAdhydya (Spectficproperties of drugs):-
Classificationof drugsaccordingto thepreponderanceof thevirtucs
of elemental matter in them - Characteristicfeatures of drugs of
dominantearthnntter, etc.- Periodicity of drug action - Reasons
why
purgativedrugsmovethebowels- Facnrs whbh leadn tlw aggravation
or subsidenceof the derangedVayu,Pitta and Kapha - Potencyof
drugs. 357-363
o
CHAPTER XLII
RasaviSegavijfianiyaAdhyaya(Specificp ropertiesfl avours): - Reasons
for the classification of flavaours - Relation of the elemcntalearth
nuTtterwith theflavours - Reasonsfor theprimary derangemcntof
Vayu,Pin4 etc,- Symptoms andaggravationgfactorsof thederanged
-
Vdyu,Pina andKapha Virtuesof thedifferentkindsofflavour, such
assweet,etc.- Enumcrationofgroupsofsweetdrugs, etc.- Sixty-three
different combinationsof flavours. 3&-374
o
CHAPTER XLIU
VamanadravyaVikalpa VijnaniyaAdhyaya(Mode of administering
emetics):- Compoundsof Madanafruits, Compoundsof limutalw.
375-380
o
CHAPTER XLIV
Vir ecanadravya Vikalpavijfianiya adhydya (Choice of p urgatives): -
Most fficient purgatives - Purgativecompounds- Purgativessoups
- Asavas,wines,SauvirasandTu;odakas,etc.- Instructionsas to the
LXXXIV CONTENTS

way of administeringpurgative compoundsof Danti, etc., in the

mannerof Tryyt compounds- Tryp Aqtaka - Modeof using p urgative
fruits and milky exudationsof trees - Administration of purgative
medicinesthrough the mediaor wine, etc. 38r-398
o
CHAPTER XLV
DravadravyavidhiAdhyaya(Rulesto be obseryedin respectof liquid
substences):-Water group - Modes of purifying different kinds of
waterandtheirvirtuesetc.- Milk group-Virtuesof thedffirentkinds
of milk - Curd group - Virtuesof the different kindsof curd - Takra
group - Modes of preparing different kinds of Takra, and their
attributes - Propertiesof butter,Kilat etc.- Different kindsof GhTtas
(clarifredbutter),and theirpropefties- OiI groupand theproperties
of different kindsof oil - Propertiesof thefat obtainedfrom aquatic
or domcsticanimals- Honeygroup - Classificationof dffirent kinds
of honeyand their properties- Sugar-canegroup, and theproperties
af thedifferentpreparationsof sugar-cane juie, srch astreacle,sugor,
-
etc., Wine group - Propertiesof thedffirent kindsof animal urine.
399-447
o
CHAPTER XLVI
Annapanavidhi4dhyAya (Different kinds of food a4d drink) :-
DescriptionsoY SaUDhanyana gaqfika Vyhi, Kudhanyan\ Vaidal,
Mudgq SesamumBarley, Wheat,Simvidhdnyaetc. - Properties of
Dhfuryasaccordingto their rruturity - Descriptionof the Verudha
Dhanyas- Fleshgroup - Classificationoftlesh - The VigEiragroup -
Generalproperties of theflesh of Viqkiraanimals- Etymologyof the
term Pranda - Enumcrationof the aninnls of the pratuda group -
Cavedwelling,and hole dwellinganimals- ThePrasahagroup of
animals - Beneftcial useof flesh of the Prasahagroup in phthisis -
Detailedclassificationof anirnalswith theetymologyof their generic
nantcs,andpropertiesof theirflesh - Fruit group, and theproperties
of differentfruits - Group of pot herbs,and theirproperties - Flower
groups-Thegroupof edibleleavesofplantsandtheirproperties- The
group ofbulbousplants - Thegroup of salts- Generalpropertiesof
 CONTENTS LXXXV

nitr ateofp otash, etc.- Propertiesof gold, iron, silver andothermctals

- Determination of theproperties of drugs other than thoseherein
mcntioned- Drinlcsandbeverages - Rulesof diet - Rulesof servingout
the rneal- Generalcausesof indigestion- Symptomsof the dffirent
typesof indigestion- Medicaltreatmcnt of thesame- Symptotnswhich
mark acts of over of insufficienteating,or an act of eating a meal
beforeofprevious one is digested- Reasonof one'sfeelinghungry
evenwhensufferingfrom indigestion. 448-548
o
 PROLOGUE

The SuSruta Safthifi expounded by Kasiraja Divodasa

D hanvantan, cornpiled by SuSr uta, supplemented,by N agarj una and
retouched by candrata. is a representativework on Ancient Indian
Surgery. Though, lt was basically deatt with surgery but later on, the
other branchesof Ayurveda werc addedto it.
The beginning of the every chapterof thesusruta sarhhita itself
reveals that its orginal teacher was Dhanvantari but the text of first
chapter of sutrasthana explicitly mentions the name of original
teacherasKz.firaja Divodasa Dhanvantari. This referencealsodiscloses
names of several students including suiruta,It seemsthat the real
nameof theteacherwasDivodasaand he wasking of ka.fi. He bore the
title of Dhanvantari due to being a surgeonand a great grand son of
Dhanvantari. our Divodasa is not identical with that mentionedin the
Rgveda (First Mandala) and Kathaka Sarhhita (7.1.g). Even
Dhanvantari is also not referredto in the vedicliterature. we hear the
name of Dhanvantari in the Dharmn sirtra of Gautam^a(1.1.9) and
Baudhayana (2.5.12) where the oblation is offered to Dhanvantari as
one of the gods. It is the Mahabharata, the great epic, that mentions
the geniology and personality, frst of ail, followed by the purdnds.
The Sufruta Sarhhita itself is silent on this point.
As per Mahabhatara,he is a son of sndeva or Bhimasenof the
Lunar dynasty who ruled over kdfi state.when he become king, he
founded thecity vardnasi asthecapital of Kasr onthe adviseof tnara
(AnusasanaParva, 30.16). He married to Madhavi, the daughter
of
I(jng Yayati and begot a son named pratardana ((Jdyoga parva,
ll7 .l-7>- He was defeatedby the Haihaya Ksatriyas and he had to
leave vardrlasi (Anusasana parva 30.19-22) andtakethe shelterin the
hermitage of his preceptor Bharadwaja and lastly he regained his
kingdom defeating the enemy in the battle through his son who was
conceived tlrough puffesgiyaj ftaperformed by B haradwaja. During
his exile period, he was most probably shifted to lJttara*ai, *h"r"
the permanenthermitage of sageBharadwaja was located.
This incidence of shifting from vararyasi to (Jttara KaiI was
II PROLOGUE

proved an important boon in the developmentof Indian Surgery at a

Zenith. The epithet "Airamastha" (enteredin to hermitage)preceded
to Kaiiraja Divodasa Dhanvantari corroboratedour hypothesis and
that historical event.It explicitly revealsthat this scienceof Surgery
was taught to the Su.fruta etc.lnthe Uttara Kc.fi while Divoddsa was
in hermitagenot atVdranaslor KaSiwherehe wasking. An inclusion
of RhinoplasticSurgery(nasakarnasandhana:Slttra: l6th Chapter),
frost-bite (Sita-dagdha defined as himadagdha by commentator
Dalharya vide : Sut. 12.38), Snow-blindness(himadagdha dfqli),
occunence of freezing of water of the lakes in winter seasonon the
Himalaya (5ut.6.23) are a few buring examples.The temperatureof
Vara4asl is almost hot in all the seasonsexcept two months. The
dissection of Human-cadaverwas obviously performed here but for
surgical procedure the cold climate is essentially needed and Uttar
/.(ci7possessedall that. If one travels in Himncal Prade1acomprising
the Uttara KaSl region of Uttar PradeSa,finds still the practice of
Rhinoplasty among the Kanera andNakera tribes of the H.P. is still
in vogue. For wound-healing, the cold temperatureis unavoidable.
Our hypothesis also becomes prudent when we comes across an
example of Kutapa sauSrutafi' (su{ruta coveredwith blanket) of the
Vartika " Sakapdrthiv adinam Up asari*hyan am" (under the Panini
2.1.170) and "saufruta Parthivaf" under the Sutra of Paryini
" kQr t akaujapadaya3ca" (6.2.37). The time of Paryi ni is fixe.dasc. 700
B.C. by Goldstucker. Ydska, the Vedic Grammarian (c.800B.C.)
quotesthepassageas'Daivodasi Prataradana' (Prardanc as son of
Divodasa) from Kaa.STtakiUpaniqad. Su|ruta's view quoted with
regard to Prakyti (Sartra.1.1l) also comes from the Svetasvatara
Up aniqad (1.2).Thus we cansafelyplace Su(ruta in C. 1000 B.C. One
Su1rutaalso appearsasone of the seers(Mantradrasla) of the second
Mantra of the third chapterof Sukla Yajuweda who is not identical
with our Sr.fruta.We havepropoundedthis view in order to prove the
universal popularity of Sufruta acrossthe continents.
Having seenits paramountimportance,theSufruta Sarhhitawas
translatedin to Arabic (9th Cent.), Latin (by Hesslerin 1874),German
(Vellurs) and English (U. C.D un in 1883; Ambik a Car an Chatterj ee in
1885; Hoernle 1897).Kaviraj Kufijalal Bhiqagratna,the studentof
M. M. K avi r aj a Dv ar akandth Sen andpublishedthe SuSrut a Sarhhita' s
 PROLOGI.JE III

English Translationwithout text andbroughtout in 3 vols ( I 907-17).

The last attempt for scientific English rendering of the SuSruta
Safthifi with text wasmadeby Prof. G.D. Singhalwith the assistance
of a bandof Ayurvedicscholarsof Avuveda,Facultyof Banaras H i rtdu
University into 12 volumes (1980-90). The present author of this
prologuealso participatedin this ventureandthe IXth volume (under
the captionof AncientIndianSurgery)wasrenderedby him alongwith
bilingual preface.But after the demiseof Prof. Singhal, this edition
becameunaccessableto the readersof this country and abroad.
Keeping the aforementionedurgencyin view, it was decidedto
bring out thethird editionof KunjalalBhisagratna's Englishtranslation,
brought out by the Chowkhama Sanskrit Series Office. Vdrlna^sr
(1963),with SansftrtText on which this translationwas solely based.
In my personallibrary the CalcuttaEdition of Suiruta Saryhita(Text
with Dalhanc'.s commentary)edited by Kaviraj Nrpendranath Sen&
Balaicandra Sen was preservedand I advised the authorities of the
Seriesto bring out the English Translationof Kunjalal Bhisagratna
with the SanskritText basedon CalcuttaEdition. They happily agreed
to do so and requestedme to provide a greatdeal of scholarly help in
coalletingthe text with translation.Thus,the first volume comprising
the Sutrasthana is being brought out with the text and English
translationfor the English-knowingworld.
I did not like to write an introduction and foreword on this
compendium as it was already enriched by the great scholar Kaviraj
Bhiqagratnaand well known Medical HistorianProf. N. H. Keswani
respectively.Both the scholarshave thrown sufficient light on the
personality and Historicity of Srirnta. f naveadded some new facts
unknown hitherto in this regard to be considered by the scholars
interestedin this field.
I am sanguinethatthepresentnew editionofthe St SrutaSarhhita
will receive proper appreciationby the scholarsof East and west.

MahaSivaratri JYOTIR MITRA

Feb. 17,1996. Professor& Ex. Head,
'Ugaloka'
Deptt.of BasicPrinciples,
19, Gindhrnagar Colony, Instituteof MedicalSciences.
Naria. Varanasi - 221005 BanarasHindu University
 FOREWCIRD

The west, until the close of the eighteenth century, remained

ignorant of the fchievementsof the ancientHindus in art, scienceand
culture, inspite of the ampletestimony of the latter's early achivements
found in the works of the ancient Greek historians, philosophers and
scientists,who have all alongbeencredited,by theWesternhistorians,
with the origins of all the arts and sciencesthat are cherishedby the
modern civilization. Solon (? 638-558B.C.), Pythagorus(? 580-498
B.C.), Herodotus(484-425B.C.),Plato(428-348 B.C.) andPhilostrarus
(3rd century B.C.) have all acknowledged that even the ancient
Egyptians,to whom the Greekswere to a greatextentindebtedfor their
own culture andcivilization, ' 'obtainedmuch of their knowledge from
somemysteriousnation of the East' ' (Wise, I 845). Count Bjornstjerna
(1844) in his book. "The Theogonyof the Hindoos", remarks "'What
has been briefly statedhere may be sufficient to show that no nation
on Earth can vie with the Hindoos in respectto the antiquity of their
religion, and the antiquity of their civilization. "The excavations of
Mohan-jo-Daro in Sind and other sites in India have revealed the
remains of an Aryan civilization that flourrished some6,000 or more
ye:trs ago. The old documents recovered from the excavations at
Boghazkoyi in Cappadoci4 northwest Mesopotamia"show that the
Mitanian kings worshipped the Vedic gods as early as 1,600 B.C. A
Bactrian document found in Kashmir proves that in remote antiquity
India enjoyed a civilization in which medicine formed an important
part. Today, there is no dearth of evidenceto show that Greece and
Egypt, alike may both, in their scientific relations to India, have been
the learners and not the teachers.Hermann Schelenz (1904) in his
''
Geschichteder pharmazie" concludesthat'' The Indiansareoneof the
oldest civilized peopleon earth.Apparently it wasthey wo kindled the
light of sciencefor the world." Yet, many of the western historians
seemsto show apparentapathytowardsthe contributions madeby the
ancient Hindus towards our culture and civilization. Or, mav be it is
their ignorance, possibly due to the nonu'uuilubility of ttre ancient
Hinduclassics totheEuropean scholarsin theirown languages,which
 FOREWORD

makesthem passover the achievements of the ancientHindus,by

making me:trgre,and not infrequently,mistakenand misconstrued
referecesto a few texts under the old, out-modedand oftrepeated
excusethat there are sperial difficulties with regardto the ancient
Saftskytlanguage, andthereis "absenceofan established chronology
for ancientandmediaevalIndiantexts" (Needham,1959).
Sinceremoteantiquity,the Hindu traditionshavebeenhanded
down in an unbrokencontinuity;and,dueto the transmissionbeing
mainly oral, we areleft with an imperfectrecordof our rich heritage,
with certainlongandeventfulperiodalmostundocumental andmuch
valuablematerialirrectrievablylost to us. Even most of the extant
ancient texts, written exclusively in Sansfuf,have remained in
manuscriptform,waitingtobeeditedandfianslated.Manyof thegreat
worksalreadypublishedareaccessibleonly to SanskrtPa1rllrs.Most
of the ancientmedicaltextshavefor yearsremaineda closelyguarded
secretwith thefamiliesof the Vaidyas,wholookedwith disdainupon
the very ideaof makingtheir knowledgeavailableto the world and
scornedat thosewho daredtranslatetheminto foreignlanguages, as
is evidentfromtheremarksof Kaviraj K. L. Bhisagrarnain hispreface
to the secondvolumeof this work. It was thus left to the Western
scholarslike Sir William Jonesand H. T. Colebrooketo bring the
literary treasuresof the ancientIndia to the notice of the English-
speakingworld, followed by a few French scholarsand German
philologists, who evokedamongthe Europeanscholarsan interestin
the Indic studies,during the later part of the eighteenthcentury.But,
it wasnot until 1823thattheHindumedicineattractedtheattentionof
theWesternscholars, whenProfessor H.H. Wilsonpublishedhisessay
"On the MedicalandSurgicalScienceof the Hindus", followedby
"An Essayon theAntiquity of HindooMedicine" by Dr. J.F.Royle,
in 1837, which "proved the originality of the Hindu medicine"
(Mukhopddhyaya,1923). A morecomprehensive work entitled. ..A
Commentaryon the Hindu Systemof Medicine" by Dr. T.A. Wise
appearedin 1845,and Stenzlerpublishedhis Germanbook ..Zur
Geschichteder indischenMedizin", in 1846,soonfollowed by the
Latin translationof theSusrutaSarhhitaby Hessler(l8U-47) andits
German edition by Vellurs. Since then, the Indian and Western
scholarshave edited and fianslatedinto Europeanlanguagesa few
VI FOREWORD

original texts of the ancient Hindu medicine, the most outstanding

among them being the English translationsof the Caraka Sarhhitaby
AvindsacandraKaviratna (1890-1911)andof the Suiruta Sarhhitaby
Kaviraj Kunjalal Bhisagratna (1907-1918). Not only these two
colossalworkshavebeenout ofprintforthepastfew decades,buteven
the recent German translation cf the younger Vagbhalla's
A;lahgahydaya Sarhhita by Luise hilgenburg and Willibatd Kirfel
(1941),andthe voluminousEnglishtransiationof the CarakaSafthita
by Sri GulabkufiverbaAyurvedic Society of Jlmnagar (1949), are no
more available to the studentsof the history of medicine.
There are a vast number of unpublished SanskStmanuscripts
dealing with medical sciences,which deservepublication, not only
becauseoftheir historical and philosophical value but on account of
their medical content. Theodor Aufrecht's Catalogus Catalogorum
( 189 1- I 903) containsthe namesof about 1,500manuscripts,andthere
aremany more not mentionedin his catalogue.Theire translationsinto
major languagesof the world would go a long way to put the ancient
Hindu medicine on the map.
The treatisesof Caraka andSufruta, as revised and redactedby
the later Hindu philosopher-physicians,are the most renowned and
authentic representativesof the Ayurved4, "which was almost co-
existent with the other Vedas,was entitled to a great respect,and was
associatedwith the Atharva-Veda in a special way." (Das Gupta,
1932).''The work of SUS rut a is oneof the greatestof its kind in Sanskrr
Iiterature. It is especially important from the surgical point of view"
(Sarton, 1927), and to him could be atributed the glory of first
changing the art ofsurgery into a practical science,during the rernote
vedic period. It appearsthat from time to time many hands were in
operation on what passeson as the Su|ruta Sarhhita today; and, the
available evidence points out tliat the original treatise of Vrddha
Susruta"theSufruta Tantra,was a different work andformed the basis
of the Safthifi which wa-sprobably entirely revised, at a late date, by
anotherpersonage,alsocalledSuirutaby nameandagaineniargedand
supplementedby Nagarjuna in the secondcentury 8.C.. The original
Tantra, according to A.F.R. Hoernle (1907), "indeed admittedly
belongs to a much earlier period, possibly as early as about 1,000
8.C. " Hessler( I 844) in his Latin edition of the Sn.frr ta Safthit a, also
 FOREWORD vII

which
places susruta duing "the heroic ageof India, the beginning of
yearB.C.''.
not known but the end of which is markedby the l,000th
(1863),Dymock (1890),and
But otherEuropeonscholarslikeLietard
SuSruta, ranging
Max Neuberg"i(tqOt)nave assignedvariousdatesto
unduly
from the first century A.D. to the tenth century A'D' ! Some
other hand, have offered absurd and
zealouswestern authors,on the
in India ! Dr.
amusing theoriesdenying the very existenceof Susruta
mit
Haas, in his essays,"uber die Ursprunge der indischen Medizin'
indische
besonderemBezug zuf su,ruta" and "Hippokrates and die
Medizin" (Zeitschrift der deutschenmorgenlandischen Gesselschaft,
asserts
Berlin, vol. 30,p' 6t7-70 andvol. 3 I' p' 647,666),ingeniously
., which
that susruta is ttreIndian adaptationof the Arabic nameSuqrat
cotruption of the Greek name
is a confusion with Buqrat, the Arabic
, the birth
hippocrates' ;and Kafi, the place of Susrutastandsfor Cos,
placeof Hippocrates! Suchabsurdnotionshavebeendisposedoff with
ridicule Uy Hoernle and Neuberger,sincethe Bower Manuscript
"uln between350 A.D. and3?5 A'D' ' accordingto Hoernle)
(datingbackto
depicts sulrutaas an ancient8ll andexplicitly quotesfrom Susruta's
works.As also,thes u3ruta s ahhira hasbeenmentionedasthe'' Kitab-
i-susrud,' by Ibn Abi "Usaybi'a(Ibn Abi'Il saibial,orMuwaffaquddin
Addu'l-" AbbasAhmad ibn ul-QasimIbn Abi "Usaybi'a' 1203-1269
A.D.),thefirsthistorianofArabianmedicine,inhisbook..Kitab
" IJ1runu" I -Anba'' fi Tabaquati" I -Atibba" ( " Sourcesof information
that
on the classesof physicia ns" ,1242-1246),whereinit is also stated
duringthereignofal-Mansur(died775A.D.),thesecond..Abbasid
caliph" an Indian medical workby sarat (Sarad,Susrud)wasrendered
into Arabic by Manka (Manikya, Mikna), the Hindu court-physician'
(Barmak'
at the suggestionof Yahya ibn Khalid, the Barmecid
Harunal-Rashid (763-809
Pramukh)who was wazir to al-Mansurand
A.D.).The..Kitab.al-Fihrist''(composedin987A.D.)alsomentions
ibn
this fact; and''Firdaus-al-Hikmat"(''Paradiseof wisdom" ) by Ali
Rabfanal-Tabbari,composedbyhimforhispatronCeliphal-
Mutawakkil (847-S61A.D.) quotesfromsu'frataandCaraka' Rabban
wasoneof theteachersof Rhazes(Abu BekrMohammadibnzakariya
al-Razi, 850-923 A.D.) who naturally quotes Suiruta very often'
Referencesare also found to suSruta and caraka in the works of
SerapionJunior (Yahya ibn Sarafyun,or Serabi, died 930 A'D')'
Avicenna(Abu Ali al-Huseinibn Abdulla ibn sina, 982-1037A.D.)
VIII FOREWORD

andotherlaterArabicauthors.consideringall theevidenceavailable
today,onecomesto theconclusionthat "the lower limit of safrrr's
deathis fixed asthesixthandseventhcenturyB.c., thisbeingthedate
of the SatapathaBrdhma4a,while practicallynothing U" ."iO
abouttheupperlimit" .(Das Gupta 1932). "-
It is a laudableventureon thepartof thechowkhambasanskrit
seriesoffice, publisersof varanasi,to put this raretranslationof the
SuSrutaSahhitA,againin thehandsof the English-speeking world.
with thecostof publicationssohigh,theirenthusiasm to publishthis
monumentalwork, at sucha low pricewhencamparedwith theprice
of similargreatandunavailableworks,cannotbeconsidered asa mere
commercialventure,but a nobleendeavourin a serviceof cultural
revival of our country,in generalanda valuablecontributionto the
Historyof Medicine,in particular.Forthisserviceof thechowkhamba
sanskritseriesoffice, theindologistsandthehistoriansof medicine
haveto be grateful indeed.
This reprintof theSuhrutaSarhhitadeservesadequatepatronage;
andthereis no reasonwhy it shouldnot find a favourablenichein the
library shelves,anda proudplaceon thedeskofevery studentof the
historyof medicine.
I am not alonein expressingthe hopethat the Chowkharnba
sanskrit series office, who have publishedover fifteen hundred
Sanskrittexts in all the disciplines,will bring out more and more
Ayuntedictexts to the light of the dayand,alsoendeavourto publish
themin Hindi andEnglish,to disseminate theancientHindu medical
wisdom to the world.

May,l!l',63 N. H. KESWANI
M.B.B.S.,
F.C.P.S.,
PH.D.,
PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY
ALL.INDIA INSTITUTE OF
MEDICAL SCIENCES,
NEW DELHI
 PREFACE

No special apology is necessaryfor the publication of an English

translation of the Su6ruta Safihite. The vast medical literature of
ancientIndia practically remainsasyet unexplored,andany undertaking,
which has the object of making that terua incognita, known to the
scientific world, is bound to be welcomed by the public. Spasmodic
attempts have been made by several scholars and erudite bodies to
bring out an English translation of the Su6rutaSarirhitl, as the most
representative work of the Ayurveda, but we regret to say that such
efforts havehitherto proved abortive. In spite of incomplete information
on the subject many drugs of the Ayurvedic Materia Medica have been
adopted by different foreign systems of medicine, and this has
afforded us afresh impetus to issuean English translationof thebook,
which not only deals with the e.ssentialsof Indian Therapeutics but
embraces the whole range of the science of Ayurvedq as it was
understood and practised by the Vedic sages.
We sincerely hope that the English renderingof Su6ruta which
we have undertaken,will, when completed, supply a long-felt want
and help to start a fuller inquiry into the properties of the indigenous
drugs of India- Many institutions have been already started both in
England and Gerrrany with the sole object of studying the aetiology
of tropical diseases,and of formulating an empirical system of their
prevention and cure, and we hope an English translationof the Su6ruta
Sarhhite, embracing as it does the results of researchesmade by our
ancientRsis in the land of their origin, may conribute no small amout
of useful information to thosebodies. ''We havemany things to learn"
observesLt. Col. C.P. Lukis, M.D., F.R.C.S., I.M.S., principal,
Medical College, Calcutta, ''from thepeopleof this counuryin respect
of medicine and medical science," and we doubt not that an accurarc
knowledge of the contentsof this splendidmonumentof the Ayurveda
in quarters where it has every chanceof being utilised and improved
upon will make the human race better equipped to combat the ills of
life.
A few remarks on the method we have adopted in editing this
work are necessaryby way of explanation.We have carefully collated
 PREFACE

all the available texts of the Su(ruta Sarhhite, whether printed or

otherwise, expunging from the body of our work all texts, which,
though not proved to be wholly spurious,areof questionableauthority,
andputting them in foot-notesas'' Different Readings" or'' Additional
'
Texts.' [n caseof doubt or dicrepancyof opinion we have thought fit
to abideby the decisionof ourreveredpreceptor,Mahdmahopddhydya
Kaviraj Dvdrkandth Sen, Kaviratna, and inserted withing brackets
explanatory clauses,where a strictly literal translation of texts would
not convey their true meaning. In many instancesit is impossible to
find in the English languageequivalentwords for the technical terms
of the Ayurveda. In suchcaseswe haveput approximateEnglish words
within brackets,afterthe original Sanskrit terms.For exarnplewe have
translatedthe term Ojah as albumen.But the Ojah of the Ayurveda is
a disputed thing. It may meansomethinglike but not exactly albumen;
glycogen, which contributeslargely to the reproductiveactivity of the
body in certain instances, would appear to be the more correct
description. In caseslike this we have not put before our readersany
suggestionsof our own, but left them free to draw their own inference.
And for this purposewe further intend to appendto the last volume of
this work an index anda glossaryillustrating the possiblemeaningsof
the Ayurvedic terms with English and Latin synonyms, wherever
possible.The tnre meaningof the Ayurveda canbe better explained of
understoodonly with the light of modern science,and we leave it to
our Europeancolleaguesto carry on the researchon the lines we have
suggestedwith regard to this ancient system of medicine, which a
better knowledge of its principles and methodswill enablethem to do.
By a lamentable oversight, the terms Vdyu, Pitta, Kapha and
Dosa have been translatedas wind, bile, phlegm and humour in the
first few chapters.
For the sakeofconveniencewehavedividedtheentirework into
three volumes, the first containing only the Sritra Sthdna,the second
Nid5na, Sarira and Cikitsd, and the third Kalpa and Uttara Tantra.
We have adoptedthe diagramsof surgical instrumentsfrom the
most valuableworkof theThakoreSahebof Gondal,calledtheHistory
of the Aryan Medical Science,for which I am particularly indebted to
His Highness.
 PREFACE XI

In conclusion, we beg to convery our sincerestthanks to our

preceptor'sson Kavirdj JogendrandthSen Vidyabhusnla M.A., Dr.
U.D. Banerji L.R.C.P.,M.R.C.S.(Lond.),and Lt. Col. K.P. Gupta
M.A., M.D., I.M.S., ProfessorJanakinith Bhattacarya,M.A., B.L.,
P.R.S. for having kindly examined the different portions of the
manuscript. I am grateful to Dr. SurendranathGosvdmi 8.A., L.M.S.
too, for the kind interesthe hasall along takenin the publication of this
work and for various intelligent suggestions,which have been of
considerablehelp to me.
My thanks are also due to numerouslearnedauthors,ancientand
modern from whose writings, I have found it necessaryto make
frequent quotations.

KUNJA LAL BHISHAGRATNA

Kavirdj
 INTRODUCTION

Su6ruta : His age and personality : A few preliminary

observationsregardingthe techniqueof the Ayurvedic systemof
medicinearenecessary at the outsetto correctlyunderstand the aim
andscopeof theSusrutasarhhite.who wassusruta?when andwhere
did he live and flourish?Theseare questionsthat would naturally
suggestthemselves to thereadersof thefollowingpages;but thencan
only beimperfectlyanswered like all similarquestionsrespectingthe
lives of our ancientworthies.In a counbrylike tndia wherelife itself
wassimply regardedasan illusion,the lives of kingsor commoners
weredeemed mattersof littlemomenttothevital economyof therace;
andall historiesandbiographies werelookeduponastheembodiment
of the flimsy vanitiesof life. Livesof saintsandcanonisedkings had
beenmadeuseof in certaininstances asthemesof nationalepics.But
they were intendedmoreto elucidateor enunciatethe doctrinesof
certainschoolsof Ethicsor Metaphysics thanto recordanyhistorical
fact or event.Authentichistory we havenonebeyondchroniclesof
stateeventsandroyal namesin someinstance;andthosewhich are
usually found in the sanskgtPurdnasare strangecombinationsof
mythsandlegends,whichoftencontradicteachother.Hencetheuner
futility of attemptsto explaina historicalfactby the light of a votive
medalor tabletunearthedperhapsfrom theruinsof oneof our ancient
cities. Such an endeavourserves,in most cases,only to rnakethe'
' 'dalkness
visible'', andtheconfusionmoreconfounded.
Identity of su6ruta and Divodisa : It is only safeto assertthat
susrutawas of theraceof vi$v6mitra.The Mahibhdratarrepresents
him asasonofthatroyalsage.Thiscoincides with thedescription
given
of him in the presentrecensionof the sarirhiti. The Garuda

I. ,n&*rfr, yJR*,
fuvlf,qTwerl:
tr{ 3-r+ag'qrfqt:rt
Mahdblfrrata - Anusasana parva, Ch. IV.
 INTRODUCTION xIII

PurdnatplacesDivodrsa asfourth in descentfromDhanvantari.thefirst

propounder of medical scienceon earth, whereasthe susruta sadlhiE
describes the two as indentical persons. But this apparent anomaly in
the safthitE can be accountedfor, if we considerthat in someparts of
India the custom still prevails of appending,for the purposesof better
identification, thenameofone'sfather,orofaglorious ancestortoone's
narne,and it is thereforenot surprising ttratDivodisa (the preceptorof
SuSruta),who was a firm believer in the doctrine of psychic trans-
migration, shouldrepresenthimself asan incarnationof Dhanvantari.
and assumehis name and style in the usual way. Beyond this meagre
genealogywe possessno trust worthy infonnation regarding the life
and personality of SuSrutathe father of Indian Surgery.
Age of the Su3ruta Samhitii : We haveno meansof ascertaining
what the sarirhitd was like asoriginally written by su6rut4 the present
being only a recension,or rather a recensionof recensions,made by
Nigdrjuna.2All opininonsconcurin identifying him with thecelebrated
t. GeqtF?rtdofl ffdr;(r(": gflr;r
ongdc€qwrcil+{ rftsqa}11
sn7af€rfs&r(gdF"ilra?qi1
zEtrz|zEt?7fiwt(t:ut+{rf
rdFTq://
on'qrql{dqraqt
dtil qrqanweq *g'qF?flflilq;r
frqrg,:+fcd F*qrgtr<rsqrrI
Gararda Pura\a; Chap. 139, Vs.g_I I.
2. ?t qt cft) ffi'rffi arevrdd*'t'q?'j7vq1ffiisafuqv776'7-qq'1
palha4a's Conmentary, S-utrasthdna,Ch. I. l.
D.alha4amentions the.namzsof Jejjada, Goydddsaetc., as the redactors of the
or-iqilal satikifi, and rciects as spurious or of questionable authority the iexts
whichcannotbefoundintheireditionsof thework. Mostprobably the auihoritative
verses are quotations from the Brddha Su1ruta.
Reccnsion or Pratisarhskira consists in curtailing statemcnts that have been
made inordinately elaborate, and in dilating upon truths that have been
very
succinctly dcaltwith inthe originalbook. A Redactor or pratisafiskartdmakes an
old book ncw again.
ffirqFqfrtrdufdvla nrqonAq,
ffi Wi ragqorrqgq{qi
A safiftitd, on the other hand, deals with aphorisms contained in the vedas.
aqsr{qrtrqa€r(ffiarrar: y?iftf?n:
t
XIV INTRODUCTION

founder of the Madhyamika school of Buddhistic philosophy - a fact

which materially assistsus in fixing the ageof the presentSarhhite.A
few quotationsfrom the Brddha (old) SuSrutaareall that arepreserved
of the original Safthitd. But their genuinenessis of a problematic
character, and we are not sure whether they are t}te productions of
lesser lights, or of ancient though less renowned commentators,
attributed to the master to invest them with a greater sanctity and
authority - a practice which was quite cornmon amongst the biblio-
graphersof Ancient India.
Date of NEgirjuna : At all eventsNdgirjuna who redactedrhe
SuSrutaSarirhitdlived aboutthe latter part of the fourth cenrurybefore
the Christian era;r and the originai or Brddha SuSrutamust have been
written at le:xt two centuries earlier in order to acquire that hoary
authority and prescriptionof age,which alonecould have given its
right to a recensionat the time. Severalscholarson the authority of a
very vague and general statementconcerning the recension of the
Sarhhita in Dalhana's commentary, ascribe the authorship of the
Uttaratantra(latter portion of the SuSrutaSarirhita)to NAgarjuna.We,
on the other hand. hold the Uttaratantrato be neither an interpolation,
nor a subsequentaddition, but that it forms an integral portion of the
book asit was originally written, though not plannedby the Rsi. In the
frst Chapterof Srltrasthina Divoddsa formally divides the Scienceof
Ayurvedaintoeightsubdivisions,suchas,theSalya(surgery),Satatya
(portiontreatingof diseases restrictedto super-clavicularregions such
asthe eyes,etc.), Kdya-Cikitsi (generaldiseasessuchas,fever, erc.),
but does not speak anything about them in the first five Sthanasor
subdivisionsof the book. It is only once in the 25th chapterof the
Sltrasthdna that he mentionsthe nameof Netravartma(diseasesof the
eyelids)in connectionwith theclassificationof surgicaloperations.It
is impossible that Divodisa would fall short of his duties by omitting
to give instructions on all the subdivisions of the Awrveda as he

t. W q,Ie?t:vmrfrt-s nr?.ailr
vdtqqfua'drttqtl
dfrst+^q i*ffi 7frqfr7-a41
v Tlrt'?: qll61*....tt
" Rajataraigini I. Tarafiga. Vs.172-173.
 INTRODUCTION XV

promisesat the outset,or that su5rutawould leavehis

Sarirhiti, which
is pre-eminentlya work on surgery,incompleteby banishing
ophthalmic
surgery, laryngotomy or fever-therapeuticsfrom his woik.'From
the
general plan of the book we can safely assertthat
susruta dealt wittl
easier or more elementary topics in the frst five subdivisions
of his
safthi* in the manner of our modern progressivereaders,
reserving
the discussionof thoserequiringa more advancedknowledgeand
skill
for the uttaratantra. The Uttaratantrahasnot beenincludedwithin
the
five original subdivisions of the sarifiite inasmuchasit
embracesand
more elaboratelydiscussestopics which legitimately belong
to, or are
but incidentallymentionedin thosesubdivisions.ri"n"" itis
more of
the nature of an appendixor supprement,arising out of the
exigencies
of the original subdivisions. It is probable trratNagaiuna
migit have
redactedthis part of the sarirhiti in common with itsother plrtions.t
Western opinions on the subject : The consensusof
western
is to place Nagarjunain the first quarterof the third
lprlons century
8.c.2' and for fixing suSruta as a contemporaryof
Sakya sinha
Buddha. It is contended that the age immeaiatety preceding
Sakya
Muni was a period of decadencein Hindu ttought; and
theiu3rura
sarhhita must have been the fruit of a revivedlnteilectual
activity
which usually follows the adventof a new creed- anassumption
which
is^infavour of the hypothesisof Greek influence on
the Hindu system
of medicine. But greatmen therehad beenin India before
Buddhi. The
age which immediately precededthe age of Buddha was
by no means
an age of decadenceproperly speeking, the age which
followed the
downfall of Buddhism shows,on the.ont .ry, signsoftruedecadence.
India and eminent philosophers and scientists almost
contempo-
raneously with the great Buddha. The chronological
facts collected
above from the Mahdbhirata, and the Garudaparina
could have been
constmed to prove that the age of Susruta was prior
to that of the
Mahdbhdratabut for the internal evidenceturnished
by the sadrhita
itself a( to the probable date of its composition which
was shall have
occasion to deat with later on.
I, MahdnahopadlrydyaKavirdj Dvaraka Nath Sen
Kaviratna of Calcutta
subscribesto this opinion. Tr.
2. Bael's Buddhistic Records of the
Rdjataraigini.
3. Lalita-Vistara-Raja R.L. Mitter,s Edition, Chapter
I.
Intro - 2
xvI INTRODUCTION

ofl
Extraneous Evidence : susruta is mentionedin the Vdrtikas
in saying that
Katylyana (4 Century B.C.) and we have no hesitation
the birth
tne Lriginat Sarirhitdwas written at leasttwo centuriesbefore
ofBuddha.Weareequallyreadytoadmit,ontheotherhand,thatthe
in which
final recensionof the sarirhitaby Nagarjuna,at leastthe form
we have it, was made about the secondCentury B'C'
Two Ndgirjunas : Severalscholars,on the authority of Dalhana
(the celebratedcommentator of the Susruta sarhhita) endeavour to
with
establishthe indentity of Nagarjuna(the redactorof this sarifiita)
But their
his namesake,the celebratedalchemistof the tenth Centrtry'2
know that many verses of the
contentions fall to the gtound when we
(Agtangalqdaya) and
Su$rutaSarirhitdoccur in the works of Vagbhata
translated
Midhava (Niddna), which aretwo of the works which were
The internal evidences
by theorderof the Kaliph3in theeighthcentury.
to compose
of the book do not supply us with any authentic material
anything like a biography of this father of Hindu Surgery'
Internal Evidence : The line in the sarirhita, which has formed
of
ttre veritable bone of contention amongst scholars of all shades
opinion asttuowing a light upon the probabledateof its composition'
of
o."urc in the Sarira - Sthdna,in connection with the development
Gautama said that it is the trunk
the foetal body and readsas "subhuti
that firstdeveloPed."
Conflictingtestimoniesandtheuncertainindicationof
that
materials at our disposal : It is a matter of historic certainty
of Sdkya sinha Buddha, and
subhuti was gile of the personaldisciples
append
that it was customaryamongstthe contemporaryBuddhists to
name of
the appelation of theiy' lord (Gautamaor Bodhisattva) to the

r. VAe"fid'ib3-d'
Kdtycyana's Vartikas to Paryini's Grammar'

2. ?rrdn !a??: vp7vqd"7n?q|a,t€c't dFnds srffi*qiqrldc: t

CakraD utta- RasdYanddhik6r a.
J. P. C. Roy- Hindu ChemistryP' w'ilL (1W2)
4,NdgdrjunaBodhisattvawaswellpractisedintheartofcompoundingmedicine.
divi.neand
Noloriuno Bodhisatvaby moisteningall the great stoneswith a
gold. -Baet'sBuddhisticRecordsof the
,ri"rio, drrortion changedtheminto
westernworldvol. Il.
 INTRODUCTION
XVII

a proselyteto accentuatethis wisdomand sanctityin the world.

certainsectionof scholarsin nevertired of A
settingup this tine as a
conclusiveevidenceof the fact ttrat
ttre Sarhhitawas, at besr, a
contemporary productionof earlyBuddhism.But they
shuttheireyes
to opinionsof saunakaandotherson thesubject
quot; *""rrv i" ,t
sameportionof the.book,whichpracesthe "
dateof it, ut
leastseverarcenturi€searrier.saunaka,who "oo'porition
wasthesixth in remove
from theimmortarvy6sain directline of disciplenship,
wastheauoor
of therenownedSaunakaSarirhitnof theAtharva{,.
Thesefactslenda
very plausiblecolour to our hypothesis
that the original ius*r"
Sarhhitewhich,w1.f_rst^c3mnoset p.rfrupscontemporaneously
theratrerportionsof theAtharvan,naturatiy with
discussed th" opiniin, or
Saunaka andotherVedicembroyologists, whileNdgfujuna,atthetime
of redactingthat book, the opinion of ii, ;";;;;;.*y
thepurposeof^qu:i"d
giving him anequalstatuswith the Vedic
l"Ph$ -f*
Rgis,if for nothingelse.
Greek Influence : As regardsHellenicinfluence
on the Hindu
systemof medicineandon thesusrutaSarirhiti
in speciar,*" *ur,
disabuseour mind of all sentimentsof racial
vanity^-o
investigatethe casein a scientific and unprejudiced iro"""a to
giving a moredetailedaccountof thecontents spirit before
of thesusrutasarirhiti.
Su6rutaand Hippocrates: From the very
apparentsimilarity
which existsbetweenthecontentsof this sarirtriia
*o tr,"
of Hippocrates, manywesternscholarsareaptto conclude"pt*ir-.
toohast'y
that the ancientIndiansdrewthier inspiration
in thehealing;L*
the medicarworksof theGreeks.But^ttrereverse
may be saidof the
Greeksaswell with thegreaterconfidence
because suchan assertion
is supportedby historicfacts,andconfirmed
by theresearches
scholarsof the westr.Accordingto all accountspythagoras of the
founderof thehearingartamongsttheGreeks was the
andth; Heil"ni" peopt"s
in general.2This great philosopherimbibed
his _yrr"J".-La
rwfdyrswq wscryi ql&rqq r
r * aqrqrgt Tdv .+il* ? qdrq ql{fi4rfir{qg
uAnuvdk
re.4s.46.s.
I ' There is no ground whaleve! to suppose
that su,ntta borrowed his systemof
medicinefrom the Greeks.-on
-tn"L)ntrory, the're
- is muchto te, againstsuch
a idea-Weber,sHistory of Indian Utrroirl.
2. The Origin and Growth of the Healing
Art_Bedroep. 162.
XVIII INTRODUCTION

rnhis India in
metaphysicsfrom the BralhmaTasof India. Mr. Pocock
and it is but an
Greice-identifieshim with Buddhagurusfor Buddha,
and aphorisms
easyinferenceto supposethat he carriedmany recipes
The sacred bean of Pythagorasis
of his master's Ayurveda with him.
(UA1la):We know that
thought to have been ther Indian Nelumbium
were
simu-ltaneouslywith the birth of Buddhism, Buddhist Sramanas
countries to
sent out to Greece,Asia rninor, Eqypt and other distant
to the Greeks and there
preach their new religion. They were kngwn
(venirrable) wers no
is good reason to beiive that the Greek Simnoi
usually teaches
ott er than the Buddhist Sramalas.2Now a missionary
to the preaching of his gospel.
the sciencesof his country in addition
ThedistantmissionstationsormonasteriesofBuddhismwerethe
lands,
principal centresfordisseminating Brdhmanicculture in distant
utmost to liberate medical science
*a Uippo"rates, though he did his
thought
from the thraldom of speculativephilosophy, yet might have
which
it necessary to retain only those truths of the Ayurveda
hood might have imported into
pythagorasand the Buddhistic brother
and which do not exactly appertainto the domain of pure
iri,
"onntty, Of course, it is quite possible for men of different
metaphysics.
nationaiities to arrive at the sarnetruth or conclusion independently'
There arecoincidencein scienceasin art andphilosophy3Gravitation
the
and circulation of blooda were known to the Indians long before
l. Prarf s Flowering Plants. Vol. I P 57'
narrated to have
2. Thesesimoi(venerable)whom clment of Alexandria has
to a py;ramidoriginally to
dedicated therelicsof a god' were
renderedworship
- Vistara-Rajendra I'al
the BuddhistArhatsiienerablesi Sramanas. Lalita
Miner's Edition,Ch. I'
3. silrE{Irf'q c€l dstq( spr y5,sFl5q:sgw'rl
w.;qil Eqrild?aqIfr vi vr<q tfrs'Tf,: d/r
Sidhdnta Siromani (Bhdskaracarya) Goladhy oya'
4. flr{r{ wFrqqi t sfu{rgq{trfi gqfqTaTlgoTqafvt r
taq +fit'rtr'ffi tq?EIfu{I:,d<Tshfrw nqrsrq+ T'qutQt'tt
qalYzfmll @h dvapr aki1 a ).
The Hdrita sarhhitd, which according to certain scholars, is older than the
refers ta the circulation ofblood in describing Pa4Quroga
suSruta Sarhhita,
('blocks
Anaemia).Thedisease,heobsemes,iscausedbyeatingcloy-whichthus
the lumen of veins and obstructs the circulation ol blood. BhdvamiSra,
older than
the celebrated author of Bhdvaprakaia, and who is a century
Hawey, has the above couplets bearing on the subiect'
 INTRODUCTION
xrx
birthsof NewtonandHarveyin Europe.Thecerebrated
atomictheory
waspreachedin the-Gangetic valley somefive hundredy"*. ["ro."
thebirth of christr-But welrmayweaskthose,
whostill adhereto this
Hellenichobby,to look atthereversesideof
thepictirreasw"tt- it -uy
be statedwithout the leastfearof contradiction
that the caraka and
susruta throughthechannelof Arabic,persian
andLatintranslations
still from thebasisof ail systemsof scientific
medicinesin theworld.z
of these,the susrutaSarirhitnis the mostrepresentative
work of the
Hindu systemof medicine.It embraces all thatcanpossiblyufp"auin
to the scienceof medicine.3
Su6ruta prior to-Caraka : The generalconsensus
opinionis to placecarakaprior to susrut"a of expen
in respectof time. But the
Purdnasunanirnousry describesu(rutaas a discipreof Dhanvantari,
thefirst-propounder of medi."tr"i"n"".il long (samdsas)
usedby hil theproseandmetricalportions "on,pounds
of the su(ruta afterthe
modelsof Jaimini,patafrjaliandotheiphilosophical
writerswho had
adoptedproseor metreaccordingto theexegetic
or rationalistictenor
of the subjectsin their works,havea' been
citedto provesusrutaa
contemporary of the Dar.anas,or of Buddha.But tfr"r"
leastto fix the dateof the recensionuy _"y *"*, u,
Nagarjuna,i.e., the Su.ruta
sarirhitraswe haveit, butcanneverheli
io aeterminett .t .onotogy
^..who
of.susruta,thediscipleof Dhanvantari " out
waschurned of the
primordialoceanin thegoldenage(Satya
iuga)o. O" ,f," f,_0,
I. VaiAeEika Dariana by Ka4ada. "tfr",
2' A' ''The great works of caraka and
suiruta were transrated into Arabic,
th: under
of Katiph Alnun i,nin;'rrrrnih
la:rona{e The Arabic cersion
of Sufruta in know by the name ", of ,.Xelaieiqwshoore-al_Hinid.,,
"rnrury.
translations in their tirn were rendered These
into Latin. The Latin versions
the- basis of European medicine, which formed
remained endebted to the Eastern
science of medicine down to the seventeenth
century., , - History of the Aryan
Medical Science (Thdkore saneU ol
Coniail-i).' tOZ.
B. For the indebteness oflr1lic school of Medicine of the works of
mosters, see pusclunann p. 162. Indian
C. Bedro'e. Book IV. Ch. II. 2g6_299.
3. D1.^Wise_(H1n-du
sysremof medicine).
4. afidq?q+
+d td r;r+na7ar
AsE rgtrsg' Iv@, s7f?qd,
rr
3t'drq v ril-4q/
Garu(a Purdnam. Chap. 142. Vs.
5-6.
XX INTRODUCTION

worth' we can
if the testimonies of the Purdnashave any historical
(age) at least in those
safely place him somewherein the SatyaYuga'
oimcenturieswhichimmediatetysucceededthecompositionofthe
discourse on the
Atharvan. Caraka, too, in connection with his
of Dhanvantarit
d"u"top-"nt of the foetal body has citedrhe opinion
in the susruta sarirhita) &
on the suuject (the same as piomulgated
school of_surgeoSrs (meaning
refenedhis disciples to the Dhanvantari
aid and knowledge are
susruta and his sihool) in caseswhere surgical
necessary;this proves that Susrutawas before Caraka'
a surgeon'and
Su6ruta asa Surgeon : SuSrutawasemphatically
have which deals
the Su6rutaSalilhite is the only complete book we
midwifery' Almost ail the
*itft *r" problems of practical surgery and
are either lost to
other sarirhitas written by SuSruta'sfellow students
be attributed the
us, or arebut imperfectlypreserved' To SuSrutamay
the status
glory ofelevating the art ofhandling a lancet or forecps to
placehere to give a short
ir a practicatscience,and it may not be out of
understood in Pre-
history of the Ayurveda as it was practised and
which he
Su6rutic times if only to accentuatethe improvements
introduced in every branch of medical science'
guilty
Commentators of the Su3ruta Sarhhi6 : We wouldbe
without
of ingratitude if we closed this portion of our dissertation
expressingadeepsenseof ourobligation to Jejjada$'cirya'.Gaydddsa
gtrasmra,Mddhava, Brahmadev4 Palhatra and Calaapani Datta' the
who have
celebrated commentators and scholiasts of the Sarirhita,
labouredmuchtomakethebookarepositoryorpricelesswisdomand
experience.Dalhanahasmadeuseofallthecommentariesinrevising
and collating the texts of SuSrutaSafihite'
science of
Origin and History of the Ayurveda : In the
Aryans claim
medicine, as in all other branchesof study, the ancient
tohave derived thsbknowledge ftomthe godsttuoughdirectrevelation.

r. ssffi6gffi6 sqafr.,
Caraka, Sdrirasthdna' ChaP' V'

ttq|'q'affisfirc:ffir
darr' T*d,mi qqdq'{0qqrr
Caraka,CikinAthAna'ChaP'V'
 INTRODUCTION XXI

suSruta in his sarirhita has describedthe Ayurveda

as a subdivision
the Atharvanr, while accordingto othersthe science
lupangll 9r of the
Ayurvedahas its origin in the versesof Rk Sarirhitaz.
Indeedtheorigin
of the scienceis lost in dim antiquity. Deathanddisease
therehad been
in the world sincethe adventof man; it wasby following
the examples
of lower animals in disease,that our primitive -""rtoi,
acquiredby
chancetheknowledge aboutthepropertiesof many varuable
medicinar
dmgs. There is a verse in the Rgveda which shows
that the lower
animals were thepreceptorsof man in mattersof selecting
food stuffs
and medicinal simples3.Individual experience
in the realms of cure
and hygiene were collected, and codified, and thus
formed the bases
of the present Ayurveda. The verses in the vedas
clearly mark each
step in the progressof medicar knowledge. Ttre properties
of a new
drug were always hymned in a vedic verse wittr,a
regularity which
enablesus to put our finger upon the very time
when a particular drug
of our Materia Medica first came to be of service
of man.a
Discrepancies accounted for : Verses on medicine,
hygiene,
and surgery,etc. lie scatteredthroughoutthe four Vedas.
Those'h-aving
bearing on Medicine proper occur most in the Rgveda,
and it
was for this reasonthu Agnive6a, who was aphysician, ferrraps
has ^"riU.d
th3 origin of the Ayurveda to reverationsin ttre
!,k safthita. precepts
relating to the art and practice of surgery are
found most in the
wfrichamplyaccounts
for thefacrof Su6rura,s
opinionof
l_Tfl]Tt,
noldmg the Ayurveda as a subdivision of the Atharvan, ashe was pre-
eminently a surgeonhimself.
Difrerentkinds of physicians: VedicIndia,like Ancient
Egypt,
I. Suiruta SarthitA,Sutrasthana.Ch. l. 3.
2. q' gvlq; - carana vyuha by vyasa.
3. 'ilF+dqFq(/ ia*< I c/ ?i/
tq
4. A. Vt: YM:.rrqelArtdqrflreicgrwrffil
q"{qrewrqrfrors ffifu711
"rftg?firusa
Athanan Sarhhifi
B. See also lbid I. 2, IL 4,7, 9, 25, 27 and
36
awrqeftrrg?qrFqler
silqirqqvfrrqrqarfrr
Rk Safikild I M. I t6_16.
xxtl INTRODUCTION

recognisedthe principle of the division of labour among the followers

of tne healing art. There were Salya Vaidyas (surgeons), Bhi;akas
(physicians) and Bhi;agathart'ans(magie doctors), and we find that at
ttre time of the Mahabhdrata,which neariy appnrac*testhe age of our
author,the number of the sectshad increasedto five which were named
as Rogaharas(physicians), Salyaharas(surgeons),Visaharas(poison
1
curers), Krtyaharas (demondoctors)and Bhi sag-Ath arvans'
In the Vedic age(beforethe ageof SuSruta)physicians had to go
out into the open streets,calling out for patients.2They lived in houses
surroundedby gardensof medicinal herbs.The Rgveda mentions the
namesof a thousandand one medicinal drugs.3Verseseulogising the
virtues of water as an all-healer, and of certain trees and herbs as
purifiers of the atmospherearenot uncommonin the vedas. Indeedthe
rudiments of Embryology, Midwifery, child management(pediatrics)
and sanitationwere formul atedi n the ageof theVedasand B rahmanas,
anrJ we shall presently see how from these scanty and confused
materials SuSrutacreateda scienceand a Sarirhita.Which invite the
admiration of the world even after thousands of years of human
progress.
Origin of Ayurvedic Surgery : In lndia, asin all other countries,
curative spells and healing mantrzlsprecededmedicinea,and the fiIst
man of medicine in India was priest, a Bhisag Atharvan, who held a
superior position to a surgeonin society. The frst Aryan settlements
in the Punjab were often assailedbythe dark aboriginesof the countr|,
and in the wars that ensuedsurgeonshad frequently to attend to the
Aryan chiefs and soldiery. so in the Rgveda5we find that legs were
amputatedand replacedby iron substitutes,injured eyeswere plucked
out, and arrow shafts were extracted from the limbs of the Aryan

I. M ahabharata SAntipaw a, RajadharmanuSasan P am ddlrydya'

2. Fil FrW'/- Ssveda.IxM.I12.
3. va'i rrsn frro va':sgqfufr{fn;t.
4. Bedroe'sOriginoftheHealingArtandSirJohnlstbbock'sPrehistorictimes'
i. trd vqrcrcrdffi qi trdlst'* Ygwitr

7s1s7qffiqqr eilrravsrFrrqrq6qftrr
Rk sarhhitaI A. I Ad. 186S. I16, 5.
 INTRODUCTION XXIII

warriors. Nay we have reasonsto believe that many difficult surgical

operationswere successfullyperformed, though someof them sound
almost incredible. But although the aid of surgery was constantly
sought for, surgeonswere not often allowed to mix in the Brdhmanic
society of vedic India. This is hinted at by our authorwhen he saysthat
it was during the wars beqveenthe gods and demonsthat the A6vins,
the surgeons of heaven, did not become entitled to any sacrificial
oblation till they had made themserveserigible for it by uniting the
head of the g,odof sacrifice to his decapitatedbody. The story of the
progress of Ayurvedic surgery is long and interisting, but it o,urt
suffice here to mention that with the return of peace,the small Ary-
settlementsgrew in numberandprosperity. And the rich Aryan nobles
now travelled in stately carriages,and astherewere constantaccidents
there arosea classof surgeonswho exclusively devotedthemselvesto
the treatment of injured animals. The surgeons, now no longer
required in camps and on battle fields, had to attendon the rich ladies
at baronial castles during parhrrition, the magic doctor (Bhigag
Atharvan) who could assuagefever and concoct love potionsr being
held as the greatestof them all. But the vedic Aryans had a regular
armoury againstpain and suffering, which is in no way inferior to our
present day Mueria Medica. But of that we shall speak Iater on in
connection with the therapeuticsof SuSruta.
The scope and nature of Su6ruta's Surgery : So much for the
history of vedic surgery. It is in the SusrutaSarirhitathat we frst come
acrossa systematicmethodof arrangingthe surgicalexperiencesof the
older surgeons,andofcollecting the scatteredfactsofthe sciencefrom
the vast rangeof vedic literature. suSrutahad no desireof abandoning
the vedas in the darknessand pushing on an independentvoyage of
discovery. The crude methods and the still cruder implemenis of
incision such as, bis of glass, bamboo skins etc., laid down and
described in the satrhita, may be the relics of a primitive
instrumentalogy which found favour with our ancestorslong before
the huminisation of any Bk verse. practical surgery requires a good

t. Fqr€zrqMr frq'*r+au{r
qq sr'r? qrst qq tF*<i q,ntl
Rk Sarhhita XM l4S
XXIV INTRODUCTION

knowledgeof practicalanatomy.The quarteredanimalsat the Vedic

sacrificesaffordedexcellentmaterialsfor theframingof acomparative
anatomyl.SuSrutadevotedhis whole life to the pursuitof surgery
proper,to which be broughta mind storedwith luminousanalogies
from the lower animals.It was he who frst classifiedall surgical
operationsinto five different kinds, and groupedthem under heads
such as Ahuryu (extractionsof solid bodies),Bhedya (excising),
Chedya (incising), ESya(probing),Lekhya (scarifying),Sivya
(suturing),Vedhya(puncturing)andVi6rdvaniya(evacuating fluids).
The surgeryof Su$rutarecognisesa hundredandtwenty-five different
instruments,constructedafter the shapeof beastsand birds, and
authorisesthe surgeonto devisenew instrumentsaccordingto the
exigenciesof eachcase.The qualificationsand equaipmentsof a
surgeonare practically the sameas arerecorlmendedat the present
time. A light refreshment is enjoinedto be givento thepatientbefore
a surgicaloperation,while abdominaloperations,andoperationsin
the mouth are advisedto be performedwhile the patient is fasting.
Su6rutaenjoinsthe sick room to be fumigatedwith the vapoursof
white mustard,bdellium,Nimba leaves,andresinousgumsof Sala
trees,etc.,whichforeshadows theantiseptic(bacilli)theoryof modern
times.Thenumberof surgicalimplementsdescribedin theSarhhitdis
decidedlysmallin comparison with thealmostinexhaustibleresources
of western surgery, and one may be naturally led to suspectthe
authenticityof the glorious achievements claimed to have been
performedby the surgeonsof yore; but then their knowledgeof the
propertie.sand virtues of drugs were so great that c:lses,which are
reckonedassurgicalnowadays, werecuredwith thehelpof medicines
internallyapplied."Surgery", saysTantrais mutilationnodoctoring2.

l. VideAitareya Br6luna4aI 2, II 12, III. 37

2. A. nFqlqfrf*7I itr trxfseltgfrnvarr
drq'WAilqSF@qflall
vp$ 6 cqrflIfr ctffi g?:y"rr
6 7x vlsTsparvrEqfdfirdff+rl
fl({r{ qnq w *rq'ts nEi?fr,
Urc+gwt arnq1Yr€ifr ffi11
F: wrm' d7 sfrilrsF Ywalt
 INTRODUCTION XXV

It should only be employedwhen the affectedvital energyis not strong

enough to alone effect the cure that the surgeonis justified to handle
his knife. We find in the Sarirhitdthat opthaimic, obstetric and other
operations were performed with the uunost skill and caution.
Plastic and Rhinoplastic Operations : Doctor Hirschberg of
Berlin says- "the whole plastic surgery in Europe took a new flight
when thesecunning devicesof Indian workmenbecameknowntous."
The ransplanting of sensible skin-flaps is also an entirely. Indian
method (Su6ruta, S[trasthen4 Ch. XVD. It is SuSruta who frst
successfully demonstratedthe feasibility of mending a clipt earlobe
with a patch of sensible skin-flap scraped from the neck or the
adjoining part.
To SuSruta is attributed the glory of discovering the art of
cataract-crouchingwhich was unknown to the surgeons of ancient
Grecce and Egypt. Limbs were amputated,abdominal sections were
performed, fractureswere set,dislocations,hereniaanilruptures were
reduced,haemorrhoidsand fistula wereremoved,and we takepride in
saying thuthemethods recommendedin the SuSrutaSarhhitiisometimes
prove more successfulthan thoseadoptedby the surgeonsof modern
Europe,aswe shall have occasionto observelater on. In the casewhere
the intestines are injured, Sufruta advises that "the protmded part
should be gently replacedby following with the finger." A surgeon
shouldenlargethewoundinit, ifnecessary,bymeansof aknife.In the
casewhere the intestine is severed,the severedparts should be held
togetherby applying living black anrsto their ends.Then their bodies
should be cut off leaving only the heads to serve the same purpose
which in modern improved European surgery an anima] tissue like
catgut is expected to fulfill. Afte this the intestine should be fairly
replacedin theabdominal cavity andtheexternalopening stitched and
properly dressed. We abstain here from a lengttry description of the
differentmethods rercommendedbythe susrutain casesof aMominai
and peritoneal wounds. We only ask our readers to compare this

rrrrdd cdrifr Tr+?rr€'k*qlfq lu

Mahinilatantra, Patola X. Vs. 72-74
B. See the Article on "Heredity and some of its surgical Aspects.,, By F. C.
Titzell, M. D. The medical Advance Vol. IXIV. fune 19O6. page 357.
XXVI INTRODUCTION

Chapter (II Cikitsesthdna)of the Su6rutaSafihite with rheChaprer in

any work on Europeanchirurgery which dealswith the samesubject.
Certain medicinal plasters were u sedto be applied to localise the shafts
of arrows embedded in the limbs of wounded soldiers and their exact
locations were ascertained from the inflammation caused by the
applicationof sucha plasterwith aprecisionwhich would be sometimes
welcome even in thesedays of Rontgen rays.
Lithotomic Operations : In thesecases,elaborateinstructions
have been given for making the perineal incision, as well as about the
care and general managernentof the patient after the operation. [n a
case of SufraSmari (seminat or spermatic concertion) the formation
and existenceofwhich have beenvery recently discoveredby English
pathologists,Su6rutaenjoins that the stone,if in the urethra,should be
removed with the help of Anuvlsana and urethral enematas,failing
which the penis should be cut open and the concretion extracted with
the help of a hook. Kaviraj Ume6aCandra Gupta in the introduction
to his Vaidyaka Sabda-Sindhuremarks, that he and Dr. Durgiddsa
Gupta M.B. ranslated the Chapters on lithotomic operations and
instrumental parturition of the Su3rutaSarirhiti for the perusal of Dr.
Charles, the then Principal of the Medical College, Calcutta. "Dr.
Charles highly praised the processof delivery in difficult casesand
even confessedthat with all his great experiencein midwifery and
surgeryhe neverhad any ideaof the like being found in all the medical
works that came under his obseryation."
Amputation : Amputations were freely made and medicated
wines were given to the patients asanaesthetics.rTheseConclusively
show that the surgery of Susrutadoes not rest content with the mere
bursting or opening of an abscess,and the healing ofthe incidental
wound, but lays down processesfor major operations as well. The
removal of the cicatrix until it becomesof the same colow with the
surrounding skin and the growth of hairthereon aresuggestionswhich
we find nowwhere else.
Ophthalmic Surgery : Of the seventysix varietiesof ophtalmic
diseases,SuSrutaholds that fifty-one are surgical (Uttara Tanfra Ch.

l. For the use of Sawnohinis (anaesthetics) for surgical purposes, see Bhoja
Prabandha by Balldla Pandit.
 INTRODUCTION XXVII

vIII). The modeof operationwhich is to be performedin eachcasehas

been elaboratelydescribedin the sarirhite, anddoesnot unfavourably
comparein most instanceswith modernmethodsof ophtalmic surgery.
susruta was awareof the fact that the angleof reflection is equal to the
angle of incidence, and that the samerav which impinges upon the
retina servesthe double purposeof illumining the eye and the external
world, and is in itself convertedinto the sensationof light.
Midwifery : It is in the region of practical midwifery thar one
becomes so much impressed with the greatnessof Susruta. The
different turning, flexing, gliding movements.The application of the
forceps in cases of difficult labour and other obstetric operations
involving the destruction and mutilation of the child. such as
craniotomy, werefirst systematicallydescribedin the susruta s arhhita
long beforefillets andforcepsweredreamtof in Europe,andthousands
of yearsbefore the birttr of christ. Susruta,who advocatescaesarean
sectionin hopelesscasesof obstruction,lays down that the instrument
should be employed only in thosecaseswhere the proportion between
the child and the maternal passageis so defective that medicated
plasters,fumigations, etc., uuenot sufficient to effect a naruraldelivery.
His direction regarding the managementof the puerperal state,lactation
and management of the child and the choice of a wet-nurse are
substantially the same as are found in modern scientific works of
Europeanauthors.A feeling of pride andjoy moves ourheart when we
contrasttheseglorious achievementsof our ancestorswith the meanness
of results which modern Europe has gained in this department of
midwifery. In thoseold daysperhapstherewere no hospitalsto huddle
patients together in the same room and thereby to create artificially
septicemicpoisons which arenow so common andso fatal in lying-in-
rooms. A newly built lying-in-room is an open space abunduntly
supplied with the rays of the sun and heat of the burning fire for each
individual case,the recommendationof a fresh bamboo-chip for the
sectionof the cord aresuggestionsthe value of which the west has vet
to learn from the east.
Dissection : susruta himself a practical surgeon,was the first to
advocatedissection of dead bodies as indispensablefor a successful
student of surgery. The paruschittas of ancientEgypt perhaps learnt
their art from the PurusachettEs(Dissector) of ancient Inaia. wittr a
XXVIII INTRODUCTION

candour less common among western scholars. Dr. Wise observes

that, "the Hindu philosophers undoubtedly deserve the credit of
having, though opposedby strong prejudice, entertainedsound and
philosophical views respectingthe usesof the dead to the living, and
werethe frst scientific andsuccessfulcultivatersof the most important
and essentialof all the departmentsof medical knowledge, practical
anatomy." A bungling surgeonis a public danger and SuSrutasays
that, "theory without practice is like a one-winged bfud that is
incapableofflight."
Study of Practical Surgery : To give efficiency in surgical
operations,the pupils of Dhanvantari (SuSrutaetc.) were askedto try
theirknives repeatedlyfirst on naturalandartificial objectsresembling
the diseasedparts ofthe body before undertnking an actual operation.
Incision for example,waspractisedon Puspafala(cucerbetamaxima),
Alabu (LnngenarisVulgaris)orTrapuga(cucrnispubescuas), evacuating
on leather bags full of water and on the urinary bladders of dead
animals, scarification on the hides of animals on which the hair was
allowed to remain, Venesectionwas practisedon the vesselsof dead
animals and on the stalks of the water-lily : the art of stuffing and
probing on bamboo reedsetc. : extraction of solid bodies on Panasa
(Artocarpus Integrifolia) and such like fruit, scrapingon wax spread
on a Sdlmali (Bombox Malabaricum) plank, and suturing on piecesof
cloth,. skin, or hide. Ligaturing and bandaging were practised on
dummies, cauterisation(both actual and potential) on piecesof flesh,
and catheterisationon unbakedearthenvesselsfitled with water. It is
almost with a feeling of wonder we hear him talk of extirpation of
uterine excrescencesand discourse on the necessity of observing
caution in surgically operating upon uterine tumours (Rakterbuda).
Thesefacts should be borne in mind asthey would help us a good deal
in accounting for the numerousanomaliesthat are to be found in the
antomical portions of the Safthita.
Study of Practical Anatomy : We have stated before that the
quartedsacrificial animalsaffordedexcellentmaterialsfor the framing
of comparative anatomy. The Aitareya Brdtrmana contains special
injunction for the quartering of such animalsr and we are told that the

1. The Aitareya Brdfuna4tadescribes a particular way of dividing the organs and

 TNTRODUCTION XXIX

preceptorsavailedthemselvesof thereligious meetingsto demonstrate

the lessonson practical anatomy. We come acrosssuch terms as the
heart, stomach,brain, intestines,anus,liver, spleen,uterus etc. in the
Sgveda, and the Aitreya Brdhmanar.There is an entiro hymn (Bk)
devotedto the subjectand treatmentof Phthisis (REjaYakgrnd)which
becomesutterly unintelligible in the absenceof an accurateknowledge
about the structureof lungs, and mechanismof the human heart. The
Vedic Arya fully understood the resultant nature of the human
organism.The Rk Manfra, which to this day is recitedon the occassion
of a funeral ceremony,arnply testifies to the fact that the usedto look
upon his mortal frame as the product of the combination of the fiver
physical elements2.He understoodthe effectsof different drugs upon
digestion and the office which thetendons,muscles,flesh and nerves,
etc. respectivelyservein the economy.It is in the Su5rutaSarhhitdthat
we find a systematic attempt at arranging together the facts of
anatomical observation. The age of SuSruta,the Acaryic age of the
Ayurveda was a period of scientific investigation. The sturdy Aryan
colonists exchangedtheir simple mode of living for luxury and ease.
The number of generaldiseaseswas great.[n vain did the holy N[rad3
preach the gospel of plain living and high thinking, and exhort them,
like Cato, to rctwn to their simple modeof )ife. Tbe)ong peacebrought

viscera of the sacrificial animals which was kept secret among the priests.
Aitareya Brdhma4a VIII. I.
t. A. 7M wrs &cctfrs @uJ
Rk SathhirAV. Vil, I, 23, 53 8.
6fl 14 gat lnurtr :ruia.
B. Vide also Aitareya Brdlvnana I-2. II 12. III 37.
The nature of the human body as the resulting effect of the combination of the
five elementals have been clearly described in the verse.
q4"g,fryg aP yffi q qdql
qrdzna cR rx A ffig rfrMn?t:r
Rksahhitax M. 16s. 3.
Whichbeing translatedreads: lzthis eye go to the suq let his breathwindmix
with the wind of the atmosphere, and to the sky,earth and the cereals the parts
which have sprung out of ther4 & c.
3. Vide Aitareya Brahnuna VII. 13.
XXX INTRODUCTION

opulencein its train and wealth begot indolenceand disease.Men like

Bh5radvdja, Angird, Yamadagni,Atreya, Gautama,Agastya Vdmadeva,
Kapisthala, Asamarthya, Bhdrgava, KauSika, Kdpya, Ka6yapa,
Sarkarlkga, Saunaka, Manmathdyani, AgniveSa, Caraka, Su6ruta,
Ndrada,Pulastya,Asita, Cyavana,Paingi and Dhaumya etc. began to
write Sarirhitds.Each hermitage was a College of Ayurveda and the
empirical method of investigation was introduced into eachdepartment
of the scienceof cure.
Anatomical Anomalies in the Sarhhitii : Having got so far in
our analysis,before passingon to the study of the Anatomical portion
oftheSu5rutaSarirhitd,we mustbryto accountforthe many anomalies
and discrepanciesthat have crept into or have beensufferedto remain
in the present recension of the book. Take, for example, the line in
which Dhanvantari is made to speak of three hundred bones in the
human organism. It is impossible that the human frame, in so short a
time, has got rid of so many of its skeletalaccessoriessimply through
disuse, or because of their becoming superfluous in the altered
condition of its environments.More absuredis it to think that SuSruta,
who discardsall authority expectthe testimonyofpositiveknowledge,
would write a thing which none but the blind would believe in a
dissectingroom. The spirit of the agein which he flourished precluded
the possibility of such an eror.
Anomalies accounted for : In ancientIndia, subjectschosenfor
the demonstration of practical anatomy were always childrenr, and
naturally those bones, which are fused or antomisedinto one whole
during adult life, have been separatelyenumerated- a circumstance

I. The injunction of the Hindu JAstros is that "corpse of persons more than 2
years old should be burne{" Cremation of deadbodies being obligatory on
Government, as well as on private individuals, it was almost impossible to
,secureafull-grown anatomical subject in Pauraryic India, the more so when
we consider that the Hindus look upon the non-cremation and mutilation of a
corpse with a peculiar horror as it prevents the spirit from purging of its
uncleanness in the funeral fire, and bars its access to a higher spiritual life.
Naturally infater and more ceremonial times the interred corpses of infants,
less than 2 years old, had to be unearthed and dissected for anatomical
purposes; and theseportions of the Su1ruta Safihitdmight have beenmodified
by the subsequent commentators in order to conform them to occular proofs.
.T. R.
 INTRODUCTION XXXI

which may to some extent, account for the excessin the number of
bones described in this sarhhite.t Likewise the theory that susruta
might have included the teeth and the cartilages within the list of
skeletal bones comes very near the truth, but it does not reflect the
whole truth either. The fact is that the original susruta sarirhitn has
passedthrough severalrecensions;andwe havereasonsto believe that
the presentone by Ndgirjuna is neither the only nor the last one made.
The redactors, according to their own light, have made many
interpolations in the text, and when Brihma4as, they have tried to
come to a sort of compromise at points of disagreement with the
teachings of the Vedas2.Therefore it is that we come across such
statementsin the Sarhhiti as "there are 360 bonesin the human body,
so it is in the Vedas, but ttre science of surgery recognises three
hundredskeletalbones.' ' what lendsa greatercolour to thehypothesis
is that su5rut4 who, in thechapteron Marma Sdrira,hasso accurately
describedthe unions of bonesand ligaments, anastomosesof nerves,
vein s andarteriesetc.,must havedescribedtheir coursesandlocations.
asotherwiseit would havebeenquite impossiblefor practicalsurgeons,
for whom it was intended,to confirm to the directions of the sarhhite
in surgically operating on their patient's limbs, and to avoid those
vulnerable unions or anastomosesasenjoined therein. TheseMarmas
have been divided into three classessuch as, the Sadya-prana-hara;
Klla-prina-hara and Vaikalya-kar4 according as in injury to any of
them proves instantaneouslyfatal, or fatal in course of time. or is
followed by a maimed condition of the limb concerned.The fact is that
the study of practical Anatomy was in a manner forbidden in the reign
of A$oka Piyadarsiinasmuchasall religious sacrificeswereprohibited
by a royal edict3, and the subsequentcommentators(who were also
redactors on a small scale)of the suSruta s arirhitd in the absenceof any
positive knowledge on the subject, had to grope their way out in

I. SeeGray's Atwtomy(1E97)p. 2E8and 301 Figs. 24Eand 262.

2. 37pqy'ffi3vr*' vryqfr& qffit
Visnu Smrti.ch. 96.55
Aftr qqqffi
Carakq Sdrirasthdna.
3. Iournal of the Asiatic Society of Calcutta Vot. WI. p. 261.
Intro - 3
XXXII INTRODUCTION

darknessasbestthey could; hence,this wanton mutilation of texts and

hopelessconfusion of versesin the S[rira Sthdnaof the present day
Su6rutaSarilhita. which should be re-arrangedand restored to their
proper chaptersbefore any definite opinion can be pronouncedon the
anatomical knowledge of the holy Su6ruta.
Su6ruta as a Biologist : In the first chapterof his Sar-rraSthdna,
SuSruta discussesthe question, what is man, whbrein lies his
individuality, why does he come into being, why does he die at all?
Like all Indian philosophers,SuSrutaarguesthe question down from
the universe to man. The factorsof laws, that govern the evolution of
the universe in its physical aspect,areextendedto cover the evolution
of the physical aspectof man (organic evolution). There is but one law
and one force which run through the threeplains of mind, matter and
spirit. Physiology, that falls to look into the nature of life and its
background and tries to explain away this intelligent, living force as
the product of chemicalactionof the organiccells, is no Physiology
at all. Cell is not life, but thereis life in a cell. Cells may be called the
true bearersof life. Dr. Weismanninsiststhat it is more correctto speak
of the continuity of the generalprotoplasmthan of "the germ cells."
ProfessorsGeddesand Thomson observethat, "the bodies arebut the
torches which burn out, while the living flame haspassedthroughout
the organic seriesunextinguished.The bodiesarethe leaveswhich fall
in {ying from the continuously growing branch.Thus although death
take inexorable grasp of the individual, the continuanceof the life is
still in a deepsenseunaffected;the reproductiveelements(cells) have
already claimed their protozoanimmortality, are already recreating a
new body." But to invest thesereproductive cells with immortality,
and to deny the sameto the individual self, which directs and controls
theseprotoplasms,and is beforeandbehind them, is like the statement
of Prof. Huxley when he admits thechanceofthephysical transmigr*ion
of the organic constituents of the human body, and yet denies the
possibility of an individual self continuing in any other form. "[t is
sensibility,' ' observesSuSruta,"that precedesthe senses;and self, the
sensibility proceeds from the self to which all such conditions are
reffered asmine."
Su6ruta's Theory of Cosmogony is basedon the old Sankhya
Duality of Prakrti (Objective) and Purusa(Subjective). The two are
 INTRODUCTION XXXIII

coeval and co-extensiverealities. out of the Avyakta (unmanifest) or

Prakrti has evolved the M abat,theanim.atedcosmic matter. out of this
cosmic matter has evolved Aharirkdra (the senseof individuality or
more correctly egoism) which is divided into three kinds such as the
Vaiknrika (phenomenal,thought-form), Taijasa(kinetic), andBhutldi
(pertaining to the first form of matter). This vaikdrika Aharirkhra in
combination with the TaijasaAharhkarahasfatheredtheeleven sense
organs,which in combination with the Bhutadi, haveproducedthe five
Tanmdtras or proper sensibles of touch, sight, hearing, etc. The
material principles of sound, light, taste, smell etc., are but the
modifications of these five Tanmitras, of which Akd6a (ethereon),
Vdyu (ether), light and sound, etc. are the grosser forms. In other
words, these Tanmdtras may be defined as the atomic essencesof the
material principles of sound, light, ether, etc. In addition to these,
suSruta,like Kapila, admis the existenceof a kind of atom-like units
of consciousness,which he calls purusa. The combination of the
sixteen aforesaid categoriesand the purusa is for the expansion and
liberation of the latter. A human being (individual), who is the fit
subject for medical treatment, is the product of the combination of
Purusa with the five primordial material principles (Mahibhutas). The
Purusas,real selvesof beings,the sourcesof theirvital energy,and the.
controllers anddirectorsof all organicor mentalactions,areexFemely
subtile in their essence,and manifest themselves only through the
combination of the seed(paternalelement)or ovum (maternal element).
Itis the Karma(dynamicsof actsdonebyapersonin apriorexistence)
which determinesthe natureof thebody it will be clothed with, aswell
as the nature of the womb it shall be conceived in, in its next
incarnation.
Nafure of Self : Self is a simple substance,and as such, is
immaterial. Forceis substanceandsubstanceis force. It is enduedwith
constructiveintelligence, and,like gravitation orcohesion, canpermeate
a material body, without, in any way, disturbing it. It is adapativeor
elective, or, in other words, electsthat kind of selvesfor its parentsas
are best suited to the purpose of is being. Man is the outcome of an
influx of a self, a forece, a dynamis with its path determined by the
dynamics of the deedsof its prior existence.To think that vitaltty itarts
from protoplasm is insanity. chemically examinedprotoplasm is but,
XXXIV INTRODUCTION

C,O,H,N and S. But no amout of C,O,H,N and S put togetherwill

constitute life. The idea that life has nothing prior to it, that the force
which controls the co-ordinationof man's economyperishedwith the
death of his organism, is quite puerile. Life is expansion and not
creation. and, as such, is linked to those unseen realities which
constitute its prior andfuture selves.We seeonly the middle link in the
chain of existence which we call life, but take no nptice of the
preceding or succeeding ones which are invisibler. The grosser
material body is linked to a finer, immaterial one, in as much as
nothing can exist without being attachedto its antecedent.So at each
conceptionthereis the influx of anew self, for thelifeless constituents
of a human body can not createa man, no matter how many chemical
or physiological actions may be postulatedto run to their rescue.
Ayurvedic Bmbryolog5r : Before enteringinto the discussionof
SuSruta'stheory of conception, we shall take a little more trouble to
' 'The child is the fruit
enunciatefutly the Vedic theorieson the subject.
of the combination of sperm and ovum".2 It lies with its head
downward inside the uterus,a fact which facilitates its passageout of,
and protectsits form from the effectsof any injury doneto that viscus.3
The eyesof the child areoriginated, asthe cephalicportion of the fetal
body is first developed. The factors, which are essential to the
development of the fetal body, from the time of {ecundation to the
appearanceof the characteristicsense-organs,havebeen describedin
a verseof the Rg Vedaa.In the Vedic mythology eac$organic function

1.
ffilq+*a f f i 6 p f f i | q f l t t B h a s a v aGr i t aI I . 2 8 .
2. Ua Vrtrfi vd: v6qtd{rdRni/
'Pf # gGr+nrqffirr
AEtdhga H ydaya ( Vdgbhata) Sar ira Sthdna. Ch. I. l.
3. i(qt( qrf+qqftffi rrf q vsrGrar
. c c d{41-{ q?Aryf; 97f.1 AitareyaBrdhmanaVl l0.

@fr 6esry ae76ffi1fu91

o?rtrag ffiar vrf +rg iru
r'/ *tr W rnf +F vrsfrl
nqoI sm'-{nfusrrrf,r
5q'rsqr//
 INTRODUCTION XXXV

is consecratedto the tutelageof a presiding deity, and a Vedic Ary-

loves to call a thing oftener by the nameof its diine custodianthan by
that of its own. Rightly translated,the verse would read as follows :
''May Vi$nu (the presiding deity of ether and nerve force) expand thy
uterus,may Tvastd (the presiding deity of heat and metabolisrn)bring
about the full differentation of the limbs and the sexof the foetus, may
Prajdpati (the presiding deity of the ovum) sprinkle the uterus, and
mayst thou conceivethroughthe blessingof the lord of human destiny.
May Sarasvatr(goddessof intellect) and the A6vin, the surgeonsof the
gods (thepresiding deity of fission, etc.) help theein taking the seed."
Now, the developmentof the fetal body takesplace after the pattern of
its father's species,and this conformity to the pattern of its species
representsan act of intellection. Hence, the aid of the goddess of
intellect has be,eninvoked with that of the celestial surgeons, who
presideover the processof cell-division,so essentialto the formation
of the fetal limbs. Divested of its allegory, the verse would mean that
the sperm led into a healthy and well-developed uterus through the
agency of the Vayu (increasedactivity of the local nerves) meets the
maternal element (ovum) in that viscus. Then the impregnatedmatter
undergoesa processof fission, and takes shapeafter the pattern of its
father's species. When we think of so many idle speculations as
regardsthe processof fertilisation, which obtainedcredenceso late as
the beginning of the l Sthcentury in Europe,and the controversiesthat
arosebbtween the Ovists, Performists and Animalculistsr, we cannot
help regretting that the Ayurvedic Embryology, which startedunder
such happy auspices,could not fully solve the problem offertilisation
even before the advent of the Tdntrik age.The furdamental principles
with which the Embryology of the Aciryas (SuSruta,Dhanvantari,
etc.) wasstartedaresubstantiallythe sameashavenow beendiscovered
by the researchesof the Western workers. SuSrutain his dissertation
on the subject showed the illegitimacy which lay at the root of his
predecessor'stheory (SdrirasttrFrna Chap. II.). and took up research
exactly where the Vedic R$ishad left off. He clearly demonstratedthe
@ wvfrcffi etfu7,r
'd -4rc'A({r} vfu qilarrfk sarhhitdx.
M. 164.
s.
"'e
I. For a shorthistoryof theTheoriesof Fertilisation, VideEvolutionof Sex(Prof.
P. Geddesand J.A. Thompson)Chap.XIL pp. 169-17I.
XXXVI INTRODUCTION

factthat''by aphysiologicalprocessknownasRasapdka (metabolism)

the lymph chyle is metamorphosed into spennin men,or into ovum
in women, thein course of a month,the catamenialfluid is carried
down into theuterusthroughits properducts.The spermor ovum is
thusthequintessenceof a man'sor awoman'sbody. Thespermmeets
the ovum (Artava) in theuterus, whichresembles a lotus-bud in shape,
and whoseaperhrrein shut up with a mucousdeposit sff)n as as
fecundationtakesplace.Themostfavourabletime for fecundationis
betweenthe fourth and twelth day after the appearance of the flow
(Garbhakila) as has been lately demonsEatedby the researchesof
Prof. Von Ott.t
Sexual Diamorphism : Somelight is thrown on the relative
preponderance of the spermandovum in the birttr of a fernalechild.
"When thematernalelementpreponderates thechild is female;when
the paternalelementis strongerthe child is male. When both the
elementsareequal,thechild is of no sex."ln theoryat leastSu5ruta
admits the possibility of the birth of many children at a single
conception."When theseedis dividedinto two by its inherentforce
(Vdyu),twins arebornin thewomb" - a statement whichpointsto the
irresistibleconclusionthatmultiplicity of birttr is theoutcomeof the
multifariousfissionof the seedin the wombundercertainabnormal
conditions.Su(rutagivesa reasonfor believingthat, in exceptional
circumstances, andwithout sexualunion,theunfertilisedovum may
give rise to perfectoffspring,thus giving a previsionof the modern
theory of parthenogenesis.Pathologicalparthenogenesishas
occasionallybeennoticedin higheranimals.Oellacherhasnotedthis
in repsectofhen's eggs,andJanosikhasobservedit in theovarianova
of many mammalssuchasthe guinea-pig,etc.zSu5rutaextendsthe
probabilityto the humanovaundercertainconditions.He admitsthe
possibilityof conceptionwithouttheadmixtureof themalegerminal
element,though the observesthat like all a sexual genesis" the
development doesnotproceedfarin thecase." Fromsuchahypothesis
it is but one stepto the theory which enunciatesthe possibility of
conceptionwithout propersexualunion.
L Vide the chart of menstrualwaveprepared by Von. Ott given in Man and
Woman{Havelock,and Ellis) Chap.XL
2. TheEvolutionof SexCh. XIII. p. 185.- Prof. P. Geddesand I. A. Thompson'
 INTRODUCTION XXXVII

But to understand his theory of sexual diamorphism, it is

necessarythat one should fully comprehend the meaning of such
Ayurvedic terms on the subject as Icchd Safti lwitt-force). Sukra-
Bdhulyat (preponderanceof the male.reproductive element) and
Sonita-Bahulya (preponderanceof the female reproductive element)
etc. Su5ruta, in common with the Brdhmanic philosophers of Ind,
believed that distinction of sex has evolved from a primordial
hermaphroditism. Manu in his Institutes has emphasisedthe fact2,
though in a highly poetic style. He observesthat "the Purusa(Logos),
by a stroke of Will, divided its body (animated cosmic matter) into
two, one of which was male, and the other female." The Tantra says
' 'the
that, malepart wasenduedwith an energyforce) of its own, which
is calledPitrkaSakri; and the correspondingfemalepart, with the one,
which is called Mc tykaSakti. Pir:ka Sakti is a disruptive force : Matrka
Satti is a constructive energy. Though the conception of force in
Sanskrt sciencesis but partially physical, the nearestapproachto the
connotations of the Piqka and Mitrka Satti is made by the terms
Anabolism and Katabolism of the Western physiologists, Sanskrt
physiology recognisesthe two oppositepolesof vital force in a living
organism, and has not taken inconsideratepains to determine their
ex,rct locations in man and woman. Matlka Sakti, it obseryes,
predominatesin the left half of a woman's organism,which is negative
as regards vital magnetism.3Now, SuSrutasays that, in caseswhere
femalb offspring is desired,the enceinteshould snuff through her left
nostril (the expressedjuice of certain herbals),while the sameshould
be administered tfuough her right nostril where male issue would be
the object. In other words" the anabolic (Meqke) or katabolic (Pitfke)
forcesof amother's organismcanbe so adjustedwith thehelp of drug-
dynamics, as to determineto sex of the child in the womb. The birth
of a male child is usually presagedby the appearanceof the milk
(which accordingto Su5rutais metamorphisedmenstrualblood) in the

1. SdrirasihdnaCh. II.
3. @ iE",{" ycds'r+qr
.?rdh?nf dFrr v t?nqrcgtr( yg:l
Manu Sarhhita Ch. I. 32.
4. qftrurvl: qa, qrd 4rqqrrif{glt6{: t Saraddrilak Tantra.
XXXVIII INTRODUCTION

right breastof the enceinte;and where that has beenefferctedwith the

help of suitablemedicines,itmustbe presumedthat the Katabolic pole
ofher life-force has been acted upon, as desired.
The original hermaphroditism,which forms the anteriorcondition
of all subsequentsexdistinctions, and thecharacterofthe two opposite
poles of vital energy, have been very clearly set forth in the Paurdnik
allegroy of Ardha-NdriSvarat. The figure, observes the Paurdnik
rhapsodist,is half male, half female; half life, half death (since, death,
in fact, is the father of life)2; half anabolism,half katabolism; with the
crescentmoon, the promise,the symbol of progressiveevolution on its
brow, is made to sit on the eternal bull, the representative of the
immutable law of the universe (lit :- the four-footed order). The Rsis
and Rasasiddhasof ancient India were fully aware of the fact that,
conception is effected only at an enorrnoussacrifice on the part of the
mother; that the Matfka Satti is the real manufacrurerof life, and that
the Pitr.ki Sakti lpaternal element) evokes, or calls it into play only
through its disintegrating or disruptive effect by separating the two
opposite life- poles, that lie neutralisedthrough contact. It is love that
governs thesetwo complementaryforces of life and death3(though in
fact they represent the two different aspectsof the same energy) and
controls its evolutionary rhythms through the desire of seeing itself
many though one in reality. Does not modern biology endorse the
sameview when it saysthat the reproductive cells, asprotozoans, are
immortal, and that bodies are the natural appendageswhich blossom
forth and fall off round thesecells for the fructification of their innate
purposesof beingl ?
L VisnuPuranaCh.7. Vs.I0-II
2. ara: €i;'r?v'q I +rd qtqfr yqr:t
6-d"r( s@ ara Snrfqrfrqrarr
Mahdbharata.
3. The Evolution of Sex.Ch. WIil.
Prof. P. GeddesandI. A. Thomson.
4. "The body of soma", Weismannsays,"thus appearsto a certain ex,tentas a
subsidiaryappendageof the true bearersof thelife, - the reproductivecells."
Ray Lankesterhas again well expressedthis :- "Among the multicellular
animals,certaincellsare Eeparatedfromtherzst ofthe constituentunitsofthe
body,asegg-cellsandsperm-cells;theseconjugateandcontinuetolive, whilst
 TNTRODUCTION XXXIX

A little more investigation into the biological thesis of the Rsis

would be necessaryfor the clearcomprehensionof "Sukra-Blhulya"
and "Sonita-Bihulya" of SuSrutaand other Tantras.r.Man is both
animal and spirit; and the Ayurvedic physiology recognises two
distinct sets of apparatusin his organism answering to the different
phasesof his existence.The one helps him in performing the organic
functions, which :tre so essentialto his animal existence, and keeps
intact the co-ordination of those internal functions with the incidents
of his environments.The other is attunedto the finer forces of nature,
and responds to the call of his higher or psychic self. The one is
organic, the other is psychic. The one chains him down to the
phenomenal, and is governed by the laws of growth and decay; the
otheropens on theregion of absoluterealitieswheregrowth anddecay
have no room to be. Growth is not the only condition of life. Man may
exist without food2or respiration,only if he can manageto dive deep
into the realities within himself. Between thesetwo setsof apparatus
thereis theJivdtmi, which, by its own peculiarenergy(the will-force),
can operatein phenomenalor organic plain, or recedefrom thenceinto
the psychic one,thus being in contactwith the world of the senses,and
the one that in beyond the darknessof death.Death, in fact, is the grand
usherer to life, which is only the rise of the curtain over the life's
drama, all equipmentsfor which are made in the greenroom of death.

. A man cannot propagateat will. No amountof willing on the part

the remaining cells, the mere carriers as it were of the immortal reproductive
cells, die and disintegrate. The bodies of the higher aninals which die. may
from this point ofview be regarded as something temporary and non-essential,
destinedmerely tocarryfor a time, ro nurse, and tonourish themore important
and deathless fission-products of the unicellular egg,,' -
euoted in the
Evolution of Sex (P. Geddes and J. A. Thompson) 190t. Chap. WIil.
I. A. 157rfurr7dE7r?rr*idrkr: :rqqr
3r7$;sa6prl-g1$rdnrfr fufr: u
Sarada Tilak Tantra.
B. SuSruta Sarhhita (SArira Sthdna Ch. Iil).
2. dffirfiwr w fr&: ilPrEfu gv ?r:/
ffi fnriq)urw [wr: lsndfl/
skanda Purd4a quoted by Sridhara svami in his corunentaries on the visnu
Purd4a- Ch. VI, V. 16.
XL INTRODUCTION

of theparent-animalcan helphim in creatingprogency.The self of the

child, who is about to come into life, chooses its own parents,
according to the dynamics of its own acts of Karma, from the region
of the lunar Pitrs or quiescentlife, if it be warrantableto use such an
expression.rThe self of the would-be child mixes with the self of its
human father, and hovers over the reproductive cells of the latter's
organism, and regulates the intesity of its father's sexual desire,
accordingto the natureof the sex,determinednecessaryfor the fruition
of the puposes of its advent into the world. A greaterintesity of its
father's desires ensures the preponderance of the Piqkd Sakd
(katabolism) in the impregnatedovum, which determinesthe male sex
of the child, while such a thing, on the part of the mother at the time,
is followed by the relative preponderance of the Meqka Sakti
(anabolism) which accounts for the femininity of the issue. Equal
intensity ofsexual desiresin both the parents,creating an absenceof
the relative preponderanceof the Pigka or Mdtrk6 Sattis tn the
impregnatedovum, leavesthesexof thechild practicallyundetermined.
ThL relative preponderanceof the Pitrkd or Mdtrki Sakti, asevidenced
by the greater or less intensity of the sexual desire of either of the
parents, which results in the speedier emission of the paternal or
maternal element (spenn or ovum) during an act of successful
fecundation,is contemplatedby theterm'' Sukra-Bdhulya," or''S onita-
Bdhulya," by the framer of the Sarirhitd,asmay be fully substantiated
by a couplet by the venerableDerubehi'?.
So far SuSrutais at one with the modern Western theory of
preponderant kataboli sm or anabol i sm in the owm asthe determining
factor of the sexualdiamorphism to the extent that seedsor reproductive
cells arethe bearersand not the manufacturersof life, only containing
those categories which foster life, and help its evolution into an
organic being. To deny this would be to admit the chemical, or
physiological basis of life, which, as theory, was never acceptableto
the biologists of ancientIndia. The number of reproductive cells may
I. qCvn @anqtr-Sruti
Vv+')rarq)@{ ycqr
2. s*?3trd;
{5-4": yc?qtl} qrqA rffiq f.6jil
qrriq'frdrY{@oqr
ddrqTFdrr+n qrqegrirartt
Ddrubdhi (Quoted by Arunadatta in his connientaries on VAgbhatt).
 INTRODUCTION XLI

be increased by suitable dietary, and to say that the immortal

reproductive cells, as the creators of life, come out of the mortal,
organic food stuff, is to say that darkness in the father of light. The
question of the immortality of the seed (germ plasm) has been
elaborately discussedin the commentarieson the Sifrkhya DarSana.r
The Ojab Bindus (germ cells) pulsate with the vibrations (rythmic
movements),which arethe relics of the primordial etherealvibrations,
which ushered in the birth-throes of the universe. As such, they are
essential to the evolution of life; and man, as an offspring of the
universe, still retians them in his reproductive cells as the best
condition for calling out the life in his offspring, when its self enters
into the impregnatedovum in the mother's womb. Life is the essence
of self, and not the product of any chemical or physiological process.
It is an influx; and microscopesand specfroscopesmay not exposeto
view the hinterlands, of birth and genesis.Perhapsit was this theory
of will-force and intensity of parental desireasdetermining the sex in
the child, togetherwith the facts of parttrenogenesis observedin lower
animals, from which Su6rutawasdisposedto extendthe analogyto the
huma4 species,and believed that conception without sexual union is
possible in women.
The conception of the nature of theseMer.ke and Pitrkd Sattis
is more clearly set forth in the Paurdnika myth regarding the origin
(etiology) of fever; Su6rutarelates the story as follows :-Daksa, the
father of the universal mother, (or constntctive metabolism in man)
insulted the divine father, her consort (destmctive metabolism), by
witholding his quota of sacrificial oblations. The wrath of the insulted
deity broke out in the shapeof a morbific heat (hyperpyrexia) which
is fever. The processof digestion in man has been often compared to
an act of Homa sacrifice2in the Ayurveda. Sripped of its allegory the
myth may be explained quite in a pathologial line. It meansthat when
r. A. erfiry+As€qon dq,STcq,
Sd*hya SiltraCh.I. 122.
B. dTdqrEffinia. ch.rrr.3.
c. lp:dxfdffiv-frqefira
"""""'Aqr@Hi?d'trtr # gr
Safi*lrya PravacanaBhdsya(Viiftana Bhiksu)Ch' I. S. l.
2. offi rKveeEw;ffiEffi q:1
XLII INTRODUCTION

the Pitr.kd Sakti, the processof destmctive metabolism (Pitd, father or

Siva in Hindu mythology being thegod of destructionor disintegration)
of the body is not properly served by the factors, which nourish its
consffuctive metabolism (Fatherof the Mar.ki Sakti), the excrements
and excretory processof the body are :urested (by the wrathful deity),
and the heat generatedin consequenceis fever. Fever,then, is a disease
of defective digestion and exuetion. Whenever this Pitrkd Satti is
disturbed or not properly served there is fever, and heat is one of its
essentialeffects.
With aprecision and love of details, which mark the best days of
Brdhrnanic literature, Su6rutalays down rules of diet and conduct to
be observedby the enceinte,from month to month, during the whole
period of gestation, and gives medicinal recipesfor the development
of a partially atrophied child in the womb.
A persualof the Chapter of Marma Sdrira would leave no doubt
for the conclusion that anatomical knowledge was cultivated by
surgeonsand soldiers alike. A knowledge about the locations of the
wlnerable joints, or nerves, or vein anastomoseswhere a blow or a
littlepressuremayenablehimto makeshonwork of his man could not
but be dearly prized by the soldiery at a time when the fate of a war was
oftendecidedbythesuccessof asinglechampion,andwehavereasons
to believe that a scientific system of wrestling was formulated in the
light of the SuSrutaSarfihita, and practised by the gentry of ancient
India much like the Jiujisu (Skr. Yuyutsu, the intending fighter) of
modern Jap"nt.
Su6ruta's Physiologr : But if Su5rutais admired somuch for his
practical and scientific cast of mind, it is his writings on Physiology,
(which is practically the sameas the one adoptedby all schools of the
qzfitrq vffintr vFn' frariw: ll
Caraka'Sarhhitd.
l. It is curious that the phonetic and etymological resemblance betu'een Sa4skyt
"Jnyutsu" and Japanese "Jiujitsu" (would be fighter) should be so
close.Perhaps it was the Buddhist missionaries (and they were not always
peaccful hermits) wlp had carriedwith them a system of scientific wrestling
from India which was subsequently developed in lapan. Compare with the
complctc Kano, Jiu-litsu (Ieudo) by H. Iwing Hancock and Katsukuma
Higashi, Chart I and III.
 INTRODUCTION XLIII

Ayurveda) which haveappearedasa stumblingblock to theintelligence

of many a western and Easternscholar. European sanskritists have
thoughtfi t to translate''Vd1ru
",''Pitta" and,, Kapha" (thethreemain
physiological functions) asair, bile andphlegm. But nothing could be
more misleadTg or eroneous than that. A right understandingof the
scienceof the Ayurvedic medicine, in all its branches,hingeson aright
conception of the Viyu, Pitta and Kapha,so we should like to clearup
the nature of these three physiological factors before proceeding
farther in our enquiry.
Antiquity ofthe division : A referencetothesethreephysiological
factors of Vdyu, Pitta and Kapha, under the name of Trdhdtu, is fust
met with in the Rgvedar. Siyana explains the term as a synonym for
Vdyu, Pitta and Kapha. The Vedic physicians possessedat least a
considerableknowledge of the processof digestion2,the circulation of
gas in the human organism, and of the properties and functions of
flesh, fat, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilagos. But to the
Acdryas of the Ayurveda belongs the glory of firsi formulating a
systematicphysiological science,to which end Sufruta as a surgeon
did ontribute no mean a quota. In the light of western science the
actions of living matter, varied as they are, may be reduced to three
categories,viz. (a) Sustentative,ft) Generative, and (c) Correlative
functions. The secondis not co-extensivewith the entire existenceof
a living organism, Su6rutaobservessome suchdistinction among the
functions of a living organism when he denominatesthe living body
as the "thr@ supported one" (frsthuna), and describesthe normal
Vdyu, Pitta and Kapha as its three supports. We wonder how the term
Vdyu, meaning nerve force, can be confounded with the same term
meaning air, since SuSrutaderives the former from the root ..V6.,' to

I. f{qq Yd a6s'Enr+ffi1y
-Sgveda. Sarhhitd, L 3.6.
Sdyana explains it as
drdftrd!ry qgx+q nwlfrfr Ve sE",
2. oilv-qftnrlryfqtffit avi c: er@ qqn +wq R-dtrd;
*sfrs: €: eM:tqq €lq 1ryqns dtsfrqfissd;v3Shrfrd(qfifrffi
qaAacg {hq 1 smsrflTqms c\sfw v sld: v3qffir chandogya
Brahtnana.
XLIV INTRODUCTION

move, to spread,Vayu, accordingto Su6ruta,is so called from the fact

of its sensoryand motor functions such as,smelling & c. But the Vayu
in Ayurveda is not wholly aphysical or organicforce, it hasits spiritual
aspectas well which doesnot legitimately fall within the scopeof our
enqury. It is safeto averhowever,that the Ayurvedic physiology, like
its sister science in modren Europe, is concerned more with the
invisible rnolecularcomponentsof the human organism,than with the
workings of its grossmembers.The holy AgniveS4 warnsthe students
of physiology against the danger of regarding the human system as
something other than the aggregateof moleculesl.
The three fundamental principles of Viyu, Pitta and Kapha :
The actions of living matter vary and so may be reduced to three
categories.They are either- (1), functions which affect the material
composition of the body and determineits mass,which is the balance
of the processesof wasteon one hand and thoseof assimilation on the
other. Or (2), they are functions which subserve the process of
reproduction which is essentially the detachmentof a part endowed
with thepowers of developing into an independentwhole, or (3), they
are functions in virutes of which one part of the body is able to exeft
a direct influence on another, and the body, by its parts as a whole,
becomesasourceofmolarmotion. The first may be terrnedSustmtative,
the secondGenerative,andthethird Conelativefunctions. The above
is the sum and substanceof the works which a living matter has to
perform. But setting aparttheprocessesof reproductionasa subjectfor
future discussion, we shall now try to examine what the other two
functions are as understood by Oriental thinkers. In the Mahibhdrata
the Prarya vdyu is describedas a force, ekin to electricity. It is some
what like a flash of lightning2. This fact at once shows the errors of
confounding Pranavayuwith an effete material with gasesgenerated

t. Yr0Trdficrv
ctc|E+fffiql qqft eifrig€fiffi'ffiwt
Caraka Sarhhitd SdrirasthAna, Chap. VU.
2. yrvqTf,q Wi ytuTleFrrfirlr
ge.qi+qqfuc/,
nr+as H@rar1
yreF;!rer+qil YqEl ?rc dsrfiT:/
q€t +dq+s a-E{qr$rcqfr:rI
Mahdbhdrata Santi Parva S. 39.
 INTRODUCTION XLV

during the processesof digestion. SuSrutadescribes it as a force,r

which sets whole organism into motion. Self-evolved, it acts as the
principal factor that determines the genesis, continuance and
disintegration of the living body. It is the primary cause--an all-in-
all that governs our organic as well as our cognitive faculties. Its
special feature is that the vibration, that is produced in it, instead of
fraveihng like light in a transversedirection, takes a course as the
controller of the correlative functions of the system. It maintains an
equilibrium betweenthe Pitta and Slesmawhich are said to be inertz.
But for this adjustment the living body would stand in imminent
daugerof being consumedlike fuel by its internal heat or fire. Taking
into considerationthe various functons the living body hasto perform,
SuSrutaattemptsa classificationof VIyu into Pra4a, Uddna, Samana,
Vyana and Apdna, which, in detail, correspond to the divisions of
functions performedby the Cerebro-spinaland Sympatheticnervesof
the Westernphysiology. Tdntric literature aboundsiqthe descriptions
of the Nidicakras (nerve plexuses) and contains a more detailed
account of the motor, sensory,and mixed nerves according to their
diffferences in their functions and relations. In short, the term Vdyu
may not only be rightly interpret€dto meanthe nerveforce, but is often
extendedto include any kind of electro-motor or molecular force (as
when we speak of the Vdyu of the soil), though the term is loosely
applied now to signify gas or air. The Rsis of yore gave the name of
Vdyu to the bodily force in the absenceof any suitable nomenclature,
little suspectingthat in might be confoundedwith the atmosphericair
by the foreign translatorsof their works.
Pitta : The function of the Pitta consistsin metamorphosingthe
chyle, through a graduatedseriesof organicprinciples, to aprotoplasmic

I . Force rnaybe definedas that which tendsto producemotion in a bodyat rest,

or to producechangeof motion in a bodywhich is moving,- Daschanel.
A' 4({wl4=lt*:
Wr"sthdna. chap. XrI.
B. tra'v-g: ov': v{': qgr-dTdtflil{:1
Wlt w t'ffi 6 4@fr lq+al vrrfb{
Inert is Pitta, inert is Kapha, inert are the Malas & Dhdtus Like clouds, they
go wherever they are carried by the Vayu.
XLVI INTRODUCTION

substancelike spermin men, andthe ovum inwomen. Thus we seethat

ttre Pitta of the Ayurveda corresponds to metabolism of Western
Physiology. But by a confounding carelessnessof terms the excreted
portion of Rasa and blood though ultimately connected with those
normal physiological processeshas been respectively styled as the
Dogasor defiling principles of Kapha and Pitta. Again, as in the case
of soil, the terms Vdyu, Pitta and Kapha are extended to denote
magnetism, kinetic energy and humidity of its molecules. The
circulation of blood is connectedwith the Pitta, while the circulation
of lymph chyle (Rasa) is related to Slesma the two combinedly
forming what is called the sustentative function of the Western
Physiology.
The term Pitta, which, by its etymology, signifies the agent of
metabolism, hasbeen loosely usedby our Ayurvedic physiologists to
denotetwo different organicprinciples from an observedsimilarity in
their nature and functions. Pitta in Sanskrit means both bile and
metabolism of tissuesas well as the bodily heat which is the product
of the latter.
Hence a few commentatorsleantowardsthe view that Pitta is the
heat incarceratedin the bile, and the principal agent in performing
digestionr. The real import of the term may be gatheredfrom the five
sub-divisions of the Pitta, made by our Rgis according to their
functions and locations, and which are called the Pacaka, Rartjaka
Sad.haka,Atocaka and Bhraiaftd. All metabolic processesin the
organism, whether constructiveor destructive,arecalled Pitta which
is said to be in the products of those processeswhether serum, bile,
blood albumen, etc., which areeither essentialto the substanceof the
body, or to the proper perfonnanceof any organic function. Hence we
learn that Pitta is latent in Lasike (Serum), blood, lymph chyle,
albumen etc., and in the organs of touch and sight. In other words,
metabolism goes on in those principles and regions of the human

I. falq: vgqrslgrsfr firils Adt7r'ilsffi'fr/

fun77qqffirffir da-+aqr
vtepfuq slfrq;fqarfeadfr firarf,:l
Madhukosa.
a

INTRODUCTION XLVII

organismreither as a sustentativeor as a cogneticphysiological

pro""rr. First, we havethe Pdcakignior theheatof digestion,which
is situatedin the region betweenthe stomachandthe intestines;2and
beingaliquid fire or fulid heatincarcerated in thesecretionsof theliver
Oil"j, it is primarilyconcerned in digestingthefourkinds of food (as
tt -""t it ln ttre aMomen).Thus we seethat the Pacakdgniof our
"y
Ayurveda is the sameas the bile of WesternPhysiology,its other
functionbeingto differentiate(precipitate) thenutritiveessenceofthe
food from its unutilisableportion, and to act us an excrementitious
matter.It is this Pitta,which makesmetabolismin otherputs of the
body possible3 by helpingtheorganismin acquiringfreshenergy'
The secondkind of Pittais calledRahjalcaor pigmentPitta from
thecircumstanceof its imparting thecharacteristiccolourto thelymph
chyleasit is Eansformed into bloodby coursingthoughtheliver and
spleen,whereit is located4.

1. ?IfiRIsrc:dffiarcFn'mt
E.{-s{fi,'q firf,s "rFr€ fficarr
VAgbhtl (S-utraSthina ch. )il[)
2. The bile assisfsin emulsifyingthefats of thefoods, and thusrenderingthem
capableofpassinginto thelactealsby absorption.Thebile hasbeenconsidered
^'o noruril purgative.Thebile appearsto havethepower of precipitating the
gastricproteosis and peptones,togetherwith the pepsi4 which is mixcd up
with them.As an excrementitious substance,the bile nuy serveas a medicine
for theseparation of certain highlycarbonaceous substdncesfrom the blood.
Kirk's Physiology Ch. XIII. pp 377-376.

3. rrerienmnr.dqrr7cq3r6{/
FAfr ri?-qii" vrvqi7n il(€ftr{t,
Vagbhat Sfitra Ch. XII.
to
4. A. The colouring motter of the bile is derivedfrom and is closely related
that of blood, sincethe qualities of the bile piSmeilt secreted are markedly
incre-asedby the injection of substancesinto the veins which are capable
of sctthg free haemoglobin.
Kirk's Physiology - (Metabolism in the liver') Ch' XA' p' 505'
B. There seemsto be a close relationship between the colouring m^ttcrs of
* * betw een t hese and tha t of ur ine ( urobil i n)
th e bl ood and of the b ile, and
-
and of the feces. Ibid Ch' VIII. p. 376.

C. It seemsprobable that the splee4 like the lymphatic glands, is e,ng,agcd

in thcformation of blood corpuscles. For it is quite ccrtain, tLgt thc blood
Intro - 4
 XLVIII INTRODUCTION

The third kind of pitta (sadhaka) is situated in

the heart, and
indirectly assistesin the performanceof cognitive
functions in man by
keeping up the rhythmic cardiaccontractionsr.perhaps
it is trris view
of the heart's contraction that predisposed
many of our ancient
physiologists to hold it as the seat of cogn ition
lniaani sthana),.
The fourth, which is theAroca&aor the pitta of
sight, indicates
the metaboricprocessin the substanceof the retinu
lDrstiJ wni"t giu",
rise to visual sensation3.
The fifth is the Bhrajakagni or the pitta in
the skin which
producesperspirationorhelps exudationsfrom
theskin by evaporation.
In short it is the Pitta which keepsactive,under
certaincircumstances,
the secretionsfrom the sweatand sebaceousglands
of the human skrn.
Kapha : susrutais one in holding with Foster
that ,,the animar
body dies daily, in the sensethat at .o*"nt some part of its
"u"ry
of thesplenicveincontainsanunusualry rargenwtberofwhite corpuscres.
* * * In Kottiker,s opinion,
the developmentof colourlessand also
colouredcorpusclesof theblood, is o* i1 th,
spleen,into the rn,
of which the newformed "ri"rtiotyurrii""',
corpusclesposr,ond "f o*
conveyedinto the,veins
generarcurrent of the circuratiins. _ ruia.
in. rut.
1. A. Thecontraction(of the heart) can not be rong
maintainedwithout a due
supplyof blood of a similar nutritive
^or fluid. * * * The ,i"* tii i, ot
presenttakenofthe action of the heart ii * * thot in heart muscle,
as in
. protoplasmgene.r1,y,.the metaboricprocesses are thoseof anabor.ism or
building up, whi.chtakespraceduring diastoteof
rheheart t * + and the
k*t^borism or dischargewhich is tinifested
in thc contraction of the
hearr. Kirk,sphysiotogy(metabolism iy rheheartl.-C;.;;""" "
B. y"+qnm?+{nmd RTcm(/
wrqt'Eqm'fcd1pr
VdgbhatSfitra. Ch.nL t3.
2' Theseatof themoonis at theroot of theparate
and that of the sunis at the root
of-thenavel; thepraceofthe air (or breath)is
abovethe sun,and miad dweils
abovethemoon'citta (or thepassagebetween
themindand thespirituarsour)
dwells abovethe sun and tife dwellsabove
themoon.
Jftanasafikarini rantra, InternationarJournar
ofrdntrik order (New york)
VoL V.No.5 p. 109.
3' It is supposedthat thechangeeffect-ed by thetight, whichfars upon theretina,
is infact a chemicarartera.tionin thepiotopr&m,
and that thisstimuratesthe
optic nerve-endings.Kirk's physiologyCi.
XVtt.
 INTRODUCTION XLIX

substance is suffering decay, is undergoing combustion'" The

etymological significance of the term Sarira (Skr. Shri, to wither up)
testifies to his knowledge of the combustion that goes on within the
human system.Three kinds of fre are detectedin the body, which are
sureto feedupon its constituentprinciplesin the absenceofproper fuel
in the shape of food and air. It is food and the fundamental bodily
principle of Slesmd,which is cooling or watery in its essence,that fly
lo tne rescue of the organism, the latter (Sleqmn)surcharging it with
its own essential humidity and keeping intact the integration of its
component molecules.
The Rasa,or lymph chyle which is formed out of the ingested
food, preventsthe internal bodily fres from preying upon the vitals by
coursingfreely throughthe whole organism.TheRasa"thus generated,
undergoes a sort of purification, the purified portion being called
Prasadabhuta, and the excretedponi on Malabhula, suchasare found
as effete products deposited in certina pores of the body. Kapha or
Slegmais that portion of Rasawhich fills all the intercellular spaces
of the body, thus holding them together in a kind of cooling embrace
(Skr. Slish to embrace)and preventsrthe dreadful combustion which
would otherwise have been causedby organic heat. Our Acdryas have
classified the Kapha into five different kinds such as the Kledaka,
Avalambaka, Bodhaka and slegmakc according to their different
functions and locations in the economy.
Doqa : The lymph chyle, born of the digestedfood, and which
courses through the body, potentially contains the elements which
. build the different tissuesof the human organism.Under the influence
of metabolic heatit is progressivelytransformedinto blood, flesh, fat,
bone, marrow, semenand Ojab. In other words, under the processof
physiological metamorphosis,the lymph chyle setsfree that part of its
constituents2which posse.ss blood-making properties,andareultimately

t. A. rffi{gt(* - Vdgbha1
B. 7s1-6'frfu6qffi4ffir1
wdk r+iltrs ftrakrrgqtftqfr;rt
Caraka Cikitsasthdna. ChaP. 15.

2. A. ffig sqrudl JrulrfaAFshs?:r

Misra
aEla.futeq raft ad{e w',, Bhdva
 L INTRODUCTION

transformed into blood-(its unutilised or excreted

portion being
eliminated through the natural aperturesof the
UoOy;, and so on,
through the progressiveseriesof metabolismto ojalr
ntratu. Thus with
the derangementof the bodily veyu which causes
the free coursing of
the lymph chyle through its vessels,the pitta (metabolism
of tissues),
in any particular part of the body, is also affected
by reason of its
incarceration, and thus causes an increase or
diminution in the
excretedportion of the Rasa,which is anothername
fdr Kapha during
the progressivemetabolism. Thus we seethat vdyu, pitta
ano iapha,
which in their normal state,are the three supporting
principles of the
body are transformed into morbific diathesis
Ly ino"^ing or
diminishing the bodily heat, secretions,or excretionsr.
Thus ccngestionand inanition (atony) arethe two
main forms of
recognisedby the Ayurvedic patiologists, the
-di:: " former being
held amanable to resolution or elimination,
and the latter to local
feeding or nourishment.
Agni and Dhiitvagnis : we can not better conclude
this portion
of our dissertationthan by speakinga word or
two aboutAgni. Su5ruta
raises the question whether there-is any kind
of fire in-ttre human
organismother than the pitta; or arethey indentical
? susrutaholds that
the Pitta is the only fre presentin the system,
in as much as all acts
from the digestion of food to the disintegration
of ;issuesareperformed
with the help of the pitta" which incrudis within
lt ,ignin.ution *rrut
is cannotedby Anabolism and Katabolism.f
W{.t"ri-pirrrir.*ir".
Bjt Agnivesaandcertainsections of theAyurv"Jr;A;ar#;;fi;*
thereare five Afrjali-fulsof Agni2in ttrehumanorganism.
This
B. €d'@ yqewdw:v{r*rft 'rswri
*wrfr1* *
qr r€/dsurr/drsilrfr'"
i+ddiq",'dt?Eqwffi rm.
*rysfrr* * * g{lrrs+El?fr
d,vqmdcr
cakra Datta's cortmentary on the caraka sairhita.
sitrasthana. ch. xxvul.
I. A. qn?lq rrdrsrfrSq"izfr, q/itRftt:
I
qtal?aT'q',ge
Fil qlq/tfu qar:tr
Bhdvaprakdia part I.
B. qrsfwia.r{*+aj vzn?r
ivehatr
Caralea Slttrasthdna clwp. I.
2. C-d fuflg-- Caraka Sarhhitd.
 INTRODUCTION

discrepancyis best explained away by including one Yava measureof

Agni (enzymes,ferment) in the five Afrjali-measuresof Pitta.
The Ayurvedic Physiotogy recognisesthe existence of another
kind of Agni, which is called Dhawagni (protoplasm) and which it
classifies into seven different kinds. Arunadatta the celebrated
corfinentator of the Aqtdpgah-rdaya,holds ttrat there are as many
Dhdtvagnis as the constituentsof the body.r
The commentatorof the ChdndogyaBhisya has emphasisedthe
identity of the Pitta and the solar heat. In fact it was a dochine of faith
among the Rgis that ttre solarheat pent up in the solids is fiansformed
into organic heat(Bhutigni) which becoming liberatedin the stomach,
produces the heat of digestion.2All these are but different forms of

t. A. qq qi{qtfrrr ert!, - qfi' rffF? vqward qeqil lfu

edWnr+q,r ryIF@: q*FR 3l: srg!qi&:cw Wflcfr
vffiAoeq wn crFfq,gqrqqrr*w vrffqrgqrFrfi: aFF:t
Arunadatta.
B. arysq5'firr{ra sdsffi/
v-dgcis+{frvrfu a i*Flflnnlfr11 lbid.
c. tS rgrilt vdql'q3-qniqgqe/
firdq'rr: v nlq td raayqtrl
qrqrca.dsrrtr-SqErr qrFrigaqr
frqrdl'flq cid w( dqry Ttr+fltr(,/
€a-*r5'gqffiEff SfsFrar+it
yffini eizra;v*uqqr.rf,:rt
qra raispr ddT7?n\t
"r{erncq
*dfr az lltHqpryri $ qfi7aT;11
lgrrrar1ffie$S4vrdd:pgd:tt
dsrrsq. ?: dE: gm-ffi aa:tt
qpqE6l|IrRltrtd*,TttFrdqnqesftqg,
Caraka Sarhhitd, Cikitsdsthdna, Chapter XV'
D. scilFfusrdr0stit+ffiv g: r

Vid lbid Chap.XX

2. A. (q: vtq qzn\utrl;1pt +sAcI w v6{'F$ffi W d ag dq
elagryqqngl Chdidogya Upaniqad
LII INTRODUCTTON

solarheat. The Dhdtvagni and udardgni lie inert in the organism. It is

the Viyu that sets them free and makes them operative.
The Dh6tvagnis (protoplasm) of the muscle are not of the same
kind asthat of the arteries.we cannot resist the temptation of quoting
a few lines from Foster'sphysiology on the subject.r
B. oras effir+{F qns Silcg*s effi eTFnil4,gvrft{ qda W
qafiPgl
Chdhdogya Bhasya.
I. Thesefacts and other consideration,whichmight be broughtforward, lead to
the tentative conception of protaplasm as being a subsrance(if we may use the
word in somewhat loose sense) not only unstable in nature but subiect ,o
incessantchange,existing indeedas the expressionof incessantmolecurar, i.e.
chemical and physical change, very much as afountain is the expression of
incessant replacement ofwater. we may picture to ourselv,esthe total change,
whichwe denote by the term "metabolism" as consistingon the one hand, of
a downward series of (Katabolic changes) a stair of many stepsin v,hich the
more complex bodies are broken down with the setting
free of energv into
simpler waste bodies and on the other hand, of an upward series of cianges
(anabolic changes) also a stair of many steps, by v,hich rhe dead
food of
varying simplicity or complexity is withfurther assurnption of energy builr up
into more and more complex bodies. The swwnit of the double stair we call
"protoplasm" whether we have right to speak of it as a single body in the
chemical sense of that word or as a mixture in so4re way of several bodies.
whether we should regard it as the very summir df the double stair, or as
embracing aswell as the topmost stepsin either side,we can not at present tell.
Even if this be a simple substanceforming the topmurt summit, its existence is
absolutely temporary, at one instance it is made, at the next it is unmade
matter, which is passing through the phase of tife, rolls up the ascending step
to the top and forthwith rolls down on the other side.
Further the dead food itself fairly, but far
from being whorty stabre in
character, becomesmore and more complex living material. It becomcs more
and more explosive and when it reaches the summit its equilibrium is over-
thrown and it acrually explodes. The whole downward stair of events seemsin
fact to be a series ofexplosives by means ofwhich the energy latent in the dead
food and augmented by the touches through which the dead food becomes
living protoplasm, is setfree. Some of those
freed energy is used up again by
the material itself, in order to carry on this same vivifica.tion of deidfiod, the
rest leaves the body as heat or motion.
If this be admitted it almost inevitably follows that what we have called
protoplasr4 can not be always the sanTething : that there must be many
varieties of protoplasm with different quarities and with corresponding
diferent molecular structure and composition. using the word , ,protiplasm' '
in this sense, it is obvious that the varieties of protoprasm ir" ni^roo,
 INTRODUCTION LIII

From what has now been stated regarding the functions and
significations of the Vayu, Pitta and Kapha, it will appear that the
Ai ary as of me Ayurveda contemplatedthreedifferent setsof principles
in the domains of Biology and Pathology. Vlyu, Pitta and Kapha are
called Dhatus or fundamental principles of the economy, when in
virtue of their correlative and sustentativefunctions, or with the help
of their subservientprocesses of metabolismandlymphatic circulation,
they ensure an equpoiseamong the different vital and physiological
processesin the whole economywhich is essentialto its perfecthealth'
biologically consideredthey are but the primary subtle dynamics of
organic life, or asSdyanaexpressesit, the threefundamentalprinciples
ortn"body.'Butwhenthishealthyequilibriumisdisturbedeither
through the agencyof any exEinsic or idiopathic factor, when any one
of them is abnormally augmentedor dominates the other two, thus
altering their mutual relation in the economy, naturally certain
pathological conditions arise which form the esseof a disease;2or in
the parlance of the Ayurveda they are said to have been fiansformed
into Do;as ormorbific diathesis.Even blood, which, accordingto our
Ac6ryayas, forms one of the fundamental principles (Dhatu) of the
o.gunir., may be designatedas a Doqa (morbific diathesis), when
owing of its congestioninanypanicularorganormemberof thebody,
it brings about a disturtacne in its general vascular system and
are offshoots of its own
-cleficient pathological conditions which
produces
or disturbed circulation. They are denominated x Malass,
when observedstill in grosseror superficial principles of the organism
indeed, almostinnumerable.Themolecularprotoplasr4whichbringsforth a
dffir innatute,incomposition,thatis inconstruction
contractilekata-statemust
fromglandularprotoplasmwherekata-sta'eisamotherofferment.Further
'the
piotoplasmof aswiftlycontractingstripedmuscularfibremustdifferfrom
thatof tlw torpii, smooth,unstriatedfibre,theprotoplasmof a hunan muscle
musidtXrr yr:o thot of a sheepor a frog, theprotoplasmof onemusclemust
dffir fron that of another muscle, in the sane kind of animal' and the
piotoplasm of smith'sbiceps mustdffir from that of Jone's - Foster'
t. f{ttg Yd qdil aTdftaE,.c.
YryfrY+gr mtit
Sdyana'sConmentaryRg V' I A'
2. stgdiqqFrF"t'j QtQ!; t Qavafta.
3. vr0€qqrdd qrilAiavtrolr{t
qrdFm ffiisl qm +,laflqil; t I Sdrafisadhar
 LIV INTR9DUCTI9N

producingthoseexcretions,or organicresions which appertainto the

sphereof morbidanatomy.ThusrveseethattrreAyurvedicprinciples
of viyu, PittaandKaphaembrace boththebiologicatanopattrological
principlesof theorganism;or in otherwords.theAyurvedicphysiology
elucidatesandinvestigates thecauses
throughwhichthe,a*e p.iooptes,
which sustainlife andtheorganism,aretransformedinto thedynamics
of disease,lastely pointing out the grosserexcretorychanges
and
organiclesionsin theexternalor superficialplaneof eiist"n"i
which
form the subjectof morbid anatomyand aresometimesconfounded
with thediseaseitself. In thevdyu, pitta andKaphaof the Acdryayas
we haveat oncea completepictureof thefiner sustentative forcesof
thehumaneconomyasweil astheirantithesis,theconstructiveas
wel
astheexpulsiveforcesof theinnerman,togetherwith theexhaustive
analysisof their grosserproductswhich legitimatelyfall within
the
sphereof morbid anatomy.A real knowredgeof the nature
and
functionsof the Veyu, pitta and Kaphamay be useful in giving
a
deeperand clearerinsight into the principles of true bioiogy
or
pathology.It is incorrectto translatevdyu, pitta andKapha
asuri, uit"
and phlegm, exceptunder certaincircumstances. V6yu, pitta and
Kaphaareair, bile andphlegmonry whenthey aretransformed
into
grosserorganicexcretionswhicharesupposed
llalas or to be so very
intimatelyconnectedwith factors,pathogenetic oi pathological,but
they are not air, bile and phlegmin thoie pranesor their functions
whichdeterminethe genesis, growthandcontinuance ofthe organism,
as well as its death,decay and disintegration.The knowledie
of a
regionwithout that of is antipodesis but a half knowledge,
ioo ,t
principleof viyu, pitta andKaphais theonly oneof its "
kirid thattries
to embracethe wholesphereof organicexistence.
Oja[-Dheh : From what hasbeenstatedbeforeit will appear
thu duringtheprocessof tissue-formation, thelymph or chyle,under
the influenceof Pitta, or metaboricheat,is transformedinto
the same,
the refuseor un-utilisabreportion of it beingpassedoff
throughthe
aperturesof the body, asexcretions.The ojah-Dhatu is preseniin
the
reproductiveenergy that lies latent in orgunic principle, viz.
lymph, blood, muscles.bone(synovia), "viry
marow, andin the male &
femalereproductiveelements.Henceit is not amatterof suqprise
when
we find in Ayurvedicworksthis soma or ojak-Dhrtu
mentionedas
 INTRODUCTION LV

Iying diffrrsedin thehumanorganismanddescribedastheessence of

the lymph chyle, blood, & cr. The terms Rasagata Ojal1,Raktagua
Oja{r are therefore used perhapsin the senseof modery serum-
albumen. blood-albumen,& c. The male & female reproductive
elements,accordingto this view, form the essence of the body as a
whole,andtheOjalr,whichis abundantlyfoundin theseprotoplasmic
cells, is the quintessenceof a quintessence. The muscleof the heart
alone, according to Carak4 is chiefly associatedwith this energetic
substance,which is of a bloody yellowish colour & possesses both
cooling & heat-makingvirtues.2
In diseasescausedby defectiveassimilationit is said to be
ejectedthroughthekidneysandto passoff with theurine (asin certain
type.sof Prameha)3, wherebythepatientgraduallylosesstrength,flesh
and healthy glow of complexion in as much as these are but the
accompaniments of is hedthy continuancein the humanorganism.
"Health and sfiength," observesour Sgi," residelatentin the Ojall
dhitu, asbutter (Ghr-ta)lies latent in milk.a
Dalhqra Mi6ra the celebratedcommentatorof the Su6ruta
Sarirhita,hasdefinedOja! asafattysubstance completelycombustible
in is character.Thus in the courseof tissuecombustionits excess
r. siq< i-SE6?I'Ufirafli v@cqt
rffrqqfr qrfr @ffifr*q+q t tvdsbhat.
2. 6q ffi rsgs'mfqE sdraqt
e * q :v d t f f i F r m q r f f i 1 1
Caraka (Sfttra Sthdna) Ch. XVII.
arqvtafrt
3. A. *qlga,rfrr+ft;.0w
qqldn"'rqrpd qg*a:rqffirr
Caraka(SfttraSthdna)Ch. XWL
B. sfe:gqCg(-raqrq s€T'"aqrrd?erFrdfuc
G+qqr( a?Yr+sF?€I
vgdr 6nfit
Carakt (SArira Sthdna) Ch. IV-

4. A. .riq: *radrrrk+d
n?'s Yf" fien firrqt
silvttrit'Yn?rtara5l'uzm't'raqt
Bhavaprakdia. Part I.
B. et?tfdFra atq rf,{raldvapra*dia.
 LVI INTRODUCTION

quantity is depositedespeciallyin the fematebody

as fat which
producesthatpeculiarsoftnessandelegance. t Ttrepresence of ojah in
urine is said to induce Madhumeha.2 Taking this fact alone into
consideration oneis inclinedto thebeliefthatojah mustbesornething
of thenatureof sugar.As aconsequence of thesedifferentinterpretations
of ojab the questionariseswhetherthereis presentin ttre
human
organismanysuchcommonelementthatproduceseitherof
theserwo
importantoxidisingmaterials,viz. fat--d rug-.
It is a demonstrated fact in modernphysiologythatglycogenis
found in other itssuesand organsbesidesin the liver.Aissri"s
or
embryosandof younganimalsaswell asnewlyformedpathological
growthsmay besaidto containglycogen.Theactivityofth"
h"*, ,"
y:ll T thedevelopmentof rhefetalbody3is largelyiependentupon
this ojah-dhEruwhich may be best translated-asgtycogen
in the
parlancgof westernphysiorogy.[n fact,our AcaryayashaJe
usedthe
term "ojah" to denotethat vital principlein the oiganism
which is
essentialto themaintenanceof ahealthycombustioninits tissuesand
to the due performanceof their normalfunctionsand activities.
no
matter whether that principle is patent in the form of protoplasm,
protoplasmicalbumen,glycogenor mucosin(prdkrta'st"s-a;o
in
accordance with thedifferentof theirfunctions,geneses, andconditions
of protoplasmicmetabolism.In short,theywerecognisant
of the fact
that fat andsugarareevolvedout of a commonbasicprinciple
in the
organismas has been very eruditely demonstratedUy Or.
S. N.

+aq:td@+ffi
trffi cqfr t{ q({ #Wd qEftr -_ooharlaMiira.
2. See Note 3(B) page iiv.
3. T( vrqKl nfu ru?nfnilrp.r
qffi trtic'vcrftrfr ?r(y{f//
Caraka Stttrasthdna. Chap. )Afi.
4. A. rydq. ad'rAET@ qa ss{er
v*qhrq?'a.r+pqlffi1
Caraka Sarirtild Sfrtrasthdna, Chap. XVII.
B. qrfiqne smoffiqo 'gi rrmtr*fl( andhgqrqr
Cakradatta's Commentary S. Sotrhitd, Siltrasthdna
Chap. XV.
 INTRODUCTION LVII

Goswdmi,8.A., L.M.S.in histreatise lt is far from

on Purixavanam.t
our intentionto thrustthis opinionon anyone;we havesimply stated
''
I. From theseextracts it oppears to us still more vividly that our countrymen did
also discover, tike Dr. Pavy, the importance of fat and sugar in the animal
economy, as well as the node in which they can be elaborated from one
comtnon principle. (76-78). Acomparative study of the two systemsof medical
science, Indian and European, has led us to arrive at this conclusion; ifwe'
therefore are not inclined to identify Oiahwith albumen, as it has been done
by some modern Indian contnentatars, we have reasons to believe that the
aforesaid extracts have not as yet received sfficient considerationfrom them,
asforming the nutritive basis of the procreative elements; in short the subiect
has hitherto been neglected or, at least, been plrced in the back-ground, rom
want of attention on the part of those whose businessit was to investiSate intd
the truths of Science. To hold that Ojah is kept in deposit in the heart as a
resewed food material, for the maintenance of its own work as well as for the
production of germinal seed, is to admit that efficiancy of reproduction
depends entirely upon the efficiency of this important substance in the body"'
(76) ,J6F'taolrcntln<fdctiWdqt
T4FA qFfqf1qFtwg@ffrarr
s@rqcffiHi €'dq-{rc+dr{t
dql Filrq }(F qffi vqr,?.rr
*rrfd{'fr rrafrr
cqraffi dErfd qgda: r+d?rt carat<a
(77) Tf, rffrsfr{€d,
"qr d*d edte
7-ft"sgda: t D.athana
(zB) ffisqraq'F.rnT: xrerqrlHFt
srgrcFr@ F+6-qtd'srfinq{
Ftrql'trffi rrcfr t{ qr€ *€qrd qqtrt lbid.
76. Thosewho partake oJheavy and coolingJood abounding in acids and salts, oJ
new rice, ardbeverages, or constantly enioy sleep and luxuries, or neglect the
exercise of body andmind, orwhohabinally abstainfromthc use of corrective
medicines, help to accumulate in their bodies phlegm, bile, fat andflesh; and
these interfere withthc lunctions of the Vdyu, which causes thc Oiall to be
displacedfrom its proper place down in thc bladder and produces glycosuria.
77. As Ghee pemades the whole of milk, so Teia (ojah) permeates all the tissues
of the body.
78. Teja (OjaD too is combustible; in course of tissue-combustioq the excess
quan t i ry of i t ge ts d epo si ted esp ec i al ly in thelenal e bo dy asfa t whi ch p ro duc es
softness and elegance,
 LVIII INTRODUCTION

our conclusionin the matterand will welcomethe result

of fresh
enquirieson this subject.
Spacedoesnot permit us to give hereeven something
like a
satisfactorysynopsisof thephysiologyof susruta.It is enouglifor
our
purposeif we can createfor our readersan interest
in thi various
physiologicalproblemsdiscussedby our authorin
this part of his
work, or in his descriptionof the variousphysiologicar'processes,
whichareessentialto thehealthycontinuancioihurrr-
But
if Hindu physiologyis startlingin its demonstration of""onomy.
the fact ttrat
growth is not the only conditionof life, that vitality
is somewhat
ifgnendelt of the physiorogicalprocesses,that the inner
man, with
thehelpof Yog4 canlong surviveevenwithoutfood andrespirationr,
and that deathandderay may be arrestedto a considerable
iegree by
completelystoppingmany of thosephysiologicalprocesses"in
the
body2,which areconsidered soveryessentiatto living by thesavants
of the west' thenHindu pathologyis uniquein its conception
of the
natureofdisease.
susrutats pathorogy: what is it in aman,askssusruta,thu
fals
sick?what is tharwerreatmedicinally?Thebodyor the
mind?susruta
s-aysttr$ "anything thu afflicts the inner man (serf or pumsa)
is
disease3 and that diseasehas its primary seatin the inner spring
of
vitality from which it flows out to the surface,theexternal
b,ody.,,In
^ in everythingelsein theuniverse,thedirectionof the
T* inirerent
force is from the centreto thecircumference.The shock
is felt frsr at
thecentreof vitality, whenceit is transmittedoutwardsand
thusaffects
theenergywhichholdsthemoleculestogether,Dvyanuksana
rryanuts
9inury andtertiary atoms)or which thi grossbody is composfo, and
furtheropposesthedissolutionof thosemoleculesinto their
elemental
constituentsin theliving organism.Evenin casesof external
injuries
suchassnake-bite,etc.thepotencyof thevinrs is carried
atonceio that
r. auaq+gr{tuv @zr
\{ilAT t+dqtfatoAioh DarSananVibhutipada 29_30
A.
2. dlmf,frcrrrq wcr,.'riqqr. vn<rwqrt&qrr
pAtufijala Darianant. VibhutipMa.
21. A.
3. a+q,(yrdrr?srt{r 6a *fr'rnv;vrrc f€r;{+l
Sufruta SarhhitA Siltra. Chap. I.
 INTRODUCTiON LIX

centre from whence it is almost instantaneouslytransmitted through

theexternal channelsof thebody tois surface,otherwisewhatpurpose
does the Vayu (nerve force) serve in the human economy? What do
those myriads of Chaitanyav6hini Nddis (sensorynerves) exist for in
the human system?In all diseasesthe subjectivesensationsarethe first
to be experience. "I am ill," "I fell hot," etc. are the voices of
sensations,which form the ' 'ssse'' of the disease.Diseasethenis aforce
and not matter.l
Pathology of Tridop : SuSruta, though adopting the Vedica
pathological dictum of Tridhetu, has expresseda very clear opinion on
the subject. He observes that the relation between a disease and the
derangedVdyu (nerve force), Pitta (metabolism) and Kapha (unutilised
product of the system),and the pathogenic-factorswhich lie at the root
of that disease,is not real but contingent. These morbific principles
may permeate the whole organism without creating any discomfort,
and it is only when they find a distinct lodgment, and are centred in
some distinct part or tissue of the body, that they becomethe exciting
factors ofdisease.
Drug Potency : The next question which naturally arises in
connection with such atheory of pathogeny,is what is medicine, orin
other words, what is it in the drug that cures! Su$ruta,after closely
investigating all the theories on the subject, inclines towards the
opinion that it is the potency of the dmg that is curative, though he
observes that inasmuch as potency cannot exist independently of a
drug, a drug is of primary interest for all practical purposes in therapy.
Drug-Dynamisation : "It is the potency of a drug that cures a
disease". The potency is administered best when the physical or
chemical properties of a drug are annihilated. This is best performed
by subjecting it to heat or pressure. In the medicated Ghrtas or oils of
our pharmacopoeq which are prepared by successively boiling or
cooking them with drug-decoctions, we cannot even detect the hace of
any of its component drugs, but still we know how potent and
l. That Hehnemann's theory of diseasewas long before foreshadowedby
Sufruta, will appear from the above extractsfrom his works. Hahnemann
obsemesthat, whcn a personfalls ill, it is only thisspiritual self-actint vital
forcc, everywherepresentin the organisrq that is primarily derangedby the
dyrcmic influcnce of a morbific agent inimical to life - Orgehon.
LX INTRODUCTION

efficacious they prove in the hands of our Vaidyas. When Su6ruta

formulated theprocessof preparingmedicinal oils andGhrtas,and laid
down the use of SatadhautaGhrta (clarified butter, a hundred times
washed with water in succession),SahasrapakTaila (medicinal oil,
successivelycooked a thousandtimes), or Kumbha-Ghrta (clarified
butter, a hundred yean old) it may be fairly said that he was in sight
of the principle of drug-dynamisation.
Principles of Ayurvedic Treatment : Ayurvedic physicians
practically recognisetwo different setsof principles in the domain of
practical therapeutics, which may be stated in the terms of their
westerncolleaguesasLaws of Similars andConraries. r This apparent
contradiction has been fully accounted for and explained in the
writings of the latter day commentators,but it doesnot fall within our
province to enterinto thesedisquisitions. In addition to those,SuSruta,
in common with the Acdryas of his time, never fails to emphasisethe
value of phycopathy in those forms of mental or nervous distempers
for which Mesmer rightly now receives so much honor. Since the
creation of man, the touch of the "Saintly" hasbeencredited with the
virtue of curing the sick; and AveSa(auto-hypnotism) and Samadhi
(higherphasesof clairvoyance)haveachievedmany miracles in the art
of healing in India, which was the first country where it was first
successfully practisedfor the welfare of man.
Sarir6odhana and Sarir6amana : All kinds of treatment may be
grouped under two heads such as SarhSodhanaand SarhSamana,i.e.
either the body should be cleansed (Sarirfodhita) of the morbific
diathesis with the help of emetics or purgatives, or steps should be
taken to restore the deranged Viyu, Pitta and Kapha to their normal

L tt^*, tr**,,*"r r r - Similarin character

of a disease
factors
to the Esseof a disease- similar in characterboth to the exciting actorsand
Esseof a disease.
Controry in characterto the excitingfactors of a disease.
Contrary in characterto the Esseof a disease.
Contrary in characterbothto theextitingfactors and Esseof a disease.
loqlfrMwfry@t
qcil?Eq,/
Mddhary Nidana Ch. I. V. 8.
 INTRODUCTION LXI

condition with the help of proper medicinal drugs without resorting to

any eliminating process.But in casesof infl ammation, Su6rutaenjoins
that, instead of any Sarir3amanaremedies,diaphoresisshould be first
resortedto. In caseswhere counter-irritants are indicated and in parts
which are directly accessible,leeching and cauterisation should be
practised with a due regard to the seasonof the year andthe requirements
of the case. We find in his Sarhhitda detailed account of the several
speciesof leecheswith their habits and habitas.
Forms of medicine : Powders,lambatives,decoctionsaswell as
medicatedoils, Ghrtas,confections and wines are theforms in which,
according to SuSruta,medicines should be given. The different drugs
such as roots, leaves, etc. should be culled in the seasonsproper to
each.He classified the soil into five different kinds for the purpose of
growing drugs of different therapeutic properties. Even the virtues of
different flavours and colours were ascertained with regard to their
respective actions on the derangedmorbific principles of the body.
Rasdyana : The Ayurveda being the scienceof life and health,
the holy AgniveSa, at the very commencementof the therapeutical
portion of his workr, has described several medicinal compounds,
which improve general health and arrest the ravages of time.
Theoretically speaking the science of the Ayurveda recognises no
preordainedlimit to human existence.Life can be prolonged with the
help of suitable medicines. By dint of observation andpatient researches
our Rsis devised many such adjuncts which can rejuventate an old
man, and supply those vital elementsto an old and exhaustedhuman
body, which ebb away with the progressof years.Hence,we fi nd many
rejuvenating medicines to have been prescribed for men in health
which would arrestdecayandguard againstthe approachof senility by
increasingthe fundamentalvital principles of the body and preventing
Vdyu, Pitta andKaphafrom being fransformedinto morbific diatheses.
Diet : "A good and proper diet in disease is worth a hundred

r. qdq. qA Ml' ttwt'4zt:I

yctEvlFn*(?'z{ttR" ca vrrr
efi6fsfriyvtfti arrt z wpr7r(d
Fnrffi F vtwi "'tfrrsffi wr+fu
Caraka SahhitdCikitsd Sthina Ch. I.
LXII INTRODUCTION

medicines and no arnount of medication can do good to a patient who

does not observea strict regimen of diet." Our Ayurveda, instead of
being content with specifying the nature of diet in diseasein general,
mentions the namesof articles, which should, or should not be taken
in any specific malady, judged by the light of their properties of
aggravating Vdyu, Pitta or Kapha. The dietic or therapeutic properties
of a large number of articles of human consumption, as well as the
chemical changesthey undergo in the digestive apparatusof different
mammals, have been studied and analysed, and so we find in our
physique, medical Sarirhitns,suchinjunctions that barley-cornspassed
undigestedwith the faecesof a cow or horse, should form the det of
a Pramehapatientr that the milk of a she-camelshould be given to a
patient suffering from a cutaneousaffection, and that the flesh of any
carnivorous beast of bird should be given to one suffering from
prrlmonary consumption and so on. It was a cardinal doctrine with
Ayurvedic dietists that the longing of a patient for any particular kind
of food in a certain disease,emphatically shows that his organism is
in want of those elements which enter into the composition of the
article offered. Hence elaborate dietetics were forrrulated, which
cannot but be acceptableto the most fastidious patient.
Therapeutics : The exclusionzof salt and water from the food of
an ascitesor anasarcapatientas laid down in our safihitas shows that
our f;.gi possesseda higher chemical knowledge regarding the effects
t. €q'p" rDq5q.dgir1f, dq qEHi ffiwlq qqqr;1
i"IREI fga?er qqni q,-e1 ri{qqqeq qF17:tt
CarakaSarhhitd,CikitsdSthdna.Ch. VI. 23.
2. Thefficacy of suchexclusionhasbeenlately demonstrated by theresearches
of Dr. Benjanin Hornbnan(kctures, Sanitariun, park st.London).
3. A. aqlq asurelTfrffifrfr 3rFrar
-
ilqgtft vaf d+cr,rq *++ql
Caraka Cikitsd Sthdna Ch. XAI.
B. \zrrcelrd<fiuti
i+ w+s *il+(r
Ibid Chap.13.
c. sqr6ztEtqqEre qii cs: firlt+q{dtfrm#r
wf yyi q'frrfiq")Ercf{rvr+yrvlr wi ert
Caraka CikitsA Sthdna Clnp. 12.
 TNTRODUCTION LXIII

of organic matter on the human system than many of us are ready to

accord to thesepioneers in medical science.
Medical Botany : After therapeutics comes the subject of
Medical Botany. SuSrutadivides the whole vegetable kingdom into
Vrksa, Gulma, Vanaspati and Virudha. This classification has been
minutely worked out in works on Hindu Botany where we find such
nice subdivisions as Agravr.ja (whose toplings are only planted),
Mulaj a (who seroots only areplanted), Parnayoni,Skandaja Vij aruha
(germinatedfrom seeds)and Sanmrudhaja. But the botany of SuSruta
is more of the natureof Materia Medica than a work on Botany proper,
though sometimeshe mentions the habitate and describesthe foliage
of certain plants so that they may be distinguished from others of a
cognate species.
The uses of metals and minerals for therapeutical purposes in
India are asold asthe Rgvedat itself. Su6rutadescribesthe methodsof
preparing oxides, sulphatesor chlorides of the six metals as the case
many be. Mercury,has been only once mentioned in the Sarirhit[ and
then very vaguely tbo. Processesfor the preparation of alkalis and the
lixiviation ofashes are very elaborately described.Beyond these the
chemical knowledge of SuSrutascarcelyextends.
Hygieneand PublicHealth : As awriterof Hygiene andpublic
health, SuSrutaemphasisesthe importanceof cleanlinessof both spirit
and body. Water whose disinfecting virtues have so often been
hymnised in the Vedas2forms the subject of discussion of an entire
chapter of the Sarirhita. Outbreaks of epidemic have been attributed to
contrary seasons,to the floating of minute particles of poisonous
flower pollen in the air, and to the sin or unrighteous conduct of the
community. Earthquakes,famines and physical phenomen4 which
are at present attributed to magnetic disturbances of the earttr, have
been described by Sufruta as the usual precursors of devastating
epidemics such as plague etc. Mortality among birds and an unusual
death among rats and other burrowing rodents have been included
L lzad crystals (including diamond) gold and mineral poisons are mentioned in
the 1. 16. I. 29 I. 55 and IV 10 of the Athama Sarhhitd.
2. eE1"til.g'dqt. Arqccr5|dyvraiil
Rk Safirhita1.23 s. 19.
Intro - 5
LXIV INTRODUCTION

among other presaging indications of a visitation by Providence.

Interrogated as to the causeof sucn ouj 61saks,Dhanvantari observes
that, the Vdyu (molecular energy) of the soil is disturbed or affected
by earthquakes,and seasonsofunnatural drought ordeluge, deranging
ttreir Pitta (kinetic energy) and Slesma ftumidity) which produce
morbific factors that affect a whole community. Su5ruta, as a true
physician, has elaboratelydealt with the regimen of diet and conduct
during the different seasonsof the year(Ch. 24-U.T.64) which, strictly
followed, should act as a good prophylaxis against attacks of many
epidemic diseases,being framed with a most careful regard to the
conditions of lifewhich obtain init, andwardoff thosesadbreakdowns
in health, which are, in many instances,the result of an unsuitable
mode of living in this country.
Twofold division of Time & c : It is a fundamental dictum of
SuSrutathat in caseof medical treatmentthe then prevailing seasonof
the year should be taken into account. In his Sarhhite we find two
distinct classifications of seasons,one basedon the peculiar physical
phenomenawhich distinguish the different seasonsof the year, a fact
which emphatically proves that SuSrutawasan inhabitant of the Sub-
Himalayan Gangetic Doab, the other is for the purposeof showing the
respective accumulation, aggravation and subsidence of morbific
diatheses(Dolas). In the samemannerthe different quartersof the day
and night have been minutely charted or set down to show the
spontaneousaggravation and subsidenceof the derangedVdyu, Pitta
and Kapha during the 24 hours. The influence of planets as to the
production of certain diseasessuch as small-pox, measles, scarlet
fever,&c. is almostaprovedfact.As itgovernstheprevalenceandnon
prevalenceof certain maladies,the aggravation and non-aggravation
of ceriain existing disorders as well owe much of their origin to this
potent factor. The vegetablekingdom from which we glean our daily
food is also subject to this influence, and hencethe discrimination we
exercise in selecting our food on certain days of the lunar month.
Countries have beendivided into Jangalaor Aniipa according as
their physical featurespartakeof the characterof a dry plateau or of a
swamp or marsh, a S[dhdrana one possessingfeatures, which are
common to both. Diseases,which are natural or are spontaneously
relieved in each of these kinds of countrv have bepn neated with that
 INTRODUCTION LXV

scientific insight which marks modern medical works on sea-sideor

spring sanitariums.The virtues of the watersof differetn rivers of India
were ascertained for the purposes of practical therapeutics. The
therapeutic properties of the milk of a she-goat, she-buffalo, mare,
cow-elephant,or woman, as well asof any of their modifications such
as curd, whey & c. together with the properties of the flesh and urine
of the severalgroupsof she-animals,which areindigenousto the land,
were studied and analysed,thus placing at the disposal of a practical
physician a list of dietary in different diseasesto soothethe tasteof the
most fastidious patient, and which is at the sametime potent enough
to cure the distemper he is suffering from without the help of any
special medicine. Thus it is that we find our vaidyas prescribing the
flesh of many carnivorous animals as a diet in consumption, goat's
meat in phthisis, goat's milk in colitis and rittira's flesh in fever & c.
Diseases of the Kidneys and Bladder : In treating of the
diseasesof the kidneys, bladderand the urethra,Susrutahasdescribed
the symptoms and the colour of the urine in each specific variety
without laying down any mode of testing the urine. But we know that
Susrutahas enjoined his readersat the very outset of his work to refer
to other allied branchesof the science for informaton which is not
contained in his book. In the same manner we can account for the
absenceof any instructions as regardsthe feeling of the pulse as an
important auxiliary in making a correct diagnosis.we needbut repeat
the staternent that the readers of this sarhhita must look for this
information in the (nlida's Nadi vufrana, which has made our
Vaidyas such expert sphygmologists.
Kalpa : [nthe Kalpasthdnaofhis Sarhhitd,SuSrutahasdescribed
the symptoms of hydrophobia and snakebites, etc. as well as those
developed in cases of vegetable poisoning, together with their
therapeutical treatment and remedies, which, if rightly studied and
investigated, may yet throw a new light upon the subject.
Su6ruta as an Obseryer : It has been lately discovered by a
German physiologist that tubercular bacilli do not thrive a goat's
blood. The importanceof goat's milk in colitis as an efficient agent in
checking ferment inthe intestines, or of the close contact of a goat as
a powerful auxiliary in curing tuberculous phthisis was first
LXVI INTRODUCTION

demonsratedby Su6ruta.Not only this-buttheinhalationof theair of

a cattle-shedandespeciallythe factthat exhalationsof goats,bodies
tend to destroythe phthisis gennsdid not fail to attractthe attention
of the Indian Rsis; the fumigationof the sick-roomwith antiseptic
preparationssuchas31ugrff'W (n$6figa dhupas)is purely Indian in its
origin andin no way inferiorto themodernintroductionof Cogghill's
respirators.The microscopicgermsthat are said to propagatespetic
fever otherwisecalled WFq qSfcq fdq$q are found Veryoften to
disappearunderthis Indiandevicewhereno medicinesproduceany
impression.Thus many a wonderfr.rldiscoverylike the abovehails
from the dimnessof a bygoneage.Many tnrths lie embeddedin the
vastmedicalliteratureof theBrihmanaswhichclaimedcloseattention
anddevoutstudy,evenby thewesternsavants.We havenot laboured
in vain if thesepagescanhelp a little to revivethe old geniusof the
Ayurveda,or help the progressof humanScienceone steponward
towardsthe attainmentof its goal.
 THE, SUSRUTA SAMHITA

Sr]TnASTHANN
CHAPTEK I

qer+ss{rq:
=1fr :t
sTrrrfr ffi irrilETt"i qtrcqrgTq: I
wfrdrq rr.rqr{ q;ffiilR'. Etarq n q rl
Well, wer shall now describethe origin of the Scienceof
Medicine,as disclosedby the holy Dhanvantarito his disciple
SuSruta.Oedotpatti adhYlYa).I
aTerqq qrRm=f
Rqrci
VIdsTtrq s!: I
sirr|Er{! -
qrfrqgqtrtrerrtcurtrqr(fuEmr1 qF1tTFT-
firsfrqq qfr n: *gr rrdfr rN gdM ffiqvrnefrTrtr{:
qrsrqrdnb yqrffitrga*{ ffietrq fffirycrnqqt
L Thepresent work which originally fonned the subject of a discourse by the holy
sage Dhanvantari to his disciple Su1ruta, has been compiled in its presentfottn
by the venerable Nhghrjuna, and is accordingly designated as the Su1ruta
Sailqhith.
s.s.-l
 S U S R U T As A M T I I T A

tf(Sf: ll R ll
Onceupona time, whentheholy Dhanvantari,thegreatestof the
mighty celestials,incarnatedin theform of Divod6sa,the king of KiSi,
was blissfully seated,in his hermitage,surroundedby a concourseof
holy Rsis; Aupadhenava,Vaitarana, Aurabhra, Pauskalivata,
Karavirya, Gopura-raksita,Su3ruta and others addressedhim as
follows : - T Sire, it grievesus much to find men, thoughotherwise
well befriendedby their kin and relations,falling a prey to diseases,
mental,physical,traumatic,or naturalandpiteouslywailing in agony
like utterly friendlesscreatureson earth; and we supplicatethee, O
Lord, to illumine our minds with the truths of the Eterhal Ayurveda
(Medical Science) so that we may faithfully dischargethe duties
allottedto us in life, andalleviatethe sufferingsof humanityat large.
Bliss in this life andhereafter,is in thegift of this eternalAyurved, and
for this, O Lord, we have madebold to approachthee as thy humble
disciples."To them,thusrepliedthe holy Dhanvantari:-"Welcome to
all of you to this blissful hermitage."All of you are worthy of the
honour of true pupilship or tutelage."2

Fd rg€qfdt Trq @ yqr:

@ Eraq FszTrrt:rrnil.rerrgqe-
T{FrrirlfrssaengnfrT{rtt iraer- VrFj
Vnirr*f qrufqFfi €rTdF{srq*qTnl€rrrr{daTsr{r;rdra
qr*ffiflrrtrqfrfh I t il
The Ayurveda(whichformsthesubjectof ourpresent discourse),
originallyformedone of thesubsections
of theAttrarvaVeda;andeven
beforethe creationof mankind,the self-beglttenBrahmdstrungit
togetherinto a hundredthousandcouplets(Slokas),dividedinto a
thousandchapters.But thenhethoughtof thesmalldurationof human
life on earth,andthefailingcharacter
of humanmemory,andfoundit
prudenttodivide thewholeoftheAyurvedaintoeightdifferentbranches
suchas,theSalya-Tantra, the561Akya-Tantra,theKiya-Cikits6,the
Bhuaa-Vidy6, theKaumira-Bhrtya,theAgatra-Tanrra, rheRas6yana-
TantraandtheViieekarana-Tantra. 3l
Chap. I SUTRASTHANA

3{qrFr s€rffiQ:rur€rrTrtT:
ffigreiarq -!frgrfurqrs-
@-
tgcrcfg u Y rl
Now aboutthecharacteristic featuresof eachof thesebranches
of theScience of theAyurveda:
The Salya-Tantrar- The Scopeof this branchof Medical
Scienceis to remove(fromanulcer)anyextraneous substancesuch
as,fragmentsof hay,particlesof stone,dust,iron or bone;splinters,
nails,hair,clottedblood,or condensed pus(asthecasemaybe,or to
drawouta deadfoetusofthe uterus,or to bringaboutsafeparturitions
in casesof falsepresentation, andto dealwiththeprincipleandmode
of usingandhandlingsurgicalinstruments in general,andwith the
application of fire (cautery)
andalkaline(caustic)
substances,
together
with the diagnosis andtreatmentof ulcers.4
Vnfl r€i{rqsdw5qtffi TM*qcr-;rqr-qqq-grqn-
FfffFirdrrf@r\tl
fne Sirl6tya-Tantra2- embraces asits objectthetreatmentof
thosediseases whicharerestrictedto theupward(lit :-regionabove
theclavicles)fissures
or cavitiesofthebody,suchastheears,theeyes,
thecavityof the mouth,thenostrils,etc.5
urqPufu€r qrqF€fu qr*{r =rfi (srfu)-
nqrr
The K6ya-Cikitse (Generaldiseases)3 - treatsof diseases,
which.insteadof beingsimplyrestricted to anyspecificorgan,or to
any particularpart of the body,affectthe entiresystem,as-Fever,
an organism and proving painful to it, is
called a !;olya.
2. The nune is deivedfrom the Sanskritrenn Satbkit, a probe or a rod, the useand
application of the instrument being pimarily included wilhin the scope of this
branch of the Ayumeda.
3. The tenn Kbya literally signifies the vital heat orfire which runs through the
entire system, and hence the Khya-cikitsb deak with diseases which may
gradually invade the root-principks of a living human organism.
 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

Dysentery,Haemoptysis, Insanity,Hysteria,Leprosy,unnatural
from theurethra,etc.6
discharges
rtrlFarwf*rgr-rFsrd-qqr-rqr:-ft q-fr vna-;nrrmr-
ll\9ll

The Bhuta-Vidyh (Demoniacal diseases)- lays down

incantationsandmodesof exorcisingevil spiritsandmakingofferings
to the gods, demonsGandharvas,Yaksas,Raksas,atc. fbr cures of
diseasesoriginatingfrom their malignantinfluences.'7

Eq|{tr{ur-ffi€wq-
Td{TgiqrTrS@rrerr
The Kaumlra-Ilhrtya (Management of children)- dealswith
the nursingand healthybringingup of intants,with purificationand
betteringof mothers'niilk, found dellcient in any of its characteristic
traits, and also with curesfor diseasespeculiarto infant life and due
to the use of vitiated mother'sniilk or to the influencesof malisnant
starsand spirits. 8
3{rr(ila rTrq -gErfr-{F.5TF{EgF{q-
q€r{rqf rrqrr
The Agada-Tantra(Toxicology): dealswith bitesfrom snakes,
spidersand venomousworms,and their characteristicsymptomsand
antidotes.It has also for its object the elimination of poison whether
animal, vegetable,or chenrical (resulting from incompatible
combinations) from the system of a man, overwhelmed with its
effects.9
Trq qq:@ +rnr6{ur-
rrc?fr5ril?orl
The Rasiryana-Tantra (Scienceof Rejuvenation) : hasfor its
specificobjecttheprolongationofhunianlife, andtheinvigorationof
memoryand the vital organsof man.It dealswith recipeswhich
enablea manto retainhismanhood or youthfulvigourupto a goodold
age,andwhichgenerally serveto makethehumansystem invulnerable
to diseaseanddecay.10
Chap. I Si ] T R A S T HA N A

qr*qTurcr rnq sftrr-gq-Fd{6fr - qffitrgrTrqr{-

ffiydfu;rtTeJsilqRn
The Vijikaraga-Tantra (Scienceof Aphrodisiacs): rreatsof
measuresby which t}te semenof a man naturally scantyor deficient
in quality becomesshornof its defects;or is purified, if derangedby
the vitiated humoursof the body (suchas wind, etc.;or is invigorated
and increasedin quantity(ifpure and healthy);or acquiresits healthy
and normal consistence(if thinnedand enfeebledby indiscretionsof
youth).(In short,it dealswith thingswhich increasethe pleasuresof
youth and make a man doubly endearinto a woman). 11

@ sqF<vqtI qr air+ F*'gamrFrraz

iTs![:, srcqreiFdqr+{ vrsflrT5 qtffitrrg qq5ffifr 1
q ffit t s3*+sfu qr|"rdq, 3{€qrcfi.+frT+{i
q-cqfirsfrqq gy{-fr rrrrmi yeqFdt snd *qFffiEn=i
qqqgqErrFlqrc:r q ffit q*r Eg6! 3,6

Tqrgr5nqR[
Thusthe entirescienceof the Ayurvedais classifiedinto the
eightpreceding branches. Nowtell me,whichof themis to betaught
andto whichof you?Saidthedisciples:- "Instructusall, O Lord, in
thescienceof surgery(Salya)andlet thatbethechiefsubjectof our
study.' ' To whichrepliedtheholyDhanvantari :- ' 'B eit so.' ' Thenthe
diciplesagainsaid:- "We areall of onemindin theniatter,O Lord.
thatSu3ruta shallbeourspokesman andaskyouquestions conforniably
to thegeneraltrendof ourpurpose. All of uswill attentively hearwhat
youwill bepleased to discourse
to SuSruta,( andthatwill saveyouthb
troubleof teachingusindividually)".To whichrepliedthevenerable,.
sage- "Be itso:Nowlisten,SuSruta, mydearchild. Theobjectorutility
of thesciencewhichformsthesubjectof ourpresentdiscussio n, mW
be groupedundertwo distinctsub-heads suchas (l) the cuyeol
diseased persons, and(2) thepreservation ofhealthin thoseWhoare
not afflictedwith anysortof bodilydistempers. 12
3TF$Rqr1 qr sTrg&fisrgailq: i;ttt tl
 S U S R U T AS A M H I l ' A

The etymologicalmeaningof the term "Ayurveda" may be

interpretedto denoteeithera sciencein theknowledgeof which life
exists,or whichhelpsa manto enjr-ry a longerdurationof life. 13
I

qfigrs wrri @ zrflR'rt:TFen"nEt I

{qt tr qen- EAqr rrf,s ffiFdl, Tfr igt
eln5nnn'r+g: I r1r1q*T: Mg4qfrqef;, etTffif
qFsfr rt:Fsntrarqtilr{ildt{qRrqFdrgr?r?r+{e}i{rFi
Tff{rt{ yr{Trtrtr frrrqf zrirtzrprq, dFafrfr llQYll
The primary position of surgery : ( As regardstime and
importance amongtheotheralliedbranches of theScienceof Medicine).
Hearmediscourse ontheScienceof Surgery(Salya-Tantra) whichis
the oldestof all the other branchesof the Scienceof Medicine
(Ayurveda) and is further corroboratedby the four classesof
testimonies, viz.,Perception,Inference,AnalogyandScripturalTruths
(Agamas).The primary position of this branchof the Ayurveda,1as
regardsits time or origin),maybe inferredfrom thefact thatSurgery
lendsher aid materiallytowardsthe healingup of traumaticulcers.'
The secondreasonfor suchan inferencemay be deducedfrom the
replacement of theseveredheadof Yajfia.It is toldlhatthegodRudra,
severedtheheadoftheGodof Sacrifice(Yajfra).t{hereuponthegods
approachedthe celestialASvins,and addressed{hem as follows :-
"You twins, O lords,who are to be the greatestof a all, connectthe
headof Yajfiawith his decapitated trunk."To them,repliedthedivine
A3vins:- "We shalldo, O lords,asyou commandusto do." Thenthe
celestialspropitiatedthe god Indra in order that a portion of the
oblationsofferedin thecourseof a sacrifice,mightbeallottedto those
heavenlytwins.TheA6vinsreunitedtheseveredheadof Yajfrato his
bodyasprayedfor. [Hencethis branchof theAyurveda(Salyalga)is
the oldestof all its subdivisionsl.14

1. Ulcersincidentalto blowsandsword-cutshad to be dressedand attendedto in

the warsbetweenthe godsand the demons,Iongbeforethe appearance of any-
physicalor idiopathicmaladiessuchas,fever,etc.;andSurgerycontibutedaII
that was demandedof her towards the healing up of those ulcers. Hence this
branchofthe Ayumedais theoldestof all theallied branchesof thehealingan.
 Chap. I SOTRASTHANA

sTET€fr
@ qa*'64srqr-qrat iTR Vns?i
gud sr{ ErprerrTrggf
qJfrfiT+fr rqqr
The primary importanceof the Salya: Ail holdthisTantram
to be the most importantof all the otherbranchesof the Ayurveda,
inasmuchas instantaneous actionscanbe producedwith the help of
such appliancesas, surgicaloperations,externalapplicationsof
alkalis,cauterisation, etc.,andsecondlyinasmuchas it containsall
thatcanbe foundin theotherbranches of thescienceof rnedicineas
well, with thesuperioradvantage of protlucinginstantaneous
effects
by meansof surgicalinstruments and appliances. Henceit is the
highestin valueof all themedicalrantras.It is eternalanda source
of infinite piety,impartsfameandopensthe gatesof Heavento its
votaries, prolongsthedurationof humanexistence onearth,andhelps
men in successfully fulfilling their missions,and earninga decent
competence, in life. 15
rgr frErq ra: y-qrqffiri, @
Vqtqd tr{Trfld6 sterqftfrq: rdrFadtfr: ntetl
Gradual extensionof the Ayurvedic Knowledge: Bramh6
wasthefirstto inculcatetheprinciplesof theholyAyurveda.
prajApatr
Iearnedthe sciencefrom him. The ASvinslearnedit from prajapati
and imparted the knowledgeto Indra, who has favoured me
(Dhanvantari)with an entireknowledgethereof.I, for the gooclof
mankind,am readyto impart it to thosewho seekit on earth.16
qqfr qrrl
srtRerq<ffieid@l
vr€rfr{r$.rqto.kiqrq}sfurr rtqFAGEfl | | te | |
The King of K63i givesa brief accountof himselfin verse:
I amthesupremeandoriginalgodmanifestin theformof Dhanvantari.
It is I who wardedoff death,diseaseanddecayfrom the celestials.
FormerlyI wasaninmateof theregionof heaven, nowI amincarnated
onearthwiththeviewto teachtheScience of Surgerywithall itsallied
branches of studyto men.17'
 SAMHITA
St]SRU'TA

s{kt vm* @: gtrr Sqatt

?rRgtHqr, $sfu6nr(r e;s5q7F+fiq !frarqr ffi
fd frfuq: Tcrr*fr qsqr Bteerrsq' qanr*a: fu
iKXqRrd{ qaffid qT uqetl
In thepresent
science thePurusa(self-conscious
(Ayurveda),
organic individual) is describedasthe resultantof the combinationof
the soul andthe five primary materialprinciples.All medicalactssuch
as, surgical operations,administrationof medicinal remedies and
applicationsofalkaline subtances, or cauterisation,etc.)arerestricted
to the Puru;a alone.:
Why is to so ? The answeris, simply becausethe createdworld
is cbmposed of two distinct classes,such as the mobile and the
immobile.2Thesetwo classes,in their turn, arefurthersub-dividedfor
the purposesof the scienceof medicineinto the two orders,Agneya
(hot) and Saumya (cold). Hence the world is composed of five
material principles, though characterisedby the twofold vir{ues,
Agneya (hot) and Saumya(cold).3
ird ErgHsil {iTInrT:1f@ftr: t
iFr$5$: yqI=T{, rileqr{55-*sFlEa:|"I{ iltq[
Further classificationof the mobileand the immotrile: The
aniinatedworld may be dividedinto four subdivisions, suchas the
Svedaja"(born of sweat or heat and moisturei.e. abiogenous,the

I. It may be questioned why they should be confined to lhe Purusa ? Such a query
may be successfully met by the statetnentthat the Puru6a alone is the receptacle
of health and disease in contradislirctittn to the Self or Ego-
The vegetable world belangs to the later cate8ory, while animals, possessedof
Iocomotion, belong to the fonner.
It may be argued here, since everythirtg in ilte universe is composed of the five
(ether)] '
fundamentalmateial princilles Iofeanh, water,fire (heat), air and sky
it is not competeil rc assert that the universe is possessed of the twofold
auributes, Agne.'-a(hot orfiery) and Saumya (cold or watery), alone. But since
fire (heat) or water (cold) predominates in all things in the universe in
juxtapositionwiththe primary vinues of the otherfundamentalmateialprinciples,
it is not improper to classifu all under the headofhu or cold, a thirdfactor being
non-etistent, Hence the world (W) is possessedof the twofold virtues, hot and
cold.
Chap. I SUTRASTHANA

An$aja (egg-bornor oviparous),the Udbhrla (vegetableand the

Jardyuja(placentalor viviparous).The Puru;aor the subjective
personality(man)is thegreatest all otherforms
of themall, because
of life aremadeto ministerto his wantson Earth. 19
?r€:qiTiFn qrerq sq* | t :ilgHfi 3lrrrircI: vrrfrrrt
grrffiFc
EFFFTT: r ffi: I Yrrfr{r-
waq1qs11 : lr{Frwl
- gTffi

fsr$h+qf<rrarrrrF{*r€ARFqrsrq{r-rr€-ft rErgr{ilq:t
a (i qr'vr$ufesrrr' l1oll
Diseasand its Definition : ThePurusa(man)is thereceptacle
of anyparticulardisease, andthatwhichprovesa sourceof torment
or painto him, is denominated asa disease.iTherearefourdifferent
such
typesof dlse_ase as,Traumaticorof extraneous origin(Agantuka),
BodilylS6rira),Mental(M6rnasa) andNatural (Sv6bh6rvika) A disease
dueto an extraneous blow or hurtis calledAgantuka'Diseases, due
in
to irregularities food or drink,or incidentalto a deranged stateof
theblood,or of thebodilyhumoursacting either singlyor in concert
are called Sarira.Excessiveanger,grief, fear,joy, despondency,
envy, misery,pride, greed,lust, desire,malice,etc. are included
withinthecategoryof mental(M6nasa) distempers; whereas hunger,
thirsi,decrepitude, imbecility,death,sleep,etc.arecalledthenatural
(svhbh6vika) derangements of thebody.TheMind andtheBodyare
theseatsof theabovesaid distempers according astheyarerestricted
to eitherof them,or affectbothof themin unison.2 20
frqi ffi : Hrzr{1rgifiTFrq6tir€r: ltRqtl
Sam3odhana (Cleansing),
andSamSamana (Pacificationof the
derangedor bodily
agitated humours giving riseto thedisease), and
theregimenof dietandconductarethe four factors which should be

t. A disease may be defined as something which affIicts the Purusa (self-conscions

personality) or those things or incidents which cotnbine to ffiict the Puru;a are
usually interpreted to connote that meaning.
2. The Selfor the Jlvhtmh ofapersonis above allhuman concernsand' as such, can
never be affected by any disease.
 l0 S U S R U T As A M H I T A

duly employedin orderto successfully

copewith a disease.r
2l
yfirnr gqtdcndrfr qerquftilsrg, rr !r<I vkrrr: r
lFtr: s;r*qrryqr: I Fdnfrr ffi{r:, Terltfir
q$qrSr irrcrfTerm{rrgFdqr:I e1s6qfrEqn*rq sfrqqq
Efrt ilrFqluTr: u-drfr) Fftf,kr{:, !q1r;,
gilrrfEf,Fr:IaFT€ *Fq:, q€qrfiFT€T sfrqqq gfr ilff rr
Foodis theprincipalfactorwhichmateriallycontributesto the
strength,complexionand vitality (Ojas)of animatedbeings.Food
consistsof sixdifferenttastes(Rasa)[whichcannotexistindependently
of thesubstancesl in whichtheyareinherent.Thesesubstances which
are calledthe Osadhismay be divided into two classessuchas the
mobileandtheimmobile.Theimmobileosarthisin theirturn admir
ofbeing groupedunderfour sub-heads suchas,the Vanaspatis,the
Vlkqas,the Virudhasandthe Osadhisproper.
Thosetreeswhichbearfruit withoutblossomingare calledthe
Vanaspatis(suchas,thePlaksaandtheAudumbura).Thosethatbear
bothfruitsandflowersarecalledthevrfcsas.Shrubsandcreepersthat
trail onthegroundarecalledvirudhas,whereas thoseplantswhichdie
with the ripeningof their fruits, are calledOsadhisproper(suchas
cereals\.22
\irF+tr:q'iFqfr ErgHqr @: I Rir
qqtr39qaTrdr<q) v{e!trr: | I
@:
@; $qwr: IFflilqqrqrFlrq3ftpql, 1
I. cleansing (samSodhana)is of twa kinds, viz. Extemal and Internal. Exrernal
purification consistsin empbying such measuresas surgical operations,
cauterisationof theaffectedpan or organ,externaluseof alkalinepreparations
andmedicatedpl.asters, the internaloneincludingsuchmeasuresas exhibition
of purgativesand emetics,applicationof intestinalenemas(Asthhpanam) and
blood-ktting. Diet cornprisesfourdifferentfactorssuchas,food,dinrs rambative.
etc., which,for the pufposesof the Ayuneda, are again groupedunderthree
differentheads,such as the pacifier of rhe derangedbodily humours(Dosa-
pra1amana),, t herapeuti cal ( Vybdhi-prasanana) and heahh-givi ng (s vastha-
Vfttikara).Achra (conduct)appenainsro threedffirent factors, suchas the
body, thespeech,and thementalacts. Theabovesaidmeaswes,dulyemployed,
are potent enough to combat all sor-tsof bodily distempers,if the special
exigenciesofeach caseare carefully talicn into consideration.
Chap. I SUTRASTHANA

R:T
@:nRtr
ThemobileOsadhisor animalsaredividedintofourclassessuch
astheviviparous,theoviparous,thesweat-begotten, andthosethatare
born of decomposedvegetablematter. Man and other mammals
belongto the first group;birds, snakes,and reptilesbelong to the
second;ants,worms,etc.belongtothethird; whilefrogsandIndragopas
belongto the fourth.For medicinalpurposes,bark,leaves,flowers,
fruits,roots,bulbs,theexpressedjuice,
andmilkyorresinoussecretions
of plants,etc.rareobtainedfromthevegetable world.Theskin,nails,
wool, blood.flesh,fat, marrow,bones,areprocuredfrom theanimal
world. 23
qrfllan: :tnrfE*trrcrr<q: t qTd-
Edrq :@-
rTifu{r€: a'ffiv|ot: qE fu
I iT\rf FtgTrqiT Tnr.T-
ffi:9?i-qTfl€'[RYtl
Metalsandmineralssuchasgold,silver,gemsandMana3Sil?r
(Realgar), aswell aspearls,clayandKapalas(bones), etc.shouldbe
includedin the list of the earthysubstances.2
Gale, windfall, sunshine,shade,moonshine,darkness,heat,
colf,, rain, day, night, fortnight,month,seasonsand solstices,etc.
shouldbe deemedas the worksof eternaltime, which, by virtue of
their naturaleffects,contributeto the accumulation,augmentation,
pacificationor diminutionof thederangedbodily humours(suchas,
wind etc).24
rrdk qrr e3frmT:-
Vnft{rsri ffiq qrbgHq: r
y*t qvri +q tgrt,BFq,,qr*:n?\ tl
1. The use of oil expressed out of drugs and seeds, as well as of their ashes or
alkaline preparations are likcwise indicated.
Oxide of lron, sand, yellow sulphurate of arsenic (Orpiment), salt, Gairika
(fenuginous eanh), Rashnjbna (antimony) should be regarded as appenaining
to the class ofeanlry substances.
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

srF|<r{ql + ffi Fdqr Frrdk F6 I

T{s+ vrfrtr* iqr{ ffiqr fi6qr tl
I
rT|"rs|=rr€ VrqrRfrd q'fr gcner{: ll Rq ll
Authoritativeverseson the subject: Physicians shouldlook
upon thesefour factorsof food, conduct,earthand time, as the
accumulators, aggravatorsand pacifiersof the derangedbodily
humoursandof thediseases resultingtherefromin man.Diseases due
to causes whichareextraneous to thebodymayaffectthemindor the
body. When it would affect the body in the shapeof any traumatic
disease(suchas an inflammationdueto a blow or a swordcut), it
shouldbe treatedmedicinallylike therestof thephysicalmaladies,
while the remedyshouldconsistin the enjoymentof pleasurable
sounds,touch,sights,tasteor smellwherethemindwouldbe found
to be the seatof thedistemper.25-26
garhil(gs* qrffi F*crqro Ffr TEsd rrqr+r
En@Trfrqrilrs6qratm{ Tdrk-fiw{s-
:l@
qw,-vfrfrrr-qfrqrfi-*qelfrfimr; s$ ga erw* Er@rrfr: I
,1fuqg6:w-
ffifr ffiR q q'nqffur qr€{rdrht qr69durr(
ffi:lRell
ThusI havebriefly dealtwith the Purusa,Disease,Medicine,
Appliancesand the SpecificTime. The term Purusashould be
interpretedto includewithin its meaningthecombination of its five
materialcomponents, andall thingsresultingtherefrom,suchasthe
limbs and membersof the body,as well as the skin, the flesh,the
blood,the veinsandthe nerves,etc.The term Diseasesignifiesall
distempersincidentalto theseveralor combinedactionsof thethree
derangedbodily humoursand blood. The term Medicine signifies
drugsandtheir virtues,tastes,potency,inherentefficacy(Prabhhva)
andreactionaryproperlies(Vip6ka).Appliances(kriy6)denotessuch
processas, surgicaloperations,injections,emulsivemeasures,
lubrications,
etc.ThetermTimesignifiesall opportune momentsfor
Chap. I SUTRASTHANA

medical appliances,27
$rqfr qrr I
ftf Fqffiffidm( rrtn+{ r*tRfd{ |
€fHvrqqrqvrilF€ qRgrr qFdqfd n ?/ tl
F€ rftivrqqrqvki Tsg TrrT\t r{ qnern-Frqrr-
vrrft-fuffic-qirtqrfe{rr{ rihrrffi ir* iqncrtl
Elff@rrgfq: llRill
Authoritative verseson the subject : ThePrimaryprincipleof
the Scienceof medicinehasthus beenbriefly statedand will be fully
dealtwith inthe following onehundredandtwentychaptersdistributed
among the five main sub-divisionsor Sth6nasof the presentwork.
These hundredand twenty chapterswill be found to be elaborately
discussedaccording to the specific imporr or significance of their
denominations under the sub-headsof Sufra-Sthina (Definitive
Aphorisms or Fundamentalprinciples), Niddna (Etiology), Sarira-
Sth6na (Anatomy and Physiology), Cikitsi-Sthina (Therapeutics)
and Kalpa-Sthdna(Toxicology). Subjectsother than the preceding
ones will be discussedin the closing chaptersof the hrck by way of
an Appendix (Uttara-Tantra).28.29
trdfr qrrl
s{rrrJqr ft6FC F{rci q}k q: qTffimt r
€ Eur*,'qf rgFq{ffi $rg$t prmrriiln-di TS( | r?oI I
Authoritativeverseon the subject: Themanwho readsthis
EternalScience of Medicine(Ayurveda-S6stra)
discoursed by theself
originedBrahm6andpropagated by theKingof K13i,becomes nored
for hispiety,ishonouredbythekingsonearth,andattainsto theregion
of Indra(thelord of thecelestials)
afterdeath.28
gfd s{d*HF{frrqf WFrA ffic yqrfrsqr{: ntn
Thus ends the first chapterof the Suara-Sthirna
in the Su6rutaSamhit6 wlrich
deals with the origin of the Ayuneda.

+++
 SUTNASTHANA
CHAPTEK II

g5fr5q5a: t

qtmqrq lrrrqq qa<R: ttlll

ritesof
Now we shalldiscuss the Chapterwhichdealswith the
-pupit
into tne science of Medicine
formal initiation oi a
lSiqyopanaYaniYa adhiYa)' 1

.*lffi-ffi;-ffis ,q{fr .l|qgr-a'qsrfr ffidlloi

ygareqrqrqar*d;wf5ft
ffiqrRr
to a student'belongingto
Suchan initiationshouldbe imparted
us'theBr6hma$a'theKqatriya'
oneofthethreetwice-borncu't'ssuth
of tenderyears'born of a good
and the VaiSya,anOwno shouldbe energyof action'
ild, porrrrruo of, a desireto learn' strength'
a retentive ttt:ty'
contentment , chatacter,self-control' Sood andclear
body' and a simple
intellect,courage,p";6 oi mino and studied'and
comprehension, commanda clearinsightinto thethings
gracedwith the necessary
should be found to have been further of
thin tongue'andpossessed
qualificationsof trriniip,, tt'in *"n und
tlt:' YiT u b:nl9l-:o,1tout
a straightnose,large,honest'intelligent
of mind' being pleasantin his
of the mouth, unOtoittnteO f'u*e
painstakingin his effofis.'I man
speechand dealingt,uiO usually
not be admittedinto (the
possessedof cont,a'i uittiU*tt snoutO
 Chap. II SUTRASTHANA

sacredprecinctsof) medicine.2

ffir {* IT} tfr qgfet -rgtU rerfugeTgqfdqrilr*n.q.

ffi'gtrwr* {fu *{dr: tdfrriErfrrrt
irnFerqngqq rn Efrfurtrqaruf @
tqF{rtrdrvriiTqrrrfuqnr HFr(F{rsgurt qr qfrRqsrFfi
@ Fcftrtr

€rdr.Errlr Eqf-( frIqqfu itr'R+(n? | |

Mode of Initiation : A Brlhmanapreceptorshouldintiatea
discipleor studentin the following way- A squaresandcushionor
platform,measuringa cubit in lengthandbreadth,shouldbe laid out
on a plot of smooth,level and sacredground under the benign
influenceof any auspiciousphaseof the moonor astralcombination
suchas,the"Karanam",etc.andin a directionof thecompass which
is heldmostauspiciousto thatend.Thecushionor theplatformshould
beplastered overwith a solutionof waterandcow-dung;andblades
of Kusagrassshouldbestrewnoverit Thenthegods,theBrihmanas
and the physiciansshouldbe worshippedwith oblationsof flowers,
friedpaddy,gemsandsundriedrice.Thenhavingdrawnstraightlines
acrossthe Sthandilaso as to meetthe top of the furthestsideof the
square, andhavingsprinkledthemoverwithholywater,thepreceptor
shouldlay down a bladeof Kusagrasstied up in the fbrm of a knot,
known as the Br6hmana,alongthe sideof the sacredcushionto his
right, andkindlethesacredfire closeto his seat,Thenhavingsoaked
thetwigsof thefour sacrificialtreesof Khadira,palisa, Devad6ruand
Bilva, or of Vata,Udumbara,AsvatthaandMadhukain curd,honey
andclarifiedbutter,he shouldperformtherite of Homaaccordingto
therulesof D6rvi Homaceremony.Thenlibationsof crarifiedburter
shouldbe castinto the sacrificialfire with a repetitionof the Mah6
VyahrtiMantraspreceded by themysticOmk6ra.Afterthat,libations
of clarifiedbuttershouldbecastintothefire in honourof eachof the
godsandRSis(celestialphysicians) invokedby repeatingthe Svdh6
l6 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Mantra, and the disciple shouldbe madeto do the same.r3

qrgurwqnryf eqhrgEm+i qd3Cfr, Trtr* ElzFFt,
M $gqd*mt yF{qfu E.nguRTFf FffidT5q+dq-
Enqafdt rYrl
A Brihmanapreceptor iscompetenttoinitiateastudentbelonging
to anyof thethreetwice-borncastes.A Ksatriyapreceptor caninitiate
a studentof theKsatriyaor theVaiSya caste,while a preceptor
Vai6ya
A
caninitiatea studentof hisowncastealone. Sudra of good
student
characterand parentage may be initiatedinto the mysteriesof the
Ayurvedaby omitingthe Mantrasenjoinedto be recitedon suchan
occasion.4
TfrsF=i F*: ffid frrei qqrQ
trar
ffion fftr{r tn'rqrqqrcrtrr@-
qfi{frqq, -
Ery{fr urTarrqGrqFddsqf+-rqtq*sqQntqM
rFreF6?n q fusr a :a yr*'rgci grdfr [\ll
sr6 qT iEfo FrerrIfffi qrq?rrEvff
qffi*gr
:armrqenrFre lqffi: ynr*ffid grg Ersfrt
qqYftro'ffif F{srYfirsrt
ffisr+frrqil
Then having thrice circumambulatedthe sacrificial fire, and
having invokedthe firegodto beartestimonyto the fact, the preceptor
shouldaddressthe initiateddiscipleasfollows : "Thou shaltrenounce
lust,anger,greed,ignorance,vanity,egotisticfeelings,envy,harshness'
niggardliness,falsehood,idleness,nayall actsthat soil the goodname
of a man. In proper seasonthou shaltpair thy nails and clip thy hair
and put on the sacredcloth, dyed brownish yellow, live the life of a

1. Thelibationsshouldbeofferedasfollows Svhhh(obeisance)to Brahmh,Svhhh

to Prajhpati(the lord of the createdbetugs),Svhhbto ASvins.Svhhhto Indra.
Svhhhto Dhanvantari. Svhhitto Bharadvhja andSvhharc Atreyo'
Chap. II SUTRAS'ITIANA t'7

truthful, self-controlled anchorite and be obedient and respectful

towards thy preceptor. In sleep,in rest, or while moving about-while
at meals or in study, and in all acts thou shalt be guided by my
directions, Thou shalt do what is pleasant and beneficial to me,
otherwise thou shalt incur sin and all thy study and knowledge shall
fail to bear their wished for fruit and thou shalt gain no fame. If I, on
the other hand,treattheeunjustlyevenwith thy perfectobedienceand
in full conformity to the terms agreedupon, may I incur equal sin with
thee, and may all my knowledge prove futile, and never have any
scopeof work or display. Thou shalthelp with thy prof'essionalskill
and knowledge,the Brihmanas,thy elders,preceptorsand friendsthe
indigent, the honest,the anchorites,the helplessand thosewho shall
cometo thee(from a distance),or thosewho shallIive closeby, aswell
asthy relationsandkinsmen[to the bestof thy knowledgeand ability]
and thou shalt give them medicine [without charging for it any
remunerationwhatever],and God will blessthee for that. Thou shalt
not treat medicinallya prof-essional hunter,a fowler, a habitualsinner,
or him who hasbeendegradedin life; and evenby so doing thou shalt
acquire friends, fame, piety, wealth and all wished for objectsin life
and thy knowledge shall gain publicity." 5-6
r||E|?en"'-
r$sdffitg$nqil1u"-6*qqt
@@rr
@r
qrffiSla\EsrrTffiargfu+up{'-q ll \e ll
Prohibitedperiodsof the studyof the Ayurveda: Thedayof
the newmoon,the eighthdayof themoon'swane,thefourteenthday
of the dark fortnight,as well asthe corresponding daysin the bright
one,thedayof the full moon,andthe meetings of dayandnight such
as (morning and evening)are occasionswhen the study of the
Ayurvedais prohibited.Similarly,a clap of thunderheardat an
improperseason(monthsof Piusa,PhllgunaandCaitra),or a flashof
lightningoccurringata timewhensuchphenomena arenaturallyrare,
or anevil befallingone'scountry,relationsor king,shouldbedeemed
as occasionsprohibitingthe studyof the Ayurveda.Moreover,one
Vol.I-2
l8 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

shouldnotreadit in a cremationground,norwhileriding(anelephant,
horse,or any) conveyance, nor in a battle-field,nor in a placeof
execution.A festivalortheappearance of inauspiciousomens,andthe
daysof thefortnightusuallyavoidedby theBr6hmapas in studyingthe
Vedas,aswell asan uncleanstateof thebody,shouldberegardedas
occasions prohibitingthestudyof the Ayurveda.7
Thus ends the second chapter of the Sitrasthhna in the Su1ruta-Sathhithwhich
rreats of the formal initiation of a studenr iilo the Ayuneda.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTDK III

gfrcils*:ryrq:r
E4T@ITFITII:,
qcfrerq qr1.qq Fr;dR: ilttl
Now we shall discussthe Chapter which deals with the
classificationof Ayurvedaand the order [in which the venerable
Dhanvantaridiscoursedon them to his pupilsl. Adhyayana-
SampradEniya.1
yr{rfi{ki qf*yrqEqr€rvrdrrggFniS Iirr {Tln=Frarefi:
rr<rsrnrrqr*wrffi tqvrvnfr{rFnqdrfr
vrFEFq-q-
firdrfrt s{d eetr: | ilgtr{ rrqErFe:[Rtl
It has beenstatedbefore,that a hundredand twenty chapters
have beendistributedamongthe five partsor suMivisions(of the
presentwork) in thefollowingorder: Fortysixin thepartof Definitive
Aphorisms (Sritra-Sth6na);sixteenin the part dealing with the
Etiologyofdiseases(Nidina); teninthe partexplainingtheAnatomy
andphysiologyof thehumanbody(Sirira Sthina); forty in thepart
of Therapeutics(Cikitsh-sthbna);andeightin thepart dealingwith
poisonsand their antidotes(Kalpa-Sth6na). In addition to thesethe
Uttara-Tantra consistsof sixty-sixchapters.2
++sfr: ffi:r
q rk[': tRtl
20 S U S R U T AS A M } I I T A

vrqrf,drtqf F{frrqr qrrr.5FFT{l

"trqr
ffi rmeuf=Tqnytl
F*rmrqrzr ga ql
ffi qg3qrs{qt&tl
ffiqqrr+ qun€rrcera: !er{l
(E qilq rl
r+eEnF{fiRcn r
{-dtglrFrEdT{ne tl
rr+Fqditun\ryrfi prrr*rq*ryiaw r
qrofr $n.+fu s{rgr*.qTHtne tl
fqry6,rd{dptur;risdwq+q IT:l
rqrftrg fuf,r=iffi Fqrftsqr,rrj rr
Tsdt=i i-firq ql
llloll
qr{r( t1-flxrrcfuwqrrurrcffi: r
tr{rsnrgrqqr€i qr{erri FqTtr t?t tl
Metrical texts : The Su-tra-Sthana which containsforty-six
chapters, is socalledbecause it discussesin thefo{mofhints,arranges
in the form of aphorismsand connectsby linkb topics relating to
longevity.Chapterl. Describesthe origin of [he scienceof the
Ayurveda.2. Relatesto theformalinitiationof a pupil intothescience
of medicine.3. Dealswith theclassificationandorderof thestudyof
&e Ayurveda.4. Dwellson generalinterpretations andexplanations
of subjectsstudied.5. Treatsof preliminarypreparations for surgical
operations.6. Dealswith seasonsandtheir influenceon healthand
drugs. 7. Treats of surgical appliances.8. Describessurgical
instruments.9. Givespracticalinstructionsfor surgicaloperations.
10. Dwells on the duties of medical men preliminaryto their
commencing practice.I l. Pharmacy of alkalies(potentialcauteries).
12.Cauteriesandthe rulesto be observedin their.rse.13.Leeches
how and which to use). 14. Blood. 15. Dwells on the study of
developmentand non-development of the humorousconstituentsof
thebodyandexerements. 16.Theceremonyof piercingthelobulesof
Chap. III SUTRASTI{ANA 2r

the ears. 17. How to distinguishbetweensuppuratingand non

suppurating swellings.18.Dressings andbandage of ulcers.19.The
managementof patientswith ulcers etc. 20' The salutaryand non-
salutaryeffectsof regimen,etc.2l. The decisivemodesin the
treatmentof soresetc.22.Theopeningof abscesses etc.23.General
rulesto beobserved in thetreatmentof curableandincurable(surgical
diseases.24. Ttlrenatureof diseasesin general.25' The (eight
different)waysof usingsurgicalinstruments .26.The explorationof
splinterslost(deepseated) inthebody.27.Theextractionofsplinters.
28,Howtoknow favourable andunfavourableterminations in surgical
diseases. 29. Thefavourableor unfavourabl e prognosis i n di seasesas
knownfrom messengers, omensanddreams.30.Prognosis from the
perversionof senseperception.31. Prognosisbasedon the altered
conditionof features,etc.32.Prognosisbasedontheperversionin the
externalappearances of thebody,33.Palliativetreatment of incurable
diseases. 34. The precautions to be taken(against dangers, suchas
poisoningof wateretc.)by a medical man for the saf'ety of a king
whosearmy is on the march.35. Clinical observations madeby
physicians. 36.Miscellaneous subjects connected with thetreatment
of injuriesandsurgicaldiseases. 37.Theexamination of the soil for
the selectionof vegetableproductsgrowing on it to be used as
medicines. 38.Classification of drugsaccording to theirtherapeutical
uses.39. The two classes of drugs which cleanse the system[by
evacuating badhumours]anddrugswhichpacify theirritatedhumours.
40. Drugs,theirflavours,properties andmaturity'41.Theproperties
of drugsspeciallyconsid ered.42. Flavours.43.Thechoiceof emetics.
44.Thechoiceof purgatives. 45. Liquids'46. Foodanddrink.3'11
qrcqr|ir*;rrYrffir rrrvqRry qrr<{: I
T.e ffi: qfis{ur{llqR ll
EGdRfi
yF{r-Ek- qr1-pf*'- q5{rs gqfrFrfit I
"fgvr t R t t l
Fromtheirinvestigatingthe(pathological) causesandsymptoms
of diseases,they are called Niddna (etiology) and are sixteen in
number.
ChapterL Causesand symptomsof diseasescausedby wind.
2. Hoemorrhoids. 3. Urinary calculi 4. Fistulae.5. Skin diseases
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

(Kushtha).6. Urethraldischarges.7. Abdominaltumoursanddropsy'

8. Abortion andunnaturallabours.9. Abscesses. 10.Erysipelasand
Carbuncles.11. Timours 12. Scrotaltumours.13. Fractures(and
dislocations)14.Diseasesof the maleorganof generationcausedby
Shuka.15.Minor (andmiscellaneous) 16.Diseases
diseases. of the
mouth.12-13
ral
TdFffir rtT: {Hlffie
ErrsTundrn{g q qq qdqlrqY ll
rr&$ rffi{vr: ffie ql
lM qrffi qF{r€n ETr{FdRQnl lq\ ll
f{ffi <*ilrR ynffir rcHvnr
fuirrqpt firqqi *Frfifrl Rq ll
The great sage has devotedten chaptersto the subject of
Anatomy and Physiology(56rira-Sth6na) for medical men and
contemplativesaintsto learnthecomponentpartsof thehumanbody.
They are :-
Chapter1. Cosmology.2. Healthyandunhealthy)conditionof
maleandfemalegerms.3. Development of thefoetus.4.Analytical
description of the foetus. 5. Component parts of the body'
6. Investigationof each vitaF-part.7. Description of the veins.
8. Venesection.9. Arteries. l0' Pregnancy (child-birth and
management of womenin child-birthandof children).14-16
fr;gufr"il gtrr: rrd $rrffrf qrdififfiql
qErqrfrr?f,,swrfr qrvqRg rFr<T: llqs | |
Esrtr rrfdrsrfr nffi tkt' arnr
qgffiqFf€r q itcr ffitRatl
ra ffi
{.6rTr{F4F*-isr ffiunqr
uery€q{nr{r asn q q.fnfi'rq,qlnq | |
vpffidF*-€r q Rsnq Esiftun{l
vhffiTqtqFrn"ng f{+d fqad irelrI lRo| |
rrrfursrr(Sfrfusfr ql
@ @n?qrr
Chep. III SUTRASTHANA 23

trg*crarmt ?ffdils wrfi{l

*tqdF6. rd qq+ q frbfinR?tl
rffi*srqffiecTrFm':r
ffi ffia:ilRRtl
Frqi6rrrctfg
I{tTr: llRY l l
yrqffi yvrFi fufu.ffi Ynfad ql
@llR\ll
The divisionof Therapeutics, (Cikitsitam) includes(amongst
others)the modesof treatingdiseasesby medicines,expiatory
ceremonies, propitiatoryrites,andtranquillizingeffons.Fonychapters
have been devotedto this division. Chapter L Treatmentof two
varietiesof ulcers.2.Treatmentofinstantwoundsandulcersresulting
therefrom.3. Fracturesand dislocations.4. Diseasesof wind.
5. Grievousmaladiescausedby wind. 6. Haemorrhoids.7. Urinary
calculi. 8. Fistulae.9. Skin diseases.10. Grievousskin diseases.
ll. Urethraldischarges.12. Warts,pustulesand sorescausedby
urethraldischarges. 13.Diabetes.14.AMominalDropsy.15.Abortions
andunnatural labours.16.Abscesses. 17.Erysipelas andCarbuncles.
18.Tumours.19.ScrotaltumoursandSyphilis.20.Minor diseases.
21.Diseases of themalegenitalorgancausedby Shuka22.Diseases
of the mouth. 23. Swellings. 24. Prophylactictreatmentagainst
diseasesin general.25. Miscellaneous diseases. 26. Tonicsfor virile
debility. 27.Tonicsfor generaldebility. 28.Remediesfor increasing
mentalpowersanddurationof life. 29.Remediesfor innatemaladies.
30.Meansfor removingwordlydistresses. 3l. Treatmentof diseases
whereoleaginous substances areuseful.32.Treatmentby diaphoretics.
33. Emetics and Purgatives.34. Treatmentfor mishapsfrom the
injudicioususeof emeticsandpurgatives.35.Nozzlesandpipes,and
enemaapparatus.36. Mishapsfrom injudicioususeof enemas.37.
Enemasandinjections.38.Clysters.39.Treatmentof complications
in general.40. Inhalation,fumigations, gargarismata, etc.17-25
sr=rFr rWr fu*rf Terr+r*rrg ql
ffasrri ir*q q feefgatnRq tl
24 S U S R T J T AS A M H I T A

E€HFrfiruns denr e.'6q qE ql

eTd 6iqr: {qf@rmr f{Eniq-ffiir{rqt tRe | |
Fromtheirproposingremediesagainstpoisons,theyarecalled
Kalpas andare eightin number.
ChapterL Preservation of food. 2. Vegetableand inorganic
poisons.3. Poisionsfrom organic creation.4. Snakepoison.
5. Treatmentof snake-bites
6. Rat-biteandits treatment.
7. Emitting
(fortheeliminationof poison).8. Antidotes
thesoundof kettle-drums
for andtreatmentof venomous insect-stings.
26-27
sTETrqFr V11r ffiaqq1R'il{r
3T?T:q.t W{rfu FTSqrqfrt tRetl
srkq,a EEa rrsr{ aq+ilgrfdql
sMfl*^ EArr asrqarffi | tRq| |
FdTffirfdu@rrdTftr
tr€rtnfqszrrqr rrfir€ Irfr yfr nlo r r
fueqrffi qyffiqulq*rwr:r
yffi a*e qu?qtl
ffi q +€n-riwdftr
{Mfiwre@u?Rrr
Xrufremrg F€t=i il{rrgftGgmql
ffiriqg Rrr''ffitqrqrr
kfusr r{rKFTrid Vrdr€Ff itarlFqt I t??| |
Thusa synopsisofone hundredandtwbntychaptershasbeen
given.Now herefollowsthe supplementary
divisioncalledafterits
own name(Uttara-Tantra).
The Chapteron Sympatheticdiseasesis placed first, at this
division hasfor its main objectthe descriptionof suchdiseasesand
their treatment.2. Diseasesof thejoinings (marginof the eyelids)of
the eyeball.3. Diseases of the eyelids.4. The Scleroticof the eye.
5. The Cornea.6. The eyeball,asa urhole.7. Diseases of thepupil.
8. Treatmentof eyediseases. 9. Prophylacticandcurativetreatment
of wind affectionsof the eyeandophthalmif. 10.Treatmentof Bile
 ln tar tatl Jnal C€ln":"lr
Library fVo.?D
Chap. III SOTRASTHANA

affectionsof the eye and ophthalmia.11. Treatmentof Phlegm

affectionsof theeyeandophthalmia.I 2.Treatmentof Bloodaffections
of theeye.13.Treatment of affectionsin whichscarfication is needed.
14. Treatment in which paracentesis is needed. 15. Treatment by
incisions.16.Entropiumandectropium 17.Treatment of the diseases
of the pupil and vision. 18. Generalrules regardingophthalmic
medicineand surgery.19.Treatmentof traumaticaffectionsof the
eyeballs.20.Generalsignsandsymptoms es.2I . Treatment
of eardiseas
of ear diseases.22. Signs and symptomsof nose affections.
23. Treatmentor noseaffections.24. Treatmentof nasalcatarrh.
25. Signsandsymptoms of cranialdiseases'26.Treatment of cranial
affections.These(twenty-sixchagters)form the end of the eight
divisionsof the Ayurveda,calledS6rl6tya.2t-33
T{fdr{,Frilt"i Fn-<s q Fr}emqnty tl
iesl's g{: Ycrql
uil{r.rRirc[rierr{n rTFrsc6,rYtsdT(r{rI t?\ | |
ffiF{€r = yffi, rrdFrqrr
q airi{d{t tQq | |
Chapter 27. Signs of diseasescaused by the Navagrahas.
28, Prophylactic treatment of diseases caused by Skanda.
29. Treatment of convulsionscausedby Skanda.30. Treatment of
Sakuniaffections.3 1. Treatmentof Revatiaffections.32. Treatment
of Prltan6. 33. Treatnient of Andha Pu-tani.34. Treatntent of Sita
Pftana. 35. Treatment of Mukhamandika. 36. Treatment of
Naigamesa.37. Origin of the nine Grahas.38. Diseasesof the Vagina
(and internal t-emalegenital organs).Thesetwelve chapterstogether
with what is includedin (the last chapterof the division on anatony,
(fbrm the fifth division of the Ayurveda) called Kaumira-
Tantra. 34-36
q{rFdqrgiqruri I€6frFTunqfr l
qrrqrf Tfifutrs qarfar: qrfin:IiIt?s||
f6*rqi Ftiq: qrFd.rs*: I
wief,qfu.sr ra fuqqrEFffi: YcrqnRe| |
 -1x{
S U S R U TsAA M H I T A

gFcaraRtF*wrar: vlErrr ydfit?r{t Rq| |

Chapter39.Feversandtheir treatment.40. EntericCatarrhand
its treatment.41. consumptionandits treatment.42. Diseasesof the
aMominal glands and their treatment.43. diseasesof the heart
(Angina Pectoris) etc. 4. Anaemiaand allied diseasesand their
treatment. 45. Haemorrhagicaffections and their treatment.
46. Apoplectic diseasesand their treatment. 47. Diseasesfrom
excessivedrinking and their treatment.48. Symptoms,causes,and
treatmentof excessivethirst.49. causes,symptomsandtreatmentof
vomiting. 50. Causes,symptomsand treatmentof Hiccough.
51. Causes,symptoms,and treatmentof Dyspnoea.52. Causes,
symptomsand treatmentof cough. 53. Aphonia. 54. Entozoa.
55. causes,symptomsand treatmentof retentionof excrements.
56. Causes,symptomsand treatmentof Dyspepticand Choleric
diarrhoea,57.Anorexiaandits treatment.58.Causes,symptomsand
treatmentof cysticandurethralaffections.59.causesandtreatmenr
of urinediseases.These(twentryonechaptersdescribetheremaining
diseasesof Kiyacikits6; (which forms the third division of the
Ayurveda).37-39
srqqqFt}qg innqwrRalsq{: I
rf.dF€r ffitrgotl
Chapter60.Causes,symptomsandtreatmentof diseasescaused
by superhumanpowers. 61. Causessymptomsand treatmentof
Epilepsy.62 Mania.These(threechaptersfrom theBhUtaVidy6, the
fourth division of the Ayurveda).40
reqqrr@qr:r
Ailr*qr FFd nrr qqrqnrarilflrn: I rrl rI
Chapter63. on the different varietiesof flavour. 64. General
rules for the preservationof health.65. Deductionsand inductions
drawnfrom thetextsandstudyof the Ayurveda.66. on rhevarieties
of morbidelements (humours). Thesefourchapters aretobeunderstd
as beingsupplementary, andas ornamentsto this division.4l
Chap. III sIJTRASTHANA

,lgargrftf,( Taqrg{t{q3l
@qs'qqtrd?lt
Thislastdivisionfromitsuperiorityovertheothers,thegreat
gives
sageshavecalledtheExcellent(uttara).Fromtheinformationit
andthe last.42
orivariessubjects,it is calledthebest,thepermanent
fufqfuRTtnlkchtqqrl
q€rR r* qwfrilnall
qrffi fi{fu€rg rsrfiAfuknnl
firqra gl: tfiFtT: vrqfit=i (ctikf: lrf,dll
Fsws.frt ffit
ftFtrqr*s gg|"Tr rqF{ gTurEr
ghtrar tt
This division which is calledthe last, there are includedfour
of
divisions(of the Ayurveda,viz, S6rlikya,(treatmentof diseases
partssituaiedabovetheclavicles),2 Kaum6rabhrtya (management of
children),3 Kayacikitsageneraldiseases) and4 Bhula-vidy6.
Thedivision(named)Vtjikarapa(onthestrengtheningofvirile
power,etc.)andRasiyanaremediespreservingvigor,etc')havebeen
inoludedin the (fourth)division(of this treatisecalledcikitsa.
The doctrineof antidotescomesunderthe headof Kalpa of this
the
treatiseand Salya (zurgery)is incidentallytreatedthroughout
science of
book. Thus theseare the eight limbs (divisions)of the
Medicine proclaimed(to the world) by the original god.Those, who
studythemwith duecareandmakeuseof theknowledgewith caution,
shali preservethe lives of menon this earth'43-45
@q@srr.rn
fr fuq rrqrfr qqFdI lYq| |
Itisimperativelynecessarythatthebookshouldberead;an
after having iead it one Shouldattendto the practice(of the science)'
Ttre physician who has learnt theseboth, is fit to be honouredby
kings. 46
 28 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

T6Gil qrr-
q€ **evnw: qufpqrrRRfuT; 1
q gileqt yrq qna $fufiqrdqRtx\etl
qqe,Efgffi@r
F Fq lfqr rn*A eqgr€FdrrEt?T.rua tl
wq,p*frrr
ffirrrlrr
sfr'{EftsgamilRg W+*rVrfrhrilqqr,r
@ F*qcd+(rhorr
ffilq*Wrn*EIrRSq6Efgl
t ffi wf Filrrr( E.fur Tr+qa, rllrqtl
qqrrqifr qfrqq R rrqcfrssf€Tqil
srr6* q,,C FftdfFiEqx.: Fq;<qlqcntrqRtl
Authoritativeverseson the subject: A physician,weil versed
in theprinciplesof thescienceof medicine
lAyurveda),butunskilful
in his art throughwantof practice,roseshis wit at the bedside
of his
patient,just as a cowardis at his wit's end to determinewhat
to do
whenfor the first time he finds himselfin the ranksof a
contending
army. on the other hand a physician,experiencedin his
art but
deficientintheknowredgeof theAyurveda,iscondemnedby ail good
menas a quackanddeservescapitarpunishmentat the hands
oi tt,
king. Both thesecrassesof physiciansare not to be trusted,
because
they are inexpert and half educated.Such men are incapabre
of
discharging thedutiesof tleir vocation,just asa one-winged bird is
incapableof takingflight in theair. Evena panaceaor a
medicineof
ambrosialvirtuesadministered byanunpractiiedor ignorantphysician,
will provepositivelybanefurasa draughtof poison,or
a br,owwith a
weapon,or a thunder-bolt.A physician,ignorantof thescience
andart
of surgeryandemoilientmeasures Sneha-karma, etc.is buta kilei of
menoutof cupidity,andwhois ailowedto carryonhis nefarious
trade
only throughthe inadvertence of theking. A physicianweil ersedin
theprinciplesof surgery,andexperienced in thep.acticeof medicine,
 Chap. III SUTRASTHANA

is alonecapableof curingdistempers, just asonly a two-wheeledcart

canbe of servicein a field of battle.47-52
sTerTqF qqrdcfrqqrfqrrqf *qq|"Tqtsler
Vq+ frrqrq
uerrVrnngt€qF{*(TE rrr{ rft$ qt I f q qqqrqrw}qi-rTt:
xturEw*qr:r ffi qz+qrirr{r =ngv}qr
i@
ffi{+d ffi :rriEE*dfrr+furart: q}qr :r
qrf,tur q.b( Erfr( il*{4qn*: n\t | |
Now hear me, O. child, describethe modeof studying(the
presentscienceofthe Ayurveda).Thepupilhavingworshipped and
recitedhis daily prayersshouldcalmlysit nearhis preceptor,purein
bodyandmind, who shouldteachhim a full Sloka(or coupletof the
Ayurveda),or ahalfor aquarterpartthereof,adaptedtcihisintellectual
capacity.Thenhe shouldmakea full andelaborateparaphrase of the
recitedcoupletor anyparrthereof,andaskhis pupilsindividuallyto
do the same.When the pupils have paraphrased the sameto the
satisfactionof thepreceptor,heshouldagainrecitethesamestanzaor
couplet.Thepassages or Slokasshouldnot berecitedtoo hastily,nor
drawledout in a timid or falteringvoice,nor with a nasarintonation.
The.voice shouldbe neithertoo loud, nor too weak,but eachsound
shouldbeclearlyanddistinctlyuttered,andthelips,theeyes,theeye_
brows,andthehands,etc.shouldnot belifted or movedto keeptime
with therecitation.No oneshouldbeallowedto passbetweenthepupil
andthe preceptorat the time of study.53
Tj|EKEIIT I

Rlkrtcqrfr ffi:l
rrlth Fcfu{rFrq: yngrdqTqlzTr(n\y| |
qrq$qrtscffrril+ EFd*gfrl
iRrqrQ q fFd q qtilrErq=FTrT: I t\\ tl

Authoritative verseson the subject : A pupil who is pure

obedientto his preceptor,applieshimself steadilyto his work, and
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

abandonslazinessand excessivesleep,will arrive at the endof the

scienceOe hasbeenstudying).
A studentor a pupil, havingfinishedthe courseof his studies,
would do well to attendto thecultivationof fine speechandconstant
practicein theart hehaslearnt,andmakeunremittingeffortstowards
the attainmentof perfection(in the art). 54-55
fi Uf*ftt-rrqi @ Trc trftdsqrq: I r?| |
Thus ends the third Chapter of the Suarasth6nain the Su6nrta-Samhit6which
deals with thc Classification of tbe Avurveda.

+++
 ST]TRASTHAnn
CHAPTEK IV

qgsilsqrrr: r
g,rqTil: gqrqt'frqqETrd Ef@tTFtr[Tr[:,
qslqrq qrrq11 rcrrft: I tt | |
Now we shall discussthe Chapterwhich deals with General
Explanations(PrabhiSa4iyaadhy6ya).1
: Er{{Z[ErdFTETFTSA*ref
qfi:rrq.t srqfr ntr
The endeavoursof a manwho hasstudiedthe entire Ayurveda
(36stra)but fails to makea clearexpositionof the same,arevain like
the efforts of an assthat canies a load of sandalwood (wittrout ever
beingableto enjoyits pleasingscent).2

rcfr qET-
rre[r rr{sqilrrrfl'rfi rrrrer *ar q E T<i?rerI
ga fr vnwFr rr{q#c{ qr*S {ar: u{er(e6fi6 1q I I
Authoritative verseon the subject : A foolishpersonwho has
gonethrougha largenumberof bookswithoutgaininganyreal insight
into theknowledgepropounded therein,is like anassladenwith logs
of sandal-wood,that laboursundertheweightwhich it carrieswithout
beingable to appreciateits virtue.3
werq
 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

qrSfrg5t 6Frr(?qpr C@

@-Fqffi*a;eqr:@
q ffi Rqt, rcsvfr t FqFqeqrqr
Efraqr€*€{:, fri 5ar-sEfr3r
llYll

Hencethepreceptorwill clearlyexplaineach3lokaor a half or

a quarterpartthereofascontainedin thepresentwork, dividedinto a
hundredandtwentychapters(aswell asin theconcludingportionof
theUttara-Tantraappended to it); andthestudentor thediscipleshall
attentivelyheareverythingexplained onby thepreceptor.
ordiscoursed
Sinceit is extremelydifficultto classifydrugs,taste,virtue(Guna)'
potency (Virya), transformatoryor reactionaryeffect (Vip6ka)'
fundamental*itt principles(Dh6tu)bodily excrement(Mala)'
hollow viscera(A3aya),vital parts(Marma),veins(Sir6),neryes
(Sn6ryu),joints (Sandhi),bones(Asthi)andthefecundatingprinciples
of semenandovum,andto extricateany foreignmatterlodgedin an
ulcer),or to ascertainthenatureandpositionof ulcersor fractures,or
thepalliative,curableor incurablenatureof a disease,etc.; andsince
these subjectsperplex even the profoundestintellects though a
thousandtimesdiscusses andponderedover,not to speakof men of
comparativelysmaller intellectual capacity,henceit is imperatively
obligatoryon a pupil or a disciple to attentivelyhearthe exposition
of eachSloka,or a half or a quarterpartthereof,madeby thepreceptor
(while studyingthe scienceof medicine)'4
dFfhq
q{ qrsrqffrilqql 6Frr(? q- ffit Yrd YIEFT:
gdvnsrcnn sffiter: ufi1q1
For explanationsof truths and principlesquotedfrom other
branchesof (scienceor philosophy)andincidentallydiscussedin the
presentwork, the studentis referredto expositionsmadeby the
masters(of thosesciencesor philosophies), sinceit is impossibleto
etc.
dealwith all branchesof science, in a singlebook(andwithin so
shorta compass).5
 Chap. IV SUTRASTHANA 1?

$TqFil TATT I
qai prrsq*qF+ q FqsrqrsFgrrqr
dtsrEErg?fd:Vrnaffi! | lq I r
Yn€@:Err1q-(r
zlr qC Ert *s: TT**F+girFETr: I te | |
Authoritativeverseson the subject: By thestudyof a single
Sastra,a man can nevercatchthe true import of this (scienceof
Medicine).Thereforeaphysicianshouldstudyasmanyalliedbranches
of (scienceor philosophy)aspossible.Thephysicianwhostudiesthe
Scienceof Medicinefrom the lips of his preceptor,and practises
medicineafter having acquiredexperiencein his art by constant
practice,is thetruephysician,whileanyothermandabblingin theart,
shouldbe lookeduponasan impostor.6-7
ffi qW durer+qr
tqrurf vrqdrqruri {-drffi Frffitqtra il
The Salya-Tantras(surgicalworks) written or propagatedby
Aupadhenava, Aurabhra,SuSruta andpauskal6vata, arethe basesof
the works or Tantraswritten by others(Karavirya,Gopuraraksita,
etc.).E
vn U$nnkrqr ![*rpn+ qrq qgdsqrq: nxn
Tbus ends fourth chapter of the Srltrasthirna in the Su6nrta samhit6 which
deals with General Explanations.

+++

Vol.I-3
 STJTRASTHANA
CHAPTEK V

q=ar*salr€r: I
ffi*Qr@lrPlrr[;,
wfr{rq r'rqq qq<R' nqil
NowweshalldiscusstheChapterwhichtreatsofPreliminary
measures(in connectionwith curative remediesof disease)'t
(AgropaharaPiYaadhYirYa).1
f{fudrq+d, verr#, qgrq*'dFdl il(rqrRi
YaYgqtagrq''-qfigtYnA @
drqq@ttrn
1. S-rrtttrthtnfiesholdthatactssuchasfasting,administrationofpwgarives'
etc.shouldbeincludedwithinthepreliminotymeostscs; applicationofabsubent
(Phcana) healing medicinai agents, within the second or the pincipal
'^r*rrr$ or
andthe administration of tonicsor restoratives within thethird or the
afier-measure group.Others,on the contrary, lay down that measwes.adopted
fubrication(pacificationby thcappticuionofoily substurces)
iorthe absorpti-on,
oreliminationofthcderangeaaoairyhwnoursbysweatingshouldbegrouped
purgatives'
underthc firstsubhead(Prina-knma), theadrninistrationof aaive
(Pradhbna-karma) and the giving of ice meal'
emetics,itc., underthe second
patient under the (Pai;cht-knrma) last; whik according to othersthe
etc.to the
meiicinal agents employed to cope with the deranged hutnours in the
active
incubativestageof a bodilydiseasetill rheappearance ofits first choructeristic
symptoms, should be denominatedas the Preliminary measwe; meosurcs
iiitoyrapr rhe subiugation of a diseasein itspatentorfully developldstage
as.thePradhhna.karma,andmeasuresemployedtoguardagainstth
the
recrudescenceof a diseaseandfor the restorationof heatth in a patient is
sequeltreatment or the Pa!;cht-knma'
Chap. V SUTRASTHANA

The entire courseof medicaltreatmentin connectionwith a

diseasemay be groupedunderthree subheads,as the Preliminary
measures(Prlrva-karma);the Principal therapeuticalor surgical
appliances @radhl,na-karma); andtheAfter-meazures (Pa3c6t-karma).
Thesemeasures will bediscussed undertheheadof eachdisease
aswe
shallhaveoccasiontodealwiththem.Asthepresenttreatiseprincipally
treatsof surgicalactsor operations,we shalldiscourseon themand
their accessoriesat the outset.2
Tq yrrfiqtqRErqr irq{sn-}Ef, fu, fu, Mq-
qr6nd, Fqgrai, frarFrfrt srds;{di q,C ffidar *}q

Frqr: furtr qerqa: il?rl

Surgicalactsor operationsaredividedinto eightdifferentkinds
suchas Incising(Chedya),Excising(Bhedya),Scraping(Lekhya),
Puncturing(Vedhya),Searchingor probing (Eqya),Extracting
(Ahtrya), Secretingfluids (V!s6vyi) and Suturing.(Seevya).A
surgeon(Vaidya)calleduponto performany (of theeightpreceding
kinds)ofoperations,mustfirst equiphimselfwith suchacce'ssories as
surgicafappliancesand instruments,alkali, fire, probe or director
(Salaka),horns, leeches,gourd (Al6bu), Jimbavaustha(a kind of
pencilshapedrod madeof slatewith its top-endcut into theshapeof
a Jambolinefruit), cotton, lint, thread,leaves,tow (Patta),honey,
clarified butter,lard, milk, oil, Tarpana(powderedwheatsoakedin
water),decoctions(Ka$hya),medicatedplasters,paste(Kalka),fan,
cold water, hot water, and cauldrons,etc., and moreoverhe shall
securethe servicesof devotedandstrongnerved attendants.
3
iln:ePr*g@@i
F{sq nnrqrdPtsr, @f e11lytn,Gi
rr;*fodr,9?r{.gd ffi rffi mcrrg-
rrsqRqqrft: qR'A{Tgeildyrs ftqqr{ sTr Tr{rfrtrd{
@ q I q6qsfr q qr*s r{€ei :r{-.drtrr
uTrvT€FrqIIi6Rtl
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

ildrqfr Fqrgna:vc: ght{d Vfr awgun: nytl

F+rr€rq
Thenundertheauspices of blissfulastralcombinations, etc.,and
havingpropitiatedthe Brhhmar.ras and the physicinas,with gifts of
curd, sun-driedrice, cordialsand gems,etc., and having made
offeringsto thegodsandutteredbenediction,etc.,thesurgeonshould
commence hiswork.Thepatientshouldbegivenlight food(beforethe
act),andmadeto sit with his faceturnedtowardsthe east.His limbs
should be carefully fastened(so as to guard againsttheir least
movement duringthecontinuance of theoperation). Thenthesurgeon,
sittingwith his facetowardsthewest,andcarefullyavoidingthe vital
parts(Marmas),Veins,nerves(SnZryus), joints,bonesandarteriesof
the patient,shouldinsertthe knife into the affectedpart along the
properdirectiontill thesuppurated partwouldbereachedandswiftly
draw it out. In caseofextendedsuppuration, thepartopened(length
of incision)shouldbe made to measure two threefinger'swidthsin
or
length.An incision(Vrana)which is wide, extended,equallyand
evenlydivided.shouldbe deemedthebest.4
tl|ERrv€n=t I
srr€ker P{vrr€ Efurfrt f+nfq: r
yFild'rir{'€rfr gur: ffir Yrfqtn\ ll
yMqrvJF*qr @l
vrwerpftr vra ilE tl
Authoriatativeverseson the subject: An incisionwhich is
wide, extended,well divided,doesnot involveany vital part, etc.of
thepatient,andis well-maturedasregardstime,is thebestof its kind.t
Courage,light handedness,non-shaking,non-sweating,sharp
instruments,self confidenceand self commandare what shouldbe
possessed by a surgeonengagedin openinga boil or an abscess. 5-6
q+{ qr qurrt
Sufq ns1
l. Certain commentators interpret the couplet as follows : A boil or an abscess
which is wide, extended,well defined in its shape, equally suppurated in all its
parts and does not involve any vital pan of the body is the linest thing for a
surgeon's knife-Tr.
 Chap. V SUTRASTHANA 37

Two or threeincisionsshouldbemadeif a singleopeningdoes

not seemlargeenoughfor the purpose.7
trdFd ?1=r-
Td) rrfti f€rg.(g$+ qr Er ql
"rfr quf
H:r rt:r E.{qt-{qcn Aiq}T ftT6h I ra| |
Authoritatiyeverseon the subject: Theknife(lancet)should
be freelyusedwherevera fissure,sinus,or a cavitywouldappearin
a boil, soasto ensurea completeflowingoutof thepusaccumulated
in it. t
m9jl-rtg-vrg'-Fdrdrft r5.d€-q;aa€-6sr-trF-
Erft:.*SF{af-{.*E sm': tqrr
Lateral(tiryak)incisionsshouldbemadein regionsof theeye-
brows,temple,forehead,cheeks,eyelids,lowerlip, gums,armpits,
loins,belly andthegroins.9
Erqqqffi{€}-6t ffig qrr*qt
sTtuqr5furfr G +i q Ekqr-tntorl
An incision madein the regionof the handor root shouldbe
madeto resemblethediscof themoon,whilethoseabouttheanusand
thepenisshouldbe madesemi-circular (half-moon)in shape.l0
sreteng @ +fir F{tr{BUnf€
@rqrr
Authoritativeverseon the subject: An incisionin anyof the
abovesaidregionsnotmadeasdirected,maygiveriseto extremepain,
prolongedgranulation(healing)andcondylomatous growthsin and
aboutthe ulcer,owing to an inadvertentcuttingof thelocal veins,or
nerves.11
edq4lo u*.u
In a caseof artificial or instrumentalparturition,:n ascites,in
piles,in stone,in thebladder,in fistulain ano,andin diseases
affe;ting
the cavity of the mouth,thepatientoperatedon shc,ulilbekept .rnan
emptystomach(beforethe act). 12
38 s U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

qnlnr=rr$:.gr,qurqF{.{€r,yqqr€qtn}urdRE*'qrETq,
ftrffiffiffi:errar{ s*erygffi,f eH qfurqqrql i|il:
adqrgrs qrfrM ffi qqr qeffi e.tqrq€{qF
q*orqffi rqe q*: rqnEda rrttu
Thenspraysofcold watershouldbedashedoverthdfaceandthe
eyes the patientto relieve the pain and the senseof exhaustion
of
incidentalto theoperation. Thesidesof theincisionshouldbe tirmly
pressed(soasto ensurea goodoutflowof theaccumulated pus)and
the marginsof the woundshouldbe rubbedwith thetingers(sothat
theymayhavea Ievelsurtaceandbeof unilbrmstructure throughout).
Thenthe woundshouldbe washedwith an astringentdecoction(of
Nimba,Triphalir,etc.)which shouldbe wipedandmadethoroughly
dry with a pieceof cleanlinen.thena lint plug (Vani) plasteredover
with the (paste)Kalka or sesamum,honeyand clarified butter,and
soakedin disinfectant(lit : purifying medicinessuchas AjagandhZt,
etc.)shouldbe inserteddeepintothecavityof thewound.After that,
a poulticemadeof officinal substances shouldbe appliedover it and
the whole shouldbe boundup with thick layersof tow (Kavalikis-
suchastheleavesandbarkoftheIndianfigtreeetc.lwhichareneither
too irritant nor too coolingin their effect;andfina{y scrapsof clean
linen shouldbe woundroundthem.The limb, [or pheaffectedpart]
should be subsequentlyfumigatedwith the fumesof pain-killing
(anodyne)substances andalsowith thoseofdrugswhicharesupposed
to wardoff all malignantspirits(fromthebedsideof thepatien|.i 13
rfr-
rcEs+(r emq*Arr qruq qrurrt qrrrtTstquqytl
Thenit shouldbe fumigatedwith thedrugs,knownasGuggulu,
Vaca, white mustard,Saindhavaand the leavesof the Nimba tree,
soakedin clarifiedbutter.Theresidueof theclarifiedbutter[dripped
downandcollectedfrom thefumigatingcompounddescribedabovel,
shouldbe rubbedover the region of the heartandother vital partsof
the patient.14
L Even the bedsheets,etc. of the patient should be fumigated as above.This
foreshadowsthe germtheoryof the modemdays- Tr.
 SUTRASTHANA 39
c h a p .v

'Ififrris{frq{ta,C6qtA ir{.aeFrq:I R\ | |
ql
€srrr YFdqrdrefiln rafrlr'rpr
rerte'C qffi Tgr r€Fqdr{lRqll
trrtr: firgnqr tr=erqtrfirtrfr aqT{nf,{tt:I
efir{qF;a t i di lrgrsr q'g irrtgEr I Re| |
$I"{rrdftS q t q{Fil frvnqtt: t
fqq qrqF€rsrs qq ai t <qqat: lltz | |
wg ar grfr grgqr flEqrrrq{qwqr t
rr*drv*{ =rg wqtt q{sfr rlIrrRT: lltq | |
ernfr rqrg t Ftr6i vrurrtqrgm*e q t
ff qrtqqri t ffi: qRret.ElPoll
sEr=i frge: urg qqt=i 61fi164: I
qffi TdqFdfS{* qRi ttcnlRq| |
E,rtd* rrrt rqqt: ffisFrrqrgt
yiri t qtuil rrqr qgi qrnqqtrger{llRR ||
uq: qaTFEvr:eiltqffr: qrg tqr: t
r8r{rFr FEt F,{ srqr qr{ f{vnffil lRQl l
..Mqqq<cnt
tt€rqrqqartr
srr*,rvi qrh fr urg ?e ae ?rg;snrlRYll
*qrm{: Rrr: qri1 firqJwa rRTmrt{l
ffi grqH rgrfit=i g.e g*tt+rtt
q?r tB ffi*ur rq ftsr ft tgct: t
qingi Fdif qql *dqrgTqr5FlRqll
Efr t v.rEr1rgr €Rqilfnrs E*drql
Asfu fr =q=rqd q sR< qrralqafifr)
s#eqpgFmtErqt{m:lRell
nrarwqilr rq{r rg{-qrgddaf neil
ffi gEr qq rirant: I Ra| |
Efr srET I
 S U S R U T AS A M I { I T A

\i*Ern*rf*: EFetrqr&furr{r*: r
qtr E--drafsd*frrgrqr5FanRqtl
And the floor of the chambershouldbe washedand sprinkled
over with dropsof waterpreviouslykept in a (new)pitcher for the
purpose.Theritesof protectionfroin theinfluencesof banefulspirits,
shouldthen be performedby recitingthe Mantra which runs as
follows :- "I am aboutto practisethe prophylacticincantationfor
guardingthy personagainslthe maligninrinfluences
of Rhksar^ ancl
conjureddemonesses, andmaythegodBrahm6begraciously pleased
to approveof its performance. May theGodsanddeitiesandministers
of gracedisperseandconfoundthehostsof wrathftrlNigas (celestial
serpents),Pi66cas,Gandharvas and pitrs that mighi be maliciously
disposedto strike thee in thy sickly confinement.May the spirits,
whichstir abroadin thenight androamaboutin theskyandon Larth,
defendthy personin recognition of thy ferventdevotionto them.May
the concourseof Brahmd-begonen sages(suchas Sanaka,etc.)th;
saintly and canonisedkings (Rtrjars1s)in heavenand the sacred
mounts,streamsandoceansof the earthprotecttheefrom evil. May
thefire-godguardthy tongue;thewind-godprotectthy breath;andttre
Moon-god,Parjanya,vidyut (lightning)and the spirit of the crouds
preservethe healthycoursingsof thosevital winds in thy organism
which are respectivelyknownas prina Vy6na,Ap6na,Udina and
samhnav?ryu.May Indra,thepresiding deityof ail physicalenergies,
keepthebodilystrengthimmaculate. May Manudefendthetwo side
tendonsat thenapeof thy neck,aswell asthy facultyof intellectrthe
Gandharvas, thy facultyof desire;Indra,thy fortitude;Varuna,thy
facultyof cognition;theOcean,thyregionof umbilicus;theSun_god,
thyeyes;theQuarters of theHeaven,thyear;theMoon_god, thy mind;
the Stars,thy complexion;the Night, thy shadow:the Waier, thy
vigour; the Ausadhis,thy hair; Infinite Ether, tie spacewhich is
imprisoned in thy body;Var-undhar6, thybody;VaiSv6nara, thy head;
visnu,thy moralcourage;Purusottama (theforemostof beings),thy
energyofaction(dynamical actionof purposes); Brahma,thyseltland
Dhruva(immutable being),thyeyebrows. Maythesedivinities,which
perpetuallyresidein thy body,ensurethy safecontinuance in being
andmaythouenjoya longlife throughtheirgrace.May thegodssuch
as, Brahml, etc.,conf'erblessingson thy heatl.May the Sun, the
Chap. V SUTRASTHANA 4l

Moon,thetwin sagesNaradaandParvata,thefire-god,thewind, and

the other celestialhelpmatesof Indra, bring thee good. May the
prophylaxisdevisedby Brahmdkeepthee fiom evil. May thou be
sparedto witnessthereturnof manya long andhappyyearon earth.
May suchabnormalphysicalphenomena asdrought,deluge,ecessive
downpourof rain,andexcessive germination (orwholesald extinction
of suchvermin as) rats,mosquitoes, flies which invariablyportend
evil and motality in a community,as well as bloodyfeudsamong
kings,abateandcease.May thoube relievedof all painandmisery.
We closetheprayerwith a "Sv6h6"(obeisance). The presentVedic
mantraexercises anoccultpowerin relievingailmentswhicharedue
to the malignantinfluencesof conjuredup she-devils.May thou
acquirea long life throughtheprotectiveenergyof the prophylactic
prayerQit : incantation)now readby me. 15-29
iliT: Qtn8ffi$llrrl|.{ @l ftTWfiAsAFt
feg*d ffir(qqtTF, =t *{ @
f6trqF€+ qfufrqrqrqffi rfr qurbrrgr{iffid, *fcq
$rqfrre{ilsd@@
fuearrqrq *{ iqrrqrur,
rn;?rdqirq}A rt E+{nartr€ntrn-
qtrqEqTf Edr qtrsfr ffifr ntott
Thenhavingprotectedthebodyof thepatientwith therecitation
of the aboveVedic Mantra,the surgeonshallseehis patienttakento
hisownchamber,andprescribethepropercourseof medicineanddiet
accordingto the exgenciesof eachcase.The old bandageshouldbe
loosenedon thethirddayof theoperation,whenthewoundor theulcer
shouldbe washed,and a freshbandageshouldbe woundround as
before.Thebandageshouldnotbeloosenedon thedayfollowing the
lancingof a boil, as sucha measuremight give rise to a sort of
excruciatingpainandformationof knotsin thewoundandretardthe
processof granulation@ealing).On the third day, the surgeon
(Vaidya)shouldprescribethepropermedicated plaster,diet,etc.after
fully consideringthestrengthof thepatient,thenatureof thedisease,
andthethenprevailingseason of theyear.A woundshouldnotbetried
to be healedup, aslong astheleastmorbidmatter,or pusremainsin
its inside,as it would lead to the formationof freshcavitiesin the
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

surroundinghealthytissues,andultimatelyto a recrudescence
of the
disease.
30
qqR ql:r-
runewdFarfu€{d ffi( qurql
rn*@frrad*q1s
Ed*M rqsrfrqrrqrHqsnrar{tRq ||
t;qt RIRrt *e qF* qrfr *qr+(r
zarq@egkrrltRRtl
qffid$ +tS *{frtufr{ fiqrrqr
yffis r* qqfq vFdfu-qrqt
Rr | |
The authoritative verses on the subject : Accordingly a
wound or an ulcer should be made to heal up after the perfect
purificationof bothof its insideandexteriorhasbeenfully brought
abxxt.Evenafterthehealingofthewoundthepatient shouldstudiously
avoid all sexualconnections,indigestiveviands,fatiguingphysical.
exercisesandindulgencein emotionsof grief or fright,or in ecstasies
ofjoy, until thecicatrixhasacquiredenoughtoughness. Thedressings
andbandages shouldbeuntiedandchangedeverythird dayin winter,
in springandin the seasonof Hemanta,andon eachalternateday in
summerand in the rains. But a physician(surgeon)shouldnot be
guided by theserules in caseswhere there would be reasonsto
apprehend imminentdanger,andin suchcasesthewoundor theulcer,
like a house in flames, should be checked as speedily as
possible.31-33
qr *<rr vrqF{qrffirnr *flr vrfrf yg*Fd q*: r
gt{isrYnfdgS{RftffiT EffitqqtqgqrFq*{|tty ||
Clarifiedbutter.boiledlvfrhYaqtimadhu,andappliedtepid to a
wound, incidentalto a zurgicaloperation,is sure to allevitatethe
excnrciatingpain that is usually experiencedin such an affected
ptrt.34
gfr t{trffi q**q*sffi* irq rrsdsurr{r:r\r
ThusendsthefifthchapteroftheSittrasthbnainthe
Su!;rutaSarhhithwhichtreats
of Preliminam measures.
 SUTNASTHANA
CTIAPTEK VI

qdsqrq: t
3rcrTil Eg-"rtrfqqr€i flr@lrPrQ;,
rre*qrq qrrqFt er;qaR: I tq | |
Nowweshalldiscuss theChapterwhichtreatsofthecharacteristic
of
features the seasons
different of the yearandtheirinfluenceon
healthanddmgs(Rtucaryidhyhya)' 1
erd fr qnt lurran)
rrrqrqsrr* lfiffi q rEqTtrntnq+t u qpnefr eai
.r *src Efr arfi:, Tlg.iTqFdqrfrqfr er rgr{fr tF|Ft: llRll
. TheEternalTimeis withoutorigin,middle,or end,self-begotten'
and the lord of all attributes.contrariety or non contrarietyof the
natural attributesof drugsor substancesenduedwith characteristic
tabtes,suchassweet,etc.,arebroughtaboutby time; andtime is the
principalfactorthat controlsthe birthsor deathsof beings'
Etymologyof the term Kila (time) : The K6la or the Eternal
time is socalledfrom the factof ia not sufferingevenoneof its own
minutestparticlesor subdivisions (Kal6)to perish,thoughperpetually
moving,andin constantmotion itself;or it derivesits epithetfrom
in
the fundamentalquality of its destroyingall beingsandlaying their
deadremainsin heapsin zuccession. Someassertthatthenameis due
to the fact that time blends (kalanam) all beingswith misery or
happiness accordingto theirrespectiveacts,ortoits leadingall beings
to destmction(k6la).2
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

irtt verft|-trFm ffi qFdffinunF-

=rifr rRu
The Sun-god,by his peculiarmotions,divideseternaltime
which is measuredby years (Samvatsaras) into (increasingly
progressivebutsmallersubdivisions)suchasNimesas (lit : timetaken
in closingthe eyelids),K6sth6s,Kal6s,Muhflrtas,daysand nights,
yearsandyugas.3
fortnights,months,seasons,'solstices,
ir{@3 1qgqffigfifiq1: ?f,.re'11
F{vrq trrEtT: EFFtt:
r ffi*nfr 5.qt, ififrrqvnrrwqI
Fiqrgqffirr*{t vs{vrr&{rafures: | € q mq: tf6wr:
Esrgl d qnr:uxtt
Time takenin articulatinganyof the shortvowels(suchas A.
etc.), is called an Aksi-Nimesa.FifteenAksi-Nimesasmake one
Kaqtha.ThirtyK1sthismakeoneMuhu-rra. Thirty Muhu-rras
makeone
dayandnight.Fifteendaysandnightsmakeoneforrnighr.A forrnight
is eitherdark or bright. Two fortnightsmakeonemonth.4
F{ rrrqc$ trrE{rqrsr, tamnr*,g{ Edr qqmal*
rdFfir * :r iqi nqeaced
Ftfrrr: I qgqrrd Gt'{tRr:
| {Fq{a* fu: r qrfrqtnF* qqt: I
FqJ.n#vnqt w.eEF* tTfr Efrrr q rr
The twelve monthssuchas M6gha,etc. are dividedinto six
seasons
suchas,Winter,Spring,Summer,
Rains,Autumnand Hemanta,
eachconsistingof two months.
The two monthsknown as Tapasand Tapasya(M6ghaand
Phhlguna)consritutethe seasonof winter.Springconsistsof twcr
monthscalledMadhuandM6dhava(caitraandVai66rkha). Summer
is markedby two monthsknown as Suci and Sukra(Jyesthaand
Asddha). Therainsor therainyseasonis markedbytwo monthscalled
NabhasandNabhasya (Sr6vanaandBhadra).Thetwo monthsknown
as Isa and Urja lAsvinaand Kirtika) constirutewharis calledthe
seasonof Autumn.flemantais markedby two monthscalledSahas
andSahasya (Mirga3irsaandPausa). 5
Chap.VI SUTRASTHANA 45

aqt@:ffi
t $1qfr qftfurSilfs | ?r*{fuui
dr{:, rIqr qtr{* qqk,
gtftffsvffiwrqFr*d+rrrrs@
:, ftrtnqqrqmg'{qr Ew{+ rr{ql-
TFirtg vffi mam{dzrt nar
Thesesix seasons
arerespectively
characterised
by-cold,heat,
rains,etc.
Thetwo Ayanasareusheredin by thesunandthe moonchang)n g
their respectivecoursesin the heavens(passingover the tropicsof
Cancerand Capricorn)as the measurers of time. The rains,autumn
andHemantafollow oneanotherin succession whentthesunis over
theTropicof Capricornor is in theWinterSolstice(Daksin6yana) and
themoongainsin strengthin thispanof theyear.Rasas(Serumor sap)
possessed of acid,salineandsweettastes,growstrongandbecome
dominantwhenthesunis overtheTropicof Capricorn(Daksin6yana)
and all beinggain in strengthand energymoreand more.Winter,
spring and summermark the passingof the sun over the Summer
Solstice(Uttar6yap). The sungrowsstrongerin heatandlight, and
sapsrasas)ofbitter, pungentandsourtastesincreasein intensity,and
all animalsgraduallybeginto losestrengthandenergy.6
Tqfr ?T:T-
vffig: E#{qt3-df*+srtvffir
ilr$rrqfr Sl.6{ q€: qrcrqfr rlrcn:ile | |
eTq €€q+ t gtrr{ Tiftsft ll-dfr | lz | |
Authoritative verseson the subject: The moonimpartsthe
moistureandhumidityto the earthwhich is soakedup by the sunin
his daily course,while the wind in conjunctionwith the sunandthe
moon, contributestowards the preservationof animal life. The
successive changeof the two solsticesmarksa year.7-8
i E.rg SFrF{Fd riilr drr*r € qq fqMq{rrqo{a:
6rgsr{ qRrrfqr{: ifi'rF|ErqifTgqfi F** nqn
 S U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

Five suchcompleteyearscountasa Yuga.Thesub-divisionsof

eternal time from the minutesNimesa to a completeYuga, are
constantlyrevolving like a wheel, and this constantor perpetual
revolutionis calledthewheelor cycleof time(Klla-Cakra)by certain
authorities.9
TdE@: rlEfir+ r1qfu,
Wr iEqqtrq|+{ffir
I Eaen-lTrfiETeg* qsfr, ffiqT
rEtrGFtfilr: vr(a
t}qqfqt tqar, q,rFJ=r** irHR[:, fuF+d fu:,
snqr@rrqqrt llrgBfr ilqo[
The six seasonssuch as, the Rains,etc., have been again
advertedto in this chapterfor the purposeof fully describingthe
accumulation,excitation(aggravation)andpacificationof thebodily
humours,suchas wind, etc. Accordingto some,the rainy season
consistsof two monthsknownasBhirdraandA,Svina; Autumnconsists
of thetwo monthsof K6rtikaandMlrga3irqa;Hemantaconsistsof the
two monthsof PausaandM6gha;springconsistsof tlle two monthsof
PhtrlgunaandCaitra;summer,of Vai36rkha andJyestha;andPr6vrt,of
Aq6{haand Srtrvana.10
d5T, ffi.rtrftrd errqgrlrvn<rr:
ftffrrndgnqrwr srgqqrqr rqfq ffi wirgkqrqi
.{*ffiyrfirnrffiffi,
F*<r6r( @ € €lr{t: I,FG gffi}
fuqqrrsrlqFd r$.ffin: ifro'rt qrefut
q+qft [qt[
O3adhis(Medicalplantsandcereals)sproutduringtherainsand
areenfeebledin theirproperties.Waterbecomes muddyor turbidand
the earthis coveredover with freshdepositsof washedoff or silted
mud.The sky becomesovercastwith clouds,andthe wind, charged
withanexcessofhumidity, dullstheappetite
andorganisms ofbeings.
Hencethe food of beingswhich principally consistsof tenderand
new-grownvegetables of feeblepotency,considerably
vitiatedby the
turbid water partaken
of asdrink duringtheseason,provesacid in its
Chap. VI SOTRASTHANA 47

digestive reaction, and germinatesexcessivebile in the human

system.In autumnthe skybecomes cloudless,themireis driedup,and
the bile originatedand accumulated during the rains,is liquefiedby
theraysof the sunand givesriseto biliousdiseases.t 11
m qdqqq: qretqR'cnqr( qFtvrfi*{qf' Eritrd H
lFrGrrtr8' TFI=tt: fFr|qr 3rf,af TdKr sTgiqqrTr
rfirorrar<srrir@iffi+sFqr:
tftrflEq&qr€ yfuur: F51.qErmrqgFil,q
Fs+qs**fficf wdf ert€T{rtffi vemrt
qrftq+c{fr r?Rtl
(Ausadhis)that glow or sproutduringthe
Plaqfsand.vegetables
rainy seasbn,arematuredinbourseof time andripenin their virtues
andpotencyin theseasonof Hemanta.Thewaterbecomesclear,cool
andheavyin this season. Thesun'sraysbecomefeebleandmild; and
the winds moistenedwith frost andsnow,makethe humansystema
little numb and heavy.Hencewater and vegetablespartakenof in
Hemantaaredivestedof their propertiesof acid reactionafter being
assimilated in thehumansystem, buttheygiveriseto anaccumulation
of phlegmin thebodyowing to their sliminess,andcooling
heaviness,
andoily character.In spring,thephlegmthusaccumulated in thebody
isliquefiedandushersin diseases dueto a derangedstateof thatbodily
humour.212
ar qdttrErdFret fr:sr{r $'qn3{Fdqr{d $rrtrq8;
dTgtrgsqqr{r:@fffi
*{"sr€ rrrd: rr:rTqrtnEqFfi, Tt €lrct: Ytgfr qrf,d
vffi qtd frcaM Yrffi vffi
qrfrrq,qqlftw{qFfi | Kc}q tqruri rrgqr4iqt$6'tr: llt I ll
The said plants and vegetables,in their turn, lose their sap,
moisture and nutritive elementin summer,and becomedry and
extremelylight. tn the samemannerwaterbecomesdrought-making
I. This should be regardedas the excited,aggravatedor agitatedstate of bile
(Pitta) in theparlanceof Ayuneda.
2. This is calledthe excitedor agitatedstateof phleSn (Kafa).
 48 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

[producesa stateof parchedness in theorganism-RtTksa] in its virtue,

and considerablylosesits naturalco<llness and nutritive properties.
The sun'sraysdry up the naturalmoistureof thelrumansystem,and
accordingly waterandvegetables largelypartakenofin summer,give
riseto anaccumulation of windin thesystemowingto theirlightness,
dryness,or expansive anddrought-making properties. Subsequently
windthusaccumulated in thesummer, is agitated
by therainsandcold
windsin the forepartof therainy season(Pr6vrt)whenthe groundis
flooiledwith waterandthusgivesriseto diseases whichareincidental
to a deranged stateof thebodilywind.l 13
il* qqfdTfrtrtn$ qffi nqruri prq{+rdsrTqg ia
Ir{fudr=TrF€{uf E5fut1 rtY ll
The fundamentalbodily humourssuch as, wind, bile, etc.
augmented andaccumulated duringtherains,Hemantaandsummer,
shouldbe checkedas sutn as they becomeaggravated (manifest
themselves) in autumn,spring,or in theforepartof therainy season
(Pr6vn). 14
dr tffi qrdrrrgqvrfr tq+, pdfunruri Fw+,
qrfuflTi rrrdut €qrrfr qat il G rrgqr"Htrvrqr
arl@tlrlt: llt\ll
Diseaseswhich owe their origin to a derangedstateof bile,
phlegmandwind,arerespectively ameliorated in Hemanta, summer,
andautumnby naturalcauses,[suchasthevariationsof atmospheric
or eanhlytemperature,rainfall,etc.]Thusfar we havediscussedthe
accumulation,
excitationandpacificationot alleviationof thederanged
bodilvhumours.15
ftr$, qqre ftTsnwre gr.ertr:,
r* yqft Er€r<rFT
rdt+qrtrEivrctrdr*,rgqfu tr1qEffi tf+qrqEq6iRT{qfr
qdFrefr*Erqd€qrqr W rrtarr
Likewise the features,which specifically mark the different
seasonsofthe year are observedto characterisethe different parts of
a complete day and night, [or in other words] traits peculiar to spring

1. This is called the excited state of wind (Vdyu|

 Chap. VI S O T R A S T HA N A 49

timeexhibitthemselves in themorning;thenoonis markedby all the

characteristics
of summer;theeveningby thoseof therainyseason;
themidnightby thoseof auturun;andthehoursbeforedawnby those
of Hemanta.And similarly,like theseasonsof theyear,thedifferent
partsof thedayandnightaremarkedby variations of heat,cold,etc.
[or in otherwords]the deranged kxlily humourssuch aswind,bile,
etc.naturallyandspontaneously accumulate, aggravate,or subside
duringthedifferentpartsofthedayastheydo in thedifferentseasons
ofthe year[represented by thosepartsofthe dayandnightasstated
abovel.16
rrrqrrig E3qqrrdr 3irqq{ir lTer+rttEl; rfr
gqgElqr;Ir: $rqFilt frsi
ffi:l vfr*srqrr{qffur qq
Fdffirrqr$ffi
qr*} qr s{aRfrt : nRetl
-warer
anOvegeta-blesretarnthefi naturdproperfieswhen the
seasons arenatural,anddonotexhibitcontraryfeatures,andtheythen
tend to increasethe appetite,vitality, strength,and power of the
humansystem.contraryor unnatural seasons arebuttheconsequenes
of sin committedby a wholecommunityandportendtheworkingsof
a maligndestiny.A season, exhibitingunnatural or contraryfeatures,
affect or reversesthe naturalpropertiesof water and vegetables
peculiarto it, which,drunkor partakenof, causedreadfulepidemics
in thecountry.Thebestsafeguardliesin notusingsuchdefiledwater
andvegetables whenan epidemicbreaksout in thecountry.17
q<rFqqrw+qrn TiilI EFrF{'vnr{qr:a}qr-
ffi v:rrr(T:,F{sWg5rt:*r ar aqffittrenrat
E* q$Ia:r
@ Tf,{qrf,qfifuf; re
trqau
Sbmetimes a townor a city is depopulatedby a curse,anger,sin,
or by a monsteror a demoness conjuredup by a spellor incantation.
Sometimes thepollensof poisonous flowersor grasses,etc.,wafted
by the winds, invade a town or a village, and producea sort of
VoLI-4
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

epidemic cough, asthma,catarrh,or fever, irrespectiveof all

constitutionalpeculiaritiesor derangedbodily humours agitated
thereby.Towns and villagesare known to havebeendepopulated
throughmalignantastralinfluences,or throughhouses,wivesi,beds,
ridinganimals,gemsandpreciousstonesassuming
seats,carriages,
inauspiciousfeatures.18
ir*, -ffi-

dffid rng $refr rqqil

Prophylacticmeasures: In suchcasesmigrationto a healthy
or unaffectedlocality, performancesof rites of pacification and
atonement, (wearingof prophylactic gemsanddrugs),recitationsof
mantras,libationsof clarifiedbuttercast into the sacrificialfire,
offeringsto thegods,celebration of sacrificialceremonies,obeisance
with claspedplamsto thegods,pfacticeof penances, self-controland
charity,kindness,spiritualinitiation,obedienceto one'seldersand
preceptors,anddevotion to thegodsandtheBr6r|manas, andobservance
of suchlike rules of conductmay prove beneficialto the affected
community.19
ercffi HewrrgqfuFrc:I lRo| |
qrEdFgrt: vfrtl rfrqqrgtt fqvr: I
BrqJvtt: gfadr Fdqmqr lrf,rVr€Ir: 1Rq| |
qFfdr @:l
iqFrer{.g.{r'n: gftrcr lM llRR| |
The characteristicfeatures of the seasonswhich do not
exhibit un-natural traits (Metrical texts) : Cold winds from the
north blow in the seasonof Hemanta.The quartersof the sky are
envelopedin smokeandassumea duskyaspect.The sunis hid in the
frost,andlakesandpoolsarefrozenor lie coveredover with flakes,
or thin layers of ice. Crows, rhinoceroses,buffaloes,lambs and
elephants becomeexcitedandsprightlyin thispartof theyear;andthe
Lodhra,Priyangu,andPunndgatreesbeginto blossom.20'22
1. Marriages with girls of prohibited description have been known as well to have
us-iered in an epidemic which devastated a whole town or a country'
Chap. VI SOTRASTHANA 5l

frrfr1} rfrfrr{Fftiq6{wrtflr Rw: I

tr trr€( rrd ffid €qrrrfEt,r t?t tl
Winter exhibitsthe samefeaturesas above,only in a greater
degreeof intensity;andthequartersof theskyareagitatedby strong
galesof wind andshowersof rain. 23

T€N @ilRYtl
ErrFd
qq#,{Frg'fr qs* Efrf'rilsFrcr:I t?\ | |
ft(vr) qF* fqqen: inrq+5,trpfrFrf,r:
I
: uRetl
E;[€{r: t
EfrrunfTfitf+dr: S[€n: w-dwretr: I tRe| |
In spring,whenthesummitsof themountMalayaarebesmeared
red with the moist foot-printsof the bridesof the Siddhasand the
Vidyadharas,and are perfumedin contactwith the sweet-scented
sandalforests,the lively south-windis rousedup from his lair and
winnowsgladness to damselsburningwith desires,andkindlesup the
flameof love andappeases theamorousangerof thebelovedpairsby
turning their fanciesto themesof love. The quartersof the sky are
clearedup andlookjoyful. Thewoodsaredeckedwith thefull-blown
flowersof the Kim3uka,lotus,Bakula,mangoandASokatrees.The
beehumsandthenotesof theCukooareheaidto reverberate tl[ough
theskies.The southwind fansthisking of theseasons, andtheforests
are hung with the festoonsof tenderand sproutingleavesin his
honour.U-27
fiA@lrffirrrt.frH*sgc:r
t[ntar s|M FqW:yqftmr F.Tr rta r r
qrjil{frrelqFtr: t|-e[:qFllsdr gTr:1
E{tr*t,Ttrrrdr ffiF$.f,qr+n: u?j t l
The sun'srays becomestrongerand moreintensein summer.
Unhealthywindsblow from the south-east.
The earthis heated;the
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

rivers run narrowand shallowin their beds;the quartersof the sky

glarewith a blazinglight, thebirdsCakravikaswith theirmatesroam
aboutin questof coolpondsandreservoirsof water;herdsof deerare
tormentedandoverwhelmed with thirst;trees,plantsandcreepersare
scorchedby the intenseheat,andwitheredleavesdrop off from the
treeswhich alone serveto makethe identificationof their parents
possible.28-29
Yr{cqq.{q'€ qBrnFrsqFf*: r
: llloll
Mvn6fr<arrfrt
I r l qr l
In the forepartof the rainy season(Privrt), packsof detached
clouds,spangledwith lightning and driven beforethe galesof the
west-wind,comethunderingoverandenveloptheskies.TheEarthis
robedin greenwith luxuriousgrowthof corn,enlivenedhereandthere
by thedarkcrimsonof thecochinealinsects(Indragopa), andKadamba,
Nipa, Kutaja,andthe Ketakitreesbeginto flower. 30-31
irjr q*tg
llTEzT: :llQRll

Trqtr-{crflgqr irgvFdqviftrfir I
IEI:ttR?tl
theriversoverflow theirbanks,tumbling
Duringtherainyseason,
downthetreeswhichgrowonthem.Pondsandlakesaredeckedwith
the ful|-blownKumudand Nilotpalaflowers.The earthis covered
with profuse vegetation.All distinction betweendry lands and
reservoirsof waterbecomesimpossible,andthe sunandthe planets
are envelopedin dark cloudsthat showertorrentsof rain but do not
roar. 32-33
EniFET: Wrudt fferei t$r:l
asrf : ll?Y ll
rrg'gwdqrqfrruli i{I'iFTd€ng 1*l
il?\ tl
a mellowgoldentint.Massesof
In autumnthesun'sraysassume
Chap. VI SOTRASTHANA 53

white cloudsareseento sail thedarkdeepblueof heaven.Pondsare

deckedwith thefull blownlotusflowers,agitatedby thewingsof the
diving swans.Thehigh groundsbecomedry, while thelow-landsstill
retaintheirmuddycharacter.Thelevelplainsarecoveredwith shrubs
and undergrowths,and plantsand treessuchas, B6na,Sapt6hava,
Bandhrlka.K63aand Asana.flower in abundance. 34-35
ErgSRRrg.tS ffitS ETr 5t: r
ffiqfr qr *qr: Etzrqing ?f6{r{t trq | |
tiq Erst reqrui ftril yrtF( Fr&qr
t*fg vrr+(qr1i yrtt*qrrcWferqt tQe| |
The bodily humours such as wind, etc. are disturbed and
aggravatedby thecontrariety,excessor variationsin thecharacteristic
featuresof the seasons.Henceit is prudentto checkthe deranged
phlegm in spring,to conquerthe derangedbile in autumn,and to
subduethe derangedbodily wind in the rains,beforethey develop
themselvesin any patentor manifestbodily ailment.36-37

ft@qdsEnq:rqil
Thus ends the sixth chapter of the Stftrasthina in the Su6ruta Samhit6 which
treats ofthe characteristic features ofthe seasonsand their influence on health and
dnrgs.

+++
 STJTnASTHANA
CHAPTER VII

qqfrse:rrq: t
s{errfr waFeFqcqrd @r@lrp[r{3,
qefrem qrrqq *q<ft. tttu
Now we shall discussthe Chapterwhich treatsof Surgical
(Yantra-Vidhi adhy6ya).I
Appliances,theirUsesandConstruction.
zrarvrcHrcm ER+{ gsrmfli qqrqrrrerrai, Gi
qnruFt? qsrqrilr{t TqrqmrgTFf,i-dl rqEntrdr(
| 3rT,Ff3Yrfrfl-cflsrcnTrfrrwgrfr,@
wn&r urn
Surgicalinstrumentsnumberone hundredand oner in all, ol'
wfrich the handsis the most imponant,in as much as (all of them
dOpend on thehandfor theirprincipalauxiliary)andasnoneof them
canbe handledwithoutit; andfurtherbecause all surgicaloperations
pre-eminentlyrequire its co-operation.Any foreign or extraneous
substances, whichfindsa lodgmentin thehumansy$emandbecomes
painfultothe bodyandthemindalike,is calleda Salya;andsurgical
instrumentsarethemeansof extractingit from its seator placewhere
it is embedded.2
ilrhrrqfd;rfi errrqam-raFrorr;*rf r,wivrqqrfu r,
irnnraftr, qrffir, Vrerq.r+arfrr,grrer€nfrT,
ifr rrln
I. Acquding to cenain authorities hundredis here indefinitely usedfor a large
nwnber.
Chap. VII SUTRASTHANA

(Surgical)Appliancesmaybedividedinto six differentgroup!-

or types,suchas the Qvastika,the Sandam3a,the Tita, the N6{i
Yantras,andtheSal6kis, besides thosethdtarecalledtheminorof
accessory appliances(Upa-yantras).3
T{ qgHvrFds RfiRrq-{arfn i rr<vr+* t e gE
?n€rer+rffisq: I elsrFiuRr T'lrnt6t:I rrgFdrrftrsq-
irqrfrn drfr yr€tvrl Fffi $rEk, Tdgftfiirfirfur qr
ilfir*t tY l I
TheSvastikainstruments (forceps)in theirturn,aredividedinto
twenty-foursub-classes; theSandam3ainstruments (tongs)intotwo;
the T6la Yantrasinto two; tfreN6rdlyantras(tubular)into twenty;
andtheSalikirs (bougies) intotwenty-eight; whiletheUpa-yantras
admit of being divided into twenty five different types. These
instrumentsare all madeof iron which may be substitutedfor any
othersimilaror suitablesubstance whereiron wouldbeunavailable.4
a:r, qTTrf.srtltm ETrf,rri Frrqftfun gdt€g.rF{ Tartrri
!TEr{f:g{vnfr, il{qr{
Xft.€ qrriE rrqrt
The mouthsof theseappliancesare usuallymadeto resemble
thoseof birdsandbeastsandhencetheyshouldbe madeto resemble
themouthsof someparticularanimalin shape,or otherwise,according
to the advice of old and experiencedphysicians(surgeons),or
accordingto thedirectionaslaid downin theS6stras(Medicalbooks
of recognisedauthority,or accordingto theexigenciesof thecase,or
after the shapeand structureof other appliancesused on similar
occasions.5
wTrFfdrFrrrarFJ rrtewryqlqrfr ql
g-{'drF{g.s,qrfurgrr6rfur q e,rr}qilq | |
Metrical texts : Appliancesshouldbe madeneithertoo large
nor too small, andtheir mouthsor edgesshouldbe madesharpand
keen.They shouldbe madewith a specialeye as to strengthand
steadiness,andthey shouldbe providedwith convenienthandles.6
r* ftaqygqecegs-
56 S U S R T j T AS A M H i T A

rrq{r-
EftFr: **r*natR, qfrs@-
vrerir6-runeigffi rrrgrr
Appliancesof the Svastikaclass should be made to measure
eighteen fingers in length; and their mouths should be made to
resemblethoseof lions, tigers,wolves,hyenas,bears,cats,jackals,
deer, Ervlrukas (a speciesof deer), crows, cormorants,Kururas (a
speciesof bird), H6sas(a speciesof spanow) vultures,falcons,owls,
kites, herons, Bhrhgarirjas (a species of bird), Anjalikarpas,
Avabha[janas,Nandimukhas,andsuchlike beastsandbirds.The two
bladesorhalves of a Svistika shouldbe weldedtogetherby meansof
a bolt resemblinga Masr:rapulse (lentil) in size, and the handles
should be turned inward in the shape of a mace, or an AnkuSa.
Appliances of this type should be used in extracting any rhorn or
foreign matter which may have enteredinto the bones.7
TffisF{rrag rFfrii rW $rEt?r:,
d irq.qrq-
t rZrr
-Sandam3as (tongs)are dividedinto two cldssesas they are
solderedtogetherwith or withouta bolt. They shouldbe madeto
measure sixteenfingersin length,andshouldbeusedto withdrawany
thorn-likesubstance from belowthe skin. flesh.veinsor nerves.8
ilrrqre Erqprr{e@ qufilqrqT-
@rrqrr
TheT6la Yantraswhichmeasure twelvefingersin length,rnay
bedividedintotwoclasses asthesingleTila andthedoubleT6la.The
formerresemble thescalesof fishin shape,
whilethelatter,according
to certainauthorities,aremadeto resemblelhe entiremouthof a fish
of theBhetulispecies. TheseYantrasareusedin extractingsplinters
from insidethe nose,earsandotherexternalchannelsor passages ol'
the hrdy, 9
qrffi
g€rF{q,Tlfr@@
Chap.VII SUTRASTHANA JI

ffitBfrrarHffiqqrftrfrttur
qlTT, -
ffiqr(aflrrr3 lll6ll
The N6{i Yantras(tubularinstruments like syringe'senemas,
etc.with a passage or aperturerunningthroughtheirentirelength)are
constructed in a varietyof shapes andfor variouspurposes. Someof
them are open at one end, while othersare open at both. These
instruments areusedfor thepurposeof extractinganyshalyamthat
hasprickedinto the externalcanalsor passages of the body,or for
inspecting theseatof affectionasin piles,etc.,or for sucking(blood,
etc.from.anyaffectedpart),or simplyasaccessories to othersurgical
appliances. Thelengthandcircumference of a Nidi yantrashouldbe
madeto commensurate with thoseof thepassage (Srota)or outletof
thehumansysteminto whichit is intendedto beintroduced.we shall
describe,lateron, thetypesof N6di Yantraswhichareto be usedin
connection withsuchdiseases asfistulain ano,piles,etc.or in tumours
andulcers,in tvtuiravfddhi (Hydrocele) in NiruddhaPrakh3a @himosis),
in NiruddhaGuda(strictureof therectum)andin ascites,as well as
thoseto beusedfor thepurposeof injectinganythinginto theurethra,
thebowels,thevaginaandtheuterus,or areusedin connection with
medicatedinhalation,or with thosethat are known as the Al6bu
Yantras(gourdusedfor cupping).10
vrd,q*'Tq?lfr qrtrqilRrftrr, qrqrg..ffi, qelr*rr_
ffinnqr tqf te
tqqrqEqr{gatfukqrrili
@rvqqrqfu rnnurwrrnfqfu
r{,iilEufr qrgt
*tr <qffiFt ErFSorFr@t *rnrenfr
qrur*rfirfr *q"rfl{rilFrF{ qtqfi"rq.Effitr- }nfrt
qrur€q6unQtFei - ffi5q{qrrgq rqtr*egfrqrr1l
ersnf+ai @ E$nrr{r q-{qFtF{-
vilr{nf+{i rrqrl
The SalAki-Yantras (bougies)areofvariousshapesandserve
a variety of purposes.The lengthsand girths of theseinstrumbnts
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

shouldbe determinedaccordingto the necessityof eachindividual

case.Four probesor directors(3al6ki)in two pairs,are usedfor the
purposesof searching(Efna) pusin a suppurated part or limb, or in
connectionwith uplifting,cuttingandtherebywithdrawinga Salyam
from thepartit hasprickedinto,or with a viewto transfersucha body
from oneplaceto another(C6lana),or for thepurspoeof extractingit
(Salya)from the affectedpart.The mouthsof the two typesof these
directorsrespectivelyresemblethoseof a Gaq{rlpada(earthworm)
andof a Sarapunkha (TephrosiaPurpurea,Pers)while the othertwo
arerespectrve'lyheaded)ike thehoodoI a serpentanda hshhoo\. A
coupleof directorsareusedfor thepurposeof withdrawinga foreign
matter(Salya)imbeddedin anyoutercanalof thebody(Srotas).The
top-endsof thesedirectorsarebentdowna little, andthey resemble
a lentil seedin size. Six types of directorsor probesare used in
cleansing(thepusfrom anaffectedpartof thehumanorganism)and
their top-endsare fitted with capsof loosecotton.The threesortsof
directorsusedin applyingalkalinemedicines,areshapedlike ladles,
andtheirmouths,resemblethecavitiesof little stonemortars(Khala).
Of the six sortsof directorsusedin connectionwith the processof
cauterisation(Agni-Karma)three are mouthedlike the Jamboline
fruit, while theotherthreearefacedlike a maceor a spear(AnkuSa).
K fuitdo{&iec(ar use(it removrirgnasaftcnnorc7ri trcocrcr?ed6ke a?e
half of thekernelfoundin theinsideof a Jujube-stone with a linle dip
in the middle, its lip or endhavinga keenor sharpedge' The endsof
thetypeof probeusedin applyingAfijanas (medicatedcollyria) to the
eyelidsarewroughtintq two smallroundloRrslike theMatarapulse
andareblunted,while thesortof probeusedin cleansingtheurethra,
is maderoundlike the endof the stemof a Mdlati flower. l1
irrrrrarrqfr Tg*fur6r-@-
@-tqarqa
q{rrrffiifrrrqtrt
The Upa-yantrasor minor surgicalaccessories : includesuch
substances asrope,theVedktr (braided hair),silk thread, thebarkand
the inner-skinof trees,creepers,linen,Asthild(stones),largeoval
shapedpebbles,a hammer,thepalmsof the hands,the solesof feet,
fingers,tongue,theteeth,thenails,hair,themaneof horses,branches
Chap. VII SOTRASTHANA

of trees,a magnet,alkali,fire,andmedicine,
andsuchactsasspitting,
straining (kunthanam),exhilarationandintimidation.12
qdrRttrrcdFgttltrgr*qiil?rrl
rrqt *d err;rnla qcrrtr tr*qht tql | |
Metrical texts : Theseaccessories shouldbe applied to the
entirebodyofa patient,or to anypartthereofsuchas,thearteries,the
viscera,or thejoints,accordingto thenecessities
ofeachcaseto be
determinedby the surgeon.13
qauuqfFT g
Ts+-
qgH-
ITfr: ltYll
The Functionsof Surgical Instruments : are striking out
(Nirghdtana-lit: withdrawing a Salyaby moving it to and fro),
injectionor filling, binding,up-lifting,cuttingandtherebywithdraWing
a Salya,resetting by meansof a twirlingmotion,removingof a Saly.an
from oneplaceto another,twisting,expanding, pressing,purifyingof
a passage, drawingoff, attracting,bringingto the surface,uplifting,
lowering down, applying pressureall round a part, or an organ,
agi.tating,sucking,searching,cutting or cleaving,straightening,
washingor flushing,stuffingthe noseand cleansing.They number
twenty-fourin all. 14
sgwr vrft tr*<qa*etfr dkqr1|
fuq: nq\ t l
Metrical texts : The intelligent surgeonshall exercisehis
judgmentanddeterminethenatureof thesurgicaloperationrequired
in eachindividualcase,for surelytheSalyasrequiringa surgeon'said
are infinitely variedin their character.15
r* effiRe{il1 qqrrq, s{Fdtr1 s{Fd6q, srgrfr,
aqqgrFt, Tsr1, fr'rftrer1 srqaiT{, Tg*ir1 5ggq1
?$nVTF{FdtrrqvrErtr+tn:nqqu
An appliance(Yantra)which is too rhick,or (madeof iriferior
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

metaland hence)not substantiallymade,or too shortor too long, or

doesnoradmitof beingeasilyhandledandis incapableof takingin the
entireSalya,or is curved,looselyfitted,or soft-bolted,or looselytied
up with cords,(shouldnot be usedin surgicaloperations).Theseare
the twelve defectsof a surgicalinstrument.16

ffiffi rraqwqvrr{FT{l
Iryrrii fifiqr i.T Ek EFdg drqlqr rqe| |
E[.f ficiilgqr'*q rf6 ifiggqrRFr: I
FrR-( E vr*r vre* wwgnu-qtq{qnRa| |
Metrical texts : Theuseof an instrument devoidof the above
saiddefectsandmeasuring eighteenfingersin length,is commended
in surgicaloperation-s.Salyaswhich are manifestand visible to.,the
nakedeye,shouldbe extractedwith the instruments of the Slnna-
mukha(lion-mouthed)type,while thosethat cannot be seen,should
be removedwith the help of the Kanka-mukhas(heron-mouthed)
instruments,etc.,accordingto thedirectionslaid downin theSastras
(medicalor surgicalworksof recognisedauthority).17-1E
Fr+dhrrre€'n6t rawd Frfdqtt q qgrq I
6g.g{dsqFtrqA5 Fffi *e r rtq I r
"rfufi:
. TheKanka-mukhas arethebestof all othertypesof instruments,
inasmuchas they can be insertedand taken out without the least
difficulty, arecapableof drawingout a Salyawith thegreatestease,
andareapplicableto all partsof thehumanbody(betheyanarteryor
a bone-joint.)19

Vn ggaffi zrafrHq v.qdsqrq:rsr

Thus ends the seventh chapter of tbe Sritrasth6rnaof tbe Su3ruta Samhid
which treats of the shape construction and dimensions of surgical appliances.

+*+
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTEK VIII

3d€,TirsETr€r:I
3dQ:lT?T:@{ eT@ITFEITTT:,
qcfrqrq qrrqq e1q;6fr; ;111;
Now we shall discussthe Chapterwhich treatsof instruments
used in connectionwith a surgicaloperation.(Sastrivac6ra4iya
adhy6ya). I
ffi: Vr€rfr1 r€1gr_ @_

H{ffi€-qfdlRqt-@-qFwr-qn-
Ffrrrrrr
Theseinstnrmentsaretwentyin numbersuchas,theMandaligra,
the Karapatra,the Vrddhipatra,the Nakha3astra,the Mu4rikh, the
theArddhadh6ra,
Utpalapatra, theSuti, theKuSapatra,theAtimukha,
theSararimtftha,theAntarmukha,theTrikrlrcaka,the Kuth6rik6,the
Vrihimukha,theA16,theVetasapatraka, theBa{isa,theDantaSanku,
andthe Esani.t2
I . TheMan{alLgra rneaswessixJingersin lengthand is provided with a round or
circular face. The Karapatromis the same as the modem saw. The rcrm
Vyddhipatrasignifresa razor.A Vqddhipatra measures sevenfingers in kngth,
the hondle alone measuringfive fingers. The Nal:ha!;astrais the same as the
modernnail-clipper,the bladeof the instrumentmeasuingafinger in breadth.
The Utpalnpatra resemblesa lotus leaf in shape. The Arddhadhhra (lancet)
measureseightftngers'breadthin length,beingonefinger broadat the middle,
62 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

nrjr 1{tredrrd5.{q} Fqrdi n'Ei *€'+ q I gftrf-

AEi S qr rI*€vr-
ffir qarfimT-
@ Eqq+q*'ra r cffi r<vrgurarmt
q5u{qfr qrgffi S r Fsqffi q'dvgq*rr:
? | TfaTs
?T{trTrtfftff@ftT: lllll
Of theabovesaidinstruments theMandal6graandtheKarapatra
should be used in incising and scraping.The Vrddhipatra,the
Nakha3astra, the Mudrik6,the Utpalapatraka,
andthe Arddhadh6rra,
shouldbe employedin incising(Chedana) andexcising(Bhedana);
and the KuSapatra,the Suti, the Atimukha,the Sararimukha,the
Triku-rcakaandthe Antarmukhashouldbe madeuseof in exudating
(Visr6vana).
or secreting TheKuthdrikd,theVrihimukha,theAri, the
Vetasapatraka andtheSuti (needl
e)shouldbeusedin puncturing.
The
BadiSaandthe Danta-Sanku shouldbeusedin extracting
solidbodies.
The Esapi(probeor director)in probingor searchingthe courseor
and twofingers at the blade.The Sici is the sameas the modernneedlc.The
K,uiapatrais so calledfrom its resemblance_to the bladeof a Ku!;a grass.An
Atimukharesemblesthe billof abirdof theAtispecies.The bladeof anAtimukha
mectsures twofinguers in length,rhe handle.measuingfive fingers and thus
givingan entirelengthofsevenfingers.TheSarbtimukha (scissors)is so-called
from theresemb lance of it s blades t o t hebi lls of a Sarhi bird and lookssomewhat
likc anwdernbhck-smith'sclipper,themeasure of itsentirelengthbeingtwelve
fingers. TheAntarmuWra is semicircularin shapeandis providedwith a toothed
edge like that of a hand-saw.The Tikfircaka (trocar) is provided wilh three
separuteblades.Theinterveningspacebetweenthecoupleof blndesattachedto
a handlemeasuringfivefingers in length,is equalto thewidthof aVilhiseed. Its
entire lcngthbeingeightfingers.
Thekuthfuikh(small,bluntaxe) measures sevenfingers anda hah in thehandlc,
the bMe is half a finger in width and is blunted like the rooth of a cow. Thc
Vri'himukhameasuressixfingers in its entire lzngth and its top is likc that of a
Vrthi seed, and thc edgc is cut into small thom-likc projections. The Arh
resemblesthe awl of a cobblerand measurestenfingers in its entire kngth, thc
bladeiswideastheseedofa seasamwnandhasthe ginhof aDirvh(grass)stem.
Tlv Vetasapatran(knife) resemblesthe leaf of oVetasaplant. Theblade isfour
fingers in length,onefingerinwidth, ondis keenlyedged,thehandlemeasuing
four fingers in length. The Badiha is shapedlike a modemfishing hook. The
Danta-ianht (pincersfu extractingteeth)sonewhhatresemblzstheVihimiuklun
in shape.Thefaceof anE6a4i(probe)is likz thatof aGafdupbda(eanh-worm).
Chap. VIII SUTRASTHANA

directionof thepus(in a suppurated

part),andtheSuti (needle)should
be used in suturing.Thus we have explainedthe eight different
functionsof theinstrumentsin connectionwith surgicaloperations.3
tcnqqffi:zrC'gqeqt|ffiffj
T-ilEFcalltrqr{m-ni tfd.ttq lffi rtcatfrrl E61ri
qusfirrla f*Agil=TqrFrrtr ffi reTfts*qrd{t Fdr}
ffirFqr**rrrg@ nlai
IruTg5riltrrsFrqaffi ffiqr @-
ffilrrffdlfr{l 5.4R.6@-
lsmrqrq*qufrqi ttqrFr
E ucmfui l@qrqrYr
Now we shall deal with the modeof handlingthe abovesaid
instruments.The Vrddhipatraand other instrumentsfbr excising
(Bhedana)shouldbecaughtholdof at a parrbetweenrhebladeandthe
handle.In actsof scraping theVrddhipatra andtheMandal6gra should
be handledwith the palm of the hand slightly turned up. The
instrumentsfor secretingshouldbecaughtholdof at therootsof their
bladesatthetimeof usingthem,whilein thecaseof a king,anold man
a timid or a delicateperson,a child,a womanandspeciallyin thecase
of a princeof theroyalblood,theTrikurcakashouldbeusedwhenany
secretingor exudatingoperationwouldbe necessary. Thehandleof
a Vrihimukhashouldbe kept concealedwithin the palm of the hand
andthe bladeshouldbe caughtholdof with the thumbandthe index
finger(Prade3ini).TheKuthdrikt shouldbefirst supportedon theleft
handandthenstruckwith thethumbandthird fingerof theright. The
A16,the Karapatraand the Eqani,shouldbe caughthold of at their
roots.Therestof thesurgicalinstruments shouldbegrappledaccording
to requirements. 4
N qrqF{tErqm: yriur Err@rrirT:
I ir* qqvn*-
qdwtr@gF6errr
Evrr{.flTvrtrRgd, €r q Erdlnfr u'cstr) Sqrer iI
qs€Hrfr il\il
The abovesaidinstrumentsare shapedlike thingswhich their
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

very namesimply, as have been alreadydescribed.The NakaSastra

and the Esanimeasureeight fingersin length.The Suci (needle)shall
be describedlater on. The top-endsof the BadiSaandthe Danta-Sahku
(Dental pincers) are a little bent down and their faces are made to
resemblesharpthorns,or the newly sproutedleavesof a barley plant.
The top-endof an Esani closely resemblesthe mouth of an earth-
worm. The lengthof a Mudrikir shouldbe madeequalto that of rherop
phalanges of the index finger (of a man of average heighr.) A
Sardrimukhimeasurestenfingersin length.The restof theinstruments
are mostly made to measuresix fingers in length. 5
arfr grarFw,E+6rR, €srrrfur,Esqrfur,g{Tqt1k-
gcnrJrfur, srffiTrmrP{,ffi gg11qq llQll
Commendatrle featuresin aSurgicalinstrument: Instruments
thatare fitted with of easygrip andaremadeof goodandpure
handles
iron,well shaped, sharp,andaresetwith edgesthatarenotjaggedand
endin wellformedpointsor tops,shouldbedeemed asthebestof their
kind. 6
n:r qF, EoT, rqrd, @-
trqftr6€Frff* TrF{*qIr I stfr fficgurwrqfo srerr
6TT*rAafta@rrer
. Curvature,bluntness(Kuntha-lit:- incapableof cuttinghair),
unequalsharpnessof the edge,rough-edgedness, over-thickness,
over-thinness, over-lengthiness, arethedefective
andover-shortness
traits in a surgicalinstrument.Thosepossessedof contraryfeatures
shouldbe used.But a Karapatrasetwith a veryrough(dentated)edge
may be usedfor the pursposeof sawingthe bones.7
icr qRT rW rnqfr, irs'q|rtfffi qer;nrf
F*flqarmrg *ffi, ffit qH
Fvrsurrdrir rt.'ugrqr€Rgd
q [eil
A surgicalinstrumentmeantfol excision(Bhedana) shouldbe
setwith an edgeasthin asthatof a Musfrapulse(lentilseed),while
aninstrument usedin scrapingshouldbesetwith anedgehalf asthin
 Chap. VIII SUTRASTHANA

as that of the former. An instrumentusedeitherin connectionwith

the
measuresof secretionorcutting by uplifting (Vyadhana)should
be set
with an edgeas fine asthehumanhair, while an instrumentof incision
shouldhave an edgehalf as thin as that of the former. Hook ancl
tooth
scatershouldbe frontly bending.Threetypesofprobe director
arefirst
one being like the face of a shorpthorn, secondone being rike newly
grown leaf of barley and third one being like the form
and face of a
round worm. 8
tqi qTZTTT
il6TT srqcr Fhfi
fThsrr ffi+St il5r qrrrqrfui
wwrenror*eig rvrqqrErd@ rffii
@t N f*vnunpJ
"deprtrdr qrqqqf,
errritcrrr{ref prerefrqgfrfi{fr iljr
surgical instrumentsshould be temperedwith one of the three
substancessuchas,alkali, water,ancloil. Instrumentsusedin
cutting
an arrow' a bone,or any foreign matter(salya) prickedinto
the human
body, shouldbetemperedwith alkali, whereasthosethatare made
use
of in cutting, cleaving, and lopping off the flesh (from an
affected
part), should be temperedwith water. Instrumentsused
in opening
(vyadhana) a vein (Sir6)or in cutringopena nerve(Sn6yu)
shourdbe
temperedwith oil, andshouldbe whettedupona speciesof stone-
slab
resembling a Masa purse in corour, and their iet-edge
should be
protectedby putting it in a sheathmade of Sltmati wood.
9
rrdfr ETTI
q<r ghRfti vrs ffiE
Edfurql
Vffrd yqrulT irEr Edg ffiErrqo r r
Authoritative verseson the subject : An instrument.weil-
ground,well-shaped, fittedwith a convenient
handreandcapableof
oaterally)cultinga harein two andmadeaccordingto measures laid
downin theSastras, shouldbealoneusedin a surgicaloperation.l0
srgvtiHrfurg _
Ffr rrqqu
The Inferior or sutrstitutiveinstruments(theAnu-sastras)
:
The skin of bamboos,crystals,bits of grass,Kuruvindas(a
sort of
Vol.I-5
 SAMHITA
sUSRUTA

fire, aikali,nails,theleavesof treesknownasGoji'

crvstai)ieecires,
Sepnatita,Sz,kapatta andKarirathetendersproutsof corn,hair, and
the fingers,shouldbe includedwithin the categoryof the minor
instrumentsof surgeryand(whichmaybeusedin certaininstances in
for theprincipalandusualones.)11
substitution
frwItr Yr€E*srri Tnryrrrrtq drcrhl
tr{rmGqga*'t aA € q gf+tr1rnRrl
srr6Fffiq+&g rq vrds ffiqt
frfu: yeqq+qsRt q{rcEM{.tn{l nl | |
t q$q.rilr +'n Hrmns tr
ilrtl
qffiqr+er+ g <roqag'rT F,ITT:lRYll
yrqr+drF{ rrFcrrrtgAIffi Et
u.rrAEa'{urgrqi 6qft u,#F€tllq\ ll
y*rr*o *ss ffi$fiqfr Frqvr: t
dgrEqRsq: qrrd: Yrsrqrtu-6frrr<rI Rq| |
Metrical texts : Thefour articlessuchasstripsof bambooskin,
crystals,bits of glass,andthe rock knownas Kuruvinda,shouldbe
urco uy an intelligentphysicianin lncising-orexcising(Bhedana)
operations,wherethe patientwouldbe foundto havea dreadof the
knife,or tooyoungto besurgicallyoperateduponwith it, or wherethe
properinstrumentcannotbeprocured.Thenailsof fingersshouldbe
ur"o in operations of incising,excisingor extractingin (substitution
for theinstrumentsenjoinedto beusedfor thepurpose),whensucha
coursewould appearfeasible.The processes of applyingalkalis,
leechesand cauterisation will be dealt with later on. In diseases
affectingthe eyelidsor the cavity of the mouth,operationsfor the
purposesof secretingor evacuating (theaccumulated pusor phlegm)'
*uy ur pbrrormed with the leaves of S6kapatra, Sephilikar or Gojis.
ln tireabsenqebfa probeor director,'iearching may be done with the
help of a finler, or with a hair, or with a corn sprout.An intelligent
physicianshould deem it his imperativeduty to get his surgical
inrt*.rntr madeby a skilful and experiencedblacksmith,and of
pure,strongandsharpiron (stedl).A physician,skilled in the art of
C h a p .V I I I SUTRASTHANA
6t

using surgicarinstruments,is arwayssuccessfurin his professionar

practice,and hencethe practiceof surgeryshourd
be commencedat
the very outsetof medicalstudies.tZ-15

EA Wrfu q.fiEri vrsrrsmqftql:rrrrqfrsqrqrNz,r

ThusendstheeighthchapteroftheSftrasth'nain theSusruta
samhit6which
treatsof SurgicalInstnrments.

+++
 SUTNASTHANA
CHAPTER IX

qqfrseqrq: I
@t@r@lrPlfr{;,
rrefo{rq qrrqq qq<R: uqtt
NowweshalldiscusstheChapterwhichtreatsofpracti
instructionsin surgicaloperations(Yogyisulra)' 1
ffi frrd"ilTqf qan+(rtr{$
trsrRg q q,,dqqgqR(r gg€"ddrq{'r*'q: ffi
rrefr ilril
tr*, tra-
ffiqrt@ffi{, gfrreFkrr+{*^-
y,fntq+q"Tfs Mrqrq' qffi
rrfrFur *qs'
ffiqit*s'@- -
rn1E+.*ir;***s,
wd-er,qtffi Fqgrqs,qlry€€r-
fus,
*""i*rt@q@
T*rfu@-
q tlltl
q5urGg
of
The preceptorshouldseehis discipleattendsthe practice
several
,urgrry uuinifhlhas alreadythrougNymasteredthe branches
 Chap.IX SUTRASTHANA

of thescienceof Medicine,or hasperusedit in its entirely.In all acts

connectedwith surgicaloperations of incision,etc.andinjectionof
oil, etc. the pupil shouldbe fully instructedas regardsthe channels
along or into which the operationsor applicationsare to be made
(Karma-Patha). A pupil, otherwisewell read,but uninitiatedinto the
practice(of medicineor surgery)is notcompetent(to takein handthe
medicalorSurgicaltreatmentofadisease). Theartof makingspecific
formsof incisionshouldbe raughtby makingcutsin the iody of a
Puspaphal6 ( a kindofgourd),Alibu, watermelon, cucumber, Ervfiruka
and Karkhruka.The art of making cuts either in the upwardor
downwarddirectionshourdbe similarrytaught.The art of making
excisionsshouldbepracticailydemonstrated by makingopeningsin
thebodyof a full water-bag, or in thebladdercf a deadanimar,or in
the sideof a leatherpouchfull of slimeor water.Theart of scraping
shouldbe instnrctedon a pieceof skin on whichthe hair has
been
all.wed to remain.Theart of venesection (Vedhya)shourdbetaught
on ttheveinof a deadanimal,or with thehelpof a lotusstem.Thean
of probinganCstuffingshoultlbe taughton worm (Ghuna)eaten
wood,or on the reedof a bamboo,or on themoutrrof a dried
Alibu
(g.urd).Theart of extractingshouldbetaught
by withdrawingseeds
fr'm thekernelof a Bimbi,Bilvaor Jactfruit,asweil asby extiacting
teeth from the jaws of a dead animar.The act of slcretine
or
evacuating shouldbetaughton thesurfaceora Satmatiwood covlred
overwith a coatof bee'swax,andsuturingon piecesof cloth,skin
or
hide..similarlytheartof bandaging or rigaturingshouldbepracticaily
learnerd by tying bandages roundthespecificrimbsandmembersof
a full-sizeddoll madeof stuffedlinen.The art of tying up a Karna-
sandhi(severed ear-robe)shourdbepracticailydemonstrated ona soft
severr)d muscleor on flesh,or with thestemof a lotuslily. Theart of
cauterising,or applyingalkalinepreparations (caustics)shouldbe
demornstrated on a pieceof softflesh;andlastlythe art of inserting
syringesandinjectingenemas intotheregionof thebladderor intoan
ulceratedchanner,shouldbe taught(by askingthepupil) to insen
a
tubeinto a laterarfissureof a pitcher,fuil of water,o, into the
mouth
of a gourd(Al6bu).2-3
 SUSR.UTS
AAMHITA

qETdEJET I

ntetnF{Sffi +,qrt$ rrcnfrftl

iFlg 5,ffi q trgaFdqC'gt tY | |
"M t
mqr(
rnq r*a rrrqd ir* ff TFn*(t tq | |
Authoritative yerseson the subject : An intelligentphysician
who has tried his prentice hand in surgery (on such articles of
experimentas,gourds,etc.,orhaslearnttheart with thehelpof things
as statedabove),or hasbeeninstructedin the art of cauterisationor
blistering(applicationof
alkali)by experimenting onthingswhichare
mostakin,or similarto thepartsor membersof thehumanbodythey
are usuallyappliedto, will neverlosehis presence of mind in his
professionalpractice.4-5

fn Uafrtnrrqt W{rrrf q}rqr{ffiftrrq qqfrsqrq:r1r

Thus ends the ninth chapterof thc Sritrasthina in the Su6mta Samhit6 which
treats of Instmctions in Surgical operations.

+++
 Sr]TnASTHANa
CHAPTE,K X

wr*sqrq: r
snrrtr@f arctrtrTrr:,
qefrqrq $Frqrt e1qqft: 1q1
Now we shalldiscussthe Chapterwhich treatsof the essential
qualificationsof physicianbeforehe formally entershis profession
(Vi3ikhinuprave3anlya adhyirya).1
ffiEc-firdon q;dffirVns
Frrr{dr rnilTdrt{ i}**snrlrn {F"rqr {.*FrrsqRG*q
Eir€T?r qvs6*{ @ {q.{sr rs6nu11-
ftra{r6ttlrrT€6*Tir$teaqanf gg6r€dr**tfqfu sqr-
39twr nfrr
A physicianhavingthroughlystudiedthe Scienceof medicine,
andfully ponderedon andverified thetruttrshehasassimilated,both
by observationand practice, and having attained to that stage of
Qucid)knowledge,whichwouldenablehimto makea clearexposition
of thescierrce(whenevernecessary) shouldopenhis medicalcarreer
(commencepractising)withthepermissionofthekingof his country.
He shouldbe cleanlyin his habitsand well shaved,and shouldnot
allow his nailsto grow.He shouldwearwhitegarments,put on a pair
of shoes,carry a stick and an umbrellain his hands,and walk about
with a mild andbenignantlook asa friendof all createdbeings,ready
to help all, andfrank andfriendly in his talk anddemeanour,andnever
72 SUSRUTASAMIIITA

allowing the full control of his reasonor intellectualpowers to be in

anv wav disturbedor interferedwith. 2
Td) -

ElrqFrrv}a, rEt{Il*ar frFfi*ffi im' wcvfr

*F{F{rV#| nqlrTrrqq, qEFsi f6 ffiqrq:,
Hgerr-qgFrr: gil*rftFr' yv*q ifr n1u
A physician,havingmetwith a messenger of happyaugury,or
havingbeenencouraged on his journeyby the notesof auspicious
birdsor sights,shouldgo to the houseol his patient.[Then,having
enteredthe sick rooml,the physicianshouklview the body of his
patient,touchit with,hisownhands, andenquire(atxruthiscomplaint),
Severalauthoritieshold that thesethree,(inspection,touch and
questioning) largelyformthemeansof ourascertaining thenatureof
a disease.But thatis notcorrect,inasmuchasthefive senseorgans of
hearing,sight,etc.andoral enquirymateriallycontributeto a better
diagnosis. 3
r* rilifiEqRcr ffiqr +tS @
qq{t-b rn*i rrn*arqf*t' rrvrd f+'twftt EF}qqrEq:I
glfiffiqr: :rqvfmqr
qr{furF{g I aqRFqqF{iqT: @-
EFfkfir{rEq: I rtT*F{qkiqr: gffig rr{Fcrfrg; 1
wmF<ffiqr @<g quTFnreurFngrFffier: r
9.{+{:a ffiqrEtr 6rd qrfti @
acFnqg"prd rwt {qnffi qrdqfrgM y-{rqr.f,fr
q'rc{rfi qHgffiqqrsTffis$gFrdr-{ngrrr+sirderr+t-
qf{Err{ ilYtl
Diseases, whichareto bediagnosed with thehelpof theorgan
of hearing,will be fully treated,lateron, in the Chapteron Vrana-
Srlva (secretions fromanulcer).Thewind(V6yu),makingtheblood
ebullient,forcesit up with a distinctlyaudiblereportandthusaffects
the senseof hearing.But this will be dealt with later on in the
abovesaidchapter.The heatandcoldnessofthe body, or the gloss,
roughness, hardness, or softness ofthe skinofthe affectedpartas in
Chap. X SUTRASTHANA

fever,or in anoedematous swellingof thebody,areperceptibleby the

senseof touch.Fullnessor emaciation of thebody(cachexia), state
andindications of vitality,strength, complexion, etc.areperceived by
thesenseof sight.secretions or discharges (fromtheinflamedmucous
membraneof the urethra)in Pramehaetc.,shouldbe testedwtih the
organ of taste.lThe characteristicsmell emittedby an ulcer in its
critical stage(Arista)shouldbedeterminedwith thehelpof theorgan
of smell.
While suchfactsasthe itme or season(of the first appearance)
or the disease, the castewhichthepatientbelongsto, andthingsor
measureswhich tend to bring abouta manifestameliorationof the
disease,or provecomfortableto the patient(S6tmya)as well as the
causeof the disease,the aggravation of pain, the strengthof the
patient,andhis stateof digestionandappetite,theemissionof stool,
urineandflatus,or theirstoppage, andthematurityof thediseaseas
regardstime,shouldbespecificalIy iu;certainedbydirectly i nterrogati ng
thepatient( orthosesubjects). Thoughtheabovesaid five organsof
sense,likethethreefundamental vital humours,helpusto makethe
correctdiagnosisof a disease, still the objectslocallyperceivedby
thesesensesshouldnot be left out of accountin ascertainingits
specificnature.4
$TqFd ETT_
fr?qrFr ftrc,rr G grrwnnarla u r
fr?n gqRTqrs dr6}gFF{.(F{.{n\ tl
Authoritativeverseonthesbuject: A diseasewronglyobserved
or wronglydiagnosed,
or incorrectlydescribed, is sureto misleada
physician.5
qeqfirsfreil rrrezrq€Ter+dqrqq urq*A Hr€qr*-
dqrdF'+(tqRrfr{rfrfermg f{*.rq yrcrsil #t( rreu
d:r qrezr gfq qrqq. yr+fiqi Eelfuqsdqr rrqkr
r<qerr -

I. The sweet, or any other taste of the discharges should be infened from the fact
of their being or not being swarmed with hosts af ants or Jlies, etc.
 S U S R U TsAA M H I T A

tu<e-@ffi;
qd fTs,q flqffi 5.dl yruilfr ner
Having madetheseobservations the physicianwill try to cure
diseasesthat are curable,adoptpalliativemeasuresin caseswhere
palliationis the only remedythat canbe offered,andgive up a case
which is beyondall medicaltreatment,andmostlythosewhichareof
more than a year'sstanding.Diseasesaffectinga Brihmana well
versedin theVedas,or a king,or a woman,or aninfant,or anold man,
or a timid person,or a manin theroyal service,or a cunningman,or
a man who pretendsto possessa knowledgeof the scienceof
medicine, or a man who concealshis disease,or a man of an
excessivelyirascibletemperament, or a manwhohasno controlover
his senses,or a man in extremelyindigentcircumstances of life or
without any oneto takecareof him, areapt to run into an incurable
typethoughappearingin a commonor curableform dt theoutset.The
physician,whopractiseshis art with a regardto thesefacts,acquires
piety, wealth,fameandall wishedfor objectsin life. G7
$rqfr ET:r-
r*Fr: €Ensf Ti{Ri rrR-E1ggqrd*qr
(dld ?nd : ilZ t l
Authoritative verseon the subject: A physicianshouldabjure
thecompanyofwomen,norshouldhespeakinprivatetothemorjoke
with them.A physicianis forbiddenro takeanythingbut cookedrice
from the handsof a woman.t
q{pnf fqfrrer5yffifr irq wr*sEnq.rtol
fi UgadFemn
Thusendsthc tenthchapterof thestftrasthtrna in the Su6rutasamhitawbich
treatsof tbc essentialqualificationof a physician.

+++
 SU'fRASTHANA
CHAPTEK XI

srsrrir: qrr{trrfiFqfuqqrd lflf@lfplf{;,

qsnrqrq qrrq|=f q"{aR! iltrl
Now we shalldiscusstheChaplerwhichtrpatsof the_pharmacy
of alkalis or potentialcauteries(Kqirap-aka-vidhi-adhydya).1
vrgrg{n*rq: fi{: yqrrcqpdu-+s-tq- ffiurr(
Hrwtarqfunrn
In casesthat requireincising,excisingand scraping,alkalisor
alkaline preparationsare of greater importance than surgical
instruments and appliances (both principal and secondary or
zubstitutive,asthey arepossessedof the virtuesof suMuing the three
derangedbodily humours(zuchas wind, bile andphlegm).2
Tf qT{ur{qrurrr(qr sFr: I qrffisF{r{rr(ffieua:,
ISffid{rE ffi Irfr q€rlrqrqrrnfT-
fficcr,rr gsrdryr:
qrq+ frrcrr{: vM frrqqr: vfuqurr rntnr* *qqt
$rrenq qlfrrtFrfif r?tl
The etymologicalsignification of the term Ks6ra . (alkalis) is
basedontheirpropertyof corroding(theskinorthe fl bih orfanaffected
partof thebody),orontheirpeculiarqualityindestroyingtheskinand
fleshwheresuchan effect is desired).Srncea varietyof substances
 SUTJRUTA
.SAMHITA

enterinto thecompositionof Ksfira(alkalis'1,

theyareenduedwith the
virtueof subduingthethreederangedbodily humours.Owingto their
white colour, Kslras should be included within the category of
cooling substances(lSaumya).
, But since many drugsor substancesof a hot or fiery nature
(Agneya)enterinto their composition,Ksirras(alkalis) are endued
with the propertiesof blistering, burning, suppurating(P6rcana),
openingetc., without invnlving any contriirdictionto their generic
(Saumya)nature,andhencethey areincludr:dwithin thelist of those
substances which are both hot andcooling(SaumyaandAgneya)in
their virtues.They are pungentin taste,of a heat-makingpotency,
irritant, digestive, rJorrosive,absorbent,liquefacient,improve
unhealthysoresand granulatiotr, and act as stypticand paralysing
agents.Theyexercisedestructive actionon animaltissues.Theyare
antitoxic, anthelminticand possessthe pro,pertyof curing mucous
accumulationsin the intestines.Theytendto reducefat andphlegm
and they have the virtue of destroyingskin disease.In large doses,
(alkalis)havethe efftrctof destroyingthe vi rile potencyof a man.3
rr Efret: yPdcrrufrq:qr+qll '36 gftgsufre: {€-

Kq6ra (causti<;s)may be grouped',rnclertwo distinct heads

(according sur:hasthepratisdraniya
to theirnrodeof adnrinistration),
(for externalapplication)andthe Piniya(alkal.ine porions).Alkaline
preparations shouldtleexternallyusedinsuchskindiseases asKitibha,
Dadru,Killsa, Mandala"Firstula-in-ano, tumour, bad ulcer (DuSqa
Vrapa),sinus., Carma-kila,Tilk6laka,Nyaccha,Vyanga,MaSaka and
externalabscesses andhaemorrhoids. In case of wormsandpoisoning
aswell asin thesevenformsof diseases whj.chaffectthecavityof the
mouth,such.asUpajihv?r, Adhigihvh,UpakuSa,Danta-Vaidarbha, and
in thethree.typesof Rohinii, externalappl:icationsof alkalisact like
substitutivesurgicalinstnrments.Alkaline pJtions or any other
Chrp. XI SUTRASTHANA

internal use of alkalis, should be prescribedin casesof Gulma

(aMominal glands),Ascites,loss of appetite,indigestion,flatulent
distensionof theabdomenwith suppression of Stoolandurine,urinary
calculi,stoneinthebladder, internal wonnsinthe intestines
abscesses,
andhaemorrhoids, aswell asfor suMuingor eliminatingany sort of
poisonfrom the system.4
qee*C rlrrrrq-
@i Rrq:l r*drcqrrE(gtqr
fi.gra+(t rrFTffisq* rtqrt
Akalis or alkalinepotionswill provepositively injurious to a
patient laid up with fever or haemoptysis,to a man of bilious
temperament, to aninfant,or to anold man,andtheywill work similar
mischief in a weak person,or in a patientsufferingfrom vertigo,
insensibility, syncopeand Timira (darknessof vision). These
preparationsof Alkalis shouldbe madein oneandthe sameway by
hltering; andwereservethefull descriptionof thisprocessfirr another
occasion.5
sr?H lffi{ulgl ii ffit: rrtR fifi,':st-Sf
{ffi qyyrRsdF{wretgrqrdq5q6iirTgrttrerdqfl riT-
@ s[qlgt qrcfu€r quwr: Eq@nEFtraE'
Frqrtt* frfufri q€r Cqrvr$ns sfffq) ftrrqrffiqt
qffisr+ rrsvrdrrgr uqn
T{rs 1crr1r.rfiar(
Alkalis for externalapplicationsarepreparedin threedifferent
potencies;the mild, middling and strong (extremelyinitan|. A
physicianwishingto preparesuchan alkali, shouldfirst purify his
body and mind, and observea fast on a day in autumnmarkedby
auspiciousastralcombinations. Thenhavingascended thebrow of a
hill, he shouldselect a full grownAsita-mupka(GhantSr p6rul)treeof
middle age, and growing on soil recommended in the works on
pharmacyand not anywiseaffected.Thenhavingformally invoked
the spirit of the aforesaidtree, which bearsno white flowers) the
physicianshouldfeel it on the day following- reciting ttre Mantra
whichreadsas:-"O thoupossessed of mightyvirtues,O thouendued
with fiery potency,may the potencyneverdecreaseor vanish.Stay
 78 SUSRUTASAMHITA

here,o thoublissfulone,executemy work,andaftertheperformance

thereofthoushaltbeatlibertyto ascendto theheavenlyregions." Then
havingperformedthe Homaceremonywith thousands of white and
red flowers,the physicianshouldcut the woodof theabovesaidtree
into small piecesand put themin a placeprotectedfrom the wind.
Then having placedpiecesof unslakedlimestoneover them, the
physicianshouldburnthemto asheswith thelightedfaggotsof dried
sesamum plants.Theyafterthefire hasfairly burntitselfout,theashes
of the limestoneand the Ghanti-pdrulawood shouldbe separately
collectedandstored.6
gT?ntrMtr

ifrynira1, HqF_
rFcrr{vncn <t( [su
similarly the wood as weil as the leaves,rootsand fruits of
Kutaja, Pal63a,A3vakarna,piribhadraka, Bibhitaka, Aragvadha,
Tilvaka,Arka, Snuhi,Rp6m6rga,pilr.al6, Naktam6la,Vrsa,kadall,
Citraka, Putika, Indra-Vrksa,Sphot6,A6vam6raka,Saptacchada,
Agnimantha,Gufrjd,andthefour speciesof Kos6taki,shouidbe
burnr
downto ashes.7
iliT: qtrrfrwgqc;frlt: yq$affig? {fuf qiffi-
WdvrRr{H} qR"srqrrtFdq-ereu+rqdgqt frrr+(l
€ irEr rr{drd rr6fr qA
rtmfrryr: ftF*r€ aErrqr?T
ffim furq v grrtrr*ftnriqt Fil qE q qrr+{fir(
E.F{qEnd qrqt+( reil
Then a Dronameasureof the ashesthus preparedrshouldbe
dissolveda-nd stirredup in six Dronameasures of purewateror cow's
urine,andbe tilter'edtwenty-onetimesin successiion. The (allkaline
waterfiltered asabove)shouldbe kept in a largecaldronover a fire
andboiledby gentlyagitatingit with a ladle.It shouldbe takendown
from the fire when by graduarstirring, the saturatedwater wourd
appeartransparent, slimy,redandirritating.It shouldthenbefiltered
hanrh-phrulaartd otrepan of the ashesof
Kutaja, etc.
Chap. XI SUTRASTHANA

througha pieceof cleanlinen,andthedrugsthrownaway.After this

a Kudavameasureanda half ( I 2 Palas)of the (abovesaid)saturated
or alkaline water shouldbe taken out of the caldron,and the rest
shouldbe againkept boiling over the fire. I
m: :E€rrr+
qA afig*e qrr+q+frfrq firqEr t+e ffiswirsFqif
yqruiyFfqrq l
rr qsn qrFdrn* qrFdrdf€ rrdFd d?n Yqtil | sreh-
@Er+ri-ildgaFr{g[Irteqqq:t
qq qqrffrqrq; !?ftr; TiqF {$: ll3ll
Following this,substances knownasKata-Sarkarl,theashesof
the burnt limestonepreviouslyobtained,Ksirapikas (fresh water
oysters)andSankhanlbhi,shouldbeburntredhotin equalproportions,
and then immersedand pressedin the Kudavameasureof alkaline
waterpreviouslysetapartin an iron basinasabovedescribed.Then
havingimmersedeightPalameasures of thesubstances knownasthe
Sankhandbhietc., in the abovesaidalkaline water, the physician
shouldboil it by continuousandsteadystirring,carebeingtakennot
to makeit of too thin nor of too thick a consistency.Thenthebasinor
the caldronshouldbe takendown from the oven, and its contents
pouredinto an iron pitcher,carefullycoveringits mouthafter filling
it. The alkali thuspreparedis calledthe l$6ra (alkali) of middling
potency,which, if preparedwithout the subsequent addition (lit :
throw-over)of theashesof Kaqaiarkar6, etc.,goesby thenameof mild
alkali (Mr.du$6ra). 9

Similarly, alkali preparedwith theadditionof thepowdersof the

drugsknown as Danti, Dravanti,Citraka,Llhgalakl Pulika-Pravdla
Talpatri,Vida, Suvarcikl, Kanaka-Ks-iri, Hingu, Vac6,and Visl, or
with as many of them as are available,eachweighingfour tolas, is
calledthe strongKq6ra(extremelyirritating alkali). Thesealkaline
 S U S R U T As A M H I T A

preparations ofdifferentpotencies,
shouldbeseverallyusedin cases
wheretheir administrations wouldbe clearlyindicated.An alkaline
preparation,anyway weakened, shouldbestrengthened by addingto
it alkalinewater(watersaturated
withanalkali)asbeforedescribed.l0
FftEITT I
ktfrffirr5: gtrT:rwpilsqfrfum:r
sffifrre: Vftg:ArfrA.egq3q-tT:ll
:r
TTrAT[sqEFrfirftffrqilf *q va]|qq 11
Authoritative verses on the subject : The commendable
feturesin analkali arebasedon its whiteness,
on its beingneithertoo
mild nor too strong,on its glossandsliminess,on its stickingto the
placeof application, andon its powerof secreting(Abhisyandi)the
morbid lluid, andon its rapideffect.on theotherhand,its defective
traitsconsistin its beingtoomild, of excessive
whiteness, excessive
strengthor irritability, of over-sliminess,
excessivestickinessor
thickness,insufficientboiling, and insufficiencyof component
ingredients.11
?Fr@ ffitds-
ffi@rfrqqarrr*wf
@ lrgfu€r yrenaqrWrryFc{Trr+(tqiqr
qrq€?frTt:qltfril rqRil
A patientlaid up with a disease amenable to an applicationof
alkali (potentialcauteryor caustic)shouldbe kept in a spacious
chamber,andshouldnotbe exposedto draughtsandto thehot raysof
thesun,[Thenthephysicianhavingsecured]thenecessary appliances
etc.,asalreadylaid downin thechapterv, shouldviewthepartof the
patient'sbody ro which the alkali is to be applied.The afficted part
shouldbethent rubbedor scarified2 with analkari,andcoveredovert
scendency of the derangedbile.
2. It should be scraped with the alkali wherethe skin would appear hard and
benumbedowingto the actionof the derangedvital winds(VAyb.
3. In a caseof derangedphlegn (Kafa) the affectedpan being markedby itching
and swelling.
Chap. XI SUTRASTHANA

with a pieceof linen.Thealkalinepreparationshouldbeappliedwith

a rod or director' and kept undisturbed for a period needed to
articulatea hundredlong letter (sounds).12
dktFflFfh un* q,unr EFercTqrur{l
ffifFiEirl; ffi:
sTer
+(roncqffir( qvftdtr
FEqreFf drr {rEuqqElrrar(t I
snffiqTffi Ffidq qg6+Eql
n.tq 15lrlTFnfr tttrqiruriqr r
ftrqqm': rrqgqn Tdr6f qorfrqtrt:I n? | |
Metrical texts : The perfect burning (blistering should be
inferred from the black colour of the skin of the affected part.
Madhukaandthe substances includedwithin the Amla-varga(group
bf acid drugs)pasted with clarifiedbutter,shouldbe appliedto allay
the incidentalburning(sensation). A plastercomposedof the shreds
of Amla-Kifrjika, sesamumand Madhukatakenin equalparts,and
pastedtogether,shouldbe appliedto thepartburnt with an alkali; in
theeventof thelatterhavingfailedto producethedesiredeffectowing
to the diseasebeingdeeplyseated.MadhukaandtheKalka(paste)of
sesamummixedwith clarifiedbutterwouldcausesuchan(incidental)
ulcerlo heal,13
Tffifriqffirqtfuil:l
eil*rffifir g€: irri qrrt:Ir{nrqftt ny | |
qd ffi T{s fr*n=i Frdq tr
srffi*aft Tsq qrfrFqf+{ FcqrqAEtI
EFgqwf q.Frd eratrfrqrrrmwr
sr+{ F6 Tigfi': lr *egraeufr TrT:| |
qTgd $rcrtsdqd*qurqd fuafrt
@ qF6GfifiFrr$:nt\tl
Now youmayaskthequestionhowcananacidsubstance, which
is fiery in its virnreandheat-making
in its potency,tendtozuMuethe
effectsof analkali whichispossessedof simillarvirtuesandproperties,
\/nl I-6
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

insteadof augmentingthem,ascannaturallybe apprehended ? Well

my child,thequestioncanbefairly answered by stating,thatzubstances
of all tastesenterintothecompositionof analkali excepttheacidone.
The pungent(Katu)tasteis theprincipaltasteof an alkali, while the
saline(Lavana)formsits minoror accessory flavour(Anurasa).Now
thissalinetastein conjuction withtheacidonerenounces itsextremely
sharp or irritating property and is thus transformedinto one of
sweetness or of soothingvirtue.Henceit is thatanacidtastetendsto
allay the burning incidentalto an applicationof alkali (potential
caustic)in the sameway aswatertendsto put out fire. 14-15
a:r qqrtit} ffi FTrErqrrqrgr€It m
*eiq,uEqrgqrFr EnfuEFqgr ff ErtrcnqrFrerqr-
@: q{ruf qn errwqf,uTIl q?rrtr
qerrqr& ffi(uqeil
An operationofperfectcauterisationwith analkalineapplication
bringsahut an ameliorationof thedisease,or thediseaseis entirely
subdued,accompaniedby lightnessof the limbs and absenceof
secretionfrom theaffectedpart;while an insufficientburning[of the
part]is generallyattendedby symptomsof aggravationof themalady
andalsogivesriseto localpain,itchingandnumbness. [Ontheother
handl,excessive burning[of thepart]with analkalinepreparationmay
havea fataltermination,andis attendedby zuchsymptomsasburning,
suppuration,redness,secretionin and from the seatof affection.A
feelingof languorand fatiguecomesuponthe patientaccompanied
with thirst, swooningandan achingsensation. An ulcerincidentalto
a burn by an alkali shouldbe treatedwith a specialeyeto the nature
of thediseaseandthederangedbodily humourspecificallyinvolved
in thecase.16

aqr
r*q:*c:seqrisq ytfrtqsgils TEErFT rffiF1q na n
Chap. XI SUTRASTHANA

A weak person,an infant, an aged person,a man of timid

disposition,a patientsufferingfrom aMominaldropsywith general
anasarcaor from haemoptysis, a pregnantwoman,a womanin her
menses,a personsufferingfrom an attackof high fever or urethral
discharges,or emaciatedwith chronicinflammationof the lungs,or
a personsubjectedto fits of faintingor abnormalthirst, or a person
sufferingfromvirile impoterrcy, or whosetesteshavebecomederanged
eitherupwardsor downwards, or awomansufferingfromretroversion
or introversionof the uterusor prolapsesof the vagina,shouldbe
deemedunfit for being cauterisedwith alkalis. Moreover their
applicationis not to be sanctionedover the veins, nerves,joints,
grisflesor tenderbonesor cartilages, srtures,arteries,throat"umbilicus,
genitals,regionsof Srotas(externalchannels),partscoveredover
with a thin layer of flesh,insiderthenailsandothervulnerableparts
of the body,nor in diseases of theeyes,exceptingthosewhich affect
the eyelids.17-lt
iFr {rrsls}Eqfr qrfug @
@ qTrfr=Tqrsrqfrilqqr
Alkalis fail to produceanybeneficialeffectin a patientzuffering
fromoedemaof thelimbs,or zufferingfrombone-ache, or laid up with
a diseaseaffectingthejoints or theheart,or in a personof impaired
appetitewho has lost all relish for food, even when their use is
otherwiseindicated.19
rrcfr Errl
@:qrfrrr*qeqqfr9gfi':r
q *rarsqrerglil+rnRFrflrfqturqlrrtr tRo| |
Authori tati veverseon the subj ect : An Alkali administeredby
an ignorantphysicianis to be dreadedmorethanpoison,fire blows
with a weapon,thunder-bolts, or deathitself; while in the handof an
intelligentphysicianit is potentenoughto speedilyzuMueall serious
diseasesin which its useis indicated.20

fnWaffiurrFnf @:rttr
Thus ends the elevewh Chapterof thc Sntrasthbnain the SuhrutaSahhift
which treats ofthe PhannacyofAlkalis.
 ST]TRASTHAN.q,'
CHAPTEK XII

trrEvfrs*qrqtI
ffiET@trttrrl:r
qefrerq rrrrqq qq<fr: uttl
Now we shalldiscusstheChapterwhichtreatsof cauteriesand
therulesto beobservedin theirusr(Agni-Karma-Vidhi-adhyirya). I
qrr{tEtrillt Tq F*,'qrg Eff@Tril:r rflqr{i ntnqnq-
5qqf-{r( W irqFrTa|FilEruRrl
A fire (cautery)is betterthan an Alkali as far as its healing
propertyis concerned. A disease burntwith fire, is curedfor goodand
knowsnorecrudescence; anddiseases whichordinarlybaffletheskill
of a surgeonor a physician,andneverprovethemselves arnenableto
medicinal or surgical remedies,are found to yieltl to 'fire
(cauterisation).2
srftilf{ qa+rffqnRr raer-@
@: q*r(p*6ra I r* ftqerqrvr-
r@l
gF{g.sfrTr@uEn
The following drugs, articles, and substancesshould be
understoodasaccessories to an act of cauteristion,viz., Pippali,the
thetoothofacow(Godanta),
excretaofgoats, Sara,arod,thesurgical
instrumentknown as the , J6nrllavausta, articlesmadeof copperor
Chap.XII SOTRASTHANA E5

silver,honey,treacle,oil, or anyotheroily substance.Out of these,

Pippali,the Godanta,Saraandthe rod shouldbe (madered hot and)
usedin cauterisingthe affectedpart in a diseasewhich is restricted
only to the skin; similarly the surgical instrumentknown as the
J6mOavau;18,, &Swell as the appliances madeof coppefor silver
shouldbeUsedin a diseasewhichis seatedin theflesh.Honey,treacle
and oil shouldbe boiled and employedin cauterisingthe disease
which affectsany of the veins,neryes,bonesor bonejoints. 3
irrrM Frctdg qFzf-ffi{ vrc{frqnenq, Frrqn-
ffi qrqt Tstr+{i Rfti qar rrvrr
is admissiblein all seasonof the yearsexcept
Cauterisation
summerand autumn;but no suchdistinctionshouldbe observedin
casesof impendingdanger,whenit shouldbepractisedwith thehelp
of such appliancesof a contrary cooling) nature,[as wet sheets,
coolingdrinks andcoolingplasters,etc.l 4
rffiqgg q fi6emrd gt'tftT: 6d Eda,

ofthe year,the patientshould

In all diseasesandin all seasons
befedon a dietof slimy (mucilaginous) foodbeforeactuallyapplying
the cautery;while the patientshouldbe kept on an empty stomach
beforethe act wherethe complaintwouldbe a caseof Muthagarbha
(falsepresentation),fistulain ano,haemorrhoids
or a diseaseaffecting
the cavity of the mouth.5
ifir @ Hrdfd qrffqrqst F6 il
@Tyfrtu€ilsFr:ilqr
Accordingto certainauthoritiestheprocessof cauterisation
may
be groupedunder two headsaccordingas the skin or the flesh is
cauterised.The presentwork doesnot lay any injunctionagainstthe
of anynerve,vein,boneor bonejoint (asstatedbefore).6
cauterisation
i|ir lrrqFrg$Tf'l* gfqrr Fffi+qs arefr) r
@ {E5-Fsf{f9Itrri|T Er qrF+s}l
g'gqft{ltqg ft1q1g1gt1r&t rsqrr5ultTr
a-ffirrgurdT q 6sqfurqr* [e[
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

A burningof the skin is accompanied by a peculiarburstingor

crackingsound.Theskinbecomes conffactedandemitsa fetid smell.
Similarly, in a case where the flesh is burnt, (the affectedpart)
aszumes a dovecolourof Olackishbrown),markedby painanda linle
swelling,andtheincidentalulcerbecornes dry andcontracted.In the
casewhere a nerve or a vein is brunt, the ulcer presentsa raised
(elevated)andblackaspectwith the stoppageof all secretions;while
of anyof thebonejoints h4sa
an ulcer incidentalto the cauterisation
parchedred hueandbecomeshardandrough.7
r* qt(r ed+n-
ffi gFa E'ar Edtr{qqtFqt fq.qnT-
@qm
ffiqS@qfiT6cqurfqrrerr
Theregionsof theeye-brows,foreheadandtemplebones, should
be cauterisedin diseasesaffectingthe headas well as in a caseof
Adhimantha(Ophttrlmia).In diseasesaffectingthe eyelidsthe eye
shouldbe coveredover with a moistpieceof Alaktaka(a thin padof
redpigmentprincipallyusedin dyeingthefeetof ladies)andtheroots
ofthe eyelashesshouldbedulycauterised. Cauterisation is specifically
enjoinedto beresortedto in casesof glandular inllammation. tumour,
fistulain ano,scrofula,elephantiasis,Cagratita,t, warts,Tilak6laka,
hernia,sinus,haemorrhage, andon the occasionof cuning a vein or
a bonejoint, as well as in the eventof the vital wind (V6yu) being
extremelyagitatedandlodgedin thelocalskin,flesh,vein,nervesand
the bone-jointsandgiving rise to excruciatingpain in and'aboutthe
ulcerwhichin consequence presentsa hard,raisedandinertsurface.t
ir:r ffi *E"f ffrert; ?ctctt-
q6rfuiln: ilqtl
The modesof cauterisationvary accordingto the seat of the
disease,andnumberfour in all, viz., the Ring,the Dot, theLateralor
Slantinglines,andthe Rubbingmodes.9
Chap. XII SUTRASTHANA

$rqFdTqr:r-
ftrg rierrqqeg rRqq+rs qqtFt qsrqerg I
qtE Rrrts gfrF qrryqrir@ftqrtM I Ro| |
AuthoritativeYerseonlhesubject:Aphysician'afterhaving
carefullyconsideredtheseatofthedisease andjudiciouslyascertained
(thevital parts
thepatient'sstrengthandthesituationsof theMarmas
with an eyeto the
of thepatient's;body,shouldresortto cauterisation
natureofthemaladyandthethenprevailingseasonoftheyear'10
Tr TF{€} qgfirrrtqtEq$: | 3T*qr{Fr{t qRat(
nnrqfrr<,vi'fittd Edd qri T{i
nqqu
Thepart,afterbeingproperlycauterised, shouldberubbedwith
anunguentcomposedofhoneyandclarifiedbutter.Amanofbilious
tempJrament or with a quantityof badbloodlying stagnantandlocked
foreign
up in anypart of his body,or of lax bowels,a personwith any
zubstances(suchasathornorasplinterstilllodgedinhisbody),a
weak or an old man, an infant, or a man of timid disposition,or a
personafflictedwithalargenumberofulcers,aswellasapatient
are
zuffering from any of thediseasesin which diaphoreticmeasures
for cauterisation.11
forbidden,shouldbe regardedasa subjectunfit
gta ss{firfiqr qrtrfi8fui qqqrq' I ar m 6qf qrErs
ffidl s1ffi fr r*4, WgFvrrr5{{ficsrq
<afr Irsrqffifro,r
arrrfra3gfugarq1 t'<} rdFil rt?ll
Nowweshalldescribethecharacteristicsymptomsofthe
severalkindsofburnsotherthanthosecaused(for surgicalpurposes)'
Fire feedsbothuponfatty andhardfuels,[suchasoil andlogsof wood
into
etc.I . Hot or boil ing oil hasthepropertyor permeatingor entering
the minutestnervesandveins,andhence, it is of
capable burningthe
(scald)is
skin,etc.Accordinglyanulcerincidentalto sucha burning
characterisedby extremepain, etc. 12
mqdgtr@wgFffi{qrq{l
ftr rr( M Ke{tfiTqrl il( Kqr ry
r<t"er{t
 S I J S R U T AS A M H I T A

EtrF!(qrqrrT{rnEiilrffiuf g.{frRqiftrroTg" Er I srF{q3*

qgffiq: j\ft1q-
ErdftqnTr{.€fg sqfrEr rrEFir,Errrremq
Rq t6fr, 6-q
ffi ll-chr i
l{Efr ilq? t l
Burns may be groupedunder four distinct headsviz., the
Plushtam,the dur-dagdham, the ,samyag-dagdham and the Ati_
dagdham.A burn characterised by the discolouringof its seatand
extremeburningandmarkedby theabsence of anyvesicleor blister,
is calledthe Plusta,from the root 'plusa"to burn.A burn,which is
characterised by theeruptionof largevesiclesor blisters,andassumes
a redcolour,andis characterised by excessive burninganda kind of
drawingpain,andwhich suppurates andtakesa long time to heal,is
calledthe Dur-dagdha(badburnor scald).A burn,which is not deep
(superficial)andassumes thecolourof a ripeTlla fruit,anddoesnor
presenta raisedor elevatedaspectand developsthe preceding
symptoms, is calledtheSamyag-dagdham (fully burntone),A burnin
whichthefleshhangsdown,andwheretheveins,nervesandbonesare
destroyed,accompanied with fever,burning,thirst,faintingandsuch
like disturbaurces, andwhichleadsto a perrnanent disfigurationof the
body,retardingthe healingof the incidentalulcer which leavesa
discoloured cicatrixevenalterhealing,is calledtheAti-dagdha(over
burntone).A physicianshouldtry to healanyofthesefour typesof
burnswith the measuresalreadylaid down before.13
fck'til=r-
srF=rrrqiffi $ffi. Eyr qril: fqwfrr
?rc**q +t{ frtqwng#trr
Tiqffi 3+ Afr ..rfr Faftr**nt
tilR +firgfr{r: yFprr q frelafrr
rqtar: Vfr*yqr€r*Eflqlwnqmd*t tqy | |
Authoritative verseson the subject : The blood of a man is
agitatedandmadehotby fire, andthebloodthusheatedtendsto excite
or causesit to raisethebile. And sincefire andbile (pitta)aresimilar
C h a p .X I I SUTRASTHANA

effect,potencyandnatalfactors,the effectsof
in their taste,essence,
PittamOurrningsensation etc.)arenaturallyaggravatedandaugmented
through a contactwith fire. Blisters or vesiclescrop up in rapid
successionand mark the seat of burning, and fever, thirst, etc.,
supervene.14
qrEdqyrqrqfq fiaForsr drEF*l
Kqsfiqrilr{ qndgwr d€rtqq{t I
vr0t e+fA* fiFi Fcfr yfrfrrrql
lr$ilr q.{€ vfti ra,q.rrsFdvilftm11
inryr( gcrtlfr qurr T g Yfti i6?llml R\ t t
Now I shall describethe courseof medical treatmentto be
adoptedfor the cure of burns.Hot anddry fomentations,as well as
warm plastersshouldbe appliedto a burnof the Plustamrtype, and
a courseof hot food anddrink shouldbe likewiseprescribedfor the
patient.The blood becomesthin when the body is diaphorisedby
meansof warm fomentations,and water, in virtue of its natural
coolingproperties,tendsto thickentheblood.Herrcewarmfomentations
or applicationsexercisecurativevirfuesin the caseof a burn of the
foregoingtype, and water or cold applicationsproducethe contrary
effect.r15
yfrilrgpnsgt"* ffi qafrqfirrqgr: 1
rtl#t{FF{ u,rr}qr nq | |
Both warmandcold measures areto be adoptedin the caseof a
burn of the Dur-dagilhar type,the medicinalremediesconsistingof
cold applicationsandunguentsof clarifiedbutter.216

wgt: qFfqrffi u,rraqffrsq.tI

t. By anesting the radiation of the incarceratedheat and thcrebyfavowing the

elevation of the local temperatureand the increaseof the burning sensation.
2. Cold applications and cooling mectsurcsshould bc resonedb in the caseof a
deep and excessivebm, whilc the contraryshouldbeheld as the conect remedy
in thc coseof a slight and superficial one.
 suSnurasAMHrrA

finfutS: sem+(r
nr@i nqetl
A plastercomposedof Tuglksiri, Plaksa,Candana,Gairika,and
Amfta (Guduci),pastedtogetherwith clarified butter, should be
applied over a burn of the Samyag-dagdha type, or the flesh of
domesticor aquaticor amphibiousanimalsshouldbe pastedand
plasteredovertheaffectedpart.A burnof thepresenttype,markedby
excessiveburning,shouldbemedicinallytreatedin thesamemanner
as a caseof biliousabscess(Pitta-vidradhi).17
qfr<tr) ftrvfltqtffr qigr{lig vfrildr{l
ffiE-qfEft{rrq@:tl
@ gafn*: F+'ra"ql
quT Erq+qcr#q+.
tl
fr''qnrfiffiE.qkfcTrt.ftrnffiq(t Ra| |
In the caseof a burn of the Ati-dagdha(over-burnt)type, the
looseor thedanglinginteguments (skin)andfleshshouldberemoved,
andcoldapplicationsshouldbemadeovertheulcer.Thentheaffected
part shouldbe dustedover with pulverisedSali rice, or a plaster
composedof thepulverised
skinof Tindukiandclarifiedbutterpasted
together,shouldbeappliedoverits surface.rTheaffectedpart should
becoveredoverwith theleavesof Guduci,or of lotus,or otheraquatic
plants,andall measures andremedialagents,indicatedin the caseof
a bilious erysipelas,shouldbe resortedto in the presentinstanceas
well. 18
qqH qqqFi fu rFff irsnl
qffiw*iWqffiTq*rqffiqr
I l q ql l
ffi ffi sqrf ffiffi(nRorl
Aplastercomposed of bee'swax,Madhukam,RodhraSarjarasa,
Mafrjiqthl,(red)CandanaandMrlrvfrpastedtogetherandboiledwith
l. Several authoritiesprescribe Tinduki bark and human craniwn powdered
togetherand mixedwith claified buner,while othersprescribea decoctionof
Tindud bark
Chap.XII SOTRASTHANA

clarified buttershouldbe regardedasbeneficialto bumsof all types

to promoterapid healing.
In thecaseof a burnfromboilingoil, clarifiedbutteror suchlike
substancesshould be externallyapplied and all measureswhich
promote drynessof the part (Ruksa)shouldbe adoptedwithout the
leasthesitation.19-20
sTr ss* yqaFrfr E+rfffiqruql
{rqfirFdffi aiudffit rrrsflr
q{*: qftqrts rmv**Tqrqtl
€{F{i ffifr +qr{a nFn itl
a*e q rnsr1qqtlgffirr
Esrr@rd: Tfr{crcTq qffir
t+tr6d F&i flI dR genvcqt t?r| |
Now we shalldescribethesymptomswhichbecomemanifqstin
a person[whosenostrilsand larynxJare chokedwith smoke.The
respirationbecomeslabouredandhurried andtheaMomenis distended
accompanied by constantsneezingandcoughing.The eyeslook red
and seemas if burning. the patient breathesout smokeand fails to
catchanyothersmellthanthatofit.Thesense ofhearingisconsiderably
affected;the senseof tastebecomes inert; fever, thirst anda burning
sensationsupervene;andthepatientdropsdownuuerlyunconscious.2l
rfiRqrtf Erqri q{ir ur w*rrq arr
qgfid T* qTfr qrFTr.r Y<rtrttl
qrrfr: qlta{Rf: Igr( Er|rqg rl'qffr r
ftftrrr+{ vnqFfr F(tqrtrtwrrr: | |
(f5't[f31
qe{ftffig a;-g*: E"rFrrt! | |
@rrsrFrffir
frriF**i r* qur<+tt yn€fuqlI
Effiqgfi qrer ft'frfers ?Fr, r
sffi ag Frqqrdrrgr€q qieq+(r tR?| |
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Now hearmediscourseonthecourseof medicaltreatmentto be

adoptedin the caseof oneover-powered with smoke.Emeticsin the
shapeof clarifiedbuttermixedwith sugarcane juice or milk saturated
with the juice of grapes,or lumps of sugar-candydissolvedin an
adequatequantityof water,or any acid potion slightly sweetened,
shouldbeadministeredto thepatient.Thecontentsof thestomachare
speedilydischargedby vomiting; the distensionof the aMomen is
removed;the smell of smokein the breath is mitigated,and the
accompanyingfever with (its concomitants)of sneezing,languor,
thirst, cough, labouredbreathingetc. is abated,and the patient is
restoredto consciousness. Gargleshavinga sweet,saline,acid or
pungent(katl) tasterestorethe sense-perception of the patient,and
gladdenhis mind.Medicatedsnuffsin adequate quantitiesshouldbe
administeredby a well-readphysicianto sucha patient,wherebyhis
head,eyesandneckwouldbe ableto resumetheir normalfunctions.
And a courseof diet, which is light, emollientand not acid in its
reaction,shouldbe prescribed.22
vfrc:q,rd frh: Fqtr
vffi*&q suri ferisrs yrcqtl
aqrFd+qqr Ett frnAqffiR i5'qrg=tlIRR| |
Cmling measures or applicationshouldbe prescribedor made
in theeventofany partofthe bodybeingscorchedby excessiveheat,
or by beingexposedto a draughtof hot andparchedwind. Similarly,
hot and emollient measuresof applicationsshouldbe resortedto
whereany part of the body hasbecomefrozenor shrivelledby snow
or cold winds. A personstruckby lightning shouldbe regardedas
beyondthe paleof medicine.r23
fiB{arfrtrqf@:rtql
ThusendstherwehhChapteroftheSiltrasthhnaintheSu!;ruta Sahhithwhich
treats of Cauteriesand thc rulcs to be obsencd in their use.

L AAU,otuI tcfls : Where the scorching wouA be found to bc considerably

extensive:otherwisesuchmeasuresas lubricationwithmedicated unguentsetc.
should be adoptedin a casewherethc patient is pickcd up alive.
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTEK XIII

ffi:l
slerrfr ffi{ ET@rFtrrr:,
zrcfrerq t{rr€tq erq<R: ut tl
Now we shalldiscusstheChapt_qrwhichtreatsof leeches
andof
how and which to use (Jalauk-avachragrya
adhy6ya). 1
IT{IT-

g-{iqrfuf ffiq€ltn'€:u?tl
d:r @i q?rrsGf EH.q+i5,lFns-
fir€R(FqfFr s&f, Rs-nq F{srEd?H.Tdq,rdr-
gFnldz1r( utll
Leechesshouldbe appliedwherethepatientwouldbe foundto
be old or imbecile, or a woman,or an infant, or a personof an
extremelytimid disposition,or a personof a delicatebonstirution,
and'
as suchis not fit to be surgicallyoperatedupon,sincethis modeof
bleedingis thegentlestthatcanbepossiblydevised.thebloodvitiated
by thederanged wind(Viyu), bile@itta),andphlegm(Kapha)should
be respectively. suckedthrougha horn, by leechesand a gourd
appliance (Altrbu-Yantra)or with whichsoever of themis availableat
the time, irrespectiveof the causeof suchvitiation, wheneversuch
bleeding or sucking would be found to be imperatively
necessary.2-3
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

$rqk qrr-
sqf rrqgt ffi rmi {S yqlftatr
Fsr( qrfrTge E fec r€+qfrny tl
vffiercr qgrr Er**,r qrftrnqqrr
il€dr( ftr@ g ffdr qr acHn\ tl
3rfrtg €{i v,qt'ntq,urgqffiRf-tqr
dFTr( verqiTqe E Fi il€Httqtl
Authoritativeverseson the subject: A cowhornis described
in theSzrstrasasof a hotor heatmakingpotency,andaspossessed of
a slightly cooling (Snigdha)or soothing(Madhura) property.
Accordingly it shouldbeusedin suckingthebloodvitiatedthroughthe
actionof thederangedbodilywind.Leeches,whicharebornin water,
are possessed of Madhura(sweetor soothing)properties,andhence
theyshouldbe usedin suckingthebloodvitiatedthrougha deranged
conditionof the bile @itta).the gourd (Ahbq) is pungent,parching
andirritatingin its potencyandshouldbethereforeusedin suckingthe
bloodvitiatedthroughtheactionof thederanged phlegm(Kapha).4-6
Truffi?'3asrftrrcrd;aqt- ffir
qqurr(t gr{rdT{nsfirerT [s tl
Mode of application : The part from which the.bloodis to be
suckedshouldbe first scarifiedor slightlycut in two or threeplaces,
andthenthe mouthor the openend,of thehorn,coveredwith a thin
piece of muslin tied round its edgesshouldbe placedover it and
suckedwith themouththroughtheapertureatitstip or top-end,or with
a gourdapplianceequippedwith a lightedlampplacedin irs inside.7
sTcrqfrrgi6T qeFtr qsqrgrqrgR'fr w('T|gaF,, Er6T-
qrsr+fi Ffr qcltq,'R:| fit Er-(yT;arsf rrfuqr: lre iTrqiq
qa FrHurr ten
T{ HR6rT:- Eurn q-€n qlryrqf IFErgen€rgFf*,r
tfrTq{rift | ils${E t-curtytRrnrEFwnrqHrrq{zr*<rq?n
Hac5fu, qtdnt tqvn r6rqrsf qwrgqm.rqtr
Chap.XIII SUTRASTH.A.NA

{qqlfiI
rilTqsr€furi tdqn6dr-

ThetermJalauka(leeches)maybeetymologicallyinterpretedto
meancreatureswhoselife (Ayu) or whoselongevityis in, or depends
upon, water, whereasthe derivativemeaningof the term Jalauka
(leeches)is baseduponthe fact of their dwelling("oka"-dwelling
place)in water(Jala).Leechesmay be dividedinto twelvedistinct
ipeciesof which six arevenomous, andsix non-venomous. The six
uinomousspeciesarenamed&$n6, Karburl, Alagardl, Indrlyudhtr,
slmudrikl and Gocandana. The leechesof the first-namedspecies
(IQqr.ra)are marked by thick heads,and of a colour resembling
powderedlampblack.Theleechesof theKarbur'atypehaveextended
or elongatedbodieslike the varmifishes,andareindentedandthick
at the waist.The Alagardl leechesare hairy, thick andround at the
sides,andblackat the mouth.The leechesof the Indrhyudhaspecies
aremarkedonthesurfacewith up-pointedrainbowcolouredlines.the
skinsof the S6mudrik6xareblackishyellow, dottedover with white
spotsof a varietyof shapes.Leecheswhichareprovidedwith narrow
mouthsand are markedby bifurcating line at the bottom like the
scrotalsacofa bull are calledGocandanis.E-9
nfi rt*gonrifr sqgtnrqr"q'qqHqfr <raPEF{TE:
rrqqltfr ffi $rEFfrttr qAFr(; qFqrM-
Fqrfrq:l @3 qfrs13 qFqFfiFtrdr
EI@Ilttf: llloll
A personbittenby any of the abovesaidvenomousleecheshas
an irresistbleinclinationto scratchtheseatof thebitewhichis marked
by a considerable swelling.Fever,with burning,retching,drowsiness
and delirium supervenesand ultimately the patient loses all
consciousness. The remedyconsistsin the administrationof an anti-
toxic medicineknownasMahbgada,assnuffs,potionsandunguents,
etc.A bite by an Indrlyudhausuallyprovesfatal.Venomousleeches,
as well as curesfor their bites,havethusbeendescribed.10
slut{Fdqr:-qfi rd{rfuf,
drYr{gd{fufirgusfr+,,5d
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qrqRql ihr rrr q13ffi6nqrfi1q qrshqi y*

fiarqg(qqurf q,fofln ffi-qs, EirfrTqr ftr$'qfn q
firprr qtaurt vffi trfrurgd q vrggdr
@ u qfrenrrg('rEqigusfrfige€€r
gre+fig€frrfr"nqr@qrnqRE'r,
Er ir qgrlr E+dr 3TFdqrafl-@[r-iTr:
ntttl
The non-venomousspeciesinclude Kapilirs, Piirgal?rs,
Sankumukhis, Musikis, Pyndarikmukhis andSavarik6s. TheKapilis
arecolouredlike Manab-Silh(realgar)at thesides,andtheirbacksare
tingedwith a glossyhuelikethatof a Mudgapulse.ThePingal6shave
a reddishcolour,areroundin shapeandcapabl eof speedylcuomotion.
The Sankumukhis aremarkedby a blackishredhuelike thatof the
liver, areprovidedwith sharpelongated mouths,andarecapableof
suckingbloodwith thegreatest swiftness.TheMusikdsarecoloured
likethecommonblindmoles,andemitafetidsmellfromtheirbodies.
The Pundarikmukhds are colouredlike the Mudgapulseand are so
called from the fact of the resemblance of their mouthsto the full-
blown lotus lilies (Pundarikas). The Savariklshave cold bodies
markedwith impressions like lotus leavesand measureeighteen
fingers'widthin length,andtheyshouldbeemployedin suckingblood
from theaffectedpartsof loweranimals.Thisexhausts thelist of non-
venomous leeches.11
arqf @ Wn tg rrarvrftr
EFtEt-G[:
fffi r6rvrqrFrfdqEI ffi+ur Erek rqtu
Thecountries, suchasTurkestan (Yavana),theDeccan(Fandya),
thetractof landtraversedby theGhatmountains(Sahya),andPautana
(modernMathuri), are the naturalhabitatsof theseleeches.The
leeches,foundin theaforesaidcountries,arespeciallynon-venomous,
strong,large-bodied,greedyandreadysuckers.12
r* : qq*qrer€\a
tgFtn: I
*?rqtiTr ffiqrq:g?frffir: rrq?n
The venomousleecheshavetheirorigin inthe decomposedurine
 Chap.XIII SCI'RASIH A NA 9l

andfecal matterof toadsandvenomousfishe)^ in poolsof stagnantand

turbid water. The origin of the non-venomousspeciesis ascribed
tcr
such decomposedvegetable matter, as the petrified stems of
ilre
several aquatic plants known as patlnia, Utpala, Nalina, Kumuda,
saugandhika,Kuvalayapundarika,antrrhecommonzoophyteswhich
live in clear waters.13
qqffr qrr-
*+g ffidT: ffig grfiwrgr
qqqFiffiucilTqqgtrqr: gcn: uqv ll
Authoritative verseon the sutrject:Thenon-venomous leeches
swim aboutin sweetscentedwaters,live clnnon-poisonousweecls,
lie
on theleavesof flowering waterprantsinsteadof on thedankand
urzy
beds of pools, and such brrnd from the affectetrpart of a hurnan
organismwithout causingany discomfbrt.14
nrei ffi ,zil+f-fu(r eTehn=r*q-56
qf F+qqr{rrragrd:arsrgr6+E$ftf
@
{qr+{*,lb *,,-@qm vrurrefE"TitFrA; qrnfrr,
r{-6rqr6r64n+sff ft ilTqrsqEr{tTTqr{rrr(TrqRFnET
q.q?i TTSrcr+(ilqqn
Leeches shouldbecaughtholdof wirha pieceof wetleather, or
by somesimilararticle,andthenput in to a tirge-sizednewpitcher
fi ll edwith thewaterandoozeor srimeof a pool,pulverisedzoophytes
andpowderof driedmeatandaquaticbulbsshouldbethrowninto
ttre
pitcherfor theirfood,andbradesof grassandleaves'f
water-prants
shouldbe put into it tbr themto lie upon.The waterandrhe
.iiut*
shouldbe changedeverysecondor thirdday,andthepitchers
should
be changedeachweek,(theleechesshouldbe transferred to a new
pitcherat the endof everyconsecutive sevendays).15
lrdR qTTI
qRkqr: Fwqffifrmr:
TqFTqE{r: r
ffi: rshqrg a aFwar:I tqq| |
The authoritative verse on the subject : Leeches
that are
venomou_s,
thick about the middre, elongated,of slow lcrcclnroticln.
Vol. I-7
 sUSRUTA
SAMHITA

look fatigued,do not readilytaketo theparttheyareappliedto, and

capableof suckingonly a smallquantityof blood,shouldbe looked
uponas notbelongingto theproperor thecommendable type.16
sreTq*qt@ries{qr, futF
qrczr T{'ilrqEffffisr(t .Itrdrg613sdqq-
ffi :skcrsttrqeig.dRQrdrFfl r-rtrqr
frsrdnfrilriuratqr @q€r
5ryru?Trd{ sr16;d qftFnd vilfrrydfudqI €r-
wsq<rh er qda rqffi q ffi n-qrqfTr-6*(rq\eil
Thenhavingseatedor laid downthe patientsufferingfrom a
disease whichrequires of leeches,
theapplication theseatof bleeding,
if not previouslyulcerated,shouldbe roughened by dustingit over
with a composition of looseearthandpulverised cowdung.Thenthe
leechesshouldbe takenout of their receptacles andsprinkledover
with watersaturated with mustardseedandpastedturmeric.Thenfor
a momenttheyshouldbe keptin a basinfull of water,andafterthey
haveregainedtheir naturalvivacityand freshness, they shouldbe
appliedto the affectedpart.Their bodies. shouldbe coveredwith a
pieceof thin and wet linen, or with a pieceof white cotton.The
affectedpartshouldbesprinkledoverwith dropsof milk or blood,or
slightincisionsshouldbemadeintoit in theeventof theirrefusingto
stickto thedesiredspot.Otherfreshleechesshouldbe appliedeven
whentheprecedingmeasures shouldproveineffectual.17
?rEr q F{ffis$gcffirf E-*r{rq q w;d Tqr
qr+qr(Tdr&fr, @ qn*(ffia I qi
Efr,Ucqrqqrtrqrt}q,
errrvilfurfrq:anT t+€qqsr: fteraqffi*\ uqen
Thattheleecheshavetakento theaffectedpartmaybe inferred
from the mouthsof the leechesassumingthe shapeof a horse-shoe,
andtheraisedandarchedpositionof theirnecks aftertheyhadbecome
attached Whilesucking,theleechesshould
to theseatof thedisease.
be coveredwith a piece of wet linen and shouldbe constantly
sprinkledoverwith coldwater.Asensation of itchingandofadrawing
painat theseatof the applicationwouldgive riseto the presumption
Chap.XIII SUTRASTHANA

thatfreshbloodwasbeingsucked,andtheleechesshouldbeforthwith
removed.I Leechesrefusingto fall off evenaftertheproductionof the
desiredeffect,or stickingto theaffectedpartoutof theirfondnessfor
the smell of blood,shouldbe sprinkledwith the dustof powedered
Saindhava (rocksalt.)lt
s{er qffi @ *.ffidurrufiTrgqT
WltdswfWvr+: errrtruir*E q*(Hqr.ra-
@
ffiFdr qq{q*rf,r EFtrtrsr*-qwr dtqa.rqr utfr'rata.t
qr IfrqF r M rrTEElkr, m 5at wtEnq}4 g-€ftimn
qrfur<rq *fr*qrq Erqfrr31qgErfitq**qqk4qr{ rqqil
qffies@
qT, q**lqqrt@ qfiiH(qufrd
qr, @ yt*: yFqaf<frnRor
After falling off, the leechesshouldbe dustedover with rice
powderandtheir mouthsshouldbe lubricatedwith a compositionof
oil andcommonsalt.Thentheyshouldbecaughtby thetail-endwith
thethumbandtheforefingerof theleft handandtheirbacksshouldbe
gentlyrubbedwith the samefingersof right handfrom tail upwardto
the mouthwith a view to makethemvomitor ejectthe full quantity
of blood they had suckedfrom the seatof the disease,The process
should be continueduntil they manifestthe fullest symptomsof
disgorging.Leechesthat, had vomitedthe entirequantityof blood
suckedasabove,wouldbriskly moveaboutin questof foodif placed
in water,while the contraryshouldbe infened from their lying dull
andinert.Theseshouldbemadeto disgorgeagain.Leechesnot made
to emittheentirequantityof thesuckedbloodstandin dangerof being
attackedwith an incurabledisease peculiarto theirgenus,andwhich
is known as Indramada.The leechesshouldthenbe put into a new
pitcher,andtreatedasbeforelaid down,aftertheyhadfully emitted
the suckedblood.
1. Theleeches, though a bli ssfuldispensation of Naturein thcmselves, instinctively
drawof thevitiatedbbodfrotnadiseasedpart,attackingtheheahhyvitalfluid
(red blood) whentheformer has beenconpletely tappedor sucked.
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

An ulcerincidentalto anapplicationof leechesshouldbentbbed

with honeyor washedwith spraysof cold water,or boundup with an
astringent(kas6ya)sweetandcoolingplaster,accordingto thequantity
of blood removedfrom the part.t 19-20
rrdFfr qrr-
Wr r6ui qrfrr fu Trr+qrruF(l
li-draFqrg* iR rgtqrttr qlqrrqrtr rRq| |
Authoritativeverseon thesubject:Thephysicianwho is fully
conversantwith the habitat, mode of catching, preservation and
applicationof leeches, whichyield
canwellaspireto curethediseases
to themor in whichtheirusein indicated.21
En Vgarffi q."Fn+vffi crc rmsqrc: tt?t
Thusendsthe thineenthChapterof the Sttrasthhnain the Sui;rutaSarhhitZt
which treatsof lzechesand of how and whichto use.

1. In caseof full and proper bleeding(Yoga)the ulcer shouU be rubbed with

clarifiedbuttertechnicallyknownasthe$atadhauta(lit:hundredtimesu,ashed)
Ghna (clarirted butter),or a piece of cotton,soakzdin thc sane substance,
applied as a compressover thepan. Theulcer should be rubbedwith honeyin
blceding,whileit shouldbewashedwitha copiousquantiry
a caseof insu,fficient
of cold water if excessivebkeding (Ati-Yoga)shouldset in. Similarll. in a case
markedby the absenceof any bleedingat all (Mithyh-Yoga)a sour,sweetand
cooling plaster should be applied over the ulcer.
 ST]TRASTHAN,q.
CTIAPTEK XIV

qg{vilsqrcr: r
3;tstTif:ffit ETgrtTttTrr:,
qcfrerq rarrqq 6;6fr3 Xqx
Now we shalldiscusstheChapterwhichtreatsof btooOlSo4ita-
Var4ani-yaadhyiya). 1
a:r qrsr{tFf,*s qgFd{qs vq5sFzr tgffi-
erffie@TqqqRum{zr
Er*ftqc: rsr: rrtrrtpp: € rF Vg.qtt irrl Eqzi Ternql
v 6gragfrffii errr{rsffirdrn Ew qvndFnFrq-
gcgftildT(tn: q-{ei ffi qffi qr{qfr
qrqqfr EFdurt irer @
qfrwrelqr|rrrqrqr"ffi:rnfut@
rervrarg€nRer* F{rdRTr-ffis{ rWeq Efr?
o'rffi, n sg F -$Trfrffi ffirftlfr*:
rfrq rgqrrq* r?-Ytl
The food of a humanbeing,which is usuallycomposedof the
five fundamentalmaterialprinciples,admitsof beingclassifiedunder
four differentheads[as,drinksand edibles,etc.].It hassix different
tastesor is of two [coolingor heat-making]potencies,or consistsof
eightfoldpropenies, [viz.hot,cool,dry expansive,
slimy,mild,sharp,
etc.]andof a varietyof otheractiveor efficaciousvirtues.The food
t02 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

is fully digestedwith the help of the internal heat and ultimately

assimilated in thesystem,givingriseto lymphchyle(Rasa)whichis
extremelythin or attenuatedin its consistencyandwhich forms the
essence of the assimilated food.tThe lymph chyle (Rasa),though
runningthrough the whole organism,hasits primaryseatin theheart,
whenceit flows throughthe twenty-fourvesselswhich branchoff
fromthelatter(heart)to theremotestpartsandextremitiesofthebody'
Of the aforesaidtwenty-fourvessels,ten are up-coursing, ten'are
down-coursing, and four havea lateral The
direction. Rasa or'the
lymph chyle, thus flowing out of the heart, constantlysoothes,
maintains, and irrigates by transudationthe body, and further
contributesto its growth,and supportslife owing to the dynamical
effectsof causeswhichlie beyondthekenof humanunderstanding.
The natureandcourseof this lymph chyle,whichrunsthrough
the wholesystem,canbe inferredfrom the growth,attenuation, or
othermodifiedconditionsof thebody. Now it may be asked, whether
the Rasa,whichpermeates theentirebodyandlimbs,andwhichby
flowing throughdifferentchambers(viscera)of the body is thus in
constantcontactwith the excretaandothermorbidhumours,is of a
cooling(Saumya)or heat-making (Agneya)potency?
Thequestionmaybeansweredby statingthat,sincetheRasaor
lymph chyle is a fluid, and possessed of lubricating,vitalising,
moistening,and nutritive (lit: supporting).properties,it must be
includedwithinthe classof Saumya(cooling)substances. 2-4
q 1g-erd 1$ qq6ffi lre qrqtfrxqp
The Rasa, though a Saumya fluid, obtains its characteristic
pigment (R6ga)in its passagethrough the spleenand liver. 5
l:|ERerrT-
rfficr Fdrrr:u+r{0? tlrtrtr
strafiq=il: y€+{ ffifrrsF{eilq+tE tl
nrr+q fiFrqr rsi rq:Trf, y*t*r
F{Enrt(ffirrr*d rnh qgrvra: Q{cqlrs | |
1. It is free from all sons of impurities such asfecal matter, etc., and permeates the
minutesl vesselsand capillaries.
Chap.XIV SUTRASTHANA 103

Authoritativeverseson the subject: TheRasaor thelymph

chyle,colouredthroughthe effectof thehealthynormaldyeingheat
of the body,obtainsthe nameof blood.TheRasais transformedinto
thecatamenial flow in womenwhichcommences at theageof twelve
and ceasesat fiftv. 6-7
eTrtdffi 'nts, qrgrftfrrq,sr*
rfrqrinTrrgrrqrrzrt:rteI
Catamenialblood,thoughoriginatingfrom Rasawhich is of a
coolingpotency,is fieryorheat-making (Agneya)in itscharacter;
and
the fecundatedor impregnatedovum (Garbha)is both cooling and
heat-making in itsproperties
on accountof its partakingof thenature
of boththemenstrualblood(ovum)andsemenwhicharerespectively
possessed of thetwopreceding virtues.Henceseveralauthoritieshold
thebloodto be identicalwith thelife bloodor with thevital principle
of a living organism,and beingsuch,to be the productof the five
fundamental materialprinciples(Pdfrcabhautika)..8
Fdgdr (e?F rrrT: r{+i FgdT iTsn I
qtrqTfr{rIun a} Wrt iilrrvilFur}nqrl
Metrical texts: In blmCtheproperties suchas,a rawor fleshy
smell,fluidity, redness,lightnessand mobility,which respectively
characterisethefundamental principles(of earth,water,fire, air,and
sky) arbto be foundthusrepresenting thosespecificelementsin its
composition. 9
Tsr{ti Ttr qfi urffie: yqrqtr
ftdfu rfr rrqr rr$r: {fin€r €Bt"r: I tto | |
The chyle producesblood.From blood is formedflesh.From
flesh originatesfat which givesrise to bones.From bonesoriginate
marrow,which,in its turn,germinates semen.10
?T*qf
ilFf g.5.q ffi r*( yqFkr: I
B-dRlrTrqr€@:tr
ir* T{r rr$ Ergrdr5ffi Ts:11qq11
The Rasawhich is originatedfrom the digestedor assimilated
t04 S L i S R i . i T AS A M i i I T N

food anddrink pre-eminently strengthensall thefundamentalprinciples

of the borJy.The Purusaor self-conscious personalityis Chyle-bornin
its origin, and hencean intelligent personshould carefully preserve
his bodily Rasa(lymph chyle) by adoptinga proper regimen of diet
andconduct.The terrrrRasais derivedfrom lhe root "Rasa",to go, and
the substanceis so called froin the fact of its continually flowing
through and permeating every vital principle of an anirnated
orsanism. 11
€ qg *fur *fur qetrregrfurrrsEvrq ?F'Fn
qffi
qrdrdqFdst I Si En+{rq: {*trEfr rffifr rrqtrr
The Rasa is successivelytransformed into each of the six
remaining fundamentalprinciplesof the body, and continuesin the
shapeof eachfor the period of threethousandand fifteen kal6s (five
daysaccordingto our moderncomputation).ThustheRasais converted
into semen, or into the menstrualblood (ovum) in women, in the
courseof a month.t 12
1. The successive developrnentof the fundarnental or root pinciples of the body
follows a distincr order. The essenceof the assinilated food-matter under the
heat of digestion gctes towards the fonnation of cble, anC is uhimately
transfonned into it, its excreted and effete residue being passed out of the
organism in the shape of stool, etc. The chyle thus produced is called the
immature Rasa, or the Rasa in its nascent stage. Subsequentlyit enters into the
bodily principle of Rasa, becomesmatured by the native heat of the lauer, and
is resolved into threefactors. or in other words, its excretedmatter is transformed
into phlegm, its thick or condensedponion is transformed into and assimilated
in the matured Rasa of the body, whereas its subtili essenceis metamorphosed
into blood. 7he blood, thus new,ly generated, is merged into the fundatnental
organic principle of blood; and there by the heat of the latter it is again resolved
into three factors, vii., its excretedportion is transfonned into bile, its thick or
condensedponion is transformed or assimilated into the fundamental organrc
pinciple of blood, and its subrile essenceis metatnorphosedintoflesh.'Ihefiesh,
thus newlyformed, is mergedinto thefundamentalorganic pinciple offlesh, and
there, by the native heat of the latter, it is resolved into threefactors, viz., its
excretedponion goes towards theformation of such excreta as arefound to be
deposited in the comers ofthe eyes and inside the integuments ofthe prepuce,
or about the regjott of the glans penis, its thick or condensed ponion is
transformed into the organic pinciple of flesh and its subtile essence is
metamorphosed intofat. Thefat, thusyewlv generated, enters into the organic
principle ofthal natne, and there, by the native heat ofthe latter, is resolved into
threefactors, viz, its excretedponion is discharged through'thepores of the skin
C h a p .X I V S0TRASTHANA

trdfr qEr-
3lqeFr Fdgrfur FSqf aktrrs€Ea t
qar;tr =1qfr: +fir gaqcra;**: I l??ll
Authoritativeverseon its computation: In thepresentwork,
authority,a monthis calculated
aswell asin otherworksof recognised
to consistof eighteenthousandandninetyKal6s.13
rr@ffi*urrgqrq&ivrfri
*-*sqrerffi qqq:rryluiqtqt(F*q+qgqgmr:
q.*ivfuffi1qv1
The said Rasacoursesthrough the whole body is invisible
currentsof zigzagshape,like the wavesof sound,or in (an upward
direction)like flamesof fire, or (in a downwarddirection)like riwlets
of water.Now it maybeasked,sincetheRasais naturallytransformed
into semenin thecourseof a month,whatis theuseof administering
medicinewhichhasa stimulating effectupontheorgansof generation
(V6jikarana).The answeris, that suchmedicinesout of their own
specificpotencies andvirtuehelpthespeedyconversion of Rasainto
semenandits profuse emission[onthe desired like
occasion] purgatives
aidingthedrasticevacuation of thebowels.14
in drops of perspiration, its ondensed ponion is assimilated in the organic
pinciple of fat, and its subtilc ponion is metunorphosed into bone. Again the
bone, in its nascent stage, enters into the organic principle of bone, and there,
by the inherent heat of that principle, is resolved into three factors, viz, its
excretedportion goes towards theformation of hairs, mustaches,etc, its thick or
condensed ponion is assimilnted into the organic principle of bone, and its
subtile ponion is metamorphosedinto manow. The manow, in its nascenl slate,
eilers intothe organic principle of that name; andthere matured underthe native
heat of that pinciple, it is resolved into threefactors, viz, its excretedponion
contributes towards theformation of gelatinous matter deposited in the conrcrs
of the eyes, and the oily secretions of the skin, its condensed ponion is
assimilated into the organic principle of marrow, and its subtile ponion is
metamorphosedinto semen.Thesemenagain, inits nascentstage, enters into the
organic principle of that nameandthere matured urlerits native heat is resolved
into two factors, viz. thick and thin. The thick ponion is assimilared into the
organic principle of semen, the thin one being metamorphosedinto (albumen).
Semen, likz gold a thousand times purified, casts of no dregs. Hence certain
afuthorirtesholdalbumen(protoplasmictnarter)tobe the eighthor tlu cubninating
principle of the body.
 105 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qenR gqlFE.qt*rfrr?sit T vr€Frtrcfifd € +q

qr+fraerqrR<, qilt ffi trr€r *ad
rfoFqrqrF{qqt,nga'r:*Frydqrr*vn"gg}E6rr{ratqr-
firdqfri rr6fr; gi crsrqrqfr qq:qfrurFTr({Isg qrsq{r*
$rqFdrtrnrqr<g ffiqr arM rqR ffiqqri vA;
vA:@uqqrr
Again it may be asked,how is it, that semenis not foundin an
infant ? Sinceperfumein a flowerbudis imperceptibleto theorganof
smellyou may as well askwhetherthereis anyperfumein it or not.
But whatdoesnotexistin a thingcannotbeevokedin thesubsequent
courseof its development. As theperfumein a flower-budlieslatent
in its early stageof growthbut becomespatentonly with the growth
of itsseedorgans,sosemenor catamenial bloodliesin apotentialstate
in a maleor a femalechild,andappearswith thegrowthof beardsand
mustaches, or with theenlargementof thebreasts, uterusandvaginal
canalandthe appearance ofpubic hair. 15
q q*=rrfr T€TarqRr€wrfrr€rqffi rrcfr | d qt
vrerernurr{ qrilE Fqlq+ ilqqil
The sameRasa,originatedfrom the assimilatedfood, serves
only to maintainthe vitality in the old and spontaneously decayed
subjectsowingto anexhausted stateof theinnervitalisingprinciple,
naturalto old age.Theabovesaid principles(of Rasa,bloodetc.)are
calledthe root principles(Dhdtus),inasmuchas they maintainthe
integrity of the humanorganism(and guard againstits speedy
dissolution).And sincethe strengthor weakness of the abovesaid
bodilyprinciplesabsolutelydependsupontherichnessor poveftyof
blood,we shalldiscourseon the latterconditionof the blood. 16
t6.f qrqd vilmnr+, ilsr{ilft€a trrsr'{; 16*
*Fmwui A-i rro,qilj ffi q Ertr Euaqlfti
rfti Efi-ii wrd ffiFd @ iar
fingqnr ffi ffi yftrf TFi fqkf
ffi msWs$ vfuggsr rdeqrtrnqri q,rFq.nt'
ffi g{Fq q rrkqragEaqrBffi t'Rrqsr
Chap.XIV SUTRASTHANA

Theblood,vitiatedbythederangedbodily wind(V6yu),becomes
thin, frothy, transparent, quick-coursing, and expansive,assumesa
vermilionorblackhue,andis divestedof its slimycharacter;whereas
vitiatedthrougha derangedconditionof thebile (Pitta),it assumes a
blue, yellow, green, or brown colour, emits a fishy smell, becomes
thin in its consistency andis shunby flies andants.similarly, blood,
vitiatedby the derangedphlegm(Kapha),becomescold, glossyand
thick, assumes a colourlike thatof thewashingsof Gairikaor thatof
a flesh tendon,takestime in secretingor in runningdown, and is
markedby an increaseof its slimy character.The blood, vitiated
through a concertedderangement of the three bodily humours,is
markedby features peculiarto eachof them,andassumes a colourlike
that of Kefrjika(sourgruel),and emitsa fetid smell. Similarly, the
blood,vitiatedthroughthejoint actionof anytwo of the(beforesaid)
bodily humours,is characterisedby featurespeculiar to each of
them.17
rq'Fd{rr En{qr{iilqell
of a vivid
Thebloodin its healthyandnaturalstateis possessed
redcolourlike thatof anIndragopa (Cochineal) insect,
andis neither
too thin nor too transparent.tlE
qqqrqr I slcrrfugrqf r-rrqtf,.Yilq': Surg
qrqrffifrT:, : ltill
Caseswhere blood-lettingis prohibited : A personafflicted
with an oedematous swellingextendingall over the body shouldbe
deemedunfit for bleeding.An intumescence occurringin a weakand
enfeebled patient
owing to an excessive useofacidfoodor in a person
sufferingfrom jaundice or laid up with haemorrhoidsor abdominal
dropsy,as well as in an enceinte,or in a personsufferingfrom
Pulmonaryconsumption (Sosa),shouldnotbe bled.19
T{yrsP{grEutFff -r€rifr r{rqsffigrir*x-qrr*ilqt
WrtWqvrqi@
qlqqffr u?oll
t. llAtii"ot trxt, , Inti}ilifrIl haveoccasionto speak-ofthe prtnciples
knownas the life-blood(essentialconditionsof vitaliry-sk.Jiva-sorlita)andof
theprocessof blood-[etting.
 sUSRUTA
sAMHITA

Bloodlening, with the help of a surgicalinstrument,may be

grouped under two distinct heads,accordingas scarification
@racchlnam)or venesection l(Sira-Vyadhanam)is resortedto for
thepurpose.In sucha casetheknifeor theinstrument(Sastra)should
be drivenstraightand speedilyso as to makethe incisionstraight,
narrow,unextended, andof equalandslightdepththroughout,(soas
to reachonly thesurfacelayerof thefleshandblood),andnotto injure
in any way the local veins,nerves,joints, andothervital parts.20
m EGi EFdaffi tm'qd w@r€ile'ii
r uErsFf qr E|irfr [Rq[
Bleedingperformedon a cloudy day or done with a wrong
incision,or with full exposureto cold andwind, or performedon a
patientnot previouslydiaphorised, or on a patientwith an empty
stomach,is attendedwith little or no outflowof bloodowingto the
thickenedconditionof theblood.21
TqFil ?T:r-
rrq.€fxqrffi qraFquqrsff.{r{l
ffi+qdrffi T"n rrgqi glEdtt tRRtl
Authoritativeverseon the subject: Blood-lettingsurgically
performedon a fatiguedor exhaustedsubject,or on a personin a
swoonior anywaypoisonedor intoxicated,or on a personzuffering
from extremeconstipationof thebowelsaccompanied by suppression
of the flatus(Viyu) anduiine,or on a personof timid disposition,or
on oneovercomewith sleep,is markedby theabsence of anyoutflow
of blood.22
il(gqvilffitFfu@
rtqaEr tirqFEr{n
ftrnffi FdFqrsrgrrftferrgmrm*.r{i
@ Eu'rr{rEtffi qri sR{ qrrgfr,i
wurgrqrFfr ilRttl
The vitiatedblood,failing to find out an outlet,givesrise to
itching,swelling,redness, burning,suppuration andpainin thepart
(to whichit is confined).Ontheconrrary,blood-lettingperformedon
Chap. XIV SUTRASTHANA

the body of a personexcessivelydiaphorisedor heated,or by an

ignorant or inexperiencedsurgeon,or with an injudiciously deep
incision,is attendedwith haemorrhage, whichmay be followedby
suchdreadfulresultsasSirobhit6paor violentheadache,blindnessor
loss of sight ltimira), Adhimantham(ophthalmia),loss of vital
principlesof thebody(Dhatu-Ksaya),convulsions,paralysis(Ek6nga
Vikira), Hemiplegia(Paks6gh6ta), thirst, a burning sensation,
hiccough,cough,asthma, jaundiceandevendeath,23
srqF< iarr-
iftrrl=T yftt iltEcfr qfis+:nftrcrfrtr
T{Fi yFdrfrils yilffi rilqr+{ft{rtqnRy tl
Tllzrtt r|Gil qEr wi sqffir
{ci HqrFsilTdr{r{qqtffi*co ir{t t?\ | |
Authoritativeverseson the subject: Thereforeblood-letting
shouldbeperformedona patientnotin anextremlyhotorcoldsdason,
neitheron one who is too much heatedor improperlydiaphorised
(beforetheact).Thepatientshouldbegivengruel(Yav6gf)beforethe
operation.A spontaneous cessationof red flow would indicatethat
therehasbeena free dischargeofblood. 24-25
FIFT€I
r$qtl f{grFct ffi y{Tre rr:rqrtrcnuRq| |
An act of completeandsuccessful blood-lettingis followedby
a feelingoflightnessandalleviationofpain in theaffectedpart,by an
abatementof the disease,anda generalsenseof cheerfulness. 26
a{frqrrqq: vtq, rrm: ptftrmergi I
rf lrdFil r5-dlrqt I tRg | |
A person,accustomed to bloodIetting,enjoysa kindof immunity
from all typesof skin diseases,sarcomata,aneurism,oedema,and
diseasesbroughtaboutby a vitiatedconditionof the blood suchas,
Ovariantumour,Carbuncle,Erysipelas,etc.27
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

F{f;rrEF+:rrr*qt f
vrt yardfnterr
A plaster composedof Elir, Sita3iva(Karpu-ra),Kustha, Tagara,
Ptrth6,Agilradhrrma,Bhadradirru,Vidanga,Ciuaka, Trikatus, Ankura,
Haridr6, Arka, and Naktamila, or three,or four, or as many of them
as are available,pastedtogetherand soakedin mustardoil saturated
with common salt. should be rubbedover the mouth of the incision.
Bv this meansthe blood will fully come out. 28
q?ffirtgqgqffrrff@-
, yA, Vrfdur5fqrq_
@r -
a'Frat qfrrfirrFr+:q*iur qr eqrftr+{Tr5{*ffiqrr{ffEf
ffie*qrqr ffi:fi:
@ | qniunF{rqr qt(qcfot,,{ | Err=trel-i<rt
qr inhnFdEnf fu ffiqrnqu
In a caseof excessive flow or haemorrhage, the mouthof the
incisionshouldbegentlyrubbedwith a composition consisting
of the
powdersof Rodhra,Priyangu,, Madhuka, Pattanga, Gairika,Sarjarasa,
Ras6frjana, S6lmaliflowers,Sankha, Sukti,Masa,YavaandGodhu-ma,
andfirmly pressed with thetipsof thefingers.As an alternative, the
mouthof theincisionshouldbegently rubbedwiththepowdered barks
of Sila, Sarja,Arjuna,Arimeda,Mesa-Sqngi, DhavaandDhanvana, or
theedgesof thewoundshouldbelightlydustedwith burntashesof a
silk cord(a pieceof silk rolledup in theform of a cord),andfirmly
pressed with thetipsof thefingers;or themouthof thewoundshould
belightlytouchedwiththepowders of Liksd andSamudra-phena, and
its edgesshouldbe similarlypressedtogetheras above.Then the
woundshouldbefirmly tiedup(withapieceof silk orlinen)plastered
overwith a pasteof thesubstances mentioned in connectionwith the
bandaging of ulcers(Vrana).Thepatientshouldbekeptin acoolroom,
coveredoverwith a wet sheetandconstantly soothedwith spraysof
cold water.A medicinalplasterof a coolingvirtueanda courseof
coolingdiet shouldbe prescribedfor him. The woundshouldbe
cauterised with fire or an alkali,or the veinshouldbe againopened
Chap.XIV SUTRASTHANA

at a point a little belowtheseatof thefirst incisionin casewherethe

abovesaidmeasures shouldhavefailedto checktheflow of blood.29
q,rfit€rFdl€rdarvrdrrngqgtqtq}Q
rrffiqr rfurq,qfrrelr{t:@
ZIqTFqIIT|=TT( [?OII
The patientshouldbe madeto drink a decoctioncompoundof
drugsof theKikolyidi group,sweetened with sugarorhoney;andhis
ordinarydrinkshouldconsistof thebloodof theEnaor commondeer,
or of a sheep,hare,or buffalo.A dietcomposed of boiledrice,soaked
in or saturatedwith clarified butter,shouldbe prescribed,and the
complicationsshould be subduedaccordingto the nature of the
deranged bodilyhumoursrespectively involvedtherein.30
$rEfa 'iarr-
srrgq{qr( gt l* r<, Trgnq*sirfi: I
FFeI T{ *d qrfr rsrq yqFril. rl
tqrnrfi*ffi.ffi,ffi,r
ffi $M: sgqrqtqntttr
Authoritativeverseson the subject: Excessive blood-letting
is followedby impairedappetite andanagitatedconditionof thevital
V6yuowingto thelossof thefundamental principlesof thebody,and,
accordingly, to recoupthehealthof thepatienta courseof dietshould
be prescribedwhich is light and not excessively he at making,and
which containsa fair amountof emollientandblood-makingmatter,
andis markedby little or no acidtaste.31
TgFd*d qffiq Frertur{r
FqFi Fu'q-r+q qr*i qE{ asn I tlR r r
qqr 6qrq: wr* Tti w.<qfr Feq{ r
oqT TrGqrq+ErfirT(16: F$+q}b{r: I tll | |
The four measuresindicatedfor the stoppageof bleedingare
known;astheSandhdna (processby contractingtheaffectedpart),the
Skandana(thickeningor congealingthe local blood), the P6cana
(processof settingup suppurationin the wound)and the Dahana
tr2 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

(processof cauterisation).
Drugs of astringenttastesare possessed of the property of
bringing about an adhesion(contraction)of the wound. Cooling
measures suchas,applications
of ice etc.,tendto thickenthe local
blood;alkalisandalkalinepreparationsproducesuppurationin such
a woundor ulcer,whereas hasthepropertyof contracting
cauterisation
a vein. 32-33
v,et rreTrqrh yq\il+{l
rsqr+ rryqqT+B qre*: €gqnqt(tl
Eei*fufidu: yq*a q?rfqflr I
sTfuFq5(g +*g (16: q(q 5qt I t?y | |
Remediesand appliances possessed of the virtue of bringing
aboutanadhesion ofsucha woundshouldbeusedwhereapplrcations
for thickeningor congealingthelocal bloodwouldfail; whereasthe
suppuratingmeasuresshouldbe adoptedin the eventof the former
(Sandhlna) proving ineffectual.With any of the three of these
precedingmeasures a physicianshouldtry to checkthe outflow of
bloodincidentalto anoperationof bleeding, andlastlytheprocessof
cauterisationshouldbe resortedto in theeventof t}teprecedingones
havingprovedunavailing,as it is pre-eminently the bestmeansof
checkingthebleeding.34
Rffi+ t,Fn q qrFrrfu{dtl
qr4fr+ ra: re}ri r g qurfqfrffiq{p?\ | |
Theleastresidueof thevitiatedbloodcontinuingin theaffected
partmaynotaggravate thedisease butpreventits perfecthealing.In
sucha casebleedingshouldnotbeagainresortedto, butthederanged
residue should be suMued by meansof pacifying or absorbing
remedies.35
ias u,k {d rfrUe erndir
Esr("r+{ W rti *a Efrf{Prfr:1tqtl
Bloodis theoriginof thebody.It is bloodthatmaintainsvitality.
Bloodis life. Henceit shouldbepreserved with thegreatest
care.36
 sUTRASTHANA ll3
Chap.XIV

gilrus ffi, vflit' YtFrtsF{&t

'qR+qaEll?ell
viqi vei *M{ rfiftn
The Viyu ofa personwho hasbeenbled,and which hasbeen
aggravatedby constantcold applicationsmay give rise to a swelling
by a piercingpain,which shouldbe
oithe incisedpart characterised
treatedwith an unguentof tepid clarified butter.37
gfr g5ftiffdrqf {"tur+ vilnneeutffi rrq qgtrfrsc{rq:iltvtt
ThusendsthefourreenthChapterof the Sitra sthhnain the Sui;rutaSairhirh
which treatsof Blood.

+++

Vcrl.I-8
 sr]TnASTHANA
CHAPTER XV

qg(Pfrsgtrq: I
srsrr& t
qr@rr€rr[T:, TtfrqT? rTrrq|lf erq;rR: uqn
Now we shalldiscribetheChapterwhichtreatsof development
and non-development of the bcxly'and
of the humoralconstituents
excrements(Dosa-Dhltu-Mal a-K saya-V rdd h i'V ij n a n i.va-
adhy6ya).I
tqsrrgrd5f tA vrnrn agrafur Fq{urgqqru-
qqr{q ilRrl
. Since the humanbody is constitutedof humours,(Dosas),
(Malas),andthefundamental
excretions principles(Dhhtus)ofblood,
marrow,etc.,hearmediscourseon thefeatureswhicharepeculiarto
eachof them.2
d:r, tt(J:ViaslTYFcrffi:
Urtr qnurfrutrr
The Viyu. - Theimpartingofmotionto thebody(praspandana),
the carrying of the sensationsof the respectivesenseorgans
(Udvahana), the passingdown of food to its proper receptacles
(Pura4a), the separationof excretionsfrom the assimilatedfood
rnatter(Viveka),andtheretentionandevacuation of urineandsemen,
etc. (Dhhra4a) shouldbe ascribedto thefunctionsof the five kindsr
of V6yu (nerveforce)which supportthe body.3
1. Theyare calledPrhpa,Udhna,Samhna,VyhnaandAphna.
 Ir5
SUTRASTHANA
ChaP. XV

@nl{ffi-
urr{tf6 qifr ttxtt
The Pitta'Pigmentations of colouring(R6gakft)'thedrgestron
(Paktikrt)' the vitalisationand
of food anclmetaboritt oi-tittues the origination and
nutrition of the p'o*piutt"tt ttff-t- iOi"httf$' of heatand
preservation or.y,-i'gm ireiatr'Krt)' the eermination and the
6: uoo--vtUsm6-Krt)'
maintenanceof trre-te"mi;;;; iruellection
"j (Medhir-Kft) shouldbe
t^t"iiy
orisinationof rhe "f five kindslof Pitta, whichcontribute
reg-arded as the tunct'ilistr*r,*
throughits thermogeneticpotency
to the preservanonoi tnt body
(Agni-Karma)'4 . -s-.
@-c{dcrddurl-q-fi-ec)"d-qq qtfr
ttqu
veqr qgrfi gF{rrtr sdr*.*duntgqa
the five kinds2of Slesmiris to
The Sleqmh'' The functionof fo contribute
, Iubricptetheinterioroi,ir :"i;p (Sandhi-Saih3le'ala) healthy
to aid in theformationof
to the glossof trreuJy isnttt"n"l'
of thebody(Pfrana)'
granulesin soresgopanal' to addto !1size a pteasanior soothing
to lnipart
to build fresh tissue-s'(B'#hun")'
sensationtothebody(fa'rpana)'toincreastitsstrength(Balakft)'
(Sthairyakqt)'Therebycontributing
andto givefirmnestio tnt limbs
it with its wateryelement'5
to the welfareottn""ffi ny tuppfying
qutrerq@
Ts<Fdfiut=tTntg@ 1tfr rwi
ffi qr qri +<gt *(: €ra*+ rrcf
"tusH T{fl: qffilFtTfifritr
qfiPr?G"twf
&*t frfti t6ffii
wi {figFd IS"t"-*5 a-frft ' g-S-M a*i
td *qrefs ttqn
ahkt ) cako
' Shdhaka(MedhhknondOi "4lo
'fUqBhrbiaka.
and
Tarpaka'Avalambakn'
Z. orr"totownas St&at'o'Ktedaka'Bodhaka'
andSlegmir' (Kapha)' thoughordinarilytranslated
N.B. - The Vlyu, Pitta,
jii[tin tt'titt"uning fromtheirusualEnglishsynonyms'
aswind,bileanopnr"g-, placein anotherpartof
ts for a separate
We rpservethe tr€atmentoi tt'"'" subjee the ntialsof Ayurvedic
esse
do dealwith
the book whenwe .f'uff r'uu" o""u'ion
PhysiologY - Tr.
 SUSRUTA SAMHI'fA

TheRasaor thelymphchyleexercises a soothing effectuponthe

entireorganismandtendsto contributeto theincreased formationof
blood. The blood,in its turn, increases the healthfulglow of the
complexion, leadstotheincreased formationof fleshandmuscles and
maintainsvitalityin theorganism. Thefleshcontributes towardsthe
stoutness orrotundityof thelimbsandoccasions theformationof fatty
matterin thesystem.Thefat givesriseto theglossiness (formatibnof
oily or albuminousmatter)of the hrdy and primarily contributes
towardsthefirmnessandgrowthof thebones.Thebones,in theirturn,
supportthe body, and ocntributeto the formationof marrow. The
marrowcontributestowardstheformationandincreaseof semen,and
fills in theinternalcavitiesof thebones,andformsthechiefsourceof
strength, amorousfeelingsandhilarity.Thesemengivesriseto valour
andcourageousness, makesa manamorouslydisposedtowardsthe
femalesex, increases his strengthand amativeness, is the sole
impregnating principlein themaleorganism, andis possessed of the
virtueof beingquicklyemitted.6

$g:@il'ss1
The excretaor the fecarmattersof a man are in dispensabry
necessary for thepreservation
of thebody.Theycontaintlie wind and
digestion@eingprimarily connectedwith the movemenBof the
bodilyv6yu andthefeelingof hunger).Theurinefills thereceptacle
ofthe bladder,andis possessedofthepropertyofwashingor driining
off the wasteor refusematterof theorganism;whereasperspiration
tendsto moistenthe skin.7
Tmaq{orqrtdlrfrq-€ rrrrrTrrrfcTepr{1grj wafrtr_
ffi lfr*+SFctr* frfu{qqR-{qrnrgda rran
TheArtava(menstrual blood)is enduedwiththe sameproperties
asits arterialnamesake,andis oneof theessentialfactorsin a woman
which makes impregnationpossible.The foetus or impregnated
matter(Garbha)servesto makepatentthe featurescharacieriiticof
pregnancy.The breast-milkin its turn tends to bring about an
expansion of themammae(of a woman,andmaintainsthelife of her
child (by supplyingit with rhe necessaryand nutritiveelementof
Chap. XV SUTRASl'HANA tt7

food). TheseV6yu, etc. shouldbe duly preservedin their normal

condition.S
sTiT Er"dN efrurfleilur qqqTrT:I irT, qrdqla
@Tadildrqr ffirQqrFTdr
ftqsqastN t'et-drsrqf-a
sFq*nrc* Trn Fnrrurgr r* ffie
yfr?rt,:r:nqn
Now we shall describethe symptomswhich attendthe loss or
wasteof any of the foregoingprinciplesof the body.t The loss of the
bodily V6ryu(nerve-force)is followed by a stateof languor,shortness
ofspeech,uneasiness or absenceofhilarity,andlossofconsciousness.
The lossof (Pitta)is markedby a dulnessof complexion,diminution
ofthe bodilyheatandan impairedstateof internalfire (digestiveheat).
The loss of phlegm (Kapha) is marked by dryness,a sensationof
internal burning, a feeling of emptinessin the stomach and other
cavitiesor chambersof the body, loosenessof thejoints (a feeling as
if thejoints were all broken),thirst, weakness,and insomnia.In such
casesthe medical treatmentshouldconsistof remedialagentswhich
are capableof directly contributingto the growth or formation of the
humour so lost or deteriorated.9
TsEr+ Ensgr t5ut; pfeffir gqn ?t vfrfurilqlt dq-
ffi fir{r*RrFtrst qrser} ft4Tlrrr+d-
rr€eft€qqT:
@ +qzkil+rrrxrurirr+f
srrfrdftrtqsr *q:St r*6rFqFq: qFqvFlrfrr rtF
igtritTqlets{r qt sfiprEdsfurvpi ?Fit'flilrS+ rtggr
Tqs$tcqlfffir rrd$@ q | {fiqr}
@ F{rar tn lr*efi': yH qrf,rftF-
ViF-(Yt€ | Trrfr ffi: lrfrfr'IT:llqoll
I . Such a loss or perceptible deteioration af any of them should be ascibed to the
useofexcessivecleansingor caftanic(Sath!;odhana) andpacifying(SuhSarnana)
measuresor rc a repression of the natural urgings of the body, or to a course of
violent or overfatiguing physical exercise,or to amorous excesses,or to the use
of unwholesome and unsuitablefood, or to grief, etc.
ll8 S U S R U T AS A M I I I T A

Similarlythelossof lymph chyleis markedby painaboutthe

region of the heart,AnginaPectoris,with palpitationof the heart,a
sensation or gone-feeling
of ernptiness in theviscus,andthirst.The
lossof bloodis attented withsuchsymptoms asroughness of theskin,
anda cravingfor acidfoodor drink. The patient longs to in a cool
be
placeandasksfor coolthings,andtheveinsbecome looseandflabby.
Thelossoffleshismarkedbyemaciation of thebuttocks, cheeks, lips,
thighs,breasts, armpits,rneck,and thecalves of the legs.The arteries
seemloose and flabby,and the body seemsto be dry and inert,
accompanied by anachingor gnawingpainin its members. Theloss
of fat is followedby such symptoms as the enlargement of the spleen,
a senseof emptiness in thejoints,anda peculiardrynessof the skin
anda cravingfor coldandemollientmeat.Thedegenerationof the
bonesis markedby an acNngpain in the bonesandbone-joints, a
wasting of teeth and gums, and a general dryness of the body.
Similarly, the loss or waste of marrow is characterised by the
formationof a lesserquantityof semen,achingpainin thebonesand
breakingpainin thebcine-joints whichhavebecomemarrowless. The
lossor wasteof semenis markedby painin thepenisandthetestes,
andby incapacityfor sexualintercourse. In suchcasesthe emission
of semenbut rarely happens,and thenis perceptibly deficientin its
quantity,the emittedmatterconsisting of a smallquantityof semen
marked with shredsof blood. The medical treatmentunder the
preceding circumstances shouldconsistof remedies of suchmedicinal
virtues as are found to directly and immediatelycontributeof the
formationof the bodily principle(thuswastedor lost). 10

5@ E{qqrrtfrsr s{r6qer q qnMrmi ruqtt

E:rwFa I Trqri ffi'trTrdr q | 3rrrfr ffi-
;rqffiq, I ffi rcqnr{rdr a{T*e: TqvfdTwf
T+flrvrg, innffi: *aEr*rw rqqil
The loss absence,suppressionor scantytbrmation of fecal
of painat the sidesandtheregion
matteris attendedwith a sensation
of the heart,and the upwardcoursingof (the incarcerated)wind or
flatus, accompaniedwith a rumblingsoundaboutthe region of the

L The armpits look thin, naffow and conrracted.

 SOTRASTHANA il9
Chap. XV

liver and the intestines.similarly, the loss, (absenceor scanty

formation) of urine is markedby an achingpain in the bladder,
causingit dribbleor to comeoutin thin andscantyjets.Here,asin the
foregoing instances,the remedialagentsshould consistof drugs
wniCndirectly contributeto the formationof urine. Similarly the
waste,absenceor scantyformation of perspirationis followedby
suchsymptomsasnumbness aboutthe poresof thehair, anddryness
of theepidermis (skin).Thesenseof touchis perceptiblyaffected,and
perspirationis entirelystopped.Themedicaltreatmentin sucha case
.onrirtr in the applicationof medicatedunguents,lubrications,
andadoptionof measures
d.iaphoretics, (thattendto producea copious
perspiration).1l
srF{qqr} qr *F{+flr ql tt:r
Tivffi€Trqrggaru*fenr*g+rr:lrkrqqrlK{+Ffi{dr
Werrcrrrr*sscr qrt trr @:l rT{qrn
@qtilIgrwqkdsleirqr:@
tarffifrrrqtrr
In the caseof lossof wasteof the catamenialflow, the menses
do not appearat theappointedtime or arescanty.The vaginaseems
stuffedandpainful.The medicaltreatmentin suchcasesconsistsin
the adoptionof alternativeor cleansingmeasures,and in the
administrationof drugs of a heat-making(Agneya)potencyor
virtue.Thelossor wasteof breast-milk ischaracterisedby a shrunken
conditionof the mammae,andsuppression or scanty secretionof the
fluid. Themedicatreatmentin suchcaseslies in theadministrationof
drugswhich generateKapha.Theatrophyor wastingof the foetusin
thewomb(duringtheperiodof gestation)is markedby theabsenceof
any movementin the uterusandthe non-distended conditionof the
sidesor wallsoftheaMomen.Thetreatmentconsistsin theapplication
of lgira Bastis (enemasof medicatedmilk into the region of the
uterus)in the eighthmonthof gestation,andprescribingcoursesof
emollientfare for the patient(mother)l12
rc uoffi5g€rrr tqsrrgrfir{i Esfui qqqrq:r &:
S<tqt@llq?ll
I. Several editions read invigorating diets, egg, etc.
 t20 S U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

Now we shall describethe symptomswhich mark the excess

(excessiveaccumulationin the body) of any of the fundamental
humours,principlesand excrementsof the body. The quantitiesof
thesehumours,principlesand secretion,are abnormalryincreased
through the use of substancesthat primarily contribute to their
formationin the organism.t13
al, amtTdt aqqnrEriqrv{Erqr{@
fu ilft siq{didrncrcdrrrsr@+trrervrrcrrgRrrrr:
@Iratffidfficut"-
+{Esr v&crg€il *6d rehd'frremsrqgqr frfi
IrFffiqg xqln
An excessof Viyu in thebodyis markedby suchsymptomsas
roughness oftheskin,2emaciation ofthebody,darknessofcomplexion
(lit : blacknessof hue),a little tremoror tremblingof
the limbs,
longing for heat,or for hot things,insomnia,thickneisor increased
consistencyof the fecal matter and decreaseof bodily strength.
(similarly, an abnormar)increaseof pitta is characterised
by a
sallowcomplexionorayellowishcolouroftheskin,ageneralburning
sensation in thebodyaswell asinsomnia,a cravingfor coldcontacts
and coolingthings,diminutionof strength,weakness of the sense
organs,fits of faintingandyellownessof theconjunctivae,stooland
urine.
An excessof Kapha in thebody is markedby suchsymptoms,
asthewhiteness, coldnessandnumbness of thebody,heavinesiof the
Iimbs'a senseof drowsiness andlangour,somnorence, anda feeling
of loosenessof the bone-joints.14
nfrs@ffilEMrr*irrrg.rffi
&rrrqrf-eat qri EF.d
!€rrrrdrst+q:@i@t
@l rpql 11qtg+r'ft1qq qt q.ri
@nqqrr
I. Several Editons read it as an addkional texr.
2. Several Editions read roughness of speech.
 C h a p .X V SUTRASTHANA

Similarly,anincreasedgerminationof lymph chyle(Rasa)in

the body is manifestby suchcharacteristics as,nausea,water-brash,
andan increased flow ofsalivarysecretion.A plethroaofblood in
the systemgivesa reddishglow to thecomplexionandthewhiteof
the eyes,andimpartsfullnessto the veins.An increaseof flesh is
markedby therotundityandfullnessof the buttocksandthe lips, as
well asof thepenis,anns,andthethighs,andanincreased heaviness
of the wholebody.An excessof fat in thebodyimpartsanoily gloss
to the skin. the sidesof the aMomenare increasedin bulk, and the
body emitsa fetid smell,andthe personis assailedwith coughand
dyspnoea. An excessive formationof bone(abnormalossifiiation)
is attended with suchsymptoms asthecuttingof additionalteethand
theabnormaldevelopment ofanyofthebone-structures.An excessive
formationof marrow givesriseto a heaviness of theeyesandto the
membersof thebody.An excessof semenin thebodyis markedby
an excessiveflow of that fluid and givesrise to the formationof
gravels(concretions) in thebladderwhich
areknownasSukr66mari-. 15
gttqqri'd gqt Wsr Tr qr{|q g.gd€, r{R
qRir+elqrsqrrg
I r+ftE* t'i:s{ q.qqauqq
r
An abnormal increasein the formation of fecarmatteris
attended withdistensionofthe aMomenandcolic painsinthelinsand
the intestines.An excessiveformation of urine is manifestby
constant urgingfor micturitionanddistension
of thebladder,attended
by a kindof gnawingorachingpain.Similarly,anincreased secretion
of perspiration
is attended
withanitchingof theskinwhichemitsa bad
odour. 16

@ qtfr€Tsr wai rrffiri

$g{Et r{Fir #{5 | rr$il wrnnrgFq vilQrsI tqe| |
An excessin the quantityof catamenial bloodrgives
riseto an
achingof thelimbsandan excessive flow. so alsoan excessin the
quantity of the breast-milkis attendedwith frequentsecretionsof
that fluid, and with inflammationand pain inthe mammae.An

I . An abnormal flow tends to stitnulate the voluptuous sensariotrof a womarr to

a
considerable enent, and isfollowed by a senseofreactionary wealatess.It entits
afetid smell and originates ovarian tumours.
r22 SAMHITA
sUSRUTA

excessivegrowth of the faetus in the uterustendsto abnormally

swelltheregionof theaMomen,andis accompanied or
by anasarca,
dropsy,of the lower extremities(phlegmasia
dolens)'17
N qqr€i ffi q{qrrrsqrqrqF{5-e:ffi*:
yftrgda rrlell
Theseabnormalexcesses humoursandprinciples,
of theaforesaid
etc. of the body shouldbe checked or remedied with corrective
(cleansing)or paciffing measuresas would be indicatedby their
respectivenatures,soasnotto reducethemto a smallerquantitythan
ttrat ln which they are found in the normal and healthy state of a
body. lt
qd: {alsftrfq€r( Tdtk q{ trql
TsrqFdryqnf qr{{r 6rFi frcqr nq t t
Metrical text : An increased quantityof a bodilyprinciplegives
risetoa similarincreasein thequantityofoneimmediatelysucceeding
it in the orderof enumeration asstatedabove;andhencean increase
in anyof thefundamental principlesof thebodyshouldbecheckedand
reducedto its normalquantitY.19
rqrfr{
g'aa qSgrq: | ilit Tqrqr{f
TffTqTui qd{qr{erqrurSrfi g-d
g.fir{r{i Err6f T( q{ +qw( ffiFrg-"qt
swrqfuqrar(ilRdll
Nowwe shalldescribethecharacteristic featuresof thestrength-
givingprinciplesof thebody,aswell asthesymptomsthatmarktheir
lossor waste.Thequintessence principlesof the
of all thefundamental
body,startingwith lymph chyleandendingwith semen,is calledthe
Ojas, whichis identicalwith whatistermed"Vital power." Thisview
of onenessof vitality with protoplasmicalbumenhasbeenadoptedin
the presentwork.t 20
'Ojas" has a variery of meanings.Primarily it means
I. The Sansl<ritterm
protopla*nic
-we matterasfoundincells(Bindus).Secondarily itmeansalbwncnas
shall descibe later on in the chapters on etiology and therapeutics of
Prameha.severalauthoities how a contraryviewstatingthat oios (albwnen)
no means
forms only one of the essentialsof vitaliry and that the two are by
identical.
Chap. XV SUTRASTHANA r23

r*rrfu ferfficqiqdrrr#dqr€qFfi rd:T{rqqtrsrfr

qrGftql[,rlr.{<l(lullEl IRqr
This Ojas (albumen)or strength-giving principleservesto
impafi a firm integrity to the flesh (and the muscles),exercises
unboundedcontrol over all actsof vitality, improvesthe voice and
complexion,andhelpsboththe external(operative)andthe internal
(intellectual)senseorgans,in duly performingtheir natural
functions. 21
YqFil rar:r-
eilq: *qrf,?Sffi {*i pfti fttr{ trql
FcF{tri Tg T{Fs yrqrr+tr{5ilq1l rR?rl
ta' qrd rrdFd ifal,t
ildFrrErraYffi vrffir vrfrFturqilRQrl
AuthoritativeYerseson the subject: Ojas(allbumen beingof
a white colour belongs to the class of Somltmakam (cooling)
substances. It is cooling,oleaginous,andfirm (Sthira),contributesto
the formation and growth of flesh,maintainsits integrity or holdsit
firm, and is mobile or capableof moving about from one placeto
anotherwithin the organism.tIt is further soft and shiny, and is
poSsessed of themostefficaciousvirtueandshouldberegardedasthe
most importantelement(seat)of vitality. The whole body with its
limbsandmembers is permeated with Ojas,anda lossor diminution
in its naturalquantityleadsto the gradualemaciation(andultimate
dissolution)of organism. 22'23
erfi{ffi({qrqmmqc{rrrqnrqqp:l
efrq: dffi Al* qr$r6urF{:{iT{
*q: Erilftf ilsr( ffi tFer'uRYtl
A blow, a persistentwastingdisease,anger,grief, caresand
anxieties,fatigue and hunger,are the causesto which should be
aseribedthewastingor disappearance principle
of thisstrength-giving
(albumen)of thebody.Thebodilyalbumen,throughtheagencyof the
above said causes,is wastedthrough the channelscarrying the
g il to be Possesedof a sweet taste.
r24 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

differentfundamental principlesof thebody.Albumenis transformed

into strengthwhich radiatesfrom the heart.24
trrq ffi qrur( {q FFdftmn Enq=r€TrrqFa;
sFfficfr rrmnrriF+i *sqqi ffiery fu+,
w6qg€TlTfir qrf,{M qofrit rFnF{F<r Fr{t q Ezrrtr*,
q.€t qr€ephde, yenfr rnurfrfr q qri n*n
A deranged or vitiakd albumen(Ojas)is characterised firstly
by itsdislodgment fromits'proper seator locality(Visransa),secondly,
by a changeor modifi,cationof its nativevirtuesin contactwith the
derangedhumoursdr disorderedorgans(Vyipad) and thirdly, by
wasting away (Ksaya). The first of the precedingproperties
(dislodgment) givesriseto suchsymptoms aslooseness of thebone-
joints,numbness of thelimbs,dislodgment of thederanged humours
from their respectivereceptacles andsuppression of the (bodily and
intellectual)functions.To the secondof the foregoingproperties,
(changeor modificationof its naturalvirtuethroughcontactwith the
derangedbodilyhumoursetc.)shouldbeascribedsuchsymptoms,as
numbnessandheaviness of thelimbs,dropsydueto the actionof the
deranged bodilyViyu, discoloured or changed complexion, feelingof
malaise,drowsinessand somnolence. The third prope(y of the
deranged albumen,(lossor wasting), bringsonfits of fainting,lossof
flesh,stupor,deliriumandultimatelydeath.25
$rqk iaT:T-
T+ Aqr qeefrc, Errr(ftEi{rrqrqr: I
ffi rrr*run AqPqtftt=i grrr31
sTqrgd f5.qrnns ffig.gcTqrur{nRq | |
56-cf rc{drs$.E rfiTF drrftF{ rt6qr
irqr Ffir qrilyfrqn qrqnrfq FTq{urttnRe
tl
{.*f qigq{* fra: yerfrsarriq qr
Tdffi{ q FrSTfr rrtq':a qiTqr}t t?a tl
Authoritative verseson the subject : A derangedstateof
albumenis markedby thethreeabovesaid
propertiesof dislodgment
 Chap.XV SOTRASTHANA r25

from its properseat(visranba);by a changeof its naturalvirtues

throughcontamination(vy6pad)andby wasting(Kraya).Thefirst of
thesepropertiespisransa);is characterised
by loosenessof thejoints,
by an inertstateof thebody,by a senseof fatigue,by a dislodlment
ofthe derangedhumoursfromtheirnaturalseats,andby a suppression
of the bodilyandintellectualfunctions.Numbness andneivinessof
thelimbs,malaise, adiscoroured complexion,drowsiness, somnorence
anddropsicalswellingbroughtaboutby a derangedstateof thebodily
v6yu, shouldbe considered as naturarconsequences ofthe Vy6pad
(changeof thenaturalvirtuesof albumenthroughcontaminationl.
Tne
lossor wasteof ojas (arbumen)is markedby suchsymptomsas fits
of fainting,emaciationof the body,bewildermentanddistractionof
the mind, delirium and loss of consciousness and urtimaterv
death. 26-28
m fe*il qrq* q r
{.attr{Fir€ cr=d'nqrt?q| | (ffisar.U rn.EM:.+r*
@fuqsRrfffffirrefrr
ttqr{qfrqr-
qrEFilt il(
qfuu{arsfqffi)16sffi@
Ffifu+Fchrq,rv{@ tuqffir
qrlr T*fu trurlTtry-
ffiqriffiOr
The medicartreatmentin casesof disrodgmentor flowing out
(externalsecretion)of albumenfrom its naturalseat(visranri;,
u,
well as in the eventof it becomingcontaminateo uy the vitiated
principlesof the body, shouldconsistin improvingits quantity
by
elixirs andremediespossessed of rejuvenatingproperties,tencingto
increasethe quantityof suchfluid (arbumen)in thi My. A puti.nt
whohaslostall consciousness (owingto anexcessive lossor wiste of
albumen)shouldbe givenup by a physician(asincurable).29
Theoily or albumiousmatterfoundwithinthecomponents of the
otherfundamenrar principles(Dh6ru)of thebody(asmitabotisedby
the internalheatand regularlymetamorphosed into the succeeding
126 SUSRUTASAMHITA

ones)shouldbe groupedunderthe headof fiery or thermogenetic

(Agneya)substances. This fatty matter(Vas6)predominatesin the
female organismand producesits peculiar softness'beauty and
pleasingshape,causesthegrowthof scantybutsofthairon its surface.
it ,t .ngttt"ns the eyesightand increasesthe energyof the body'
improvesitspowerofdigestionandheightensitsglowandcomplexion
Fai is derangedby suchactsas,an abuseof astringent,bitter, cold,
parchifyingor viElamuhi(indigestiblefoodwhichremainsstuffedin
th. rto*urh) substances, a voluntaryrepression of thenaturalurging
for evacutionsof the body, by excessivesexualindulgence,and
fatiguingphysicalexercise,orby thedrainingactionofany particular
disease.
An instanceof d.islodgmentof fat from its properseator locality
is attendedby suchsymptoms roughnessof the skin, loss of the
as
naturalhealthfulglow of thebodyandabreakingoran achingpainin
thelimbs.Anaemiaoragradualemaciationofthebody'impaired
digestivefunctionanda slantingor downwardcourseof thederanged
humours,markthecasewherethebodily fat hasundergonea change
in its naturalpropertiesthroughanyfoul contamination.A caseof loss
or wasteof tne bodily fat is markedby zuchsymptomsas,impaired
digestivefunction,dulnessof sight,decayof strengthandaggravation
of the bodily V6yu, andalwaysendsin death'
,The
medicaltreatmentin the latter caseooss of faO should
consist in the administrationof oily or emollient drinks, use of
medicatedunguentsor lubrications,Pradeha(plastersof oleaginous
substances)and Pariseta (washes)and a diet comprising light'
cooling andwell-cookedarticlesof food'
tqqgumffi rrd$uilsfr qT Tt:l
#i T( ir{aqt=i vargFatlloll
Tq5{rdrrqrd fd Sur: YnfT} {t:l
irs irFr q Hr+ E ?t t qrrqfr6Ffl llq | |
qs qlqrqr(arg: dg u'd q :rwrlqr
qefrursmiqsqrdwsB@gql llR | |
Metrical texts : A personsufferingfrom a wastingof anyof the
 Chap.XV SUTRASTHANA t27

constituenthumoursor fundamentalprinciplesor excrementsof the

body,as well asonesufferingfrom lossof Ojas (albumen)naturally
sraves for drink and food that tend to contributedirectly to the
formation of the matter (or bodily principle so lost or wasted.
Conversely,the particular food or drink longed for by a person
suffering from a loss or wasteof any of the abovesaidfluids or
principles,shouldbelookeduponaspossessed ofa curativevirnrein
that particular case. Such a persondevoid of consciousness and
divestedof his bodily andintellectualfunctionsthrougha deranged
state of the bodily V6yu (nerve-force)and extremely weak and
enfeebledowingto thelossof thevital fluid shouldberegardedaspast
all cure.30-32
ns'hffiqetteiqrvdgtr*@
rvMrfr F<ercqqtirs qrq qqFK+ qgrirg
@q+qft,fuaqFdeK;i
@
ftrgffirrF{; r#tqrqf:+(g: H:&?rrssqaf:, EFq+-
ffi qqfr, silTdEffiq q *qr
€nn+ ffi $rEfrr yffiEan=qn_
f qrEqvgfr$rqrfrtrrdge
r*rg *rn qnr<) @ rqirra*qryRki
ffiqn?? t l
Etiology of Obesity : Obesityor lossof flesh(K6r3ya)shouldbe
ascribedto changesin the conditionof the lymph chyle.The lymph
chylederivedfrom theassimilated foodof a person,whois habituated
to a courseof diet which tendsto promotethe quantityof the bodily
Kaphaor is in thehabitof pamperinghis belly evenwhena previous
mealhasnot beenthroughlydigested,or whois addictedto a habitof
sleepingin the day,or leadinga sedentarylife, or is averseto taking
any sortof physicalexercise,continuesin an immaturestateandis
transformedintoa serumof sweettastewhichmovesaboutwithinthe
body, engenderingthe formationof fat which producesexcessive
stoutness.A personafflictedwithobesitydevelopssuchsymptomsas
shortnessof breath,thirst, ravenousappetite,excessivesleepiness,
r28 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

perspiration,fetid odoursin the body,wheezingsoundin the throat

Ouringsleepor suddensuspension of breath,inertfeelingin thelimbs,
dulnessor heaviness of the body,and indistinctness of speech.owing
to thesoftnessof fat, a fatty personis unfittedfor every kind of work.
capacityfor sexualintercourse is diminished(in sucha one),owing
to the obstruction of the passage of semenby phlegm and fatty
deposits;andthegrowthof threrestof theroot-principlesof thebody
,uih ut, lymphchyle,albumen,semen,etc.,is considerably arrested
owingto thedepositof fatty matterwithin thechannelsof theinternal
passag.sof thebody,thusseriouslyaffectinghis bodily strength.An
obereor e*"essivelycorpulent personislikelyto beafflictedwith any
of thefollowingdiseases suchas,urethraldischarges, eruptions, boils,
carbuncles,fever,fistula in ano,or with any of the diseases which are
causedby a derangedstateof the bodily v6ryu; and such attacksare
invariablyfoundto terminatein death.Any diseasein sucha person
is aptto developinto oneof a violentanddangerous typeowingto the
obstructionof the internalchannelswith depostisof fat. Henceall
thingsor conditionswhichfosterthegrowthof abnormalfat shouldbe
carefullyavoided.33
F€TE -
f@FqIsri
fqErqgqffi qnn* @u1vll
Accordinglymedicatedcompositions, consistingof suchdrugs
and substances as Silaiatu,Guggulu, Go-Mutra, Triphal6,Loharaja,
Yava,Mudga,KoraduJara,
kasaiiiaria,tvtadhu, Sydmaka andUddhjaka
whichaie anti-fatin theirproperties,or of remedialagentspossessing
the efficacyof cleansingtheinternalchannels,aswell asenematas of
liquefacientsolutionstechnically known as Lekhana Bastis and
physicalexerciseshouldbe prescribed'34
ffi-
 Chap.XV SUTRASTHANA

sffiR€ffiki ffqnQq rr
E tiologyof Xa'r3ya: Lossof fl eshor a gradualemaciationof the
bodyshouldbeasciibedto thepartakingof foodin thecompositionof
which,matterwhichaggravates thebodilyV6yulargelyor excessively
enters,to over-fatiguingphysicalexercise,sexualexcesses, over
study,fright, grief or anxiety,to the keepingup of late hours,to
unsatisfiedhunger,insufficientfood, and to astringentfood which
tendsto dry up thelymphchyle,Thechyle,thusparchedup, moves
aboutin theorganism, but failsto impartto it thenecessary nutritive
elementowingto itsbeinginsufficiently chargedwithit, thus,causing
the body to grow extremelyemaciated.
A patientsufferingfrom extremeemaciationof thebodyfails to
beartheinclemencies of weatherand thevariations of terrestrialheat,
and becomesapatheticto all movements anddoesbut imperfectly
performthe functionsof vitality,andis alsoincapableof enduring
thirstor hunger.Thebodilystrengthsuffersa gradualdiminution,and
diseases, incidentalto a deranged stateof thebodilyVZryu, maketheir
appearance, and the patienthasto meet,his.doom from any of the
followingdiseases asasthma, cough,Sosa(phthisis), enlarged spleen
or liver, abdominaldropsy,dyspepsia,abdominalglands and
haemoptysis. Any disease appearing in sucha patientdevelopsinto
one a violenttypeowingto the lossor diminishedconditionof the
bodilystrength orprotoplasm (Prlna).contrarilyconditions or f-actors
whjchproduceobesityshouldbe avoided.35
=rilr* E -

€qEnr{qms rrrer
A caseof patient obesity should be checkedwith a medicated
ct)nrpound, consisting of such drugs as, payasy6r,A3vagandh6,
Viclarigandhi,Satilvari,Bal6,Atibal6,Nigabali and suchotherdrugs
of sweet taste. Diets consistingof thickenedmilk, clarified butter,
curd, meat, boiled Sali rice, Sastika,wheat,barley,etc., should be
prescribed in the case; and sleep in the day, sexual in<lulgence,
physical exercise,etc., should be prohibited. Enematasof nutritive
substancescan be likewise given with advantage.36
Wol-r - 9
130 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qqqqr€qHFd; @ rrchwdbqrg
qqef:, qffibl € T|trfrl-
qrefurq Ffr ttlutt
On the otherhand,thelymphchyleof a man,who parlakesof
food belongingto both the abovesald classes,coursesthroughhis
organismandstrengthens the root-principlesof his body,thusgiving
a middlingor healthfulrotundityto his limbs owing to its properties
beingequipoised. A manFossessed of sucha bodyis capableof all
kindsof work andmovement. He can fairly standtheinclemencies of
weatherandthekeenness of hungerandthirst, andwill gainin strength
andenergy.Careshoulcl bealwaystakento havesucha well equipped
body of moderatesize.37
$rqFil qEr-

sffifrrrlCariiii FEr rPresft rttr

}d qeayrftrq q6vr:TaIilr(E aka: I tRe| |
*e: T{Frai qrilt qrq{ilrf,tqgrr
FG: Etq€r @\rrqrr
actE\ar
tqsrrErfirrT< rrFmrrf T ffinYo tl
\rqi qrci Erarfr fiflr{FffEqr4tr
T il( Er€r{rd w*i mr*t
tgrrilYq tl
def{r(l
qtrt'4F{d *qq goq E{rd FrqqnxR tl
srcre rqrri lg,qfEFers E gFqcr1l
qrq**.i6ffi Aqqrgrrt'erq fiqqr
ar*<qr*qfrr: rFr.f{ FrERq dqrurQ lYl | |
Authoritative verseson the subject : Excessively corpulent
and excessivelyleanpersons arealike condemnable' A bodywhichis
neither too stout nor too lean, but strikes the mean as regards
Chap.XV SUTRASTHANA

plumpness, is thebest.A leanframeshouldhavethepreference to a

stout one. The neragedor aggravatedbodily humoursdry up the
fundamental principlesof thebody,suchasthelymphchyleetc.,just
in the sameway as a well-kindledfire will evaporatethe water
containedin a basin placed over it. Since (the temperament,
constitution,sizeandthe fundamental principleso0 thebodyvary in
differentindividuals; (and sincethebody,in its turn,undergoessuch
gradualtransformations asinfancy,youthandold age),andchanges
its stateeachmoment,it is absolutelyimpossibleto lay downtheexact
quantity of the derangedhumours,excrementsand fundamental
principles(of lymphchyle,blood,semen,albumen,etc.)thatmaybe
foundin the humanorganism.Henceit is necessary for a physicanto
asceftaintheir stateof equilibrium(theircontinuancein normalstate
andquantity)at anypaniculartime;andwhichshouldbepronounced
only in caseswhere signs of perfecchealchw'ould be visible. An
experiencedphysicianwould naturally draw a contrary inference
from the improper functionsof the organsin an individual. An
lfte??lg€ft(pfrfdc?aftcfrc<?dgreeerue(ke sare ofkealrlr in a healt?y
individual,while he shouldincreaseor decreasethe quantityof the
hcditytrunours,vi(attluids,orercqerr\e,$lsinesickpa(entaccordi*g
to the exigenciesof the case until his health is perfectly
restored.38-43
qq*e: TrqrFg rrrrerrgrflfur{:I
qs<r&rrrr. H{sr Eaft{€frq}'uyytl
A personwith anuniformlyhealthydigestion,andwhosebodily
humoursare in a stateof equilibrium,andin whomthe fundamental
vital fluids coursein their normalstateandquantity,accompaniedby
the normalprocessesof secretion,organicfunction, andintellection,
is saidto be a healthyperson.44

EAgqfiFtnrqrqren+@
;fFI Vg{VilsErFt: ltqil

Thusendsthefifteenth Chapterof the Sttrasthhnain the Suiruta Satuhitb

whichtreatsof theDevelopment andNon-development of the humoralcorrsfituenls
of the body.
 ST]TRASTHANN
CHAPTER XVI

tMsezrrq: t
B{erTrT:ffid ET@T€rTrr:,
qefrqrq rrrqq e1q6fr; 1qn
Now we shall discussthe Chapterwhich treatsof the piercing
of thelobulesof ears(Kar4a-Vyadha-bandha-vidhi
andbandaging
1
adhYhYa)'
vEnpurfqnm tnFrFTqutTffihr * qd qrR{rTEiri
qr{ffiq$evr*g@
qF{S EqRq{r* ar qrTrgq*{q crcr*Hr gfrrrarFr-
qrartfiryq quftT{,t@ enFfir+{rE-
$nfirfr vr*r w+{Mt a€ ffiA rdr3qi qqr
q€arrrren,{d <ArurEqrrg qr{ q''anqr:I itir: ftr$cFf
yirvrriqrrtrr
The lobules of the earsof an infant are usually pierced through
for protecting it (from the evil influences of malignant stars and
spirits) and for the purposesof ornamentationas well. The piercing
should be performed on a day of bright fortnight marked by the
auspiciouslunar and astral combinations,and in the sixth or the
seventhmonth of the year reckonedfrom its beginning (Bh6dra). The
child shouldbe placedon the lap ofits nurse,and benedictionsshould
be pronounced over it. Then having soothedit and lured it with toys
and playthings, the physician shoulddraw down with his left hand the
 Chap. XVI SOTRASTHANA 133

lobulesof its earswith a viewto detect,with thehelpof thereflected

sun-light,(theclosedup)apertures thatarenaturallyfoundto existin
thoselocalities.Thenhe shouldpiercethemstraightthroughwith a
needleheld in his right hand,or with an awl (,{16),or with a thick
needlewherethe appendages would be found to be too thick. The
lobule of the right ear shouldbe first piercedandthenthe left in the
caseof a malechild, while thecountraryshouldbe the procedurein
thecaseof a female.Plugsof cottonlint shouldbetheninsertedinto
the holesof the prickedear-lobules, whichshouldbe lubricatedor
rubbedwith any unboiledoil. 2
VtlFrarqE-*r+<rqrqrqffi*AFrA!ilr+rrr{ftor**cqr
drrrF*qfirh rrarr
A copious bleeding attendedwith pain would indicate that the
needle has passedthrough a place other than the natural (and closed
up) fissuredescribedabove;whereasthe absenceofany seriousafter-
effect would give rise to the presumptionthat the piercing has been
done through the right spot. 3
ffir}r F{qrg Rr{rg ffi
"rgwrqr
lrqFtt q,rRrfirqr qfr
E'RIr{qr air, qrA: gqegtq{r :a
FcFdrrr{ft'u*t+rr E+ r{r€., tfrftffi qqmr.{r-
@ $rqFilt +g qerrd t@ilt tx | |
Any of the local veins incidentallyinjured by an ignorant,
bunglingsurgeon,may be attendedwith symptomswhich will be
describedunder the headsof KAlik6, Marmariki, and Lohitiki.
Kalike is markedby feveranda burningpainin theaffectedpart and
swelling.Marmariki givesrisetopainandknotty(nodular)formations
about the affected region, accompaniedby (the characteristic
infl ammatory)fever;whilein thelastnamedtype(Lohitik6) symptoms
suchas Manyi-Stambha(numbness to the tendonsforming the nape
of theneck),Apatirnak(a typeof tetanus),Sirograha(headache) and
karna-Srlla(ear-ache)exhibit themselves,and they shouldbe duly
treatedwith medicinalremedieslaid down under their respective
heads.4

@rrr6dcdF#ar(Aqrrgqrqr-
t34 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qffi'5r6srS
Egvrwqqr{qr wt ri$,fr *qqr qt $rEfr,Tr
d|"r(q|trq
g."" ERr gs-d+i 5{Feq furr€ Tffi{ llqll
Thelint shouldbe speedlytakenout from a piercedhole which
is markedby extremepainandswelling,etc.,on accountof its being
madewith a blunt, crookedor stuntedneedle,or owing to its being
plugged with a deep and inortlinatelylarge lint, or to its being
disrurbedby the aggravatedbodily humours(Do$as),or to its being
madeat a wrong place.An unguentcomposedof Madhuka,Eralda
roots,Mafrjisth6,Yava,Tila,honeyandclarifiedbutterpastedtogether,
shouldbethickly plasteredovertheaffectedpartuntil theunlcersare
perfectlyhealed;afterwhich the lobulesof the earsshouldbe again
plercedthroughaccordingto the directionslaid down before.5
ar wrlffitq rrfiffiqr qgr(trtra qRl
qfr
Tr{rd{r qsr( qR+{-5 tter ercr qqtrtrfr*q(*
Ed'rTd F g.{d€i Satqrre rr
The lint shouldbe removed,eachthird day, and a thicker one
shouldbe insertedin its steadon eachsuccessive occasion,andthe
part shouldberubbedwith (unboiledoil) asbefore.For theexpansion
bf thu firru.es, (sticksof Nimbaor Aphmhrga,or rodsof lead)should
be.insertedinto them after the subsidence of the accompanying
symptomsand deranged bodily humours(in the locality)' 6
rrdFd ql=r-

\rd ffi: ffis€ft E tdqr1um.r

ffi qr rrqri 6si{gtt\e tl
Metrical Text : The fissuresthus expandedmay ultimately
bifurcatethe lobulesof the earsowingto the effectsof the deranged
bodily humours(Do$a),or of a blow. Now hearme discourseon the
modeof adhesioningthem(with suitablebandages)'7
rr qqr*r @: | il€relT- tFrwqrorfi,
ssaffi Tqrfi'$rFsF .rrrsfisf' srrdrqT Fr#m
qrfrkq: ffi,ffinalEffi
Chap.XVI SUTRASTHANA lJf

Tdfiuil qkcruf: q,r*tsfi gfr uarr

Theseunionsor adhesions admitof beingbriefly dividedinto
fi ft eendifferentkinds; viz.,theNemi-sandh6naka,
theUtpala-Bhedyaka
the Vallu-raka,the Asangima,the Ganda-karna, the Ahdryaya,the
Nirvedhima,the Vydyojima,the Kapata-sandhika theArdhakap6ta-
sandhika,the Samksipta, the Hina-karna,
theVallikarna,the Yasti-
karna,andthe Kdkausthaka. 8
tS, : r qFrr*tr+rfrTq-

:1ffi:l 3{qrfu€lTur*-
suqr6r€f:I ffiej{qa: fidfoq;1

r6rrraqFqqi. t :r
rr <*t qut-ffqfufiF{r: rrratr: r N qrqF{tqr{Tq: yr}ur
4IGII'ttt: lljll
Out of these,the process,known as the Nemi-sandhhnaka,
shouldbeusedin caseswhereeachof thebifurcated lobesof theears
wouldbefoundto bethick,extended, andequalin size.Theprocess,
knownasthe Utpala-Bhedyaka, shouldbe usedin caseswherethe
severedlobesofthe earswouldbe foundto be round,extended,and
equalln dimensions.Theprocess,Vall-urakashouldberesortedto in
caseswheretheseveredlobesof theearswouldbe foundto be short.
circulr andequalin size.Theprocess,knownasthe Asair-gima,should
bc adoptedin caseswheretheanteriorsurfaceofone ofthesesevered
appendages would havea moreelongatedshapethanthe other.The
process,known asthe Ganda-Kar4a,consistsin slicing off a patch
of healthyfleshfrom oneof theregionsof thecheeksandin adhering
it to one of the severedlobesof the earswhich is moreelongatedon
its anterior side than the other (Plastic-operations).
In the caseof
extremelyshortlobes,thefleshshouldbecut off from boththecheeks
andadheredtothem,theprocessbeingknownasthe Atriryaya. tne
lobesof theearswhichhavebeencompletelyseveredfromtheir roots
arecalledPithopamas. TheprocessknownastheNirvedhima should
b resortedto in suchcasesby piercingthe two Putrikas(Tragusand
136 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Anti-tragus)of theears.TheprocessknownastheVy6yojima should

be madeuseof in caseswhereoneof the bifurcatedlobesof the ear
shouldbe foundto be dissimilarto the otherasregardsits thickness
or thinness.The processknown as Kapl(a-Sandhikaconsistsin
bringingaboutanadhesion, on thefnsteriorside,betweenoneof the
bifurcatedlobesandanother,whichis elongatedon theanteriorside
of theear.Theadhesionis socalledfrom thefactof its resemblingthe
closingof thetwoleavesof a door(Kap6ta). Theprocess knownasthe
Ardha-kaplfa-Sandhikaconsistsin bringingaboutan adhesion on
the anterior side between the shorter one of the two parts of a
bifurcatedear-lobewith thepart,elongatedon theposteriorside,like
a half-closeddoor.The ten aforesaidprocesses of adhesionmay be
successfullybroughtaboutand their shapescan be easilypictured
from the meaningsof their respectivenames.9
ffiwreg; qidr*tTatr:I tir @-
T{re{qrh: tfrtrq:1 3fifu€:rr<qrk: qffig qffi

Efrr wffiE TflsE-

SqqrFa nqorr
Theremainingfive sortssuchastheSamkqiptaetc.,areseldom
andhencearecalledimpracticable
atteridedwith zuccess (As6dhayas).
The processSamkpiptahasits scopein the casewheref}te auricle
(Shashkuli)hasbeenwitheredup andoneof the bifurcatedlobesis
raised,the otherbeingreducedandshortened. The processof Hi.-na-
kar4a shouldbeadoptedin caseswherethesupportingrim of thelobe
(pinna)hasbeenentirely sweptawayand its exteriorsidesand the
cheeksare sunkanddevoidof flesh.Similarly the adhesiveprocess
known as the Vallikar4a is indicatedin caseswherethe lobesare
short,thin andunequal.Theadhesionknownasthe Yaq(hi Kar4a is
indicatedin caseswherethethin andseveredearlobesarerun across
with veinsandmadeof knottyor nodularflesh.Thecasein whichthe
ear-lobe,beingpermeatedwith a little quantityof blood"is fleshless
andendsin a narrowtip or end,furnishestheoccasionfor Kikauq{h aka
p6li.
Chap.XVI SUTRASTHANA 137

The five abovesaidadhesions,if followed by swelling,

inflammation,suppuration andrednessof theaffectedpartandfound
to be secretinga sort of slimy pus or studdedover with pustular
eruptions,maybeapprehended asnotto beattendedwith success.10
srqF< qrr I
?rFr qrfuAqqfu a Er*F<a I
6uf+d rrt qA rtq fT{Fr ftref*q1lqq 1;
ErTurqrfudffi €Frrn+ilfr qiqr
3Trqfr{rqi ffi qrtrsFqo-<rem I tlR I r
qe E qkrnk: rqd{r$ ftqn q qr I
ai Gqr qr&ar E funr ffi' 6a\r nt | |
rTqsrgqlr-q qrnq Er3ma-r rfrqarr
6ffiq E€qfF{FS@ynsfu{t Ry | |
Authoritativeverseson the subject: Theexactmiddlepoint
of the externalear shouldbe pierced(with a knife) and the severed
partsshouldbepulleddownandelongatedin thecasewhereboththe
partsof a bifurcatedear-lobewouldbefoundto havebeenentirelylost
or eatenaway.In thecasewheretheposterioroneof thetwobifurcated
partswould be foundto be longeror more elongated,the adhesion
shouldbe effectedon the anteriorside;whereasthe contraryshould
bethecasewheretheanterioronewouldappearto bemoreelongated.
Only the.remainingone of the two bifurcatedparts of an ear-lobe
would be pierced,cut in two andadhesioned on the top, in the case
wheretheothepartwouldbefoundto begone.A surgeonwell-versed
in theknowledgeof surgery(Sistras)shouldsliceoffa patchof living
fleshfrom thecheekof a persondevoidof ear-lobesin a mannersoas
to haveone of its endsattachedto its formerseat(cheek).Then the
part, wherethe artificial earlobe is to be made,shouldbe slightly
scarified(with a knife), andthe living flesh,full of bloodand sliced
off as previously directed, should be adhesionedto it( so as to
resemblea naturalearlobe in shape).11-14
erfr$Tdicri frfrq-
€rffiqg{rlTnd ftgelei qrqref qqr€EUt*fr rar&ry{i
138 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

got' ar uFrr*srFd Eg gmqaqF*: gqR'Tfrtrs q?Er,

Fqgqqrd, u,ofrvmnaqe$
*frr rxqrrE+ @fira-Ee
rfrMqr veq$+ yqrr€ EUIT,
qrqqqfi{ rfir*w, fieffirti
sqqr(r rd) qgTt{rt:rq, @
@Erqil,@-
qt$Fq+d ffiqqffiErrrqrr
A zurgeon,whishingto effect any sort of adhesionother than
thosedescribedbefore.shouldfirst collectthearticlesenumerated in
thechapteronPreliminaryMeasures to SurgicalOperations,
together
with milk, water, Dhinylmla (fermented riceboilings),Surimanda
(transparent surface-part ot wine) and powdersof earthenvessel.
Then the hair of the patient,whethermale or female,shouldbe
gatheredandtiedup in a knot,andthepatientshouldbegivena light
food (soasto keepup his strengthwithouthamperinghis digestion);
afterwhichhis friendsandrelationsshouldbeaskedto holdhim firm.
Then having ascertainedthe particular nature of adhesionto be
effectedin the case,the surgeonshouldexaminethe local bloodby
incising,excising,scarifyingorpuncturing theaffeciedlobesasfound
necessary, anddeterminewhetherthesameis pureor vitiated.Then
haviirgwashedthe bloodwith Dh6rny6mla andtepid water,if found
vitiatedthroughthe actionof the deranged(V6yu),or with milk and
cold water in the event of the same being contaminatedby the
derangedPitta,or with Surimandaandwarmwaterin the caseof its
being vitiated by the actionof the disorderdedKapha,the surgeon
shall bring aboutthe adhesionby againscarifyingthe affectedparts
ofthe ear,so as not to leavethe adhesioned partselevated(raised),
unequalandshort.Of coursetheadhesionshouldbeaffectedwith the
blood beingstill left in the partsthathadbeenscraped.Thenhaving
anointedthemwith honeyandclarifiedbutter,theyshouldbecovered
with cottonandlinen,andtiedwith stringsof thread,neithertooloose
nor too tight, and dustedover with powdersof bakedclay. Then
directionsshould be given as regardsthe diet and nursing of the
patient,whomaybeaswell treatedwith theregimenlaiddownin the
Chap.XVI SUTRASTHANA 139

chapteron Dvi-vraniya.l5'
rdfr qFr-
ftr€rg=i f€r€t* qrqrqqftnfrqql
qerqqFrr<rd qrqxrs Fqed*qtRq tl
fl..rmqfiffiA
snq+e=r ff,{r*rs fi€qR-di++(rrqe| |
Authoritative verseson the subject : The patientshouldbe
carefulnot to disturbthebandageandavoidphysicalexercise,over-
eating,sexualintercouse,exposure to, orbaskingin, theglareoffire,
fatiguingtalk,andsleepby day.Forthreecconsecutive daystheulcer
shouldbe anointedwith unboiledoil: andcottonsoakedin the same
substance shouldbe placedover it, which is to be altered,eachthird
day,till healing.16-17
r@qfturfniqrFqqr(t HG
qrcgEzlr*rsrdsfr
qR5f,r{rtfi rrge
versrE* F[6Er: quqqrt, qtdr.f,irr:t'
v<tqvilwEql
qfruftswqrsl a gF<qsifdt rr F+t'q(a: Fquil
"rEr Vs.*
FcFddtr vr+-vr+{Frerd+(ilqar
srfts:{qr qT,sf,slrttr-

rrcqr.*rrq, qFftfui rMqqg qcrrdnfvrsfsrqffiqdr-

rqrrfrend fui qr qrqfrrdErrrglfqi Frqqr( nqqn

The incidentalulcer shouldnot be tried to be healedup as long
asthe local blood (bloodin theulcer)is not fully purified;or so long
asthereis haemorrhage fromtheseatoftheaffectionorthelocalblood
continuesfeeble.An ulcer, adhesioned with the leastof the Va!u-
vitiated blood continuingin its inside,will spontaneously burst or
breakopenafresh.it will beagainattendedwith pain,burning,redness
andsuppurationin the eventof its beingclosedwith a little quantity
of Pitta-derangedblood incarceratedin its inside.Adhesionedeven
with a linle quantityof Kaphafouledblood in is cavity an ulcer is
marked by itching and numbness.An ulcer adhesionedwith the
 140 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

continuanceof an activehaemorrhage from its insideis markedby a

brownor blackishyellow swelling.An ulcer,adhesioned at a time
whenthelocalblood,thoughotherwise goodorpure,hasbeenthinned
or weakenedthrough excessivebleeding,is followed by a
correspondingemaciation(thinness)of the adhesionedpart. The
lobuleof theearthusadhesioned shouldbegraduallypulleddownand
elongatedafter the completehealing of the local ulcer and the
subsidenceof its concomitantsymptoms,and after the cicatrix has
assumedthecolourof theskinof thesurroundingpart.Otherwisethe
adhesionedpart maybecharacterised bypain,swelling,inflammation,
burning and suppuration,or the adhesionmay again fall off. An
adhesionedear-lobe,un-accompanied by any of the d.istressingor
unfavourablesymptoms,shouldbegraduallyelongatedby rubbingit
with an unguentcomposed of the milk, fat, andmarrowof any such
animals and birds as the Godhe,the Pratudar..the Viskiras. the
Anupas,or theAudakasaswouldbeavailable,andclarifiedbutterand
the oil expressedout of the seedsof white mustard,boiled with the
decoctionorKvdthaof Arka,Alarka,BaliLAtibala,Anant6,ApAunarga,
ASvagandht,Vidlrrigandh6,Ksira-5uklZr, Jalaiuaa and the drugs
formingthegroupknownastheMadhura,whichshouldbepreviously
preparedandcarefullystowedin a coveredreceptacle.18-19
dffid 6uf **e++{ drqh.r
srtrrgqfq: wzrr( qserg fuqdtr
FrcnilRo t l
Srr+dqrrqnqr rrq*{rrg*dr+:l
fuf ffi qqfrrqrrySr{ffir1pqIl
Metrical texts : Thenthe abovemedicinalunguentshouldbe
appliedor rubbedover the lobe of the affectedear,wherebyall the
disturbingor unfavourable symptoms wouldbesubsided,thusfavouring
its firm and steadygrowth. Similarly a plastercomposedof yava,
ASvagandh?r, Yastyihva,andTila, pastedtogethermight be rubbed
over the affectedear-lobewith advankge.Oil preparedand boiled
with the essence of Satdvariand ASvagandhd, or payasyi,Erarl{a,
Jivanaand milk increasesthe growthof an ear-lobe. 20-21
n E curt T EG*t r*er*Mcnr: r
C h a p .X V I SUTRASTHANA l4l

tqrqq|q?;* E E?{fE F6r{+q gl

qrfi;&trqdaqrqE: qgfr EeIr:tlRRll
Thelobeof anear,whichrefusesto growin sizein spiteof being
formentedandlubricatedasaboveindicated.shouldbescarifiedwith
slight longitudinalincisionson its anteriorside (that is on the side
nearestto thecheeks)andnotontheposteriorone,assucha precedure
might be attendedwith dreadfulresults.22

wt rr: E,qt rrrffirrd*qr

srn61n1 TrrtrsrrT:ArIr+{ F{T€rt I t?t | |
qrefrqrgiltqBqFa: €Gr:ftrr: r
zr€g * q,ut ard+a*: nRytl
An ear-lobeshouldnot be tried to be elongatedjust after the
adhesionof its two severedparts, inasmuchas the centre of the
adhesion,still beingraw,mightcausethemto fall offagain.Thusan
earlobe underthecircumstance shouldbe graduallyelongated,gnly
when it would be found to be markedby the growth of hair on its
surface,andthehole or the perforationhasassumeda circularlook,
and the adhesionhasbecomefirmly effected,well-dried,painless,
evenand level in its entirelength.23-24
edfirfir:q,ufmqr€ ffiqr: Evr&fr-aI
u) uurgBtrrua:srEdaenf{F ffi{t t?\ | |
The modesof bringingaboutan adhesionof the two severed
partsofan earlobe are innumerable;anda skilled and experienced
surgeonshoulddeterminethe shapeandnatureof eachaccordingto
the exigenciesof a particularcase.25

Etnl
q,uffi ytfudr qrdFmqlm,rwq: I tRqtl
feqr qrsqtr *gqr: qfdF{ faF{qr rrq. I
ffia: krosrirT
vi.n'r qteri ti E qrftr*t tRetl
qr6ffidrffii vfrq', qrfiFr tRr*r
ifrril: Tt{+e1g:fttrrfr T6trq 6qrf,* | t?e| |
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

q?,tr+qqfrEqtfufuffiscqt
!frtrrqlwt:uRjtl
Tfiffi r*q+kpn I
qqEaR tqrurf fuffi 6.{Ir€FdnRorl
Additional Text : o Su3ruta, againI shalldealwith diseases
which affect the lobule of an ear underthe circumstancedescribed
aboveThe derangedbodily V6yu,Pitta and Kapha,eitherjointly or
severally,giveriseto severaltypesof diseases whichaffectthelobule
of anear.Thederanged V6yuproducesnumbness andanerysipelatous
sweeling and ulcer aboutthe affected ear-lobe,while anerysipelatous
ulcerin thelccalityaccompanied by swelling, burning, suppuration,
etc,,shouldbeascribed to theactionof thederanged Pina. heaviness,
numbnessand swelling of the ear-lobeaccompaniedby constant
itchingin theaffectedlocalitymarktheactionof thederangedKapha.
Themedicaltreatment inthesecases consistsin effectinga subsidence
of theparticularderanged humourby meansof diaphoresis, lubrication,
Parisekas (medicated plasters)or bloodletting as the case may be.
Thesemeasuresshouldbe moderatelyapplied and a nutritive and
invigoratingfoodshouldbe prescribedfor thepatient.Thephysician
who is well familiarwith theactionsof thederangedbodily humours
asdescribedabove,shouldbelookeduponasaloneentitledto takein
hand a case,which falls under the headof one of the preceding
types.26-30
srfi sE{ arqRrfr.{q+ qrci{Fllqrartl
ssrffi.v*mrm: YQrEt:6uqg* Tvrql ltt | |
3[q[r.?r: rrc5,r{d ]rF{rqt !ilEFTFrenI
Fr* q ffiqir+{ ?q*v'r E.qrquRR tl
Now I shallenumerate which
thenamesof the severaldiseases
the
affecta severedlobeof theearanddescribe symptoms which each
TheyareknownasUtpataka'Uputpka'
of themdevelopsin succession.
Syflva, Bhq3am-kaqduJuta, Avamantha,Sa!an$u1a,Granthika'
Jambula,SrhviandDahavfrna. Now hearrnediscourseon the nature
of medicinalueatmentto be adoptedin eachof them.3I'32
Chap.XVI SUTRASTHANA

ca
STqTqTrT: qreare*qa*r
Ff{Tt: 9

sdqr6* y&q, erffiFrfq rrrqr{t t??| |

vFqrffifina ffisq Tfrsr{l
qrrr6 rrqffi{ firfi rlfi{s rfqirqr
*rr$q--+ <ard'cifus rrrfim{n?Y rl
rfttr Errqr qvzrrrnrr<i aorgtr+*,qt
yqra yffi <srffin+s qrftrcqntq tt
rrr6iTqrtri qftAaerrqrEurrfirFtr*{ I
qsr# F*,rrqs ffiF{s srftraqll?Qtt
Remedies: Aplastercomposedofthe drugsknownasApimirga,
Sarjarasa,PatalabarkandLakucabarkpasted togather, or a medicated
oil preparedand boiled with the precedingsubstances shouldbe
appliedin a caseof theUtpirtaka type,whereas a caseof theUtputuka
type would prove amenableto a medicinalplasterconsistingof
Samp6ka,Sigru,Pu-ti-Karafrja thefat andmarrowof a Godh6,andthe
niilk andbile of a she-deer,she-bufTaloor sow,pastedtogether;or to
a medicatedunguentcomposedof the abovesaidsubstances duly
boiledwith oil. Similarly,a medicinalplastercomposed of thedrugs
knownasGauri(HaridrZr), Sugandhfr, Sy6mfi,Anant6,Tanduliyaka,
or anoil prepared andboiledwith theextractof theprecedingdrugs,
wouldprovebeneficialin a caseof theSyiva typeof thedesease. In
a caseof the bhrSam-Sakandulam type,the affected part shouldbe
rubbedor lubricatedwith anunguentor medicated oil preparedwith
theboiledextractof Phth6,Rasdfrjana, Ksaudra,andwarmK6ijika,
or a plastercomposed of the samedrugsand substances shouldbe
appliedoverthediseased locality.33-36
qufrr1-irsH srfrq ft{ frqr+cr I tRe| |
.\
rhrrq{rfiT'durf 4{lT: I{: q'dr$dur I t?a | |
y&qlkq ful
ydrrsfr{i
sffi{i q-fF Hr$T eirq+q q
grsT er{+q ql il?j t l
ffiFr:r sq*i TuJ q,rqrd: fu-cr{t
g5t* ffiqr q-qrft{ w+*raqt tyo tl
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qar*€rnF{g rnRraqrrYq
||
qfrr* IH q-d qrq+c*qrrz El
iriT: ft1*{uf{ ys_qr fu vq1rarqnyRrr
ffiar il{ q-d E6r_qrquTt nq w& r
qfrtur sRrsrfi g;d rirHtm: nYl rl
qs3qufr q?{fi-q q5{i q?$r T16|
tq: qrdEzrffiFry rnRraquxYrl
qcr.rc*: vng*r @ garFa*: r
ffi: senHtgcFi yffiqnYtrtr
In a caseof ulceration,the ulceratedear-lobeshouldbe rubbed
with the oil preparedandboiledwith thedrugsknown asMadhukaand
Ksirak6koli, or with those which form the group known as the
Jivakddi-Varga;while in a casewhere Brmhanameasuresare to be
adopted,lard prepared from the fat of a Godh6,boar, or snake might
be usedwith advantage.In the Avamanthakatype of the diseasedear-
lobe should be washedand covered with a plastercomposedof the
drugs known as Prapaundarika,Madhuka, Samangdand Dhava, or
rubbed with oil preparedand boiled with the samedrugs.Similarly a
case of Klndu--Yuta (accompaniedwith itching) would yield to a
plaster composedof the drugs known as Sahadevi,r, ViSvadev6,and
Saindhavasalt pastedwith goat s milk, or to the medicatedoil boiled
and preparedwith the samedrugs and substances.In a case of the
Granthikatype (accompaniedby the formationof knotty growth in its
inside) the knotty growths or glandular formations should be first
removed, and the affected locality should be bled with a surgical
instrumentand dustedwith powderedSaindhavasalt. Likewise, in a
caseof Jfrmbulatype, blood-lettingshouldbe resortedto by sacrifying
the seatof the disease,which shouldbe then washedwith a spray of
milk. The ulcer should be healedafter the perfect purification of its
internal morbid contents.A caseof the Sr6vi (secrefng) type would
readily yield to a medicinalplasterconiposedof the drugs known as
Madhuparni,and Madhuka,or of Madhukapastedwith honey, or to
the medicinal oil prepared and boiled with the same drugs and
substances.A caseof the Daham6na(burning)type shouldbe treated
with a plaster composedof the drugs known as the five Kalkas and
Chap. XVI SUTRASTHANA 145

Madhukapastedtogetherandmixedwith clarifiedbuffer,or with a

pastedcompoundof the drugswhich form the groupof the Jivakldi
Vargawith a quantityof clarifiedbutteraddedto it. 37-45
ffiarqrcaqqTfufi rqrqeFnfrwqr<hfu eqrqEt
yftffi
Tr{TTgF{ruf qT rJ-fid{r H{dfuif€il rYq | |
tt yqroh A trrgqrqil-fi{'6{ qqa?r qrfgqrr{l
Fdkq qrg yFdrq*fr rq srg**Ffwrwil: I tye tl
ffif vqq*@q€art
*qq +Hrrqqut+-"a @tlxe tt
{braqqqfi rg-{rfi{ttt+tBc1rq.qfcsrqr{t
Yd:drrrq: F=R:g-tr ffi frtq: q qeNVrql lYq| |
6-al4 srq decf*v-{ grHq+(l
ffi Fd-dfrd qtd rrurps qqf<ft1gqqrsr{u\or I
;11gttrffita:g ;nsr$qr=rE.(frktt
rr qF+{ qr*qrq e rrs: qrdFtFdI rqq| |
Rhinoplasticoperations: Now I shalldealwith theprocessof
affixingan artificialnose.Firsttheleafofa creeper,long andbroad
enoughto fully coverthe wholeof the severedor clippedoff part,
shouldbegathered; anda patchof living flesh,equalin dimensionto
theprecedingleaf,shouldbeslicedoff (fromdownupward)from the
regionof thecheekand,afterscarifyingit witha knife,swiftlyadhered
to the severednose.Thenthecool-headed physicianshouldsteadily
tie it up with a bandagedecentto look at andperfectlysuitedto theend
for whichit hasbeenemployed(S6dhubandha).Thephysicianshould
makesurethattheadhesion of theseveredpartshasbeenfully effected
andtheninserttwo smallpipesintothenostrilsto facilitaterespiration,
andto preventtheadhesioned fleshfromhangingdown.After that,the
adhesioned partshouldbedustedwith thepowdersof Pattanga'Yagli-
madhukaandRasifijanapulverisedtogetler; andthe noseshouldbe
envelopedin Kirpisa cottonandseveraltimessprinkledoverwith the
refinedoil of puresesamum.Clarifiedbuttershouldbe givento the
patientfor drink, andhe shouldbe anointedwith oil andtreatedwith
purgativesafterthe completedigestionof the mealshe hastaken,as

V o l .I - 1 0
146 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

advised(in the books of medicine).Adhesionshould be deemed

complteaftertheincidentalulcerhadbeenperfectlyhealedup, while
thenoseshouldbeagainscarifiedandbandaged in thecaseof a semi
or partial adhesion.The adhesionednose should be tried to be
elongatedwheteit wouldfall shortof its naturalandpreviouslength,
or it shouldbe surgicallyrestoredto its naturalsizein thecaseof the
abnormalgrowth of its newly formedflesh.The modeof brihging
aboutthe adhesionof severedlips is identicalwith what has been
describedin connectionwith a severednosewith theexceptionof the
insertionof pipes.The physician,who is well conversantwith these
matters,can be alone entrustedwith the medical treatmentof a
King. 46-51

VA gqaffi Wrerr} q'l{MeHq Wsrerq:rtqr

Thusendsthe sixteenthchapterof the Sfitra-Sthhna in the Su!;rutaSahhilA
which treats of the Piercing and Bandagingof ear-lobes.

+++
 ST]TRASTHANA
CHAPTER XVII

s{etT?fffi ET@tT{zlTr[:,
qr+qrq rar1q11e1=ry;6fr;11q1
Now we shalldiscusstheChapterwhichdealswith themodeof
djstinguishingbe_tweensuoouratingand non-suppuratin
g swellings.
Ama-pakvaiqa4iYa adhYlYa' 1
pilrrtr$qnr@ yrnurqrz*fivqrcry+
y?dftm: Hrilffi qr Fq.rrfserr&
sliq,rqrq:, tfr laeyur:
ffifem, viq'Fqfat rRil
Diseasessuchas,Granthi(Aneurism),Vidradhi,(abscess) and
Alaji (inflammationof the edgeof the cornea)etc.are usheredin by
apreliminaryswellingwhichsubsequently develops
symptoms peculiar
to eachof them.Thesediseases differ in theirsymptomsandoutward
shape.A swellingwhich may appearat any part of the body,and is
round,elevated,even,or unevenin its (surface)is calleda Sotha
(swelling).It restrictsitself to the skin andfleshof its locality andis
characterisedby the severalor concertedaction of the deranged
bodily humours.2
q qqh* :t irFr
W Engtrpnq: I 11T,qrdgilq'1s.'ur:EqrT)
erw*@ffiqrrrckrftrwilrn':
ffi Tg' rffin} qr vnyrgrnfr, afrqrEryrr +*nffiqr
148 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

srcFfir v+rsrvfrF: re! {d qT 6fu;T: fr- firyq}

rrqEurfr, inr{dr{€rrr ffiqr rndF;atq*qsi+fl:
qF<qmq: r @ r firrcni-oefursd|ql-
frrrEr+rg tltt
TheSothas(swelling)admitof beingdividedinto six different
typesaccordingastheyarecausedby theactionof thederangedV6yu,
Pitta, Kaphaor blood,or areclueto theconcertedactionof the three
fundamentalhumoursof the bcxly,or aretraumaticorigin.
Nowwe shalldescribe thesymptoms whichmarktherespective
actionsof thehumoursin a swelling.A swellingdueto theactionof
theoeranged V6yuassumes a reddishor blackishhueandis shifting
in its character.It feelsroughandsoftto thetouch,andis markedby
a sortof achingpain(peculiarto thederanged V6yu)whichvanishes
at intervals.A swelling,due to the actionof the derangedPitta,
assumes a yellowishhue.It is softandfluctuates underpressure, and
is markedby an accumulationof blood in its body.It swiftly shifts
from one part of the body to another,accompaniedby a burning,
suckingpain.A swelling,broughtaboutthroughthederanged condition
of the Kapha,assumes a grey or whitishcolour,The skin becomes
glossyandcold,andtheswellingveryslowlychanges itsoriginalsite,
if it shifts at all, accompanied by pain and itchhing.A swelling
engendered throughtheconcertedactionof thethreebodily humours
successivelymannifeststhe symptomsand assumesthe colours
respectively peculiarto eachof them.The symptomswhichmarka
swellingdueto theactionof thevitiatedbloodareidenticalwith those
whichareexhibitedin a swellingof thePittajatypewith theexception
of the blacknessof thepart (andan increaseof heat).A swellingdue
to an externalblow (traumatic)manifests symptomspeculiarto the
Pittajaandblood-originedtypes.3
q {ff qrgrr+at: ffi*4 surrfua: 1@i
ffiqr( qgdr( qr Arqrun{, ilqr qrqlFrgd rrefr I
iGztrcrFt qtrqr"rFl qEFRzT?
w [Ytl
ilir, rl{n161 a{rlr{ufdr Vffiqar TeH rr<+fl-
dretvfrqdr qrl|erqlqllFffi il\ II
Chap.XVII SOTRASTHANA 149

A swelling, which does not yield to internal and external

remedieson accountof an excessiveaccumulationof the deranged
local humours,or throughthe insufficientor contraryeffectsof the
remedicalagents,showssignof suppuration.
Nowhearmedescribed thesymptoms, whichrespectively mark
an unsuppurated, suppurating or suuppurated swelling. The
unsuppumted of immaturestage continuesas long asthe skin of the
swellingretainsits naturalhue,markedby a little painandheat its
in
inside, and coldness,hardnessand a slight elevationof its
surface.4-5
q.*F{Rq Frqut, Evqa fE ffi rf€d'a
quin,
FE, fuilr FE Vral'r, ftsfi Ee YIffiT:, RTSAiIp
frtrd FE rrrflwil, q?l=&tF.rrqer, <alt trqa EE:a
qrrrrFrhqtq, 3frs*qqR.Er6r:r $rEFil; Effi{€ F€r q
rernr€-{Yrq+sa vnFagtfrI ffi vffi
$rEfr, d'(erEr{ @ srtrrcfus
qqqr;rks.{ilqil
Thesuppurating stagegivesriseto a sensation of prickingpain
in the affectedlocality. The swelling seems as if it is beingpricked
with needles,or bittenor wanderedoverby a hostof ants,or cut with
aknife,or piercedwith a spear,or thrashedwith a club,or pressedwith
thehand,orscrapedroundwith fingers,orburntwithafireoranalkali.
Thepatientcomplains ofa sortofsucking,burningpainintheswelling
of a fixed or shiftingcharacter.Thepatient,asif stungby a scorpion,
doesnotfindcomfortinanyplaceorposition. Thehueofthelocalskin
is changedand the swelling goes on increasing like an inflated
leathherbag; and fever, thirst, a burningsensationand aversionto
food etc. graduallysupervene. 6
*dFfrqynFd:qrrgilrtrvfrqfir @i
ffi yq!=TrTi,qsrffi<*rstut qlrs
yffidiart qrEAR, gffi{: zrr{€=tttiTruqrt:
@qv6kgqnutt
The suppuratedstageis marked by an amelioration of the local
150 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

pain anda yellowishness of theskin overthe swelling,which cracks

and seemstoo big, thusgivingrise ro foldsin the integument. The
swelling exhibitsfluctuationunderpressureand showsperceptible
signsof diminution.Moreover,it yieldsto pressure andreachesits
formerheightwhenthepressure is removed.Thepusor thesuppurated
matterchangesits place,or shifts from one part of the swelling to
anotherunder pressurelike r,vaterin a bloatedleather bag. The
distressingsymptomsgraduallysubside;the patientagainevincesa
desirefor food, and feels a constantinclinationfor scratchingthe
affectedpart which is characterisedby a sortof achingpain. 7
e,$*qEifu@=*SFq-qssffii
rrdr*flqrufEq* vaqqeFft FqrTrq)finresitgtfr r qr
E qmrqtcr yftTvira,dr@ wrflT,T trir
*agiqrRfr rail
Sometimes, asincasesof traumaticswellingorin thosebrought
aboutby a derangedconditionof the Kapha,thesuppuratingprocess
is restrictedto thedeepertissuesof theaffectedpartandhencefail to
exhibit its characteristicsymptoms-a fact which often misleadsa
physician(surgeon)asregardsthetruestate(lit:- whethersuppurated
or not) of the accompanying swelling.But the knowledgethat a
processof suppuration, occurringin thedeepertissuesof an affected
part,is accompanied by alleviationof the pain and swellingwhich
becomesascompactasa stoneandcoldto thetouch,andthelocalskin
resuming its natural colour, would unquestionablyward off all
apprehensions for error of judgment.I
TqFfi \AET-
sTr{fuqqqms w{W€s d fuo*,
rtrr{qr( IT qr+( es: : I tj | |
qrdrsi qrRarlttr{ qra;:firrrgtrrk qqrar r({T:I
ir€qrqqqer: rrftFlm'ffirtqqfa Vilqiwq qp {wr: I tto | |
Authoritative verseson the subject : A physician(surgeon)
who is fully conversant
with the symptomswhich are respectively
exhibited by (an inflammatory)swelling in its unsuppurated,
C h a p .X V I I SOTRASTHANA t5l

suppuratingandsuppurated stages,is aloneworthyof theepithet;the

rest are but impostors.Since there can be no pain without the
interventionof the derangedV6yu; and no suppurationcan set in
withouttheactionof thederanged Pitta;norpus,withouttheactionof
thederangedKapha;it is evidentthata suppurated swellingis marked
by the combinedand simultaneous action of the three deranged
humoursof the body.9-10

ffiftr*qanafrqrtath+Irtral
fugqrBfrq, lRq| |
wrera:vfrfirrd+qrTrdTfrsqtqf
Accordingto certain authorities,$e derangedPitta gets the
preponderance over the local Viyu and Kapha,and transformsthe
blood into pusout of its own preponderant
energy.11
narr*t vilFrilr-
ftuffi: irffiqqfrr
€ qqT nnrc}Enqrqsqqqefrfr Fqrnqffi qrfu
*swqr 'n$ff3're gr{rf,qqn: {.t: @
q€rffrffiryi qGr qrgf !ilqfu€T q.qsrEtr T{trsrEtr
ift ntrn
The incision or openingof a swellingin its inflammatoryor
unsuppuratedQit. immature,unripe) stage is attendedwith the
destnrctionof the local flesh,ligament,bone,vein, or joint, and is
usuallyfollowed by excessivehaemorrhage. The incidentalwound
becomesextremely painful. Many distressingsymptomsbegin to
manifestthemselvesin succession andcavitiesareformedinsidethe
wound which may lapseinto a caseof l$ata-Vidradhi (a type of
ulceratedabscess).
Ontheotherhand,a fully suppurated swelling,Ieft unopenedfor
a long time out of fear or ignoranceby the attendingphysician,is
anended withsymptoms whicharefiaughtwithdreadfulconsequences.
Theaccumulated pus,unableto fi ndanoutlet,is infi ltratedandattacks
the deepertissuesof the affectedpart, and forms large cavitiesor
sinusesin their inside, thus convertingthe diseaseinto one of a
difficult or incurabletype.12
 r52 STISRUTA
SAMHITA

YTFil qTT-

ffi q q*agtq+tr
{rtrqTF{E Ffrdi arcrfcffitRltl
vrqffitffiqrgTfinrqr
qsd qtq+q€f *quf * *el=T[sg6.nqy | |
q {dFr:TtfftrFrriT: gr{T r geatr
tharEd +iqrtg q.'ffin tq\ ll
ylruil pnryfrfr yn cr6fru''gunfac: r
qrrqeffitq vrfrr qrarflfr*,,{tnq tl
Authoritativeverseson thesubject: Theyphysician (zurgeon)
who opensan unsuppurated or unripeswellingout of ignorance,as
well asthemanwhoneglectsa fully suppurated one,shouldbelooked
uponasthe vilest Candila for his wrongor incorrectdiagnosis,The
patientshouldbeprovidedwith a mealbeforethesurgicaloperation,
or strongwineshouldbegivenhim, if heis foundto beaddictedto the
habitof takingany.Theeffectof a goodmealunderthecircumstance
will beto keepup thestrengthof thepatientandto guardagainsthis
swooningduringthe operation,while the effectof wine will be to
makehim unconscious of thepain.Theruleasregardsthefeedingand
anaesthetising (winegiving)of thepatientshouldbe strictfyadhered
to, sincethe internal vital principleof a man is invigoratedby the
strengthof his bodywhichis theproductof lymph-chyle,theessence
of food,andthequintessence of thefive materialprinciples.13-16
siFT) F6q qT ffi'{qr k{r {:
qllkn: qr*{*Fd vilq't t
{@ ffi kqra:
€ wrrTr qT
qr€qrr|i'dq:t tqe | |
A swelling,nomatterwhetherlimited orextensive, spontaneously
runsonto suppuration,if notmedicinallytreated,or left to nature.The
baseof sucha swellinggoeson extending.It becomesunequally
suppuratedand reachesan unequalelevation,thus affecting the
deepertissuesof thepartandswiftlyruunningintooneof anincurable
type.17
Chap. XVII SOTRASTHANA

ffi
(qq egl#dF( *urwr*qr
v*fi yfrs rsttrlttrf€T:
1l ffi, qtqa: Frtt1rRa | |
qqf TIINTHTEI q?tE qtr-
qtdRa: F<EFt lrga I
d?tq {q}sqFqFr '9fr fd
qR{ Rrrr: Hrq iEt lcrr{fi€ ilqj r l
A swelling,whichdoesnotyieldto theapplicationof medicated
plastersor to correctiveor blood-lettingmeasures,speedilyand
uniformlysuppurates, andismarkedbya smallandrestrictedbase and
a circular or conical elevation.As a blazing fire fed by gustsof
favourablewind soonconsumes a witheredforest,sotheincarcerated
pus,in the absenceof any outlet,attacksand eatsawaythe hpalthy
flesh,veinsandnervesof an organism.18-19
srr+ ffi Eqi( i*fr.qr+r*rtt
{fugwlr6s *grtr qraF9sqr{tl
qs{ Yirat E€qiq ITtr' ffir
qt F'tn lrcFStT: rrq{ dEdrrd{nRo ||
Surgical acts in connectionwith an abscess(Sotha)may be
divided into sevenkinds suchas 1. mutilation(Viml6pana) of the
swelling by massage,2. Avasecana(bleedingor applicationof
leeches).3. Upaniha (poulticing)4. P6[ana(openingor incision)5.
Sodhana(purificationof theinternalmorbidmatterof anincisedboil
with correctivemedicines) 6.Ropa4a(healing)and7.Vaikri tipaham
(restoringof the naturalcolourof the skin to the cicatrix).20

Vn g$rffi q.r{qr+ s{rcqdquftm:Trq €qr(y*sarq: iltet

Thus ends the seventeenthChapter of the Sdtrasthhna in rhe Su|ruta Samhith
which treats of how to distinguish between suppurating and non-suppurating
swellings.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTER XVIII

sTgrr& @j qT@tTFztrq:,
q€frqrq w'rfll ercr<rfr- ilttl
Now we shalldiscourse
theChapterrvhichtreatsofthe dressings
andbandagesof ulcers(Vra4-alepana-ban
dha-Vidhi'-adhyiya). I
s[req orra gtrslr:, qq Trc*vfonrqf
qrrtreT:yqrrdq,
irg yffi{ qqzrlq: I r* qet; {en{, +q {Crffiqq-
qfuretFcrcMs,r*@yffif n
qqtffi srjeffid q tqqqq r*qqrfrfir:
nrgrgqgrfi,ai ndTfr | tR| |
A medicinalplastershouldbe regardedasthegeneralandmost
importantremedyin all casesof (inflammatory)swelling.We shall
presentlydiscuss thenature'ofplasters
tobeusedineachspecificform
of disease.A bandageplaysa moreimportantpart (thana medicinal
plaster)as regardsits healingand curativeefficacy,inasmuchas it
materiallycontributesto thepurificationandhealingof an ulcer and
keepsthejoints steady.A medicinalplastershouldbe appliedfrom
down upward or in a direction contrary to that of the local hair
(Pratiloma).It shouldneverbe applied(so as to run down with the
local hair), sincea plaster,appliedas directedabove,would firmly
stick to the surfaceof the affectedpart, and naturally percolate
throughthefolliclesof thehairandtheexternalorificesofthe vehicles
of perspiration(Sudoriferousducts),thuspermeatingthe organism
 Chap.XVIII SUTRASTHANA

with its own nativepotencyandvirtue.2

a q {lElrrrcrllt*arqr ffirrrqr=qE"} Eqrcfr*ls-
EEmU [?tl
A medicinalplastershouldbe removedor replacedby a fresh
oneas soonasit hasbecomedry, exceptin caseswherethe purpose
of its applicationwouldbefoundto bethedrawingof pusto a definite
head (PiQayitavyaVrapa). A dried medicinal plaster will prove
uselessor abortive,and may act as a causticor corrosiveagent.3
trfrfeq:-Ir&q, yta arreqsrffiy&q:
rffi frvfofr tn, qtaqsr, vftil qr r6tfts{g{Fqvi* q,
qqtilsrR+q: nYtl
A medicinalplasteradmitsof beinggroupedunderany of the
threesubheads of Pralepa,PradehaandAlepana(accordingto its
thicknessor consistency)etc.
Metlicinal plasters : A medicinalplasterof the pralepa class
is appliedtfun andcold,andis na$e to be enduedwith an absorbing
(Vi6oSi)or non-absorbing (AviSosir)propertyaccordingto th6 natdre
of the effect desired.On the othei hand,a medicinalplasterof the
Pradehaclassis appliedeitherthick or thin, warmor cold, andacts
asa non-absorbent. A medicinalplaster.ofthe .{tepanaclassstands
midwaybetweena Pralepaanda Pradeha.4
Tr@: I ytA)qrde*qqgrr{: TFEn=T:
vH frqql: v*u;,+qrrtrAg,t€frr1*rT: q1-drq{tgtrrql
erhTqg-ql rT rf{T: ?rrq, FFdtr m{t f,qt:qffi.1
*qr€twsFrt* Tgilr ffi qqrqF€a
qqft nqu
Of these,a plasterof the Pralepanaclassis possessed of the
efficacyof pacifyingor restoringthederanged
bloodand pitta to their
normalcondition.A plasterofthePradehaclasspacifiesthederanged
Vlyu andKaphaandtendsto bringabouttheunion,purification,and
healing(of an ulcer),causingthe subsidenceof pain and swelling.
1. At ln rh, ,"t, tf P-ldryl*ry fur, describedlxfore, wherethe withdrawing
" to a deJiniteheadis desired.
or gatheing of pus
156 s U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Henceit shouldbe usedin all typesof swellingwhetherulceratedor

otherwise.
A medicinalplaster(Alepana)appliedoveranulceris calledby
the changedepithetof Kalka or Niruddha-Alepana (arrestiveor
astringentplaster).The function of such an Alepana consistsin
arrestinga local haemorrhage, in softeningtheulcer,in withdrawing
sloughingor putrifyingfleshfromitscavity,in checkingtheformation
of pusin its inside,andin correctingthe morbidmatteror deranged
humours(thatretardits unionandhealing). 5
3tf+q|*5 vmg ffirf qarqt
qqrei Aqvrrri qr6'firq6qrr6{nq tl
E-ffir{{kud rnFr{-mgqr{{{l
qrdggrt|=i N @{rfl-q(ll\ell
qn{tfrg n *'n TAqfr iTsnlurrr(l
rivfrffir€rN E ffiri ftqqqt u r r
YArFt tFilt fr w$rt'rt€ qrftr*r
sTeur\! E6t5.i T*Elltlrf yqrqaEuq rl
Metrical Texts : A med^icinal plasterof the Alepana class
would prove beneficial in a swelling markedby the absenceof
suppuration,inasmuchas it zuMuesthe characteristicsymptomsof
each of the derangedbodily humoursviz. the burning sensation
(peculiarto the derangedPitta),itching (incidentalto the deranged
stateof lkpha) and the achingpain (wh,ichmarksttredisorderof the
MiIyVhyu|Its actionliesprincipallyinclansingthe skin,theflesh
andthe bloodof all morbiferousdiatheses, in removingthe burning
sensation,and in alleviatingthe piercingpain and itching.
A physician(zurgeon)shoulduse an Alepana in (ulcerous)
diseasesappearingabout the anus,or about any other vital part
(Marmas)or the body,with a view to bring aboutthe purificationof
the (local derangedhumours).In diseasescausedby a deranged
conditionof the Viyu, Pittaof Kapha,medicinalplastersshouldbe
respectivelymixed with a quantityof clarified butter,measuringa
sixth,quarter,anda eighthpart of their respectivequantities.G9
Chap.XVIII SUTRASTHANA r5'7

r{zT trf qful|r{t

yg*fi, qr Tdefuf&ETur: @ | llo | |
It hasbeensaidthat thethicknessof an Alepana shouldnot be
madeto exceedthat of the newly-flayedskin of a buffalo.Underno
condition,shoulda medicinalplasterbe appliedat night,inasmuchas
sucha measurewould arrestthe escapeor radiationof heatfrom the
swellingin virtueof its own inherenthumidity,andthusbringon an
aggravation.l0
qt6{Tr€} qrEt E ffiqFi tqerr
firrrt,rFwr#c) r{fu+ q ffiqa, tRqrl
=rqq{frrtitru<ffi(r
sqtrf t*€ T q-<rfu( rqrrlEntR | |
sqruf H qra w+ar$rq|q q ftr
T q t+{ e+{ ytd qrq}q yr: r
{qqrErqr$ ffi grfrfr rsrqqrde^:
I ttl | |
Metrical Texts : In diseases,which are amenableto the
application of medicinal plastersof the Pradeha type, as well as in
swellingsresultingfrornthe vitiatedconditionof bloodandthePitta,
or in thosewhich areof extrinsicorigin, or are dueto the effectof a
poisonor blow,theplastershouldbe appliedcold,by day.A plaster
shouldnotbeappliedwithoutremovingthepreviousone,noroverthe
oneappliedonthedaybefore,asthiswouldincrease thelocalheatand
aggravatethepainandtheburningsensation on accountofits greater
or increased thickness.A medicinalplaster,previouslyused,should
not be moistenedandappliedagain;it shouldbe heldas absolutely
ineffectiveowingto its virtuehavingbeenpreviouslyusedor soaked
in.111-13

ar*qrqrtvr:WYll
l.: ThisponionofthetexthasbeenotnittedbyCalcapdpiinhiscornnrentaryentitled
rhe Bhhnumali.
 158 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

Articles of bandaging: Now we shallenumerate thenamesof

articleswhicharerequiredin bandagingulcers.Theyareasfollows :
Ksauma(cloth wovenwith the fibresof Atasi plant),Avika
(blankets madeof sheeps'wool), Dukrtla(loom-silk),Kau6eya (silk),
the Patrorna(a kind of cloth madeof the fibresof N6gatrees,which
grow in the provincesof Paundraand Magadha),the Cinapatta
(Chinesecloth), Antarvalkala(the inner bark or fibresof a tree),
Carma(skin),theAl6bu-, Sakala(theskinof a gourd),theLatb-Vidala
(half thrashedSy?rma creepers), stringor cord,the creamof milk,
Tfla-phala(cottonseeds)andiron. Theseaccessories shouldbeused
in consideration of the exigenciesof eachcaseand the time or the
seasonof the yearin whichit occurs.t14
tr*-
@: qsrf,t ifr T{tyr FsrF{*rrT:l
tqi qrqF{fqtq.ilq, yr}cr atr@rktr: ll\tl
Bandages: Thefourteendifferentformsof bandagearenamed
asthe KoSa(a sheathor scabbard), theD6ma(a cord or chaplet),the
Svastika(cross),theAnuvellita(arwist),thePratoli(awindingstreet
or road),theMandala(ring),theSthagiki(a betel-box), theYamaka
(doubleor twin), theKhatvi (a bedstead),theCina(a srreamer),the
Vibandha(noose),the Vit6na(canopy)the Gophand(cow-horn),rhe
Pafrcingi(five limbed).their shapescanbe easilyinferredfrom the
meaningsof theirnames.15
r* @ fuqqr-{, Erqqrqr}s*, sFsr-
L In a swelling or ulcer caused by the deranged Vhyu and Kapha, the bandage
should consist of a piece ofthick cloth; wherbasin sumrnerit shctuldconsists of
thin linen. Similarly a bandage, tied round any deep or hallow pan of the body,
should consist of a piece of thick cloth. The conta,a rule should be observecl,
when the seat ofthe bandage would be at anyflexible part of the body.
similarly in the caseof a snake-bite, a ligature should befimiy tied above trre
punctured wound with a string or twisted cord of couon, while afractutcd bone
should be set right by twisting bunchesofhalf-thrashedshyhmb creeper(lnthvidala)
roundthe seat offracture. A localhaemonhage shouldbe anestedby binding thepan
with milk-cream, while the affectedpan in a caseof Ardita (facial paralysis) as well
as a broken tooth should be bowd with strings of irctn, gold or silver. warrs, etc.
should be bandaged with El?t (cardamom skins), white dried gourd-skins shourtr be
used in bandaging ulcers on rhe head (scatp).
Chap.XvIII s0tnestHANe 159

@fr.rr1, srgarbtivnergfiqr+**:
ydrfr{, qu*rq, srgqrgkrgr}S r*r$rq,
- E+sg
qr|FrgurdrfFffiq, Eg5gilruig- qFR, srqrg.zir*;T{,
g'ffi{sg fusrq, qdfr F{d5aq,@
rrq.{ rrsr$n*r ril qr
rfo6unt, !ilXFrr
gFfqd q-cfr ri ?rfist F{Eqr(t @ "rfrr1vffi
q [qq[
Applications : Out of these,the KoSa or the sheath-shaped
bandageshouldbe tied round the thumb and the phalangesof the
fingers;the Dima or chaplet-shaped bandage,roundthe narrow or
unbentparts of the body; the Svastika or crossshaped,round the
joints, roundthearticulationsor the Marmasknownasthe Kfrcakas
(Navicularligaments) roundtheeye-brows, roundtheearsandround
the region of the breast.Similarly, the bandage,known ,as the
Anuvellita, shouldbe usedwhenthe seatof the affectionwould be
foundto be situatedat theextremities(handsandlegs).A bandageof
the Protoli class shouldbe tied round the neck or the penis; the
Ma4{alam (ring-shaped), roundthe circular partsof the body; the
Sthagik6r(betel-box),roundtheglans-penis andthetipsof thefingers;
the Yamaka, roundthe confluentor contiguousulcers;the Kha{vl
(bedstead-shaped), overandaroundthecheeks,cheek-bones, andthe
partsbetweenthe earsandthe eye-brows;Cina bandageshouldbe
appliedover both the outer canthusregions;Vibandha bandage
shouldbeappliedontheback,abdomen andchest;theVi t6naoverthe
skull, the Gopha46(horn-shaped), roundthe regionof the chin; and
the Pafic6irgi,roundthe part lying abovethe clavicles.
In short,a bandageofany particularshapeshouldbetied round
thepan of thebodyto whichit wouldbefoundto bemostsuited.Now
weshalldealwith theYantranas (fastenings
of bandages) whichadmit
of being divided into threedifferent classesaccordingas they are
fastenedabove,below,or obliquelyroundan ulcer. 16
irEqrqiefuEif Ear i
TgIg F{*nr rreflqr(r q q ssrffi q6qt( uenn+rer-
E.{]Al ne | |
Kavaliki (Tow) : Any softstuffingor tow (suchastheleavesor
the bark of treesof medicinalvirtues)betweenthe medicineapplied
 160 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

over an ulcer and the bandaginglinen is callled the Kavaliki

(medicatedtow).Thetow or theKavaliki shouldbeplacedthickly (on
theseatofaffection);andthenthephysician (surgeon) havingpressed
it withhisIefthandshouldtplacepieceof straight,soft,untwisted,
and
unfoldedor unshrivelledlinen over it, and then firmly tie up the
bandagein a mannerso as not to leaveany knot over the seatof the
ulcer,or to causeanydiscomfortto thepatient.17
Tqffiffiqrqqtat
@rhp@,@neil
Introduction of lint : A Vike3ikSr(lin0 saturared
with honey,
clarifiedbutter,and a medicinalpasteshouldbe insertedinto the
ulcer.Careshouldbetakennotto introducethelint extremelydry,or
oily (oversoakedin a lubricatingor oily medicinalpreparation),in as
much as an overlubricatedlint would give rise to an excessive
formationof slimy mucusin theulcer,whereas,its parchedsubstitute
would bring aboutthe friction and the consequentbreakingof the
edgesof the ulcer,like onemis-placed or wronglyinserted.18
T{ gurrTtr{Fq*qr{sqffi lrdFd- rrfGt:,FG[:,
fuftm Ffrrrqqtt
A bandageshould be tied in any of the rhree ways of G6dha,
Sama and Sithila fasteningsaccordingto the shapeand seatof the
ulcer: 19
*wr;r5*llra:, @{rtr: RrFrel;{rT: I
qe trr* r Rrftra: sfr q:q', rdF*il. nRo| |
A bandage, tightly tiedroundanulceratedor affectedpartofthe
body withoutcausinganypainor discomfortto the patient,is called
G6dha-bandha, while the one which is loosely bound is called
Shithila,the oneneithertoo tight nor too loosebeingcalleda Sama-
bandha.20
irt @:g rTftf,:, y6cn-

l. Carefullyexaminingwhethertheappliedremedyhadbeenuniformlydistibuted
over the diseasedsurfaceand whetherthe contemplated
pattern of bandage
wouldbe actuallysuitedto the case.
 C h a p .X V I I I SO T R A S T H A N A

€ l5t[:, 3TEEil: qFqS q

RrFrREfrr rrqr r
A righr bandage(G6rdha-bandha) should be tied round rhe
buttocks, round the sides, round the arm-pits, round the inguinal
regions,round the breastor round the head.A bandageof the sama
pattern should be fastenedround the ears, round the extremities
(handsandlegs),roundtheface,roundthethroat,roundthelips, round
the penis,round the scrotum,round the back, round the belly and the
chest.A ltxrsebandaginglSittrita-bandha) shouldbe the rule in the
region of the eyesand locationsof importantjoints or unions. 21
Tr tfuS qratprr+qd dqr{, Frrrpn+frrRrd,
mrcr{rn+ *E, \rd VilfuitrEqsrV*Fqqifrrftrs*cni rwf,
€F€[r+ rnei, qra*cn] rrrfirrftt' En(gw. nRRtl
An ulcer,broughtaboutor characterised by thesymptoms of the
derangedPitta andoccurringat a placewherea tight bindagingis
indicated,shouldbefastened withoneof theSama-bandha class,and
wifha Sithitabandage whereoneoftheSamatypewouldbeindicated;
whereas it shouldnotbebandaged atall in theevenofa loosebandage
(ittrita-bandna)beingindicated. Thesameruleshouldbeobserved in
thecaseof anulcercausedthrougha diseased or contaminatedstate
of the blood. similarly, in the caseoff an ulcer producedthrougha
derangedcondition of the Kapha, a loose bandaging,otherwise
enjoinedto be adopted,shouldbe substitutedfor one of the same
pattern.A tightbandage shouldgiveplaceto a lighteroneunderthe
samecircumstances, and sucha procedureshouldbe deemedas
holdinggoodevenin thecaseofan ulcercaused by theactionofthe
deranged Yiryu.22
Tr tfrEi w{R ffi F$q} es+qr(
v*m; |116* qrfrr$rqQreqIqqqrqaq"qfr-
TdTg qute rrrrrr
In summerand autumn,the bandageof an ulcer, due to rhe
vitiatedbloodor Pitta,shouldbechangedtwicea day;whiletheone
tiedroundanulcerofthederanged v6yu or Kapha,shouldbechanged
on eachthirddayin springandHemanta. Similarly,anulcer,maried
Vol.I-l 1
r62 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

by the action of the derangedv6yu, shouldbe bandagedtwice a day.

"Thou shalt exercise thy own discretion, and vary or adopt the
preceding rules of bandagingaccording to the exigenciesof each
case." 23
?rjr,sqFrftITnrn+srrndqd ffiffieq+tefud Yilm-
+<qrqrgdaa,qrafrurer+g frrftlei qd ffiffiqqrct
q3€r{T-( ffi rffirtr{an+s qq cfr :a
qr{Tg utxtt
a"ntrnVA rg{|ffi@
A medicatedlint fails to have any efficacy but rather tends to
augmentthe local pain and swelling wherea bandage,enjoinedto be
loosely bound, or bound up with moderateand uniform steadiness
(Sama.bandha),isreplacedbyatightordeepfastenedone(Gidha
bandha).A loose bandage,injudiciouslyusedin a casewhere a tight
or a moderatelyfirm bandageshouldhavebeenused,would causethe
medicine to fall off from the lint and give rise to the consequent
frictionandlacerationoftheedgesofthe ulcer.Similarly,a moderatell
firm and steadybandage(Sama-bandha) fastenedin a casewhere a
light or loose bandageshouldhave beenused,would fail to pro<luce
any effect.A properbandagewould leadto thesubsidenceofpain, and
thesofteningofthe edgesoftheulcer,thusbringingaboutapurification
of the local blood.24
Sr6tErErr{t
fsrFdiffi rrqtsu:,ffitr6el@
iarFr ffirqts1ftn 11qn
Evils of non-bandaging: An ulcer,left uncoveredanduntied
with a suitablebandage,is soonassailedby gnatsand flies' It is
moistened by sweatandcoldwind,etc.andstandsin dangerof being
irritatedby depositsof manyforeignmatterssuchas,theparticlesof
bone,dust,weeds,etc.Moreover,a constant exposureto heator cold
bringsonvariedpains,theulcerdevelops intooneofa malignanttype,
andtheappliedmedicinal plasters
aredried, encrustedandspeedily
fall off. 25
qfuiii qfuii rrri FqFqwfrrqrfuqt
@ F+{ ffin?qtl
Chap.XVIII SUTRASTHANA 163

Eghi qufr St g-q rr6fr ftrcafrt

gl* Vrqr€r{{Prsffi TffrEfrrnT:nRetl
Metrical Texts : A smashed, lacerated,
fractured,dislocated,
displacedbone,or a veinor a ligamentsimilarlyjeopardised, maybe
soon healedor setrightwiththehelpof a surgicalbandage.Thepatient
is enabledby sucha meansto lie down,or standupor moveaboutwith
ease,And an increased facilityof restor movementleadsto speedy
healing.26-27
stitFEtt: ffi:, T([ *r5fidrnEilr-
rrfr?fr{{rF{r{ilr: qrFtrFrqrerT:
rTrfir{ !r{Frdr: yvfrufqisr€I
srek [te[
Caseswhere bandagingis prohibited : Ulcersshouldnot be
bandagedat all that are due to the derangedcondition of blood or pitta,
or to the effectsof a blow or of any imbibedpoison,and characterised
by a sucking, burning pain, redness,or suppuration,as well as those
which are incidental to burns, or to the applications of actual or
potentialcauteriesmarkedby a sloughingor phagedeniccharacter.28

E|iertrlFrrqemf fir*rrqgttr{r{t
ffi€rfe* F{rgqq(rns tr
qffi T cs{* I-flr+ q <rtfrn?qtl
rrgqqrfeytanfr Efuqqr
tvr A.rg fTfrrq quna qqrfrfuE:I
:E?is qR'r{qrq ra} mqn Fr*ntqr tQotl
Metrical Texts : An ulcerdueto a scaldin a leperora carbuncle
in a diabeticpatient(Pidaka)aswell asa fleshycondylomatadueto
a bite from a venomousrat, or any otherpoisonousulcer shouldnot
be bandagedat all. The samerule shouldbeobservedin thecaseof a
dreadfulsuppuration abouttheanus,or in thatof a sloughingulcer.An
intelligent physician,familiar with the specificfeaturesof ulcers,
shouldobserve theshapeoftheoneundertreatment, andprognosticate
theresultfrom its seator localityandthenatureof thederangedbodily
humoursinvolvedin thecase.Theseason of theyearin whichanulcer
is first seen to appearalso determinesthe nature of the
l6.r S T J S R U T AS A M I { I T A

prognosis.29-30
sed ftrdrrerwra zt;run Fdfqfi rTfrrl
qen q qcqt q:crktgn qqmfr:nRt tl
wi weffi <arTg ffi xrgqql
Hffiqqs irfrfiFrq €qrqiqt ttR | |
ffcRryqr iTsnFqrrMfrqr
gt-frT ffi EdRr Ed qdfrr rr?tt
fr qrsqot'€qf -(Rsrrh{grer*(aenr
qrrrsui fqFqer E zitf *a' rfrw\ t?x tl
fuffif rfrGi qrfr F{ta rTRftrtqr
srrq6-(e,w-i qrfu qrci q fqqerur:nQ\ n
T+{ qfrTfrgqrq srq+q3Filrrfr:I
Fdfs wqrtrptart F*fi$ faF{ffi(t lt q | |
Bandagesmay be tied up either from above,below, or from the
sidesof a diseasedlocality. Now I shall fully describethe processof
bandagingan ulcer.r First the Kavaliki or tow shouldbe thickly laid
over the seatofthe ulcer andafterthat a pieceofsoft andunshrivelled
linen shouldbe placedupon it, and the bandageshouldbe loosely or
tightly tied up accordingto the direction laid down bsfore.2
Thelintand the(inserted)medicineshouldnot beoverlubricated
and rnustnot be inordinatelyoily in asmuchas sucha liilt or medicine
would give rise to the forniation of excessiveand abnormal slimy
mucousin the ulcer. On the other hand,and extremelydry lint would
set up friction and lacerationof the edgesof the ulcer, like the one
wrongly or improperly insertedinto its cavity, causing numbness,
excessiveexudationand unevennessof its surface,A lint, properly
saturatedwith a medicinalplasterand rightly insertedinto the cavity
of an ulcer, leads to its speedyhealing. All secretingmeasuresin
connectionwith an ulcer shouldbe continuedor stoppedaccordingto

l. Different reading : Picking, bumingpain.

2. Severalauthoities suchas Gayadhsa, etc.holdthisponion of the
Brahrnadeva,
textto bean interpolation.Bothpalla4a and Cakraph4ihaveincludedit within
their comrnentaieswith nearlythe samerenark.
 C h a p .X V I I I SUTRASTHANA

its condition, wherebythe natureand shapeof the bandageshouldbe

determinedas well. An ulcer,due eitherto the derangedconditionof
blood or the Pitta, shouldbe dressedan<lbandagedonce a day which
may be extendedto a numberof timesin thecaseof an ulcer brought
about by the derangedKaphaand V6yu. The pus or rhe local morbid
matter should be secretedby pressingthe baseor the bottom of an
ulcer and by gently moving the handalongit in a contrarydirection
(down, upward); and all bandages(arountljoints and Gu-clhsandhis)
should be duly tied up. 3l-36
aMqwsn+qcft@frfu: grT:r
@dcnq1fiFrgqFrdr|tRs||
The rules laid down under the headof adhesioningthe parts of
a bufurcatedear-lobewould hold gocxlin a caseof severedlips aswell.
The measuresamply discussedin the present Chapter should be
extended by means of inference,analogy and judgment to apply
mutatis mutandis to the bandaging of a fractured or dislocated
bone. 37
sffi frquurg vrqTgrfu !T€iT:I
rrstr frfr?)r,fHs gEqfdTr Eur:nle tl
+ q t3qt-F{{*teTr* atttrcrg dsrrgun: I
@nrurergmrrsenntjtl
nerr qrrrilrseftfr. Trffi ffimr: r
+) lrrqfti prEsrxt +errq rrEk G r rxo r I
An ulcer,properlybandaged, hasa greaterchanceof not being
affectedby lying down, sittingup, or any other movementof the
patient,nor by thejoltingsof a conveyance he mayrideor becarried
in. An ulceraffectinga veinor a ligamentor theskin(superficial)or
thefleshor thebonescannotbehealedwithoutbandaging it. An ulcer
situatedin any of the internalchambers(cavities)of the body, or
occurringat anyjunctionof thelimbsor organs,etc.or havingits seat
in a boneandwhetherof a deep,superficial,malignantor corrosive
character,cannotbe broughtto a successful terminationwithoutthe
helpofa bandage. 38-40
VA g{dqFtinqr qreni @: tten
Thusendsthe eighteenthchapterof thesitrasthbna in the su!;rutasamhith
which treatsof the dressingand bandagingof ulcers.
+++
 SU:rNASTHANN
CHAPTER XIX

srrrrfr ffid qr@lrFTT:,

qrfrerq rarrEa1w<rfr: ntrr
NowweshalldiscusstheChapterwhichtreatsof themanagement
of nursingof patientwith anulceretc'(Vranitop6saniya'adhyiya). i
@awlFrmyvrwerwrF<ei
@u?il
First of all a suitablechambershouldbe soughtandselectedfor
a patient,sufferingfromanulcer.It shouldberoomyanrlspaciousand
situatedin a commendable site.2
vrrwerqn $ gararareFdtr
Frqttqq*rn: €: vrfrTrrtEqmqr:I ti | |
Metrical Text : Dseases,whicharephysical,mentalor traumatic
in their origin, can neverattacka personwho dwells in a cleanand
spaciouschamber,protectedfrom excessive heat,andstronggustsof
wind.3
aFgt vrr{snTqrq €rff rriit' yrqgrr* qvrs
qafi6 1;n
Thebedshouldbespreadclean,ampleandcomfortable, with the
headof thebeadsteadturnedtowardsthe and
east, providedwith some
kind of a weapon.4
Chap.XIX SUTRASTHANA r67

: sr{EnRfrfr vrq}qufrr
yrqrqP1ftmrigrgild3F"f qdfrT{: It\ | |
aRrytEt.$rr3-{e: Fricttqrsqr+ rr*,wrfra lq n
Metrical Texts : In a spacious andwell-spread bed,an ulcer-
patientcantossaboutandmovehis limbs with the greatestcomfort.
Thereason fortheheadbeing turnedtowardstheeastisthatthepatient
mayeasily make obeisance to the(demons and)celestialspirits,who
inhabitthatquarterof thesky.Thusthepatientshalllie in comfortable
posture,attended uponby his sweet-talkingfriendsandrelations.5-6
gid fqnfq<rg q'enFrffiqqr' l'
sngrcr** irgvtqlqdr: flfri+<r: lle ll
T q ffitCfevrrt: Rr(l
Fccrsc{r(qmq,rqrfu tftrtimrrne rl
qqrJeqJr rr{: qrar*{ T{r q*(rrq rr
Metrical Text : The friendsand relationsof a patientshall
alleviatethepainof hisulcerwithpleasant topics,and
andinteresting
by solacinghim with the prospect of a speedy recovery.An ulcer-
patientshouldnot sleepin the day time, as it tendsto aggravatethe
pain,swellingandredness of theulcer,increases and
its exudations,
givesriseto itchingandheaviness of the limbs.7-9
qrsAffisqEr*
qui rfrtq rq"l
Thepatientmustcarefullyprotecttheulcerwhenmovinganyof
hislimbs,suchasstandingup,or sittingdown,or turningonhissides,
or while movingabout,or speakingin a loud voice. l0
Terrtrwi rfrqui Fqareui .r)q q I
gfurfr T FT++dvrFrqnfr qtict'nqq| |
s?ETflarq+ enri TT@trqfirRkar r
TqK€Fr( ffi*(r rqrrr
evenif hefeelshimselfstrong
Metrical Text: Anulcer-patient,
and capable,shouldavoid a standingor sitting posture,as well as
 158 SIISRI-TTA
SAM}IITA

locomotion,and day-sleep.llhsst actsdoneto excess,or a long

conflnementto bed wouldaggravate the bodily V6yu,thuscausing
painin theulcer.l1-12
rrc1rn1ErR?ndsrf
ffi{16qE
qfi€iq rrqlrr
He shouldstudiouslyavoid the companyand touch of, and even
conversation with, women with whom he can legitimately have
intercourse.13

ffiqnn: qy*'q.flffiis*qr
I ttY tl
Metrical Text : The sight of a woman etc. might lead to the
secretionand emissionof semenand give rise to all the distressing
symptoms,rvhich are consequentupon an act of actual coitus under
the circumstance.14

l@d
@qR€t(ilq\rl
Prohibiteddiet: A dietconsistingof newlyharvested Dh6nya,
M6sapulse,Sesamum,Kalirya,Kulattha,and Nispirvashouldbe
avoidedby an ulcer-patient,
The pot-herbsknownas Haritaka36ka,
acid, salineor pungentsubstances, treacleand its modiflcations,
cakes,dried meat,dried pot-herbs,goat'sflesh, mutton,meat of
animalswhichareamphibiousin their habitsor whichlive closeto
water,lard,coldwater,KrSar6(acompositionpreparedwith sesamum,
Mina pulseandrice), P'ayasa(a sweetoned preparationof rice, milk
and sugarboiledtogether),curd,milk andwhey shouldbe regarded
asunwholesome. 15
irrir* TEqrjqrftFfisdwt: faalRtc: r
<rqtr*Fir Aq Rq: q3T#: I Rq tl
qsg uqe rl

1. Dilferent reading : Riding in a carriage or on horseback, and garrulousness.

Chap.XIX SUTRASTHANA t69

rr€FrFi n?n $qT *qurgq€ *da: I

il(rffi fAri qrqrq*(qur{t
s{rvJ-firR'=T tqe| |
Metrical Texts : Vegetablesand articles which belong to the
groups commencingfrom the one techinically known as the Nava-
Dhinya-Varga, and endingwith the oneknown asthe Takra-Varga,
should be understoodas possessedof the property of increasing the
pus in an ulcer and of aggravatingthe derangedbodily humours.If in
the habit of taking wine, an ulcer-patientwill do well to avoid the use
of spirituousliquors, suchasMaireya, Arista Asava,Sidhu,Sur6and
its varieties,rAn ulcer may developinto one of a malignanttype
throughthe useof a wine which is acid in its taste,or is sharp,dry and
heat-makingin its potency, or is followed by almost instantaneous
intoxication.16-18

Eilen:qR*q rq3r
shouldavoidall thingsthatretardtheprogress
An ulcer-patient
of a rapidcure,suchaswind,dust,smoke,exposure to heatandcold,
over-eating, unpleasant and
sounds sights, envy, humiliation,fear,
anger,grief, scheming,keepingof latehours,sittingor lying in an
unevenposture,fasting,gamrlousness, physicalexercise, leapingor
a standing posture,
locomotion,exposure tclcold winds,ingestion of
unwholesome, in-compatibleor indigestiblesubstances, and flea-
biteson theaffectedlocality.19
gflurr: TffdKR qrro\ffiqFr: r
qffiffiss gtiqqqqrffiu?o tl
sNfrqiEqfir{HT Felrtr rrfl-dq q*qr
ifif: n R qt l
Metrical Texts : The food,partakenof by a weakenedand
emaciatedulcer-patient,is not fully digestedowing to the above
andothermultifariouscauses.
mentioned, Theundigested
foodviolently
l. The species of wine which are made of the expressedjuice of grapes and are
antacidsinthcirvinues, aswellas thosemenioned undertheheadof Haemoprysis,
may be given to an ulcer-patient.
 ?"'

r70 SAMHITA
sUSRUTA

disturbsandaggravates thebodilyhumours,whichmoveaboutin the

bodyand giveriseto swelling, burningpainandsuppuration
secretion,
in the ulcer.20-21
TrEr ffisn {Ffir {ffi{rs{Tr vnFirrffm-
tTdrrrdrurgsqfur crF{frdrqril(q'Fr id,? Fffir
FararMtn rqrfr @ qfsvilFrn-
firriEr{ qrffiRfim EfirrtgqqdF<,Fq*,rwt ffi'qh at
qqrfu( rrtttt
An ulcer-patientshould always be clad in clean and white
garments,havehis hair andnailscloselyclippedandparedoff' and
live in humble devotion to theBr6hmanas,to the gods and the
preceptors.Th rites of benedictionanddiviirepeaceshouldbe done
into him. wherefore? Becausethe monstersanddemonsof mighty
prowess,who are the attendantsof the godsPaSupati,Kuberaand
Kumtra,roamaboutin questof prey,andvisitthebedside of anulcer-
patientout of their fondnessfor flesh and blood,being attracted
theretoby the smellof the secreted andmorbidmatterin the ulcer.
Theseevil spiritscometo takeawaythelife of apatientin a casewhich
is doomedto terminatefatally,while in a successful casetheir advent
is due to the desireof extortingsacrificialoblationsfrom him. 22
FCF(f qT:f-
tr yq+frra{rfl{rl
{qqltrdrfis ilRl tl
Authoritative verse on the subject : Thesehonour-seeking
evil spiritsshouldbeworshippedandpropitiatedwith thewholehearu
and offeringsof burning incense sticks,ediblesandsacrifices,etc.
shouldbe madeto themwith the greatesthumility. 23
* E rraFfrrr srrdrfii r Faqf:I rtsr( rmmnrfr
!ffiigfrtud ffi
: 6elT: Eu*arda lftn
The evil spirits,worshippedandpropitiatedasabove,sparethe
Henceheshallbe
patient(outof compassion).
life of a self-controlled
kept in a chamberfurnishedwith flowers,garlands,weapons,fried
Chap.XIX SUTRASTHANA

paddy,andlampskeptcontinuouslyburning.Hisfriendsandrelations
shouldregalehim withfondandloving topicstodriveawaythefeeling
with the prospectof a speedycwe. 24
of sleepiness

sTrvnqqqrk*qrrq ffi gqrrqrSqr(t t?\ | |

Metrical Texts: A patient,constantlycheeredwiththesuggested
prospectsof a speedyrecovery,and beguiled with pleasantand
congenialdiscourses,soongetsrid of his complaint.25
Erqa11: ftqrt-
sPq*:r$i 5{: r?Qrl
Morning and evening,the physiciansandthe BrAhmanasshould
perform the rites of benediction,over him, as laid dclwn in the Rg,
Yajur, S6maand the Atharva Vedas.26
tlffi'w*nryr rfif''qr E-{mT ?r
Er6, e.rca( qS <vrcrr&a: I tRs| |
Metrical Texts : For ten consecutivedays,the room of the
patientshouldbediligentlyfumigated,morningandevening,with the
fumesof mustard,AristiJeaves,clarified-butterandsaltmadeinto a
kind ofincensestick.27
u*rFir€* Frr{.FfiqH rdrEnRsftEqfr g.arqfrTgaf
qqrqfrFeqturtr@ fuqrefq,rsRrr{Trqrr}q rrrarr
DrugssuchasChatr6,Atichhatr6,Linguli, Ja1il6,
Bramhach6rir.ri',
Laksml Guh6,Atiguh6,Vach,Ativiszr,Sata-viryA, Sahasra-viryland
white mustardseedsshouldbe placedon the headof the patient.2E
ET+{ qrrqqqdd T q fug+( r
T Etir q quqiwqr{: qffiq I r?i rl
sTh fqFnr gittqrqr*a frvrrqtr: r
Fi *'{rRrmsmrii qffi tm FEnlotl
Metrical Texts : The patientshouldbe fannedwith blowing
chowriessothattheulcermaynotbein anywaythrashedor lacerated
duringthefanning.Theulcershouldnotbescratched or pressed.The
 t72 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

patientshouldbe carefullywatched,whileasleep.Demons,thatget
abroadinthenight,fl y fromthepresenceofanulcer-patientprotected
as
above,asherdsofdeeryfl y fromtheforestwhereIionsarefound. 29-30
\ffiTrr€frdFi fiFTrqrd{gsr Edffirql
rggr+ qrffeqf*' vH q,rrqffiu?q | |

q'n*ffi*:illRtl
. sgspg;1
$Frfr{r rtr qtl
rrqtffiEilqeqrqwrsrfr gfir*tr t?t | |
qui SqgTTqr{TT(R q TFET riFr{R[I
* q rqq f{drsc{r{der T€sr iEqrq r tty | |
Regimenof dietandconduct: An ulcer-patient iivingona diet
consistingof old andboiledSeli rice, not extremelyliquefied,and
treatedwith clarified-butter,and taken with the cookedmeat of
animalsof the Jdngalaspecies,soongetsrid of his disease.A diet
c_onsistingof boiledrice, the pot-herbsknownas the Tanduliyaka,
Jivantl Sunisannaka, V6stuka,immatureMulaka,V6rt6ku,patota
andK6rvellaka,friedwith Saindhava (rock-sal
f) andclarified-butter,
andseasoned with theexpressedJuiceof Didima andAmalaka,clrof
Mudgasouptreatedas above,shouldbe prescribedfor the patient.
Barleypowder,Vilepi,Kuln6saandboiledwater,shouldbelikewrse
givento the patientfor foodanddrink.Fatigueor physicalexercise
causes theulcerto swell,whilethekeepingof latehoursincreases the
local redness.A sleepduringthedayunderthecircumstance would
give riseto painin theaffectedpart,whilea coitusmaybringon the
deathof thepatient.3l-34
Fdlqr r ffi
qsft ffi Fdqt vfrd wrq+ahnt\ rr
gif{sqrer+ qufr FErrat gdr
srr1lg {ftnu+Fc er<;ilR'q* qsn I ttq | |
An ulcer-patient,
not givento sleepin the day,andliving in a
room protectedfrom gustsof wind, and strictly following the
C h a p .X I X SUTRASTHANA Lt)

of hisphysician,
instructions (surgeon) ishealedin thecourseof a very
shorttime and will enjoy a long life throughthe observanceof the
abovesaidregimenof diet and conduct.This is the dictum of
Dhanvantari.35-36

VA gqfffi q.r{sr+ qftrrffi qlffiqivfr,sszTrq; x1q1

Thus ends rhe nineteenrh Chapter ofthe Sntrasthhna in the Su!;ruta Sahhith
which treats of the nursing or mailagement of an ulcer-patient.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA
CHAPTER XX

ffisqrq:t
snrrfr ffiqqqF{ @r@r@rrr[;,
qefrqrq qrgq er:apnfr. xqn
Now we shall discussthe Chapterwhich treatsof the salutary
and non-salutaryeffectsof regimen,etc.(Hitihitiya-adhyaya). I
qq qrfr: rredil( FrtsrqcqFrs+t tgar q ffif(
rqlqrr+{ ffii qrdfr *ffi gatr iliI.E =r
T|erql F6 EriI qsr( Frfur Tqqraril: ffi-
ffiffiqqqknRn
Accordingto certaineminentmedicalauthorities,an article or
a substancewhich is beneficialin derangements of the bodily Viyu
may prove positively injurious in a Pittaja affection; hence it is
impossibleto namean article or substancewhich is absolutelyor
universally wholesome(irrespectiveof the nature and type of a
disease,andof the derangedbodily humoursinvolvedtherein).
But we cannotsubscribe to the foregoinghypothesis,sinceby
natureof combination,things(substances) are, or becomeendued
with properties,whichproveabsolutelybeneficialor unconditionally
harmful or exert a mixed virtue (both beneficial and injurious)
accordingto the differencein the natureand type of the diseasein
wNch they are employed.2
ffi qrFdsrd{r( @t
Chap. XX SUTRASTHANA r'75

l5-drffi{g €rvr{qrurrF<g @l
ffir fuqEtqrFt$rqFilr ffi E aqqrfr: rreri
r( firrqqrqsqF{fr ltltl
Things or articlessuchas, clarified-butter, water,milk and
boiled-rice,etc.maybedenominated asabsolutely beneficialowing
to theircongenialityto,or naturalsuitablenessto thehumanorganism'
Similarly, substances suchas fire, alkali and poison,may be
designatedas unconditionallyharmful in virtue of their burning,
supjurating(lit : boilling) andfatal effectupontheorganicbodiesin
general.A substance,which is innocuousby nature,may prove
equallyinjuriousas any activepoisonthroughan injudiciousor
iniompatiblecombination; whereasa subtance or an article,which
prouesbenrficialin a derangement of theV6yu,mayproveotherwise
in a disorderof the Pittam. 3
eftT:ffiq{gqMl ir€sn-F6'-

qt+'q,-vr€.iltil-
n
rristR, gqrr{{IKrr-
:,ffiarq*'-
:, rdYd*ieldErFsqr-
qdqfrAq qrl: frffi €Flrzl?t: EezrFT: lllll
Articlesor substanceswhichmaybesafelyincludedwithin the
foodstuffsof all humanbeingsarethemembersof thegroup(Varga)
knownasthe red S6rli,the sastika,the Klnguka, the Mukundaka,the
P6nduka,the Pitaka,the Pramodaka,the K6laka,the Asanaka,the
Puspaka,the Karddamaka,the Sakunihrta,the Sugandhaka,the
Kalama,the Niv6rra,the Kodrava,the Udd6laka,the 3yirm6ka,the
Godhrlmaandthe Ver.tu,Yavaetc.,aswell asthefleshof theEna,the
Harina(coopercoloureddeer), theKuranga,theMrga,theMqgam6qk6,
the Svadamstri, the Kar6la,the Krakara,the Kapota(pigeon),the
L6va,theTittiri, theKapif,jala, Varttira,andtheVarttika,andsuch
the
like beastsandbirds.Thevarietiesof pulsewhichform thearticlesof
 t76 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

humanfood areknown asthe Mudga,the Vana-Mudga,theMakustha,

the Kal6ya,Ihe Masflra, the (gram), the
_Mangalya,the Canaka
Harenu,the Adhaki and the Satina.Similarly, the dif}-erentspeciesof
pot-herbs,which may be safelyusedby a man to give a greaterrelish
to his food, are namedas the Cilli, the Virstfka, the Sunisan{rakathe
Jivanti,the Tanduliyaka,andthe Mandulaparni,etc.Claritletl-butter,
the salt known as the Saindhava,and the luscious juice of the
polmegranateand the Amalakam, should be generally deemed the
most wholesomearticles of food. 4
itgrffi-@-
ElRliT: qtqilgf: llrrll
Similarly, the practiseof self-control,residencein a room
protectedfrom thestronggustsof wind,sleepingonly at night,tepid
water,andmoderate physicalexercise
shouldberegarded asabsolutely
conductiveto a betterpreservationofhealth.5
@qyrgqffir ffig
T( qr*: qcri il( ftrirsrqcqftfr rqil
riMr frqEeqrF{rrdk | il{qqr-qdq.trfiTq,-
- {E5,vn-
b*qqq*fr{TrE
rr€rFtr il\9tl
We havealreadyenumerated thenamesof substances whichare
absolutelybeneficialor unconditionally injuriousto humanhealth.
Thingswhicharebothwholesome andinjuriousarethose,which,for
example,may provebeneficialin a distemperof rhe bodily Vdyu
thoughotherwisein a Pittajaaffection.TheValli fruit, theKaraka,the
Karira,the Amla-phala,the salt,the Kulattha,the Piny6ka,curd,oil,
Virohi, cakes,the dried pot-herbs,goat'sflesh,mutton,wine, the
jamboline fruit, the Cilicima fish, the flesh oi the Godh6,and the
Vari,ha(wild boar)beingeatensimultaneously with milk, furnishan
exampleof articles which may act as deadly poisonsthrough
incompatiblecombinations. 6-7
Chap. XX S O'IRAS'THANA

t'f snqg tvrs q,rd i[Es ERrqFtl

gr}etrrrqfFdlfrrtsrr"qnrqg+:vftTaql 14| |
@ qqRcrcqt
qi{ ffi F{s6TF6Ffr rsrcrrqrfrrrqrr
Metrical Texts : An intelligent physician, considering the
natureof the disease,the strengthand temperamentof the patient, and
the state of his digestion as well as the seat of the affection, the
physical featuresof the country and the then prevailing seasonof the
year, should prescribe a diet which he thinks the most proper and
suitableto the requirementsof thecase.Sincetheconditionsinfinitely
vary in the different typesof ttiseasesand eventhe sameconditionsdo
not obtain in one and the same type,' physiciansgenerallyprescribe
a diet of their own selection,onedeterminedwith regardto its general
effect on health, in preferenceto one that hasbeenlaid down in books
of medicine. 8-9

E*rem{r{r+ E<F< frqgq*: r

gT€Iffi ffi.sFa{tttott
qq gtrr++S F*g qkdrF{Sl
qFrfiffi Fdf€ q€ €?ffr qr:zTsnI lqq I I
If askedto prescribeeithermilk or gnisonto a healthypersona
physicianwouldnaturallyprescribe theformer,andtherebyprovethe
absolutewholesomeness of milk and unconditional harmfulnessof
poison.Thusis verified,Susruta, thecorrectnessof thedictum,that
thingszuchaswater,etc.,are absolutel y and y wholesome
unconditio.nall
properties'
or otherwise,by virtue of their respectivenatural 10-11
er&szTrqfr rfffi qqqrq: I q .q-dF{-
@ t
a rr*q$qf tffiyrr*; qrdq.{rrei erstfrtEl qfrrin'f
etrfiqr* firqeffi'qrscn, =n**q'-
@
vrr*--ffi-q*ft q +ficq{r ug ffiq*qwr=i firtl q
panicular diet should be detennined wirh a
full regardto the antecedentandattending circumstancesofa panicular malady.

V o l .I - 1 2
178 s U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qftrh, g{r{vrrqrqqrsqsEqq +*{*urs6 tmvrq'-Aq'

Fqd: qtqFffirtr1 T.gq u,rficl-*1 feq q5r qflqql
qrrrti qgrr q lra F{t,aq, Stur @
qr'ilqrg, Fqfg rrsrtffi*ur qEFdqti
FqfrHi q€FFlT,
qr r*ur qT,Fr€qtrcf v{rgTqqr qrqqt{
iTrcTq.+{'r€rgr
qr qgar fr =, grq q{r€: rrq*si qr nqRll
Thingswhichare unwholesome throughcombination: Now
I shallenumerate the names of substances whichbecomepositively
unwholesome throughincompatible combinations. The fleshof any
domestic(Grlmya)or aquatic(Anupa)beastor bird, as well as the
fleshof thosewhichlive in marshyground(Audaka),shouldnot be
eatenwith boiledrice preparedfrom paddywhichhascommenced
sprouting,or with lard,honey,milk, treacleor M6rsa-pulse. Thepot-
herbs,knownastheRohiniandtheJetu-SAka, shouldnotbepartaken
of in combination with milk andhoney;northefleshof a heron,eaten
simultaneously with Kulmagaand the spirituousliquor known as
V6runi. Marica (black pepper)and Pippalisshouldnot be eatenin
combinationwith the pot-herbsknown as the Kikamdci. The pot-
herbsknownastheNadimaandsiddhishouldnotbesimultaneously
eatenwith curd,andthefleshof a cock.Honeyshouldnot be taken
immediatelyafterdrinkingwarTnwater,nor meatandbile shouldbe
simultaneously eaten.Sur6(wine),Krsari andPhyasashouldnot be
takenin combination. Similariy,Sauvirakaandsesamum paste,fish
and modificationsof sugarcane juice, treacleand Kikamlrci, honey
andMulaka,treacleandthefleshof a wild boar,or honeyandboar's
flesh shouldnot be takenin combination.
Similarly,milk andMufaka,mangofruitandJamboline fruitand
the fleshof Godh6,Porcupineand hog shouldnc: be eaten together.
All fish, speciallythoseof theCilicimi species, shouldnot be taken
with milk, nor the fruit of a plantaintreeshouldbe simultaneously
eatenwith Tlla fruit, milk or whey.Thefruit knownasLakucashould
not be taken with milk, curd or meat soup, nor with honey and
clarified-butter,not immediatelybefore or after the drinking of
milk. 12
qa: Er{ksqrtqqqrq: rq+crtqffimfsrtrrrsr{ |
 Chap. XX SOTRASTHANA t79

q{€*FTkqr
Enr{r€Ir{t E,rgcTrq+ WrflsrEdRTiqffir, rr3 *Etrd qr,
qsurffi Tf,M.qE+ qr fuqf 6r-*,qr*q, ftrrqem,-
@ a1r6{grqftrI6er ftTrfirrIl
qrstrs.rtTFFfqT'+qrFqfrilqtr
Incompatiblepreparationsof food : Now we shallenumerate
the namesof substances, which becomeunwholesomethrough
incompatiblepreparations. Fleshof pigeonfried with mustardoil
shouldnot be eaten.The fleshof a Kapifljala,Mayrlra(peacock),
Liva, Tittira, andGodha,boiledwith castoroil andon a fire of the
twigsof castorplants,shouldnotbeeaten.Clarified-butter, keptin a
vesseloflndianbellmetalfor tenconsecutive days,shouldberejected
as unwholesome. Honeyshouldnot be usedin combinationwith an
article or substanceheatedby fire, nor in the seasonsof springand
autumn.Thepot-herbsknownas the K6kam6ciboiledin a bowl in
whichfish or gingerhadbeenpreviouslyboiledor prepared,should
be rejectedaspositivelyinjurious.
Similarly, the pot-herbsknown as the Upodikeshouldnot be
eatenby boilingthemwiththelevigated pasteof seasamum. Theflesh
of a heronpreparedwith hog'slard shouldnot be takenwith thepulp
of thecocoanutfruit.Thefleshof a Bh6sabird,roastedon a spitover
a charcoalfire, shouldnot be eaten.13
sre rnfrT;aTlqqqrq: r ruaq* qgfiEfr qrfiq-d
TrA{qrA rid qr$+d wur+d ET, frSqrqr<fr-
qilEefiTEqt"il
ilqvil
Objectionableproportions : Now we shall enumeratethe
namesof substances whichbecomeunwholesome by beingmixedin
objeciionableproportions.Two only substances(such as oil and
clarified-butter)
or honeyandany of the oily substances,
mixed in
equalproportions,shouldnotbetaken;norshouldrain waterbedrunk
immediatelyafterhavingtakenhoneyandclarified-butter. 14
3Til g,d r€qrR rs* dd* frqrq.u Fn6qrF{
?[QFTTT:
I T{ rTgrrFilTFr*df{€qtq$fc1uftq, qg{qftt
180 s U S RI T A S A M H I T A

q rrda:, qg$rst rqF{qrfinqr qgffiqFft q, sTFrFrEsil

rskqrqrrqrq' ffi q
rq?r:, .{Fa-di
gda:rrqurfi --d*rgfecrrfrrE{rq,eeurnmtgeqr*srrdq
gda:,4-ztr*vrmrara'-5vr*nrt,q,wr*q196;lli\ll
Incompatibletastes,potenciesandchemica|actions:Now
we shalldescribethesubstances enumeratedin couples,andpossessed
of rlifferent tastes,which prove incompatibleto each other through
(vip[ka)'
their respective tastes, gxttenciesand chemical actions
tastesshould be deemed
sweet antl acitl tastes,or sweet and saline
incompatibleto eachother in respectof their potencies and inherent
in all
properties.sweet and acid tastesare incompatibleto eachother
the above three resPects.
Similarly,sweetanclbitter.or sweetandastringent thingsshould
and
be deemeclincompatibleto eachotherin respectof their tastes,
other
chemicalaction.Acid anctsalinethingsareinconipatibleto each
incompatible as
as regardstheir flavours. Acid and acrid things are
and
,ugu.:d, flavour anclcheniical acti,n. Acid and bitter, or acid
their
astringentthings,are incompatibleto eachother,both asregards
respeitive llavours, potencies, and digestive or chemical
each
transformations.Saline anrJpungentthingsare incompatibleto
(chemical)
otherasregardstheir respectivellavour(Rasa)anddigestive
transformation.
Similarly,salineandbitterthingsorsalineandastrinfentthings
are incnmpatibleto each other in respectof all the three abovesaid
to
relationsandcategories.Pungentandbitter tastesare incompatible
eachotherin respectof flavour anddigestivetransformation, whereas
substances ofpungent antlastringentor bitter and astringenttastesare
potencies,
incompatible to one another as regarclstheir respective
flavouis and digestive(chemical)action or transformation.15
ilrdu1-*l5trb
EFTrttffi*qrrqerr
Degreesofincompatibility:Substancesthatareincompati
to, the systemthrougha differentof degreeor
with, or antagonistic
intensity,aswell asthingswhichbringaboutan extremedrynessof
 C h a p .X X SOTRAS'TfI
ANA

theorganism,or thosewhichareextremery
oiry in theircomposition
orarecharacterised
byextremecoldorwarmth,shouldbecategorically
rejected.16
lTqh ?TT_

@A*frerfrqrfrtuqr
arffiq fu ffiT{nqetl
Authoritativeverseson the subject: Thingsor subs^fances
which are incompatibreto 'ne an.ther in their respective
tastes,
potencies
andreactionary transformationshouldbedeniedasabsolutely
unwholesome' while the restshourdbe consitreredas gr,ossessed
of
mixedvirtues(whoresome or injuriousundercertaincircurnstances)
asdescribed before.l7
mrurglftrrrafr I
t*rcrcftfer Wr-il.sersqr-t rr: I tiZ tl
By takingsubstances
l"hichareincompatibre to oneanrtheras
regardstheirtastes,
potencies
anddigestivetransformation,a greedy
andintemperate personbecomesafflictedwith diseaseandweikness
of thesense-organs,
andultimatelymeet;r^
with hisdo,om.lg
ErqF*,E*qg.(dvqgtie;raraF+&qr
rmrF<qrqqretqr ilE fu*.Frrq 6w* | tQ3r r
Anything, which.being taken enragesor agitatesthe
bodily
humourswithout causingthe assimilatrarcno (errete
matter)to be
evacuatedout of tl'e bowels,or is possessed
of a tastecontraryt0, or
otherthanwhatis necessary for thepurposesof vitarization,
shourdbe
lookeduponastheprimarysourceof At mO;lydistempers.
19
f+t.qrvffirq n*l ffi frtq{ql
qrf vrqi qrsfu yd rn ffifiq1?o
rr
Diseases,brought about by a f.ood or drjnk comgxtsed
. of
incompatiblesubstances, are amenableto the use of purgatives,
emetics,
or pacifying(corrective
of thederanged
humours) medicines;
andsucha diet,evenwhenfoundurravoidabre, shouldbepreceded by
theuseof drugsor substancespotentenoughto neutralise
its faneful
182 SAMI]IT;\
SLISRUTA

effect.]20
qrary*sqrqrqrsfr ffimt'urg q t
fiqrereqrqrqsffi ffi i{dei uriqrrrq t t
A meat,in thecomposition of whichsubstances of incompatible
virtuesandpotencies largelyenter, failsto developany distressing or
harmful symptomsin subjectswho are habituallyaddicted to it, or
whotakesit in smallquantities,aswellasin persons of youthfulvigor
and strongappetite,or in thosewho have become invigorated by the
useof oily andalbuminous foodandhealthful physical exercise.2 21

3{Sr qrfr$rrrt ?FIrT: I

Td : TFrQft:fi"rt* cqurf+e HrSiT:I
runmrFrq*: llRRll
fdnr Fdsgqni gFsrr: v&qelrs i r
ffi{ ffi*q rrEr ffiq:ll??ll
y?TFEIerrarqi qtqryifrun{t
qrirmt=Ti
ffiE ffiAq ffiq:ll?Yll
The effectsof the winds : Now we shalldescribe theeffectsof
thewindson thebody,(astheyblow fromthedifferent quaners of the
heaven).
The East wind : TheEastwind,whichis coolandsweetin its
potency,is heavyand chargedwith salt; it aggravates blood and
Pittam and gives rise to an acid digestivereaction.It specially
aggravates thediseasein apatientsufferingfroma woundor anulcer,
or from the effect of any poison,and afTectspersonsof Slesmala
temperament. It is highly efficaciousto fatiguedpersons,aswell asto
thoseof aY'atalia(nervous) temperament, or who are afflicatedwith
any sort of Kaphajadisease;thought it increasesthe slimy secretion
in their ulcersif therebe any.22'24
rTg{gTk{rfr q qqr{TE{d E![: ll
qQ{ufrqr6a:
tu T ? :llR\lll
I. This couplet occurs also in the Caraka Safuhith.
2. Different Reading- In a child or in a man of voracious appetite.
C h a p "X X SUTRASTHANA lE3

The Southwind : TheSouthwindis light,sweet(produces the

samesoothingeffecton theorganismlike a thing of sweettaste)and
is followedby an astringentafter-taste(Anurasa)beingantacidin its
reaction.It is thebestofwinds,givesvigourtotheeyes,increases the
strength,andsoothesthebloodandthePittamwithoutaggravatingthe
bodily V6yu.25
ffi $Q:rtIStr: €T: Ti6-{6{11r6: I
qEt qrcir€frqpT:q,q+iFcnrfrtrur:I
F€r: yrur8f,Qt5T:
VfrWI VTfrR'sn{ilRqlll
The West wind : TheWestwindis pure,non-slimy,dry,rough
to theperception,andkeen.It absorbsthealbumenor oily principle
ofthe body. absorbsor driesup fat andKapha,producesa parched
It
conditionin thebodywhenexposedto it, andspeedilydiminishesthe
strengthof a person.26
gnfr rr€?: ftarefr Tg{s$ ga qr
E,qrq|:!T€, Vffi tqrtrrrcr*qsr: I tReI r
iTFnEr r{Rr{rrlrTr ffi Ertr€rdq:I
Screfqm ffiAvr E aFwc:1Re1l
The North wind : TheNorthwind is cold,crisp,mild, of a sweet
tasteterminatingin an astringentone.It doesnot in any way enrage
or agitatethederangedbodily humours.In healthysubjectsit increases
thestrengthandtherunningsecretions fromthedifferentorficesof the
body(suchasthenostrilsetc.)It provesextremelysalutaryto patients
sufferingfrom consumption, cachexiaandtheeffectsof poison.27-28
gfr BT{ffi W€n+ ffiffrd qrqtdvfrsearq:
uton
Thus ends the twentieth Chapter ofthe Sitrasthhna in the Su1ruta samhith
which treats of salurary and nonsalutary effects of the regimen.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA
CHAPTER XXI

qqftfvilqrq: I
s{errfr gqrgrqqqr{T ar@rrRTEf:,
qenqrq 1arpq.1=1 e1q:6fr; 1q11
Now we shall discussthe Chapterwhich investigateslhe nature
of bodily humours, as exciting causesof ulcers (Vra4a-pra6na'
adhyhya). L
qrdfofl{+sqrur qe ftsn{E}6q, 1 *qrqrr*tsit-
qffi: yrfrrfrrEqidtsnrFn @
f5qeprrrg!* r a !F q @re=tt; yerqaaer:, dtF{tq
,ffiivrfrrrrdFdnRtl
TheV6yu,PittaandSlesmdshouldbeconsidered astheprimary
andthemostessential factorsin stitutionof humanorganism.These
fundamental and vital humours,occupyingrespectively the lower,
middle,andupperparts of thebody,maintainitsintegrity.Thehuman
kdy is supportedbythethreefundamental humoursin thesameway
asa dwellinghouse is propped up by threesupporting polesor stays;
fromwhichfact,thebodyiscalledthethree-supported one(Tristhuna)
by certainauthorities.A deranged conditionof thesethreefundamental
humours may bring about its dissolution or death,while on their
continuance in a normalstatedepends the vitality of the organism.
Thesethreehumours,in combination with a fourth,lheprincipleof
blood,determine theorigin,preservation, anddissolution of animated
organismand permeateit with their respectivepropertiestill the
Chap.XXI SOTRASTHANA

moment of death.3
lrdfr qTT-
.V =rtrt6: q,tr,rqR a fuilra qqrfitr(l
qr Frni ta f*C errdtI rt r r
V-irr 3 rrftFF{rfrRfr Errg:,h{ Tr<n'}, W
qM EGfa*, y-sHa: firr yNh q rarnfur
3,nfrrF.+r
Erek rrxil
Authoritativeverseon the sutrject: Therecanbenoorganism
without Viyu, Pitta, Kapha and blood, which are necessaryto
constantlymaintainits integrity.The termsV6ta(V6yu),Pitta and
'Vi', to move
Slesm6(Kapha)arerespectively derivedfromtheroots
'Tapa',to
or smell, burnor to heat,and"Slis",to embrace,with the
'Ta'theretoadded.t3-4
suffix
sd eqqrq: I d:r EErr*{qRTf*rrfrg(tis{t: I
ilEffi qnl vawrq:, rr€rqwrrr*{ai firrg I gffit{fut;
gfuur: n\tl
Seats of the bodily humours : Now we shall describe the
locations of the foregoing vilal humours.The V6yu may be briefly
describedaslocatedin theregionsof thepelvis (Sroni),andtherectum
(Guda)..ThePittam has its seat in the region betweenthe stomach
(Amffiaya) and the intestines @akv63aya)which is above the pelvis
andtlrerectumandbelowtheumbilicus,while the Kaphais ensconced
within the cavity of the stomach(AmiSaya;. 6
3TiT: rr{ rnasn fEqsq* | ftr ETkr€t qRTqret qFrlt; I
futrs E?FT q+sst
veqqrq{ EfdT#tnat qnTRrsg fu
TaTfqf:{EqItf-T|=rI{ ll E,ll
Now we shall divide the locationsof eachof the vital humours
into five parts:-The five localitiesof the V6yu will be describedunder
1. From thisshouldbe inferredthat motionandsrnellare the naturalattributesof
thevital Vhyu,heatandburningarethoseof Pilta, andunionandintegrationare
thoseof Kapha.
186 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

the head of V6ta-Vy6dhis (nervousdiseases),while those of Pitta are

the liver and the spleen,the heart, the pupils of the eyes,the skin and
the intestines (Pakv66aya).The Kapha is located in the region of the
breast,the throat, the head,thejoints and the stomach(Am6Saya).The
foregoing regions are the seatsof the vital humours in their normal
state. 6

ffiil: drftIEqfFTfrr qsnl

qmqffi \rFrt6 q,q,fuilTFffirm?rrI te | |
Metrical Texts : The vital humours(V6yu, Pitta and Kapha)
maintain the integrity of the animatedorganismby creating,
assimilatinganddiffusingstrengthin thesameway asthe moon,the
sun,andthe windsmaintainthe integrityof the terrestrialglobe.t7

The Pittam : Now it maybe askedwhetherthePittais identical

withtheelemental fire,oris itsomething otherthanthat?The question
maybeanswered by statingthatthePittais thesameasfire. Sincesuch
symptoms,as a burningsensation, digestion(boiling,and all other
characteristicsof fire canneverexhibitthemselves in thehumanbody
without the interventionof Pitta. Pitta thereforeis called internal
fire.2
' Consequently, an enfeebledactionof Pitk is remediedby the
administrationofdrugs andsubstances
whichareakintotheelemental
fire in theirattributes, action(secretion)
whileanabnormalor excessive
1. The moon laves the earth and impans to it the vitalising principle withher own
ambrosial light. The sun draws of the moisture in virtue of his own attractive
force, and the Vhyu distibutes the heat and moisture over its surface.
The analogy is based on the heating (and metabolic) actions of Pitta and does
not extend to its liquid seuetion (bile). But since theformer attributes permeate
in its entirety, it is designated the Internalfire.
Chap.XXI SUTRASTHANA 187

of Pitta is subduedby cooling measuresas an over-kindledfire is

suMuedby moisture.Thereis nootherfire (heatmakingfactor)in the
organismthanPitta. 8
aarffir k*Avr q*nqrvrrTrTErcef
frrfi irgFfq-
qaqFi qqfr, ffi q t$reT{sffir rr{q+E
qrFTfliFn tqTuri fqtr*qrtrJTT
tntfr, dFst qrqfrisFqRFdrfilttqu
The Picakirgni : By the ordinationof fate or necessity
(unfathomable naturalcause)thePitta,locatedin theregionbetween
the stomach (Amffiaya) and the intestines(Pakvl3aya),helps the
digestionof the four kinds of food (suchas drink and ediblesetc.)
parlakenof by a living subject,andpurgesoff the residueor,impure
morbiferousmatter in the shapeof urine and excreta after the
completionof theprocess. Eventhuslocated,it keepsupthetemperature
in its otherdistantlocations(skin,etc.)in virtueof its nativeheat-
givingattribute.HencethisPittais calledthe Plrcaklgni(digestive
fire or heat)in an animatedorganism.9
T(iI Tq,qqfrA:fird aRqt vw*}sm'ACrr, rt wet
Tmq$fi': llqo[
The Rafijaklgni : Thefunctionof thePitta,whichhasits seats
in the liver and the spleen,consistsin impartingits characteristic
pigment (R6gakft)to the lymph-chyleand is hence known as
Raijaklgni (it :- dyeingfire or pigmentbile)' 10
qqfi IilE€fr qiifr sprq}sffi fc*ff r,*snrsrpf -
: lltlll
The Sidhaklgni : ThePittaseatedin theheartis denominated
astheSidhak6gni (performingor operatingheator fire) inasmuchas
itsactionis to bringaboutthefruitionor realisationofone'sdesires.11
T€qqTfirfiffiriar; qs,qlEd-
sfrqa: ilqRtl
The Alocakigni : ThePitta,whichis locatedin thepupilsof the
\
eyes,is calledthe Alocakirgni(thePittaor fire of sight)asits office
 188 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

is to catchtheimageof anyexternalobjectpresented
to theeyes.12
tr(EdFqft Faktw-w+\sffi Adf r;s\sryg.qRterr-
qqrffi lM qi6r EFTFTEa r6.tYttfi^: iltt tl
The Bhrljaklgni : ThePitta,whichhasits seatin the skin,is
calledtheBhrljakigni (illuminatingor irradiatingheat)inasmuchas
it absorbsthe substances
usedin the shapeof unguents,lubrications,
etc.andirradiatestheglow of one'snaturalcomplexion.13
firS *epr Ed {Fd +ei fti a*e \ilr
sui agrrr*e fuEFggrntrteqnqxtl
Metrical texts : The Pittais a keen,sharpandwarm liquid, of
a blue colour (in its normalstate),or yellowish(in its deranged
condition).It emitsakindof fleshysmellandispossessedof a pungent
taste which is transformedinto an acid one when derangedor
vitiated.14
sTir silqd @:t ?rflrer{rrT:
@tqlrg*ct*R* qFrgr-(ftilg-q
F{rFqsErs;r1 fu: I H ? T{tE*{*{r61-1:
lrFffiil fi{=rqf: gcw} rrsfr ilqqr
Seatsof Sleqmi (Kapha): Now we shalldescribe thelocations
of Kapha.The stomacnlAmftaya), which is the seat of Kapha,
occupiesthesamepositionasregardsits locationto thatof pitta asthe
sun holds in relation to that of the moon. And sincethe stomach
(Am6r6aya) is situatedabovethepancreas (Pitt63aya),
andis endowed
with a property(ccnling)contraryto the primary virtue (heating)of
Pitta,and,sincetheheatemittedby thereceptacle of pittais naturally
radiatedin an.upwarddirection,the four kindsof food,broughtin to
the stomach(Am63aya), areboiledandtransformedinto a softplacid
mass(chyme),like rice boiledin a bowl full of waterplacedover a
burningoven.Thefood,thusbroughttlowninto thestomach,is easily
moistened, disintegratedanddigested by comingintocontactwith the
oily secretionsof thestomach (Am6Saya). 15
@yeeF<dr{ae}aq1
3ilqrfln v+qr qg{vfraT{: ilqq | |
Chap.XXI SUTRASTHANA 189

Metrical Texts : The Kaphais originatedthroughthe sweet,

slimy, watery, exudatingcharacterof the food brought into the
stomach(Am66aya);and hencethe Kapha becomesenduedwith
similarattributes.16
€ iFr+sr gq rFT{ffir{r *6rrtrrf rtqtPrr;Tr{r
*qadurr5raEF*Ftts{:
rrFdr{ E-€rE'ffqi q'frfrr tqerqffi'rc+cfr ftG'f<q-tq
+Erdr( qdtr frF€er:ffiqa-
q,,frfrr HFwryq Y&6qr
ffqriresrr(Fr*srySra 6.frfrilterl
The Kledaka : The Kapha,eventhoughprincipallylocatedin
the stomach,permeatesits four other distantlocalitieswith its
peculiarwateryor humidessencein virtueof its inherentattributes.
The Avalambaka: The Kapha,locatedin the regionof the
chest,protectsthejoints of the arms,the neckandthe sternurp,and
enablestheheartto performits naturalfunctionswith thehelpof the
lymph-chylederivedfromtheassimilated froodandits own intrinsic
potency.
The Bodhaka : The Kapha,situatedin thethroatandat theroot
of the palate,lendsits aid to theperception of tastesby maintaining
the rnoistor humidcharacter of thetongue.
The Tarpaka: TheKapha,situated in thehead,coolsandbathes
the differentsenseorganswith own humid essence, in virtue of its
naturalhumid attributes.
The Sleqmaka: TheKapha,situatedin thejoints,keepsthem
firmly united,protectstheirarticulationandopposes theirseparation
anddisunion.17
yeqr gffi I€: fura: firfuel: vfraga a t
uggFaF{dfq: Rr( ffi FFTttT:{rT: llqe | |
Metrical Texts: TheKaphais white,heavy,oily slimyandcool.
of a sweettaste,which is followed
In its normalstate,it is possessed
by a salineonein its reactionarytransformation(chemicalreaction)
whenderanged or vitiated.18
190 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

Vfrfr FsTrrt"i?r{E-r.fr6r+,il€g,rqft {Fdil1iraqrrkq

M@zrifruqqrt
Seatsof blood : Theseatsof bloodarein theliver andthespleen,
as statedbefore,whenceit helpsits otherreceptacles to seryetheir
properfunctions.19
sEsrvfti l{g{ fu F6g qstfr: r
vfrfrmig€ Fq+isrEF*qtsrs fqr*qr rRo| |
Metrical Texts : Theblurd is red,oily or glossy,a little warn,
andis possessed of anattributesimilarto somethingof a sweettaste.
It is heavy,andit emitsa fleshysmellandresembles thePittain its
reactionaryprocess,or in otherwords,thosefactors,which derange
the Pitta, vitiate the bloodas well. 20
qdrF{ rrq Aq{qrtrfr, qg rri# {w: I yrq
:r irr qftrri vq fu rcE{ffirydr
frarqt{rtrdrr+qdr:ilrf,.Frrftreqffi€dffi
ffi{ $TEFfrtill ycrc: fr'qmra: lRtll
Theseare the locationsof the derangedhumours,which are
respectivelyaccumulated in themon accountof theaforesaidcauses.
The derangedhumoursexhibit such symptomsas, fullnessand
stuffednessof theabodomen, or of anyof theviscera(dueto theaction
of the deranged Vlyu); yellowness of the affectedpart (due to the
action of the derangedPitta), and diminution of the bodily heat,
heaviness of thelimbs,anda sense of languor(dueto theactionof the
diseasedKapha),anda naturalrepugnance for causes(factors)which
leadto theirrespective aggravations or accumulations. The medical
treatmentshouldbecommenced assoonasthesymptoms,peculiarto
their accumulation. wouldbecomemanifest.21
sm uqdf y*ffi tTFrrT:r r* @-

-qfq-
Chap. XXI SUTRASTHANA 191

@: ychtrqnra+n?Rll
Humours and their aggravations: Now we shallenumerate
the causeswhichagitateand(aggravate) thederangedhumours.The
bodily V6yu is aggravated by suchfactors (conduct,practicesand
diet, etc.)as,wrestlingwith a wrestlerof superiorstrength,violent
gymnasticexercises, sexualexcesses, excessivestudy,a headlong
plunge into water or a leap from an inordinateheight, running, a
violentpressing blow,leapingoveraditch, gait,
abounding swimming,
keepingof late hours,carryingof heavyloads,excessiveriding,
walkingalongdistanceandthepartakingof afoodintothecomposition
of which pungent,astringent,bitter,light or parchifyingarticles,or
substances of cool potency,largelyenter.Dietsconsistingof dried
pot-herbs,Vallura,Yaraka,Uddilaka,KoraduTa, Sy6m6ka,Nivira,
Mudga, Masfra, Adhaki, Harenu, Kal6ya, and Nispiva tend to
aggravatethe bodily V6Yu.
Fasting, unequal or irregular meals, over-eating,voluntary
suppression of unine,semen,andtears,or of the mucoussecretions
from the noseasin a fluent coryza,,a forcedstoppageof defecation,
eructationor sneezingarethe factors,which may be setdown asthe
aggravating causesof thebodilyY6yu.22
rt vnanrnqrtg qqf+ q ffiqa: t
rgqsqrri g *fr.ti itt Y€EqfrllRlll
Metrical Text : The bodilyV6yuis naturallyaggravated in a
cold, cloudyor windy day,in winter,duringthe rains,in the morning
andeveningandespeciallyat thecloseofdigestion.23

-Ed?eI-ffi
lfrqrritFlrqfi{nqiH
@: firs y€hiqqFrstnRYr
Sympt,omsof aggravatedPitta : The Pitta is aggravated by
anger,grief, fear, fatigue,fasting,acid transformation(reaction)of
the assimilatedfood,or deficientgastricdigestion,unnaturalsexual
indulgence,partakingofa foodconsisting ofpungent,acidor saline,
keen, heat making or light zubstances, as well as of thosewhose
 192 SUSRUTASAMHITA

digestionis lbllowedby a reactionary acidity.It is aggravatedby the

useof sesamum paste.Kulattha,Sarsapa,
oil, or of sesamurn Atasi,the
pot-herbsknownas Haritaka,fish,thefleshof a Godh6or a goator
muttonmayleadto its aggravation, if takeninjudiciously.
Similarly,the useof curd,whey,Krlrcik6,(inspissated milk),
Sauviraka,different kinds of wine, Amla-phala(sour fruits), or
Katvara(curdmixedwithoil) andexcessive exposure to thesun,may
be followedby thesameconsequences. 24
agqtowrfire q tqr* ? ffiq6;1
qqra qrff q tffi q EEqfrtt?\ tl
Metrical Texts : In additionto all these,thePittais spontaneously
and abnormally aggravatedin summer,in autumn,at noon, at mid-
night and during the processof digestion,as well as by the partaking
ofhot or warm substances.25

qg{-qd-@r Vtqr ydqrrrtrat rrtqrr

Symptoms of the deranged Kapha : The derangedKapha is
aggravatedby sleep in the day time, or by the following of lazy or
sedentaryhabits. The partaking of frnd, composedof substances
which are heavy, slimy, sweet,acid or salinein their taste,or of one
consistingof substances wich increasethemucoussecretionsfrom the
fissuresof the body, may be likewisesetdown asaggravatingfactors.
The use of for:d grains, which are called the Hiyanaka, the Yavaka
(barley), the Naisadha, the ltkata, the Mlsa, the Mahdm6sa, the
Godhu-ma(wheat), theTila, orof rice cakesmayleadtoits aggravation.
Curd, milk the Kr3ar6, the PAyasa(sweetenedrice ponidge), the
variouspreparationsof cane-sugararethingswhich producethe same
result, The flesh of beastsand birds that are aquaticin their habitsor
live in swampylands,as well aslard,havethe sameeffect,.if usedas
food. The use of bulbs and lotus stemsor of KaSeruka,Srng6rtaka,
Madhura-phala, Valli-phalaas well as eatingbefbredigestionor the
pa(aking of food consistingof both wholesomeand un-wholesome
substances may aggravatethis bodily hunrour.26
Chap.XXI S I J T R A S T HA N A 193

rT pfift: vfrrfrre q qs+ q ffiqa:r

EFfe q r+i q tffiT* q y€qfrnRe tl
Metrical Texts : The Kapha is naturally and spontaneously
aggravatedin the morning and evening,in Hemanta,and speciallyin
Spring, andjust after a meal.Likewise, it is aggravatedby the useof
cold food or drink, etc,27
ffitEffi@-*-
tr*qqtq€rt lR.,tl
Symptomsof the aggravatedblood : [Owing to a natural
similaritybetweenbloodandthePitta,andthrougha naturalaffinity
between theirattributes],
causes, whichtendtoaggravate thederanged
Pitta, tend to aggravateor agitatethe blood as well. Moreover,
frequentmealsorrepeateduseof f-ood,into thecompositionof which
cool, liquid and heavysubstances largelyenter,are followedby a
disturbedor aggravated conditionof theblood.Sleepin thedaytime,
anger,exposure to theglareofthe sunor fire,over-fatiguinglabour,
anexternalblow,ingestion of indigestibleor incompatible
substances,
andeatingbeforethefull digestion of a previousmeal,mayaswell be
setdownascauseswhichtendto aggravate blood.2E
ersrni f*tr A+{' qqTFqquqwfrr
iRrTr(irFTqerr+Ert[.|Tf
t{sr{yEiquil| tRq| |
*qi sE*qrq -
qr€r*t rf, flffrq: fu-qr*ra:ltQotl
Metrical Texts : As the bodily humoursare neveraggravated
independentlyof the blood,their aggravationgoestogetherwith a
disturbedor agitatedconditionof theblood.Theaggravated condition
of the humoursgivesriseto painandmovesthe wind (V6yu)in the
bowels;it furtheroccasions
acideructations,thirst,bumingsensations,
aversionto food,vomitingandnausea. Any of thesesymptomsshould
beregardedasthesecondoccasionwhichcallsfor medicalaid.294A
sftTss{ y{n qgrq: r MFwrcgffiS: y€Frflrrf
@El-*ffiytrftlrqfr,N
eT3lPdriqT-(yc{,rrig: Trdrar*c*, rr R r*r1@ rw
vr. r-13
194 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

r**s rrdr+tqnr{uRqr
Expansionof the derangedhumours: Nowwe shalldescribe
the expansion(Prasara)of the derangedhumours.The deranged
humours,aggravated by the abovementionedcauses,expandand
localitiesin the samemanner
overflowthelimits of theirrespective
as,cakes,soakedin any fermentor enzymeandkept standingover
night, fermentand rise throughthe acquisitionof new and unseen
attributes.The V6yu,whichis possessed of locomotionor extreme
mobility, shouldbe lookeduponas the causeof their expansionor
over-flowing.The V6yu, thoughan inaminatething, in reality is
possessedofthe qualityof"Rajas"(creativeorcohesiveenergy),and
or motiveprinciplein the
thequalityof theRajasis theonlyessential
universe.31
qer-@:@ErfrTeJ:
sda: yErdred Aqr: tn,qlF{t.nvil Ew: qqwt: ril&rireFilr
qrs+dFfi yg{Fil | dqFlein-qrd:, firfi, Pfur, Yilfrrilq,
qmfirt, qrdresrnft , fqrqi s fiqil, Errdvilfirrt,firdgfrfinft ,
ffinrrt, qldkilrfrfrrrdrR, qrdvfrsqlrifirrdrh,
ffiqrdFrilqqT:,md
qifqgrfi lstfr [?Rll
As a vastandmightyexpanse of water,whichhasbeendivided
into two expanses by a damor barrier,will sweepawaythelatterand
unite again to form one sheetof water;so the derangedhumours,
sometimes singly,sometimesin combination with two or all of their
species,or in unisonwith blood,expandandover-runtheorganismin
all directions.As for example,theV6yu,thePitta,the Kaphaandthe
blood are singly expanded,whereasthe bi-humouralexpansions
involve the simultaneous overflowof thetwo derangedhumours,or
of anyderangedhumourandblood,astheViyu andPitta,V6yu and
Kapha,V6yu andblood, Pittaandblood,andKaphaandblood.The
tri-humouralexpansions, whichinvolvethebloodandanytwo of the
derangedandenragedhumours,may be classifiedasthe expansion,
of ( 1)theV6yu,Pittaandblogd(2) theexpansionof theV6yu, Kapha
and blood, (3) the expansionof Pitta, Kapha and blood, (4) the
 Chap.XXI SUTRASTHANA 195

expansionof Viyu, Pitta and Kapha,(5) the expansionof pitta, Kapha

andblood,thedifferenttypesof expansionnumberingfifteen in all. 32

Q'(r*sdsdrr+qrstuz1-{r$
EFrfr 11*( I
** ffi rrrfu fuTq ire qdfrn?Rtl
ardrefffi effi q'fU ffir
F{rytrfrq.: 6-fu tgqrsra EcqhttQy | |
Metrical Texts : The aggravated,or the abnormally initated
deranged humours, whether permeating the whole or half of the
systemor restrictedto any panicular partor memberof the body, give
rise to diseasein the place of their incarceration,like rain clouds
pouring down in the quarter of the sky where they are formed. The
derangedhumours, notexcessively (slightly)aggravated,lie inoperative
coating the internal passages(Mirgas) of the body and thus bring
about a fresh disease,if subsequentlyagitated by any disturbing
causes.33-34
r* qr*: ftrr*errqrrfrg rTilf,{ yfrfir{:, ftrrg q
?5q-{srFFkrFt q.qtra EqFr q EITiRsrrlTtrFTqFATA qq
ffirrrq:r F r{ffiwrriTrg@
@fu*s,@
fiv+fr v*qtrfr W{ rrEFilr ir* Tfrq: fuqrq,ra: ilt\rl
The derangedand aggravated V6yu, havingmovedinto any
specificseatof Pitta,shouldbemedicinallytreatedasa caseof pittaja
aggravation. Similarly,thederanged andaggravated pitta,or Kapha,
changingtheirrespective placeswitheachother,shouldbemedicinally
treatedas the humourin whoselocationit is found.The Viyu, thus
aggravated andexpanded, tendsto deviatefromits rightpassage and
givesriseto a swellingor distentionof theaMomen,accompanied by
a rumbling soundin the intestines.The pitta, under the similar
condition,givesriseto heat,anda sortofsucking,burningpainin the
affectedpart,togetherwith a sensation of radiationor evaporationof
heat from its surface.The Kapha,under the circumstance,would
usherin a completeaversionto food,inertness of thelimbs,vomiting
and impaireddigestion.The precedingsymptoms,causedby tha
aggravationandexpansion of thebodilyhumours,shouldbethethird
t96 SUSRUTA SAMHI'TA

occasion for medical treatment.35

sT?rs?d Terr{dsr?it[FrH: I Si Snrarmrwrl
aiwq qrs& liqqkr t zrffi
Vrfr{gaTnqrrrdq
E#ril ir<r
q"rqk, qfikrfrilr: , +Ftrfrr
gqtr|Trdr EFfi' l ll(rrfir
rrrr<wt:yrffrt @ aqrffiftrrr*cn:
q.drfr'rr15wrF{Mlr, Rqnr @-
*grl-fr1, (srfr*rrrar
@nfA", Er(rTirr:rdq<em-
@r wqlg.rnr@rrlqrr
Sthina-Sam3raya: Now we shallenumerate thenamesof the
peculiardiseases, whichareoriginated by thederanged andexpanded
humours, incarcerated in the differentparts of the body. These
humours,confinedin the abdomen,give rise to Gulma(abdominal
glands)tumours,internalabscesses (Vidradhi),abdominaldropsy,
impaireddigestion in the bowels, constipation (Aniha), cholera
(Visuciki) anddysentery.
Lodgedin thebladder,thesehumours usherin Prameha (Snorbid
urethraldischarges), ASmari(stonein the bladder),Mufrakrcchhra
(strictureof the urethra)and Mutrhghirta(retentionof urinp),and
diseases affectingtherenalsecretion, etc.Restricted to thepedisthey
tendto bringin syphilis,Niruddha-prakd3a (phymosis) andthelocal
inflammatory diseases known asthe Sfka-dosa, etc.
Similarly,lodgedin theregionof theanus,thesederanged and
expandedhumoursbegetfistulain ano,haemorrhoids and polypus
growthsaboutthat locality. Confinedin the regionof the scrotum,
they give rise to hydroceleandothertypesof scrotaltumours,etc.
Restricted to theregionabovetheclavicles,thesehumoursoriginate
diseasespeculiartothatlmality,whileerysipelas, cutaneous affections
(Kustha)and other minor diseasessupervene, when they restrict
themselves to tliefleshandtheskin(lymphchyle) andblood.Affecting
only the fat, thesehumourstend to originateGranthi(Aneurism),
Apaci (scrofula),Arbuda(tumour),Galaganda(goitre)and Alaji
 Chap.XXI SOTRASI'HANA

(inflammation of the eye at the edgeof the cornea.r

Lodged in the lower extremities,they bring on elephantisis,
Vdta-Rakta (a kind of leprosy), V6ta-Kantaka,etc. Permeatingthe
wholeorganism,theygive riseto suchdiseasesasfever,Sarv1ngaroga,
etc. which invade the entire system.36
ffi :,dgftr*rf€FTrtt:l
irr Tdsvt*g qgel: fuanq1-63111ex
Theaggravated andexpanded humours,thusfirmly ensconced
in thedifferentpartsof thebody,exhibitthepremonitorysymptoms
of diseaseswhichwill befully dealtwithundertheirrespective
heads.
Themanifestationof these premonrtorysyntptomsshouldbeconsidered
asthefourth occasionfor medicaltreatment. 37
efiT:Fq-{ qrk{q+i egre:-@-
{uq-fu yqtrdarumr @t ilrr *dEt:
Gnur6;6r 111411
Disease-ItsDevelopment: Now we shalldeal with the full
development or manifestationof a disease.
Thefull manifestation
of
a disease,suchas a swelling,tumour,aneurism(Granthi),Vidradhi
(abscess)
anderysipelas (Visarpa)erc.,feveror dysentery,
signifies
the completedevelopment of the characteristic
symptoms,which
shouldbe regardedasthefifth occasionfbr medicaltreatment.38
gmg,ditqrr{frqrfrr qunrrqqrrarri qs: fuzn* d:,
@trmrdrjmq:tffi-
argrwfu 11q1
TheSixth cccasionfor thecallingin of medicalaid shouldbe
consideredto havearisenwhena swelling(abscess, tumour,etc,)
wouldburstandexhibitthecharacteristic symptoms of anopenulcer.
A persistentlingeringor continuance of a feveror dysentery,etc.,
shouldbe considered as marking,or formingone of its particular
stages, andwhichmayrun intooneof an incurabletype,if neglected
or not sufficientlycaredfor at theoutset.39
I. Additional tcxt : Reaching dowt and confined in the bone-systemsof the body,
they produce Vidradhi (abscesses),Anu1ayi, etc.
I98 S T I S R U TS
AA M H I T A

ErsFil qrr-
rnr€na lrqtrg ysr rcrndrqtr
qRi +qs+ah M s sr*{fioqqt txo | |
Authoritativeverseon the subject: Thephysician,whofully
knowsabouttheaccumulatit'rn (Sahcaya),disturbance or aggravation
(Prakopa),expansion and
@rasara), traits
differentiating of thederanged
humours(Bheda),andis well conversant with thespecificlocalities
in whichtheyare confinedin thecourseof theirexpansion
respectively
(SthinasamSraya), andwith the symptomswhich they respectively
exhibitin connectionwith the incidentaldisease(Vyakti),is alone
worthy of that epithet.40
rrglsqear t n Fnr* +irrr rrfr: I
t qilql rrfdg $rqF<T tttGTIRT: I rYq | |
q*il*naFrqf:sfu Enqrts*t trT g{: I
risil Eftrd: xd tr ftfrsgrrEfrnxRtl
Thederanged humours, checkedorsubdued in theiraccumulating
stage,fail to exhibitanyfurtherorsubsequent
development, but,if left
unremedied, theygainin strengthandintensityin thecourseof their
further development. The humours,derangedeither singly, or in
couples,or in a triple combinationas regardsone or two $f their
virtues,pushon, follow andblendwith humourssimilarlyddranged
asregardstheirqualitiesandcombinativenumbers. 4l-42
ffrilrrftrqsrgqfi'Eq: s * qr+qt
ffi+T qfaqrt nelq qllYlll
The medical treatmentin a case,where two or all (three)of the
derangedhumoursare involved, consistsin conqueringthe strongest
one in the combination,but so asnot to enrageor aggravatethe minor
or the weaker humours in the group and specially so in a case of
Sannipdta.t43

EuilFdqsr$sfu qur+ql rr qrErfrr

snt6qr rrr(iTe{r(qur Fq-qt €*, , tyy | |
I. The combination of any two of the bodily humours with the vitiated blood may
likwise be interyrered to signify a Sitnniphtika (rihumourall combination.
Chap.XXI SOTRASTHANA t99

A concourse ofderanged humours,affectingandappearing in a

particularpartof thebody,is calleda boil or an ulcer(Vrana)which
is derivedfrom theroot "V4" to coverandis socalledfrom thefact of
its coveringa particularpartof thebodyor from its leavinga cicatrix
whichremainsthewholelife-timeof thepatient.44
gft gtFTF6inqTq.rpni Eqrq.il mffi.ivhsqrqr rrlrr
Thus e nds the twenty-first chapterof the Sutrasthirnain the Su6rutaSamhiti
which treatsof investigationinto the natureof the humoursgiving rise to an ulcer.

+++
 STJTnAST.HANa
CHAPTER XXII

frrffi5sqrq" 1
s{Prrtr @q@r@lr@lrG[:,
qefrqrq t{rrq|=f epryqfr; 1|qx
Now we shalldiscussthe Chapter,which treatsof secretions
from boils or ulcers of differenttypes.(Vra4bsrirva-vijfr
6rniya-
adhy6ya). I
ErqrqqF{,
srrrrmvr:rrRrr
A boil or an ulcer has its seatgenerallyin one of the eight
followingcomponents or principlesof thebodysuchas,thebone,the
skin,theflesh,theveins,theligaments, thejoints,thevisceraandthe
Marmas(vital partsof the bo<ly).A boil or an ulcer of any type may
cropup or appearin anyoneof theabovementioned localities.2
ltltT: IftlER:, frq1;
Fqr{MErrun gflI=r*r: I -*=r€gr* Fnagaq Ftd
t tqrql@Es'Tsrn
arcrrrqRrtrrns: $rEFarqdgE
TUTT w tiffi EFr6r{F:rSqTffiT:,
@: ygErFiT, y56€r€ diqroTr{ lt?- y ll
A boil or an ulcer,whichis confinedonly to the skin,readily
yieldsto medicaltreatment,while the remainingtypes,as well as
those,which spontaneouslfsuppurate andburst,arehardto cure.A
boil or an ulcer usuallyassumes a shapewhich is eitherdiffused,
C h a p .X X I I SUTRASTHANA 201

rectangular,spheroidalor triangular;while those,whichareirregular

or indefinitein shape,(or haveformsotherthanthe precedingones,
shouldbelookeduponasbelongingto typeswhichcanbecuredonly
with theutmostdifficulty.Any Vrana(burstor incisedabscess) in a
patient,who observes a strictregimen,andwho,from theoutset,is
placedunder the medicaltreatmentof an experienced physician
(surgeon), will be speedilyhealed;whileanulcer,affectinga person
ofirregularhabitsand treatedbyaquackoranignorantphysician,will
developintooneof a malignanttype,whichcanbehealedonly with
the greatestdifficulty,on accountof it becomingaggravated by the
deranged bodilyhumoursinvolvedtherein.3-4
fl a llotl?ctJ fl I q?nr) ochl o.llJl fl r:lgtqtl{lJclH-llJl dYlldlJ(gcr, | :

@ etrrtrrrrqcrquil rlre: ffiff-

etrrtrrtrqcrquil
ttrsqsr1RTFr. qut, -
=FF*ssef *firqq
gqffi {fnT-dr3c*fr iA ffir,irrr
i@ur y<d fuFq yfrrfirt yqta nqn
Symptomsof Dusta-Vranas: Malignantulcers(DuStaVranas)
are knownby the following indications: Theyare eithertoo narrow
or too widemouthed.They feel eitherextremelyhard or soft to the
touchandpresenteithera raisedelevated) or a depressed
aspect.
They
areof eitherablackorred,yelloworwhitecolour,andarecharacterised
by extremes Exhibitingstrangeandunusualfeatures,
of temperature.
theyare checkered with networksof veins,ligaments,etc.,and are
filled with putrid and sloughingfleshand fetid pus.Indefiniteand
inegularin shape,theyarefoundto exudea sortof dirty, fetid pus,
whichrunsintofissuresandcavities,followinganobliqueor upward
course.Theyhavea cadaverous lookandsmellandarecharacterised
by extremepain and burningsensation,attendedwith swelling,
redness, itchingandsuppuration.Pustules cropuproundtheseulcers,
which largely secretevitiatedblood, and linger unhealedtbr an
inordinatelengthof time.
Theseulcersmaybedividedintosix classes as,they
[according
areseverallycausedby thederanged kxlily humours(V6yu,Pittaand
Kapha),or are due to their concertedaction(Sannipita),or to the
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

effectsof a blow (traumatic)or to vitiated blood.l, and shouldbe

medicallytreatedaccordingto thenatureof their respectiveexciting
factors.5
srfi g,6d FdqrErlErFTTT: I irr Yqrg Fdqrg qr €qf
etlg fir+S fuF{tg qr riFmnq;rvil rlQ'@frsffi; f*'BEg:
ftrrerrr€rt rTigqrT:frftf:f*rVr: Wrq: Y]a: fqFsqt
?ffi
futrrra:waerargnrrgffi rFdqF{r,rl-,6Ftr{f FqRq
ffi Trr+zt, srrgrerr ilJF{bat firFads*d
Mt FTtIIrkT:ffi va: ffitT:
Inelrffirefr*fir* tqr*eTRi qr
ffi qqfr*:
fr :ls[{{fuzftf,FrqF{rh| 3{ITtltEIEr
rr5fu{: fiFrqg.l 1fierrm: ffi rT F€rdt, s[r5g{-
Fdfr t 3drgFulr:r
firffisaffid@ttMsgqTrTfrq-
ffi{rrcfrr@tEr#rrqn
Secretionsfrom ulcers: Nowweshalldescribethecharacteristic
secretionsfrom all typesof ulcers.Secretions from a contusedor
laceratedskin,aswell asfrom an ulcer (confined only to it), whether
spontaneously burstingor surgicallyopened,are thin and watery in
theii consistency.Theyarecharacterised by a raw (fleshy)smelland
a yellowishcolour.An ulcer,affectingthefleshexudesa slimy,thick
andwhite secretionlike clarified-butter.A copiousquantityof blood
flows out of a vein recentlycut, while the incidentalulcer, in its
suppurating stage,secretesa copioussecretion,likewaterflowingout
of a hydrant,which is moreoverdetached,thin, pendent(ropy), and
slimy in its characterandhasa brownor frostyhue.An ulcer,confined
only to a ligament,secretesa sort of cold and thick secretion,like
expectoratedmucous,though sometimesmarked with streaksof
blood.
A bone,injured fractured,or suddenlycrackedby idiopathic
causes(derangement of thebodilyhumours),losesits internalmatrow
andappearsasif washed(losesits naturalgloss).It assumes thecolour
of an oystershell,whereasthe secretions from an ulcer, which is
Chap. XXII SUTRASTHANA

seatedin a bone,arecold andmarkedby streaksof bloodandlumps

of marrow.An ulcer,situatedin anyof thebone-joints,doesnotexude
any secretionunderpressure, but secretesa sortof slimy,pendent,
frothy and blood-streaked pus, when the affectedlimb or part is
flexed,expanded, raisedor lowered,as in running(movingabout),
sitting or standingerect,or at defecation.
An ulcer, seatedin the aMominal cavity (Kostha),exudesa
secretion,which is mixedwith urine,fecalmatter,pusor blood,and
a thin or watery(serous)fluid. Thesecretionsfrom anulcer,affecting
any vital partofthe body,neednot be separately described, as such
a part naturallyinvolvesthe organic principlesof skin,flesh,
etc.; and
henceanulcer,invadingit, mustnecessarily exudea secretion, which
is peculiarto anyof theaforesaid bodilyprinciples(skin,flesh,etc.)
that hasbecomeaffected.6
irr@q?trm{W
rrrstTr(qqfu l
t
ffis -
ffitrf4qrdr{nffi-
[\9tl
. Thederanged Viyu makesthesecretions fromanulcer,seated
in anyof thesevenabovesaid principlessuchas,theskin,flesh,veins,
Iigaments,bones,joints andthe abdomen, respectively coarse,and
roughto thetouch,brown,grey,frosty,or whitelike thecreamof curd,
andcolouredlike thewashings of analkali,like thatof meator paddy
husks.Similarly, the actionof the derangedPitta shouldbe inferred
from the secretionsassumingthecoloursof a Gomedha(a speciesof
bluish yellow agate),or that of the urine of a cow, or that of water
saturatedwith theburntashesof conch-shells or thatof KaO6ya water
or thatof thewineknownastheM6dhvikaor thatof oil, accordingas
the skin, flesh, etc. are respectivelyaffected.The action of the
derangedblood,in changingthe natureof the secretionsof ulcersin
thesevenabovesaidlocations,is identicalwith thatof thederanged
Pitta with the exception,that the secretionsare characterised by an
extremelyfishy smell.
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

In an epidermic(confinedonly to the epidermisof a part) or

superficialulcertheactionof thederangedKaphamanifestsitself by
impartinga butter-likeor a K66iSa(sulphateof iron) colour to the
secretions.Theyhavelardlike hueor a colourlike thatof rice paste,
or that of water tinged with sesamum,or a colour like that of the
internaljuice or waterof a coconut,or a colourlike thatof hog'slard,
accordingastheflesh,a vein,a ligament,a boneor ajoint is attacked.
On the other hand, through the combinedaction of all the three
derangedhumoursof the body(Sannip6ta), thosesecretionsbecome
colouredlike thewatertingedwith thesoakingsof sesamum seeds,or
the internalsapor waterof a cocoanut,or thejuice of theErv6rukaor
the transparentsurfacelayer of rice gruel, or the washingsof the
Arukafruit, or thewatertingedwith thefruitsof thePriy6ngu,or like
the liver or the Mudgapulse.7

"m ?Ef {rtir:-

T€RrF{rd(Ttrs{qr 5en*ffiq:r
qr:rrft{dF{rr:gr* Fqil r-mryrqrqFrll 1a, ,
ilqr{rqr{ ffiqq: t
TtrqT+dqrrfrFrdira: a;rqfu\Fryqr rqr t
Authoritativeverseson the subject: An ulcer,situatedin the
cavityof theaMomenandsecreting an exudationresembling paddy
husksin colour,aswell asonelocatedin thevisceraof blood(spleen
or liver-Rakt6Sayam) and exudinga secretionlike alkalinewater,
shouldbedeemedincurable. Similarly,anulcerhavingits seatin the
cavity of the stomach(AmdSaya),or in the region of the Trika,
(articulation
of theclaviclewiththeintraclavicular
notch)andexuding
a thin,waterysecretion, colouredlike thewashings of Kal6yapulse,
shouldbe regardedas belongingto the sametype (incurable).A
physicianshouldonly takein handthetreatmentof an ulcer-patient
afterhavingexaminedtheabovesaid natureof thedischarges.t-9
qns:EdTrffifiT?Frrr:rffi-
 Chap.XXII SUTRASTHANA

ffiqrttt qrftffiftfrF+srtr @
qi TET* q:r EilqrfirTE:
@ ert
$rtrefu 6'T€ffi qr*itffi rRF*srqt
qr+qr(t e,rrq{Gf ftfi$r; prczrg q:r
@f
ii v*ffirFr fqsrqt rmr qE{fu +{rnf rrlRrTFirgi
vrfurfrrqfrfr F+sr{nqorr
Pain and its character: Now we shalldescribeall thedifferent
kinds of pain, which are experiencedin the severaltypesof Vrana
(ulcers)describedbefore.
V6taja pain : Painsof pricking,piercing,thrashing,cutting,
expanding, gnawing,churning,shooting, tingling,burning,breaking,
bursting,pinching,uprooting, uplifting,quivering,achingof different
types,shifting,stuffing,benumbing, indurating,contacting,
andpains,
of a spasmodic characterare usuallyfelt in ulcers.A pain, whkh
comeson or vanisheswithoutany apparentcause,or is variedand
shifting in its character,shouldbe ascribedto the effects of the
derangedV6yu.
Pittaja pain : A sensationof burning is felt in the ulcer
accompanied by a sort of suckingpain.A feelingof inhalinghearor
vapour,and a burning sensationrunningthroughthe whole body,
shouldbe lookeduponas the resultantof the derangedpitta. At the
sametime the bodyseemsas if it hadbeenstrewnover with bits of
glowing charcoal.The heat or (the temperatureof the affected
locality)showsa steadyrise,anda painlike theoneincidentalto the
applicationof alkalinewater(causticsolutionis experiencedin the
ulcer).
Raktaja pain : Thepainandotherspecificfeaturesof an ulcer
due to the vitiated conditionof the blood are identical with those
developedby oneof the Pittajatype.
Kaphajapain : Anulcer,characteriesed bynumbness, heaviness,
coldness,itching and a slight pain in the affectedpart, and which
seemsasif it hasbeenplastered overwith a paste,andwhichproves
insensibleto touch,shouldbe ascribedto theactionofthe deranged
Kapha.
 S L T S R U TSAA M H I T A

Sinniphtika pain : Thesymptoms, describedundertheheadof

eachof thepreceding humouraltypesof ulcer, exhibit
simultaneously
themselves in theonebroughtaboutby the action
concerted of all the
deranged humours(Sannip6tika). 10
srfrsd qqrdurhqFnqr t rrermffirqst: qs*stvt:
Ersr VFcqmtrqgl *a: ffi ER'il: FTEr: qufr: lffi:
qfqs: firS.€ En rmmgfcr*: I Y*fi: fura: qrrERft
v+sr*zn rr+qqil+fir srFaqrftr*,Efr rrttrr
Coloursof Vranas: Nowweshalldescribe thecoloursassumed
by the severaltypesof ulcers.An ulcer,due to the actionof the
deranged or is of the
V6yu,is roughandblack,red,or ash-coloured,
colourof a bone,or a pigeon.An ulcer,causedby the actionof the
derangedbloodor Pitta,is colouredeitherblue, yellow,greenish-
brown,hlack,reddish-tawny An ulcerdueto the
or flame-coloured.
actionof thederanged Kaphais white,greyandglossy.An ulcer,due
to the combinedactionof the threederangedbodily humours,may
assumeanycolourpeculiarto them.11
ltrffit qt-:T-
q A;Rf ffi *({rclukiTr6: I
Fffig rurffiqrt( ftqqqt rqrr r
Authoritativeverseson the sutrject: Not only in thecasesof
Vra4a,but in all (inflammatory)
swellingsof whatsoever type,the
thenatureof thelocal
physicianshouldcarefullyobserve pain,andthe
colourof the epiderriiis.12
Thus ends tbe twenty-secondChapter of the Su-trasthirna in tbe Su3rura
Samhit6 which treatsof secretionfrom different types of ulcers.
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTER XXIII

:t
sf,elTtT: @f qT@tTFtTrT:,
qcfrerq qrrqq er'erafr; n111
Nowwe shalldiscusstheChapter,whichdealswiththehognosis
of an ulcer(Kqtyikqtya-vidhi-adhy6ya).
I
6* qq;Frni gartr yruradi wr*ffia gFqF*,(sr
!tuIT:,qsfut er gri q*(3urqgqd irFTErcrqrgrfrqf,qr:il?rl
A boil or anulcerappearingin a patientwho is young,muscular
(in frame), strong,or is possessed of an indomitablecourageand
fortitudeproves readilyamenabletohealingmeasures andapplications;
how muchmoreso whenoneappearsin a patientin whomall these
four conditionssimultaneously obtain.2
rrT, qq;q{rrf lrd{qqrilarEr$ guIT ffit E6r;ri
f@erffil
lnu|trdri ffi rflIf{5-$rsht 11g-q.tri
qr6'ffi ffi+dqqr rrEfr,asrtfr;qfgqsrq*qnrTr:I
d ga ffirfra Wn @ Eqar:ilttl
An ulcerin a youngpatientis speedilyhealedowingto thefresh
andvigorousvitalizingprinciplesof thebody;whereastheone,which
appearsin a personofstrong andmuscularbuild, findsa speedyand
zuccessfulterminationowingto theinabilityof theincisinginstrument
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

rocut deepintothehardandtoughmusclesof theaffectedpartandto

reachdown,or in any way destroythe underlyingveinsand nerves,
etc. A strongand vigorouspatientcan easilyendurea considerable
amountofburning pain, etc.and doesnot feel distressedby a strict
regimenof diet. A man of stupendous enduranceand fortitudecan
sustainthe fatigue and worry of even the most painful surgical
operation. Accordingly,a boilor anulcer,appearingin a patientof the
abovesaiddescription,is easilyandspeedily healed,whereas theone,
whichaffectseitheranold,emaciated, or timidpersonor oneof small
strengthandendurance, takestimeto heal.3

rq<T{Fn: Eqiqufr{Tr?urr:| @-
@:ffi
Frcerffisa.Trcqrel gEiFfiqsr: nY tl
Boils or ulcers,which appearsin the regionsof the buttocks
(Sphik),or aboutthe anus,and the organsof generation,or on the
back,forehead, cheek,or lips,orin theregionofthe externalears,or
on the testesor the aMomen,or in the cavity of the mouth,or about
the napeof the neck,or abovethe clavicles,canbe easilyhealed.
Those,thatareseatedin theeyes,or in thegums,thenostrilsor the
exteriorangleof the eye,or in thecavityof the ears,abdomenor the
umbilicus,or aboutanysutureof thebody,hips,ribs,arm-pits,chest,
breasts,sides,or thejoints, aswell asthose,thatsecretefrothy blood
or puswith a gurglingsound,or containanyforeignmatterembedded
in their inside,are healedonly with the greatestdifficulty. 4
ffi@-
#Jfrra:r Errr:<fqfrqr;rF @ nrrr
Similarly,anabscessor anulcerappearing in thenetherregion
of thebodyandpointingupward,or theoneappearing ontheextremity
of scalp(Rom6nta) or aboutthe endof a finger-nail,or in any of the
vulnerablepartsof thebody,aswell astheoneaffectingeitherof the
thighbones(femurs),shouldbelookeduponasequallyhardto cure.
Likewise an abscessor an ulcer affecting a bone of the pelvis
(Sronikanda-Acetabulum), aswell asa fistulain anoopeninginward
shouldbe regardedashardto cure.5
Chap.XXIII SUTRASTHANA

srqfr qrr-
EH frvge-nf yirM qgiF6{r{l
qsn: q-*urfiqEqFilffi qfr qqn: I tq | |
Authoritative verseon thesubject: An ulcer(Vraqn)appearing
inaleper(Kuqthi) orin apersonsufferingfromdiabetes (Madhumeha,
or from Sosaflit : pulmonaryconsumption)or from the effectsof
poison,aswell astheoneappearing in a pre-existingulcer,shouldbe
lookeduponascurableonly with the greatestdifficulty. 6
- Esfigfa&rfrfoqq3
lrFdsqrtrqr:qlgqr€I, ierdrm y*M qr t rfiiqrts
Eser*;Yt*T ffi @ q-dvrd'fr1r€vr:
q,rd{rrqf* frqtqurEFdrs EFil*sr lmrq*r:q?-
TnrqF*rfTdEUI {tetr: ll\! ll
Y6pyaulcers : An ulcerincidentalto, andaffectingtheseatof
any of the following diseases, viz. Avapirtikd(paraphimosis), or
Niruddha-PraklS (phimosis),or Sanniruddha-guda (constrictionof
the anus),or Jalhara(abdominal-dropsy), or Granthi (glandular
infl ammation),andcharacterised by thegerminationof parasitesin its
interior,aswell astheoneappearingin thecavityof the aMomen,or
affectingthemucousliningsof theintestines,or broughtaboutby the
corrosivesecretionsof a nasalcatarrh(PratiSytrya), andinfestedwith
parasites,shouldbe consideredas only admittingof a palliative
treatment.Similarlypalliationis the only remedyin the caseof an
ulcer wNch appearsin a patientsufferingfrom any morbidsecretion
from theurethra(Prameha) or from anyformof cutaneous affections,
markedby wormsin its inside.
Likewisea caseof gravel(Sarkari),or urinarycalculi(SiUA)
in whichtheurineis foundto bechargedwith concretions, or leaves
a depositof sandysediment,cannot be radicallycuredby medicine
alone.A caseof Vdta-kundalikh,A;qtri1i,Upaku6a,Kap[a-36ldka,
Danta-3arkar6, Danta-vesf3,Visarpa,Asthiksata, Uru-kqata,or Vra{ra-
Granthi,maynotperfectlyyieldto medicine alone.In aninflammation
of the gumsresultingfrom the useof poisonoustwigs asbrushesfor
teethQ{iqka$ada) a temporaryameliorationis all thatcanbeexpected
V r l .I - 1 4
2r0 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

from a goodandefficienttreatment.7
qTEIr qrcrr6Errrrqrk qreTElRTrqfif asn I
vFa qrurrtgrqr€ qrrurrqFcfiqrqrrqtta | |
qrr+{ ffiqrqE.qr qrcqt E ?Tq.l
F*''qrqr{ Fr5rqf sq ga ffirrqrr
y'rq11Frrqr qgqfr urro*rbtrrrrgrqr
ffi fursr: qrgdPtr:nqotl
atitspreliminary
Metrical texts: In apatientneglectingadisease
stage,(or otherwisenot observinga strictregimen)evena curable
maladymayspeedilydevelopintoonewhichadmitsonly of palliative
measures, while a diseaseof thelastnamedtypeis soontransformed
into an incurableone.An incurablediseaseunderthecircumstances
speedilyfinds a fatal termination.A patientlaid up with a disease,
whichonly admitsof a palliativetreatment,livessolongasthecourse
of the medical treatmentis continued,and will die almost
simultaneously Justasa propor a pillar can
with its discontinuance.
preventthe collapseof a tumbling edifice,so palliative measures,
judiciouslyappliedby a skilful physician,maykeepoff theirlevitable
in a diseasewhich knowsno radicalcure.8-10
erfig,dqsrcaqqqqrq:tqiqfurs{g(rrf, r:trifu '+sa:q[
@, ; *Fa( u,Fd{r rile{ff+5rrd5g-
qrqffrdT!; srqt EIt
qgfrattrs; @: {lgffitr{
Sgvtrrr;@+qs5iln:rffia-
@drs{rn:,iT@
{qffiF €fRur:; ($urri€rlrnd) rrrg+d-
(€Fil: qyrqEr€IFu fut:6u6qe1,, qfrurqigr€
!l ftT+ qr
frrr:qq,i* r* wqqgGpFi frffiilgrr$dE: tur{Tsrd qr
ffiilttrl
Incurable diseases : Now we shall describethe types of
Chap. XXIII SUTRASTHANA ztl

diseaseswhich are usually held as incurable.An ulcer (Vrana)

croppingup like a fleshytumour,painful and containingpus in its
inside, and which is characterised by a copioussecretion,with its
edgesraisedlike thoseof the genitalof a mare,shouldbe understood
asbelongingto theincurabletype.A condylomatous (papillomatous)
ulcer which is softandraisedlike thehornof a cow,or theonewhich
is moderatelyraisedor elevatedat its base,andsecretesan exudation
of vitiated blood, or a thin slimy secretion,should be likewise
regardedasincurable.An ulcerwith anembossed or heavedupcentre,
andonedippedor fiszuredat its extremityshouldberegardedaspast
all remedy.An ulcer coveredover with shredsof ligaments,and
looking as if studdedwith looseshredsof hemp,shouldbe given up
asincurable.Similarly,anulcerdueto thederangedconditionof any
of thefundamental humours,andsecretinganexudationcomposedof
coagulatedblood, fat, marrowand brain-mattershouldbe deemed
incurable.
Likewise, an ulcer, in a weakand emaciatedperson,which is
locatedwithin thecavityof theaMomen,(Kostha)andwhichassumes
eithera black or yellowishcolour,andexudesa secretioncomposed
of urine, pus, blood and fecal matter, which finds its outlet both
throughtheupwardanddownwardfissuresof thebody(themouthand
theanus)makinga rumbling,gurglingsound,orwhichsimultaneously
secretespusandbloodthroughboththechannels,shouldberegarded
asbelongingto the incurableclass.An ulcerin anemaciatedpatient,
which is situatedeither on the heador in the throat,and which is
narrow-mouthedand is traversedby a networkof capillaries,and
studdedwith fleshyor papillomatous eruptions,shouldberegardedas
incurable.A distinctlyaudiblesoundor reportis heardin theseulcers
which are foundto be chargedwith wind.
An ulcerin anemaciatedpatient,whichsecretesbloodandpus,
and is attendedwith indigestion,cough,painfulrespirationand non-
relish for food, as well as a caseof fractured skull, attendedwith
cough,dyspnoea, secretionof brain-matter,
andsymptomspeculiarto
the concertedaction of the three derangedhumoursof the body,
shouldbe given up aspastall remedy.11
 S U S R U T AS A M I T I T A

Erqk qr*-
qsi Hsq qusrr=irr€qftrs q: s*(r
s{rqNlqur: frs+afrs+(frw{nva: ilqRtl
Authoritative verses on the subject: Atraumatic ulcer, which
exudesa secretionof fat, marrow or brain-matter,may prove amenable
to medicaltreatment,whereasa humouralulcerunderthecircumstance
will prove incurable. 12
snrffat tfr ffir
ffi *rgqdfd ir(srgr€r FTq{ur(uq?rl
xffirqd yr* urifffrriT: yr*: r
T Vr€ T{dftrii gd gq{ Eqrrr.t:ilqY | |
rr f*qrdrqaara qr-i*3fiTTd.:rql
ffitr rdq gqrt-e zTen I tq\ | |
An ulcerappearingat anypartof thebodyotherthana vital one
(Marma),andwhichis foundto invadeitssuccessive elements though
without affectingany vein,bone,joint, etc. shouldbe regardedas
incurable.Justasa tree,thathasgrownoldandthathasspreaditsroots
deep into the soil, can not be uprooted,so a diseasecan not be
eradicatedthathasgainedin strengthandmaturitywith theprocessof
time,andthathasgraduallyinvadedthedifferentessential principles
of thebody.A disease, which,havingbeenneglected attheopmet,has
run on to one of a lingeringor persistenttype by invaclingthe
successive elements of thebuly, andhastherebygainedin strength
andintensity,bafflesmedicines, (of testedandmarkedefficacy),just
a s m a l i g n a n t a s t r a l c o m b i n a t i o n st e n d t o n u l l i f y p o t e n t
incantations. 13-15
srfr*ffifr.gr(gqffq: *tsqlr
sitGdrfqT: q[rd* zrdg-{qrc+ g€: ilqq | |

s{t{fr Frtrsr* {w: {€ Fffinqs tl

Symptomsof cleansedhealthyulcers: An ulcer,notbelonging
to any of the abovesaidtypes,may proveeasilyamenableto the
Chap.XXIII SO T R A S T H A N A 213

curativeefficaciesof medicines, In otherwords,an ulcerof recent

origin is easilyuprootedlike a tendersaplingof recentgrowth.An
ulcer, which is unaffectedby any of the three derangedbodily
humours,andwhichassumes a darkbrownhuealongits edges,and
is characterised by the absenceof any pain, pustulareruptionsor
secretions, andwhichis ofan evenorofanequalelevationthroughout
its length,shouldberegarded ascleansed (asepsised
or healthy),and
divestedof all morbidmatteror principle(Suddha-Vrana). 16'17
q'+€utqffir qer;ilt: ffiar: r
frerrrtsfuffi +rfrfr arnF<fr{ttqz
||
Symptomsof Healing Ulcers : An ulcer, which is dove-
coloured(yellowishdusky),andis not lardaceousat its base,andis
by theabsenceof any muco-purulentsecretion
furthercharacterised
along its margin,and which has becomehard and surroundedby
shredsof deadskin,andpresents symptomsof healthygranulation,
shouldbe lookeduponas in courseof healing.18
trur{r
iqqr{uf qqaai Hqrtsd FfiGir(r rqqn
Symptomsof HealedUlcers: An ulcer,with its edgesfirmly
adhered by theabsence
andcharacterised ofanypainandswellingand
not appearingknotty or glandularto the touch and that has left a
cicatrixof thesamehuewith surrounding skin,shouldbeconsidered
as perfectlyhealed.19
ffi:r
Eqhqfur( rrqr(qnfr EUilri'*fr ffi r t?o| |
Causes,suchas mentalexcitements, as excessivegrief and
ecstaciesof joy, angeror fright, as well as an externalblow, or
excessivephysicalexercise,or an abnormalexcitationof anyof the
deranged humours,or an impaireddigestion,maytendto reopenan
ulcer recently adheredand healed.Accordingly such acts and
conditionsshouldbe avoidedby an ulcer-patient.20
fA gq$fF5arqi rfr{srA qfflq-skffic xfrfrivilsqrrrq: nq?l
Thus ends the twenty-third Chapterof the Siitrasth!rnain tbe Su6rutaSamhitir,
which treats of the prognosisof ulcers.
+++
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTEK XXIV

snrrfr@f rar@tretrrT:,
qefrerq qlrerq wafr: lttl
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter,which dealswith the
accordingto their specificnature(Vy6dhi-
classificationof diseases
Samudde3iya-adhyiya).I
trFqT E[€[rt3-{l-{iferan: rMqfu-crqrqrg I irr
YrF€Iu}S *drF<Fo,wT yfrMt rffiffiS
rrcrfiCqmr qfutgr: vnd Ftr
qrffqqnt.ir€nq: ffin?u
Diseases maybegroupedundertwobroadzuMivisions,suchas
Surgical,andMedical,thatis thosethatyield to theadministrationof
purgatives,emetics,oils, diaphoretics,andunguents.
The useor administrationof medicatedoils andunguents,etc.,
is notprohibitedin a zurgicaldisease,
whileacase,whichis exclusively
medicinal in its character,does not admit of the adoption of any
zurgicalremedy.Only a generaloutlineof the natureandsymptoms
of all diseaseswill be foundto havebeenbriefly laid down in the
presentwork. This work includes within its scopezubject matters
whichhavebeenfully dealtwith in otherbooks@avingonly a general
bearingupon all the severalbranchesof the scienceof medicine).2
C h a p .X X I V SUTRASTHANA 215

[tI
r(g vtam EqrerrgqFTrdFdr t 5r: staFdqTqterq:;
il(In[r<TrF€fl rFr:,q4rqFtqqrif T:,Qvrcrr.+tt:,€!f kf6lct-
!-{iff :,q'r6T{fi r5fi f,t{{cgrf{r:,Fltllr6l-ctlr{tf tEfr ttvu
It hasbeenstatedbeforethatanythingthatafflictseitherthebody
or both,is calleddisease.This pain or
or the living personality-self,
afflictionmaybeeithe,physicaltin itscharacter(Adhy6tmika),or due
to any disturbancein the physical environmentsof a man
three-
lAdnibnautika),or to the actsof God (Adhidaivika)etc.This
fold pain may be ultimatblytransformedinto any of the sevenkinds
of diieasessuchas,theAdi-bala-pravrtta, Janma-bala-pravrtta,DoSa-
bala-prav$4Samghata bala-pravrtta, Daiva-bala-
Kirla-bala-pravrtta,
prav{ta-andSvabh6va-bala-pravrtta' 34
nrrF€mrfrr n @; Ssrst:Yr5ra:;
ftfirFgAqr:-rn-Sctt:,firgrg I q{qfir{flr t qrg{Tqrff{
qrrr*; isfr fgFcqr
rrftil:, teqrrqrrq.ilrg r terqargtr t e{rq;'sgErqr
fi nqr6rtrernnerg;isfr EFEqr:-3ilqrTFrqlren:, q6Flrvrq-
qFr€Tr€Ir qi elrgarftTfrr:[\11
5?qrg',Yq' Fdf{efi:-vrrfr{r'
Aai-Uata-pravqtta: The diseasetermedAdi-bala-pravrttais
ascribedto any inherentdefectin the Semenor the owm of one's
parent,whichformsoneof theoriginalandprimaryfactorsof "being"
and includesleprosy(KuO$a),hemonhoids,phthisis,etc.This type
may be divided into two sub divisions,accordingas the diseaseis
generatedby the derangedpaternalor maternalfactor at the time of
incubation.
Janma-bala-pravltta : The Congenitalor the Janma'bala'
pravqtta typeusuallyfollowssuchcausesasanimproperconducton
the part of the mother during the period of gestation,etc', and
embraces suchdefectsor maladiesas(congenital)
blindness, deafness,

,rrm'Atman"in'Adhyhtmikt"to meanbody
only,and accordinglydesignateall phenomeruthat nay beranifest in tlw body
asAanyann*a.
 216 SUSRUTA.sAMHITA

dumbness,nasal-voice,andsuchmonstrousaberrationsof natureas
congenitalcretinism,andthebirthsof dwarfsandpigmies.This type,
in itsturn,admitsof twosub-divisions,accordingasthedisease is due
to the action of the derangedlymph-chyle(Rasa-krta),or to an
ungratifieddesireof themotherduringgestation, or to hergratification
ofany improperlongingor conductduringpregnancy(Dauhrdyal.
Doqa-bala-pravgta: TheDosa-bala-pravrtra. (idioparhic)type
isduetotheactionofanyofthefundamental bodilyhumouis deranged
by an improperdiet, or resultingfrom thedynamicalenergiesof the
mind, suchas (RajasandTamas,etc.).This type may be classified
undertwo sub-heads, accordingas the diseaseis found to have its
originin theAmdsaya(stomachjor in thepakv66aya (intestines),and
each of theseagain-maybe further divided into two main sub-
divisionssuchas the physicalandthe mental.The threepreceding
kindsof diseases includewithin their categorydisorderswhich are
calledmentalor psychicat(Adhyatmika).5
F$.rilf,dErnr i erFrTql sdFs qeeFrgr{i *fr
ffim:-prr*{ar, atttrqnr€I r qt s{rfufrFftrr: letl
Samghita-bala-Prav4tta: The Traumatictype (Sam_ghita-
bala-pravrtta)includesdisea'ses
thatarecausedby anexternalbiow or
aredueto wrestlingwith anantagonistof superiorstrength.Theymay
be sub-dividedinto minordivisions,accordingasthediseaseis dueto
an externalwound,or to the bite from any fiercebeastor poisonous
reptile,e4. Thesetypesbelongto ttreAOnibhautika type,i.e.(brought
aboutby $rysical causes.6
t5,rF|qfrtr{f,ri@:r tsfr
Ehqr:-qrwrf{mt, erqrqqtqdrs r {acerrgfir t
ffiqrrffir snrdurfdr srrcrtqrs; isflq GF*,-
fuqqyrFtqan;,Mcruars, g€ tfren:-rfsrl-qr,
s{rsRlrfi rgtFn{r€rf,dgErn:
isfr Ehen:-trrr6r, a&Frfi-{-drsI irr
Erer6Fitt:,erun-r$arqdr srfiF{,ilr: I G eilfutk*r: I efir
g.ffiq:ugtl
Chap.XXIV SUTRASTHANA 2t7

K6la-bala-pravftta : ThePeriodicaltype(K6la-bala-prav{tta)
includesdiseases
thatarebroughtaboutbythevariationof atmospheric
heator humiditywith the changeof the seasons,
andadmitsof being
groupedunder two different sub-heads,accordingas the seasons,
which usherthesechangesin, exhibit naturalor contraryfeatures.
Daiva-bala-pravqtta: The ProvidentiallDaiva-bala-pravrtta)
type includesdiseasesthat are the embodimentsof curses,divine
wrathor displeasure,or arebroughtaboutthroughthemysticpotencies
of charmsandspells,asdescribedin theAtharva-Veda. Thistypemay
be dividedinto two minordivisionsaccordingasthediseaseis dueto
suchactsof Godaswhena manis struckby lightning,etc.,or to the
malignantinfluencesof demonsand monsters,and thesemay be
furthergroupedundertwo mainsub-heads, accordingasthe disease
assumesa contagiouscharacter(epidemic),or is purely accidental,
andrestrictsitselfto isolatedcases(sporadic).
Svabhiva-bala-pravqtta : The Natural or the Spontaneous
(Svabtnva-bala-prav.rna)
typeincludessuchnaturalorganicphenomena
as,decrepifude,death,rhunger,thirst,sleep,etc.Thesephenomena
areeitherK6lakrta(timely)or Akirlakrta(untimely).Theyarecalled
K6lak4a whenthey occurat the propertime in personswho strictly
obbervethe rulesof health,and Akirlak4a,whenthey appearat the
impropertime (morbidor premature)astheeffectof unhealthyliving.
Thesediseasesbelong to the Providentialor Adhi-daivika type.'
Thuswe haveclassifieddiseases into theirseveraltypes.7
rrdqrg qrff qrdFrirsfrqruTqq qq, HkS.FTr(
EqqFtarcrtrrra I q?nf6 E-(d 6.',66 fr?r{6frqrafrri
Fsrrsrfu q Eqfrfra*, q3ts4 EFWf F*orrqrd
ffi qrdfuiwaqrqil qffi rtesrrE-
rrd{iffi fr-fisr $rEFilIiwlRM
qriilI ffi frqt-rqrcfrsd,vfrfrrrtr*s{iqi{trcils{i,
frffis{,
I. Accordingto cenainauthorities"Death"moyalso meandeathof tissues.
2. Severalauthortfieson the otherhandincludesuchdiseasesas thirst, hunger,
etc., within theAdhybtmika classinasmuchas theyare but the indicaricinsof rhe
want of cenain vital principles in the body and appear in the mental plane
(Adhyhtnika) only as longings for water, food, etc.
218 SUSRUTASAMHITA

effiprcilsd,Tqfrsi, gat*srf, qrfuRfr nen

The derangedbodily humourssuchas,Vtryu,Pitta and Kapha
shouldbelmked uponastheprimarysourcesof all diseases, inasmuch
as symptomscharacteristicof eachof them may be detectedin the
caseof a diseaseof whatsoevertype, (whichusuallyabateswith their
corresponding subsidence), andalsobecausetheS6stras haveascribed
to them the fatherhoodof all maladiesthat assailthe humanframe.
As thethreequalitiesof Sattva,RqiasandTamasrareinherent
in, and inseparablefrom, all the phenomenalappearances in the
universewhichare,in reality,butmodificationsof theirownqualities,
so the threefundamentalbodily humoursunderlieat the root of, and
run through,the courseof all knownformsof bodily distemper.
Thederanged bodily humours(Dosa)in contactwith thedifferent
elements,(Dhatu)andexcrements(Mala)of the body,togetherwith
the differenceof their locationsandpathologicaleffects,give rise to
the differentformsof disease.2
The noinenclatureof diseasedependsuponwherethe affection
of the several elementaryprinciples of the body by the deranged
bodily humourslies,andwhich is accordinglystyledasit is seatedin
thelymph-chyle,or in thebloodor the flesh,or it is in fat, bone,or in
the semen.8
-Effir€-EfiilrfrraiF(-
qrr5ftr-qrfiqiq-
rr!-drtrrc+wwTF*q'nr:r R r I
RasqiaDistempers: Distemperssuchasaversionto, andloss
of relish for food indigestion,achingin thelimbs,fever,nauseaand
a senseof repletion even without food, heavinessof the limbs,
diseasesaffecting the heart,jaundice, constnrctionof any internal
passageof the body (Mtrrgoparodha),emaciation of the body

I. Tlu Sevu: Illuminating or psychicprinciplc. Rgjas: Principlc of Action and

Co-hesion.Taws : Pincipk of Ncscienceor lllusion.
This awwers tlu quc-stion,"How can thc dcrangcdbodily humoursbin6, about
a diseasc of tlw idi-Uata-rype-a disease which is specificalty duc to tlw
derangcnuntof thc innate and prinaty factors of life."
Chap.XXIV SUTRASTHANA 219

(cachexia),bad taste in the mouth, weak feelings in the limbs,

prematurewhitenessand falling off of the hair, and symptoms
indicativeof seniledecay,shouldbe regardedashavingtheir seatin
the derangedlymph-chyle(Rasa).9

Tft'-
Ersqr !.{gq+sqffirgl lqo| |
Raktaja Diseases: Maladiessuch as Kustha (cutaneous
affectionsin general),Visarpa(erysipelas),Pi{ak6(pustulareruptions),
MaSaka, Nilika, Tilak6laka(specks),Nyachha(tans),Vyanga(stains),
Indralupta(alopecia),enlarged-spleen, Vidradhi (abscess),Gulma
(abdominal glands),V6ta-6onita (a kind of leprosy),ArSa (piles),
Arbuda (tumours),achingof the limbs, menorrhagia,haemoptysis,
etc.as well as suppuration in the regionsof the anusandthe penis
should be deemedas having their origin in the blood (Raktaja)
contaminatedby the derangedbodily humours.10

qrFdwn: tRt t l
M6nsaja-Diseases : SimilarlyAdhi-m6nsa,
Arvbda,Arf a,Adhi-
jihvfl, Upa-jihvir, Upaku3a,Gala-Sundikzr,Alaji, Mansa-sahghlta
(condylomatousgrowth), Ostha-prakopa, Gala-ganCa,Ganda-mii6
(scrofula),etc.shouldberegardedasdiseases havingtheir seatin the
flesh,vitiatedby the derangedbodily humours.11

Medaja-Distempers: Diseases, suchasGranthi,Vrddhi,Gala-

ganda,Arbuda, and Oqlha-prakopaare due to the action of the
derangedfat. Madhu-meha(diabetes),obesity and abnormal
diaphoresis,etc. shouldbe regardedas having their origin in the
humourderangedfat of the body. 12
:lltlll
Asthija-Disease : Adhyasthi,Adhi-danta,Asthi-toda,Asthi-
fula andKu-nakha,etc.arethediseases which shouldberegar.dedas
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

the outcomeof the derangedbodily humoursaffectingthe bones.13

Tq-
*rqr: nqY | |
Majjadoqaja Diseases : The vanishingof sight, epilepsy,
vertigo, conjunctivitiesand the appearance
of a broad-basedulcer
aboutthe Parvasthlnamand a senseof heavinessin the thighsand
knee-jointsshouldbe regardedas havingtheir seatin the deranged
marrow. 14
nAqqr:tn\tl
Sukra-doqaja: Diseasessuchas,impotency,entireaversionto
sexualintercourse, (seminalconcretions),
Sulcr66mari Spermatorrhoea,
andotherseminalaffections,shouldbe regardedashavingtheir seat
in the derangedsemen.15
\
RIIeftrlRIatT: I
: t g&i€rn-qTEF:,
ffififfitrlrFilMtrFnr: ntetl
Cutaneousaffections,constipationor looseness of the bowels,
anddiseasesimpedingor arrestingtheproperfunctionsof the sense-
organsor in any way bringing about their aberrations,should be
regardedasrespectivelylocatedin thereceptacle
ofthe faecesandthe
senseorgans.
Thus we have brlefly enumeratedthe na.mesof diseases,the
specificnatureandsymptomsofwhichwill befully discussedlateron
undertheir respectiveheads.16
$rqfr qr,tr
Efurr{r G t'sruri Vrfrt qRerracrtr
?itFff:, €*gqr(ffi1qstl
Authoritative verse on the Subject : The derangedand
aggravatedhumours,freely coursingthroughthebody,give rise to a
diseaseat the place in which they are incarceratedowing to an
obstnrctionin their naturalpassage.17
qtdg fu$n€q- fti qrdrtr Eq{rfr{rs fi16a:
Chap.XXIV SUTRASTHANA 221

rfvtq:@ qr Ffr?qR fTs: rffiq: sr(d€ Fnwgn:

wd q{ yrFqrr:Q:; 3TetrefaTelT qrdrtr vqrrftrgrq*
ffi .r Erqfrfrqdr qE.qt Errdtqdqtrffi
xFrrfrfr, iFT I rt/ | |
Now it may be againasked,whetherthe relationof a disease,
suchasfever,etc.with thederangedbodily humoursis constantand
inseparable,or otherwise.All humanbeingswould be in dangerof
perpetuallyf'allingill in the eventof the said connection(relation)
beingconstantandunseparable; existence,
butin caseoftheir separate
it is but naturalthat their characteristicsymptomsshouldseparately
manifestthemselves insteadof beingsimultaneously presentwith
fever, etc. as they are found to be in reality. And accordinglythe
theory,that diseases (suchas,fever,etc.)and the derangedbodily
humourshavea separateexistenceandarenotprimnfacieintimately
co-relatedwith oneanotherfalls to theground.Ontheotherhand,the
assumptionof their separateexistenceinvalidatesthe incontestable
conclusion,'thatdiseasessuchas, fever, etc. are fatheredby the
derangedhumoursof the body. 18
3rffi-tqqyflr@Trq q{rd n q-qfi6, srsr ia I
F+s: iitE!l-€r;;-{errfA @ ycff@nT q
$rqfr, rnqqrq,rfr q,.'flfua retk, srsr ia frfrrcqm
q+$F{R'Fdt@galannfrriqtr{qrg
3Te[ q f{futrfi
q$(qfififr n3qil
Henceit maybesafelyassertedthat nodisease
canoccurwithout
the direct mediationor intervention
of thederangedbodily humours.
Yet the connection(relation)which existsbetweenthetwo is neither
constantnor sdparable.As the physical phenomenaof lightning,
storm, thunderand rain can not happenindependentlyof the sky
(cloud);andyet they sometimes do or do notoccurwith thepresence
of a cloud;againasbubbles,thoughin realitybutthemodificationsof
theunderlyingwater,do not swellup on its surfaceat all times,sothe
connectionbetweena diseaseand the bodily humoursis neither
universallyseparableor inseparable. 19
 sUSRUTAsAMHITA

TqFd qrr
ffi'q1 rs wgantr EQrqlf2rql
ffi Te qqtqrqrg qegtnRotl
Authoritative verse on the subject : We shall describethe
nature,intensityandqualityof diseaseswith their complicationsand
give the numberof their different types.Diseases[omitted to be
mentionedin the chapteron Nid6na(aetiology)]will be found tully
dealt with in the supplementarypart of the presentwork (Uttara-
tantra).20
fn g5ffidrqf qr{qr+ Errfur5|vftq}rrq qgFHvilsqrq:rrvl
Thus cnds thc twenty-fourthChapterof thc Su-trastb6na in tbc Su3ruta
Sahhita wbich treatsof thc classificationof diseasesaccordingto their spccific
natur€.
 sUTRASTHAN^q'
CHAPTER XXV

ffi:r
d Qr@lf@ffrt3,
qsilqrq r+rrqrt erq<Rt' ttttt
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter,which dealswith the
eight different forms of surgical operations(Aq(avidha-Sastra-
Karmanya-adhy6ya). I
iigrqrr<trgftr:ffi;1

qrrcf,.affim:ll
Metrical Texts : Bhagandara, SlaismikaGranthi,TilaklLlaka,
Arbuda, Ar3a, Carma-Kila, Jatumani, Minsa-Samgh6ta,Gala-
Sunthikl,Valmika,Vrana-Vartma,Sataponaka, Adhrusa,UpadamSa,
Mlnsakandi,Adhimbnsaka,aswell asailmentsdueto the lodgment
of a foreignbodyin thefleshot a bone,anda sloughingof ligaments,
flesh or veinsarethe diseasesin which incision(Chedya)shouldbe
made.2
rtsr ffisq* g*qrq:yrrqtaq: I ty | |
sTrH n Mg F6{Tr qkErFle'r: t
yWsqr: Yill': w+ffiscr*m: I l\ ll
Essfursg{r+qr5+F+gqR"fr rffiSr
 S U S R U T As A M H I T A

yr.r{r; Uffr'nry g5zt dr$firril t E t l

Effi-fr firdrg {d t q yqrfuur: I
@tq*fi,stl
Bhedya : Excision(Bhedya)shouldbe resortedto in the
following diseases,viz., Vidradhis,the threetypesof Granthiother
than the S6nnip6tikaone,Visarpaeitherdueto the derangedVdyu,
Pitta or Kapha, Vr.ddhi,Vid6rikl, Prameha-pidak6, swellings in
general, diseasesaffecting the mammaryorgans,AvamanthakA-
Kumbhikl, AnuSayf,N6di,ttretwo typesof Vrnda,Pu$karika,Alaji,
Ksudra-roga(all minor cutaneousor pustulardiseases),the thre'e
typesofPuppu(a, T6lu-pupputa, andDanta-pupputalTundikeri, Gil6yu,
andthediseases whicharecausedby suppurationin thelocal fleshor
anysoftpartof thebody(suchasfistula-in-ano), aswell asstonein the
bladderanddiseases dueto a deransement of fat,t 4-7
*qrffi* tFtuq, Fq-crcgqFrlAqrr
+N tl;ileqltr rrRrffiFqFAqTtr
3'rgrk qusci ffi qtrftffit6Qnt te | |
Lekhya : Thezurgicaloperationknownasscarification(Lekhya)
shouldbe resortedto in thefollowingdiseases,
viz.,thefour typesof
Rohini,Kil6sa,Upajihv6r, diseaseshavingtheirseatin thederanged
fat, Danta-Vaidarbha, .Granthi,Vrana-Vartma, Adhi-Jihv6,ArSa,
Mandala,M6nsa-kandi, andMdnsonnati. E
icqr: Frrr q€fEqr Tn{k{Et<r{l
ssrr qrgq: TYriaFtIEarr t r t1r r
Vyedhyana : The Surgicaloperationknown as Vyedhyana
(aspiration)shouldbemadeuseof in connectionwith a vein,or a case
of Dakodaram(abdominaldropsy),or Mulra-Vfddhi (hydrocele).
Diseases,in connectionwith whichtheprobeor thedjrectorshouldbe
used,areN6dis(sinus)andulcerswith anyextraneous or foreignbody
lodgedin their inside,and thosewhich follow abnormal0ateralor
oblique)directions.9

L Granthi (gland), Galaga4la (goitre), Vqddhi(scrotal tumour)Apacf Gcrofuta)

andArbuda(twnour)are thefat-oigined diseasescontemplated as instances.
Chap.XXV SUTRASTHANA

sTr6rqt:Vrcfork* EFrfiutqdwFfr |
yr€rR q'drtsqfsr* frFq?i gtttton
Anarya : TheprocessknownasAh6ra4a(extractionor drawing
out) shouldbe adoptedin thethreetypesof Sarkard,lin drawingout
any morbidmatterfrom betweenthe teethor from the cavity of the
ears,or in extractingany foreignmatterfrom its seatof lodgmentin
thebody,or a stonefrom thebladder,or in drawingout fecesfrom the
constrictedanus.or a foetusfrom theuterus,(asin thecaseof a false
presentation or difficult labour).10
tSIrqTF*Eerq:qg Erlg: grc*wrgtr
Esrhanll: rrFT: fMqvHtrc: tRq| |
sffi
{r@frrr{n; frstlEr5 VilftrrfrqI
sffr ffis trprqrF{r€ trntrr
Tefwqgtqqvn: Tir;Rtrn ffiq1r
vftfufr rrds1rq{i t5'ozcrr:E;Frq<o: nqt tl
qaa€: *q5vr: rfrarfr Eqlqfe: I
@:q(*rnSlFTVr:tRytl
Srivya : Secretingor evacuatingmeasures (Sr6vya)shouldbe
adoptedin the following diseases,viz, the five types of Vidradhi
exceptingtheS6nnip6tikaone,Kusfhaof whatsoever rype,derangement
of the bodily V6yu with pain in the affectedregion, inflammatory
swellings restrictedto a,nyparticular part of the body, diseases
affectingthe earlobes, Sleepada(elephantiasis), blood poisoning,
Arbuda (tumours),Visarpa (erysipelas),Granthi(glands dueto anyof
the derangedV6yu, Pitta, or Kapha)the threetypes of UpadamSa
(gVnhilis),Stana-roga(inflammationof the mammae),VidArikh,
Sau;ira, Gala-S6luki,Kantaka,Krmi-dantaka(worm-eatenteeth),
Danta-veqta(inflammationof the gums),Upaku3a,SitaOa,Danta-
pupputa,diseasesof the lips originatedthroughthe action of the
deranged blood,Pittaor Kapha,anda varietyof otherdiseases passing
underthe denominationof Kludra-Roga (minor ailments).11-14

1. Suchas uinary calculi, calcareiousdepositson the teeth,and Pbda-Sharkarh

Vol. I-l-5
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

{taT +{:rr5engfiran:gfrfufir rrEr:I

gstEuns t +{ qsqFsrd{qrFrdr: I tq\ | |
Slvya : Suturing(Sivya)shouldberesortedto in thecaseof an
open ulcer due to the action of the derangedfat after its vitiated
contents(morbidmatter)hadbeenfully scrapedout, aswell asin the
caseof an uncomplicated(curable)Sadyovrana(woundor instant
ulcer) at any of the joints which are connectedwith the acts of
movementor locomotion.15
r qtrflfiqfu*{Fr a Er qr5-reTF6{:I
ffid{Tfrdvr€rg fu urzrl ffirttrnq ||
qsqfur lTha q(uqe rl
sr6drh Tfrs{Ft qrqt tr qsr{l
s-ql frRqr: E{Kgridqffiqr ne | |
Conditionsof Suturing: An ulcerincidentalto theapplication
of fire (cautery)or anyalkalinepreparation(caustic),or treatedwith
qnypoisonousdrugor substance, or from whoseinsidetheembedded
Salya(foreignmatter)hasnotbeenremoved,shouldnotbesewedup
withoutbeingthroughlycleansed andpurified(asepsised) inasmuch
asanyforeignmatter,whethera hair,nail or a particleof dustor bne,
lying embeddedin its cavity,might setup an abnormalsuppuration,
accompaniedby extremepain and excessivesecretion.Hencesuch
ulcers shouldbe throughlycleansed(andall foreignor indigenous
morbid mattershouldbe extractedtherefrom)beforebeing sewed
up. lGlt
Tfr qqf qFq rqrqRranqenfuril{r
ffi{W+q q}"r q*qTvrtrfi-s ETrI tqj | |
tnqr qreT ET$T: I
qatggffi rfi-+(*ffi nft3111otl
*.iqtrffi r{ialfr rfrs(qrEairE+ql
E-SIF{rqcfr *q znrrftrncr|q r$r r?t | |
tfrriqrrR wqt ra ff* frrsqggFrqr
3{r{ril rudr qgr qiF& qTfr Y.FsfiiltRRrl
C h a p .X X V SI fT R A S T H A N A

Frdr qdq,-cr4t+{*qR'l
Vffiqaen:q*dqrnn:gsqrF6f,r: I lRl ||
Mode of Suturing : Thenhavingpressed the ulcerup into its
proper position, it should be suturedwith strings of any of the
following kinds,viz.of thin cottonthread,of thefibresof theASmin-
taka tree or hempplants,or of the Atasi, Mu-rv6r or Guduti, or with
stripsof leather,plaitedhorse-hairor animalsinews,into any of the
officinal shapes(of suturing)knownas the Gophan6,Tunna-Sevani
and Rju-Granthi,etc.or as suitedto the shapedandpositionof the
ulcerated part.Themarginof theulcershouldbegentlypressed close
with thefingersduringsuturing. A roundneedle to the lengthof two
fingers'width shouldbe usedin sewingup an ulceroccurringabout
anyjoint or in a partof thebodywherethefleshis thin andscanty.A
needleof a triangularbody(tri-hedral),andmeasuringthreefingers'
widthin length,is recommended in thecaseof anulcerappearing at
any fleshypart of the bo<ty.A semi-circular or bow-shaped needle
shouldbeusedin a casewheretheseatof theulcerwouldbefoundto
be on the scrotum,or on theskin of theaMomen,or aboutanyof the
Marmas(vital parts),19-23
: lRy tl
Needlesof thesethreeshapesshouldbe soconstructedasto be
fitted with sharppointscapableof beinghandledwith the greatest
ease,havinga girth equalthatof thestemof a Mhlatiflower.24
arRr{t Frq,e qr r1fi ffir cm}qt
EnR @.rgfiqrr?\ll
3[sr qRilsrr+(l
Tt{RkT:llRq ll

vrffiffi qtqc{rh{trt gr:l

rfrquf qQrrfrrf@ttRetl
The needleshouldnot be pricked into a part too near or too
remotefrom thefissure,or themouthof anulcer,astheremightbethe
danger of the suture being broken off (at the least pressureor
movement)in the first instanceandof genesisof pain in the second.
 S U S R U T As A M H I T A

An ulcer, thusproperlysutured,shouldbe coveredover with cotton

and dusted over with a pulverisedcompoundconsistingof the
powdersof Priyangu,Afrjanam,Yasty6,trva and Rodhra,or with the
ashesof a burnt pieceof Ksaumacloth, or with the powdersof the
Sallaki fruit. Then the ulcer should be properly bandaged,and
measuresand rules regardingthe regimen of diet, and conduct
previouslylaid downin thechapteron thenursingof anulcer-patipnt
(Ch.XIX.) shouldbe adoptedandobserved.25-27
Rfq$qq iFC wqr*{ rfttftfilr1l
Faffiga,r@tF{51rFilseerfrr t?a| |
The eight kinds of surgicaloperationshavethus beenbriefly
described.
Theywill be dealtwith lateron in theChikitsita.28
ffirRri Fcdq E rn:r+fiqrnr{: I
qdrgrr*sdq* EFffir qrqE: Sfir: n?q tl
DefecdveSurgicalOperations : Theseeightformsof operations
may be attendedwith dangersof four differentkinds suchas those
arisingfrom aninsufficientor overperformance, or fromtheslanting
or obliquedeviation(of theknife or theinstrument),or from anactof
self-injuryon the part of the physician.29
qr*: r
qqreg*d ftrqq$'Riw lr ttqqE*fu*rq r t{o | |
ti@@r
ftt$Fqf*rd qq +€f@r rrq| |
A physician(zurgeon)makinga wrongoperationon thebodyof
his patienteitherthroughmistake,or throughthe wantof necessary
skill or knowledge,or out ofgreed, fear,nervousnessor haste,or in
consequence ofbeingspurnedor abused,shouldbecondemned asthe
direct causeof manynew and unforeseen maladies.A patient,with
any instinct of self-preservation,
would do well to keepaloof from
sucha physician,or from one who makesa wrong or injudicious
applicationof the cautery,and shouldshunhis presencejust as he
would shuna conflagrationor a cup of fatal poison.30-31
Chap.XXv SUTRASTHANA 229

+€ 3.{i ffi qntm*1Q*Rrqfutr:rargqqRq*q r

ffi grq qrfr{ vrdrEgvarqrrqr6erRr{t t?ltt
On theotherhand,a surgicaloperation,carriedto excess,(or a
surgicalinstrumentinserteddeeperthanwhatis necessary is attended
with thedangerof cuttingor destroyinga vein, ligament,
bone, joint,
or any vital part of the body. A surgicaloperationby an ignorant
surgeonbringsabout,in mostcases,the instantaneous deathof the
patient,or consignshim to the pangsof a lifelong death.32
rFr: 9etrrrrqa{ ydGt ffi wnfurfrqrarrrl
g€|rs.ilr @ rnfr arcq-drgiffkrT:I t??| |
t,ergr'|EaEffir
qvn"*rg.t'qfr F6qT*gsrqrq*..+g Fagguql rQy| |
d;rfrqeftrf yt5i Tni s+( t qrir€ EnlI:I
qtifr tFrqfrFerqqdnrfuF rgFr;rrerrerfr{rg I r1qr I
Thesymsomswhichgenerallymanifestthemselves in connection
with theinjudicioushurtingof anyof thefive vital partsorprincipales
of the body (suchas the joints, bones,veins,ligamenls,etc.) are
vertigq delirium,lossofbodilyfunctions,semi-insensibility (comatose
state),incapacityof supportingoneself,cessation of mentalfunctions,
heat,fainting,looseness of thelimbs,difficult respiration,excnrciating
painorpainpeculiartothederanged Veyu,secretionof bloodorathin
waterysecretionlike thewashingsof meatfromtheinjuredpart,orthe
organ,with comaor inoperativeness of all the senses.A veinl (Sir6)
any way severedor injured is attendedwith a copious flow
Qr,aemorrtr,age) of deepredblood,resemblingthehueof thecochineal
insect,from andulcer;andthe derangedlocal V6yu readilyexhibits
andushersin diseases
all its essentialcharacteristics, whichhavebeen
enumeratedunder that head in the chapteron the descriptionof
Olood.) 33-35
Ehtewivrftrrer{rqffrq: ffiinrqgar E-qI I
Fq{rqFnt}
ffi qs qrfr ii Frgfui g{d Eta*+tt tlq | |

L Other than the orw situaredin any of the abovesaidvital pans of the body.
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Similarly, an injured ligament gives rise to a crooked nessor

bending of, as well as to a gone feeling in the injured limb or organ,
attendedwith pain and loss of function, and the incidental ulcer takes
a long time to heal. 36
viimftrgFcqgEr E-qI treref,er;
"rdg
ffi r
e*S TrFEffiin:areg srqqFqEirffi€ fuffq I t?e | |
Fanf<igvatwcerrg r rTfiififu |
Esm$'sr+ sqglrtq?aqRqfuilFd erq*( | t?e| |
An abnormal increasein the ltrcal swelling, together with an
excruciatingpain,lossof strength,breakingpain in thejoints, and in-
operativenessof the affected part, mark the wounding of a flexible or
immovablejoint. Similarly, in thecasewherea boneis hurt or injured
in the course of a surgical operation, the patient is tormented with
indescribablepain, day and night, andfind.sno comfort in any position
what-soever.Painandswellingspecificallymark theaffectedlocality,
and thirst and inertness of the limbs add to the list of his
sufferings. 37-38
qsn*effi Fcqgrytr{ rnffircrHgt
rrytq qnrfr @trqigErfuFrdrk! Iqr(t ttq | |
. A caseof any injured Sirir-Marma (vital venal or arterial
combinationorplexus) exhibitsthesamesymptoms whichchatacterise
the hurting of a singlevein, as previouslydescribed.Lossdf actual
perception(anaesthesia), anda yellowishcolourof theskin markthe
casewheretheinjury is confinedto thevital principleof theflesh.39
qrf,H+dtq qqqqrfr vnasr+ EffrR uo{ q*11
itqrdtqrTrffidii E*Ej @: I lYo | |
Apatient,whois discreet,andis notin a specialhurry to endhis
earthly sojourn,would do well to shunthe presenceof a bungling,
unskilfulsurgeon,whocannotevenkeephimselfunhurtin thecourse
of a surgicaloperation.40
ftt dqrfrrFdt vrA ftnr T*gqrail:l
ilsr(qR-fqdtqq€sffitqrfla1l lxq | |
 SOTRASTHANA
23r
Chap.XXV

a surgical
The evils, which attend the oblique insertion of
careshould
instrument,havebeendescribedbefore;andaccordingly
occurence of those evils in
be takennot to leaveany room for the
connectionwith a zurgicaloperation'41
qrtr{ ffi grq qrffir<fr zq$: I
e{ffiryr*.a *A ffifr ?llYRll
fugwaffi{rf,ri "r +{ ffit
iR{r{ g-fqt+i firq{l lY? | |
qrfia<rgt
qqf"fi atF{rsd Fdi TagTIIilET{I
vlqrrr( e{erss Fecqnq q,dunl IYY| |
EFdune,ts*{ Enqi qfqftfirwqr t
frqr: srqh qPsagnm 6dfu' I lY\ | |
sons-and
The patient, who may mistrust his own parents'
in hisown physician' andput
relations,shouldreposeanimplicit faith
hisownlifeintohishandswithouttheleastapprehensionofdanger;
nencea pnysicianshouldprotect hispatientashisownbegottenchild'
may requiretwo'
A zurgiial casemay yietOto a singleincision'or
By doing good
tlree,-four or morettranttrat numbir to effect a cure'
achieves9l9ty'
to humanitywith his professionalskill, a physician
good and thewise in this life, andshall
andacquirest}replauditsof the
live in Paradisein the next.42-45
rrr qgfrilscarq:fl?qtf
En g*ffirdrqf @
in theSu3rutaSamhiti
Thusendsthetwenty-fifthChapteroftbeSu-trasthina
which treatsof the eigbt fomts of Surgicaloperations'
 SUTRASTHANa

CTIAPTE,K XXVI

3T?Jrfi:@iEr@nRrrT!,
qsilErq wtrdr1 qq:aR:nqn
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter,which
treatsof the
gxgloltionof gplinterslostor deep-seated
in theorganism(pranaq[a-
Salya-Vi.iff
6niya-adhy6ya).I
Yrq.R 3Tt{rrq} qrgqr{q Vmqfrfr Flrqt il(Fff
wrfumrgqguru
Definition : The term Salya is derivedfrom
'.ly1,,'Jlo the root ,,Sal,,or
go swiftly)joinedto theUnddiaffix ,,yar.,,Shalyas
maybe
dividedinto two kindsaccordingastheyareextrinsic(Agantuka)
or
idiopathic(Sarila) in theirorigin.2
qa*grftrrrrrqr vrei, aHrreqg*r giuriir:
vtF{vrrg{l
T{ Ynfii tr€rR qradsryor +qrg gqr: p qpp6fr
ffi qr** .rrerg,qgE5rqqh retfuqrfr
F6
@arfrFdvifu'db*{6**61_
qtrr€reFTtatqffifuWoq;fi*_
GilEr ytr gerftqFe:rrfrr
A Salyausuallyservesto actasanimpedingorobstructing
- agent
to the entireorganism,and,hence,the science
which dearswith its
natureandcharacteristicsis cailedthe sarya-s6stram
lsurge.yi en
Chap.XXVI SUTRAST'HANA 233

idiopathic(Sariia) Salyamaybe eithera hair, nail, embolisedblood

(Dh1tus)t,etc.,excrements (Mala),or derangedhumoursof thebody
(Doqa),while an extrinsicSalyashouldbe regardedas one which
afflicts the body andis originatedfrom a sourceotherthanany of the
precedingones,includingpaniclesof iron andbone,stemsof grass
scrapingsof bamboo,and bits of horns, etc. But an Agantuka
(extrinsic)Salyaspecificallydenotesan articleof iron, inasmuchas
it pre-eminently servesthepurposeof kill ingandisthemostirresistible
of all metals.Sinceany amountof sharpness canbe impartedto the
point of an article madeof iron andsinceit canbe easilydischarged
froma distance,ironis themetalexclusivelychosenin theconstruction
of dartsor arrows.3
€ Efeq: qufr rqqryrg, grlqr @
S€r{.d* qrGrniTr @n;n
Classificationof Shafts : Anows (Sara)may be divided into
two classesaccordingastheyarefeatheredor unfeathered; andtheir
barbsareusuallyconstructed in theshapeof trees,leaves,flowers,or
fruits, or are madeto resemblethe mouthsof birds and wild and
ferociousanimals.4
vdvrenrgrtdrquFiqrvsffi qFcAfre=r@s-
ffi r drfr qqr *rTeilrTr(
yFfrrdr(qr aqrF<$
qqr{€qqRTr*, qr vr+{-
ut*gnru
Flights of arrows : Theflightsor directionsof anarrow(Salya)
may be divided into five different kinds, such as the upward,the
downward,thebackward(comingfromtheback),theobliqueandthe
straight.Either throughits diminishedmomentum,or throughany
externalresistance,an arrow may drop down andpenetrateinto the
skin,arteries,or anyinternalchannelof thebody,or into anyboneor
its cavity, causinga wound or an ulcer (Vrana)at the spot of its
penetration.5
rf wt il(Effisrqrrf
1. Embolism and Thrombosis have been included within Salya by the Ayumedic
Pathologists.
 SAMHITA
sUSRUTA

*fr 6-q;srFnzifirsffirfu ivffiCr*tffi ,vffi rrogrFqui

Tgqfgggut!il+qr(qvtidsqF{fr | rgrtlreteilWT'
tr$nqr *iftIq-t- a'['rt M, vM Frer€ra:
qFdgr E ||
Symptoms : Now hearme describethe symptomswhich are
exhibitedin connectionwith an anow-wound(Salyat-Vrapa)'These
symptomsmaybe groupedundertwo sub-heads, suchasthe specific
and the general.The generalcharacteristics as follows- The
are
ulcer,whichis markedby painandswellingandpresents a raisedor
bloated aspect like a waterbubble, assumes a dark brown hue and
appearssoft to the touch.The seatof the ulcer is seento be studded
over with pustulareruptionsanda constantbleedingsetsin from its
inside.Thespecificsymptoms,whichmarka Salyalodgedin theskin,
arethehardnessandextendedcharacterof thelocal swellingandthe
darkness(discolouring)of its skin. 6
qfwrh vmrgea: vrtqqrrrhqirlar frgqnrRrrJdr
ffi ian tv+<rts)fr dnrvffiqr ffi
fsnern=i firrrvFi ffit rargrrt rafdr+€qof
.lffifuFil*.dgvr5rF*llell
T-{ql
. In a casewherethe arrow (Salya)is lodged in the flesh, the
swellingincreases in sizeandtheincidentalulcerrefusesto behealed
andcannotbearthe leastpressure.Suppurationsetsin andthe ulcer
is characterisedby a sort of suckingpain.2
All theprecedingsymptoms,with theexceptiorof swellingand
suckingpain (thirst accordingto others),manifestthemselvesin a
casewherethearrow(Salya)haspenetrated into a muscle.Similarly,
thedistension,achingandswellingof a veinmarka caseof anarrow-
lodged vein. An upheavaland swelling of its fibres togetherwith
intensepaincharacterise a casewheretheshaft(Salya)haslodgedin
a ligament.The internal passages or channels(Srota)or the bodyare
chokedupandbecomeinoperative,whentheshaftislodgedin anyone
'Sala" to kill.
I. An anow or an iron barb,from
2. Accordingtocenoinduthoriiesthepatientistormentedwithasorofwquenchabk
thirst.
C h a p .X X V I SOTRAS.TTTANA 235

of them.7
Ertr;rr€q HIST r6mrrqar+a: TrYrddr@:
fqqrer EffircEll qfur'rt FdffifirrrSilq: fut
t dafr iilerqbr qFertrh
s{fur*#q(sr Efrqrrt effi {rgffi€
qqlqr(t qffi @ r qprrrftq vrffiE
€qrurrrrgEeThcsft61an
A fl ow or redandfrothybloodwith agurglingsound,accompanied
by thirst, nausea,andachingof the limbs, setsin whenthe arrow is
lodgedin anartery(Dhamani). Similarly,painandswellingof diverse
kinds mark a case where the shaft is embeddedin a bone. The
appearance of goosefleshon the skin,a stuffedsensationinsidethe
cavity of theaffectedbone,anda violentpiercingbone-ache, marka
casewheretheshafthasfounda lodgmentinsidethecavityof a bone.
A piercedjointexhibitsthesamesymptoms asdescribedin connection
with an arrow-lodgedbone,with the exceptionthat the patient is
incapable of flexingandexpanding theaffected joint.In a casewhere
the shaft (Salya) has lodged in the abdomen (Kostha), the bowels
becomeconstipated; theaMomenbecomes distended with arumbling
in the intestinesandthe suppression of flatusandurine;andingested
food matter,as well as urine and fecesare foundto oozeout of the
fissure or mouth of the ulcer, Symptoms,similar to those above
described,manifestthemselves whenthearrowis lodgedin anyof the
vital parts(Marmas)of the body.The precedingsymptomsare but
faintly exhibitedin a caseof superficialpenetration.t
FdrFrilwiqrRqr@ffi
Hqcr q,ua*d:@ r dunrftirqqrqrqr-
FrqrfuqrrdftrdTF{greHrrt rr
An ulcerincidentalto thepenetration of anarrow(Salya),along
thedirectionof thelocalhair,inr thethroat,in anyinternalchannelof
thebody,or in a vein,theskin,or a muscle,or intoa cavityof thebone,
and not in any way affectedby the action of the derangedbodily
humours,mayspeedilyandspontaneously heal;butit maybreakopen
the blood or serumin the localiry.
 S U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

and becomepainful afreshif the bodily humoursbecomederanged

andaggravatedby a blow or physicalexercise.9
ir*i{qrqeffi@
EFq q:r rfuT$ +fiT En qEfr, irr vted qr+qr(l
@sF{TqIqi ffiFqr-
qgtqFfi qt ffi q:r, irr ytFd ffiqr(r qffi
*trffiFr: rfrE
mnrdtpnrr**c qurmui qa rirrs+H ErT
wr€Tfr,inr
q yrei ffiqr(r
qft tcr@qtrr{fr{ig.trniqrffi -
qrqg ffisqfr qrqr(qf, d$s* +flr qr Erqfr,ilr vr€qi
qrfrqrqt s{furrtQ ffi lmsn+s{rrrri
Tt[SqrqiR rrl li{sefr +{Tr qt $rqfr, ilr VrFi qr=fturrqr
dul=ld@iqflq{ur rrefrrrqon
Localisation: Theexactpositionof a shaft(Salya)embedded in
theskinshouldbeascertained by applyinga plastercomposed of clay,
M6sa-pulse,Yava,Godhrlmaandcow-dungoverthe injuredlimb or
part.Thepat 0 imb)shouldbeduly Iubricatedwithoil, anddiaphorised
@y fomentingor applyingheatto its surface)beforethe plasteris
applied.The shaft(Salya)shouldbe considered aslodgedin thatpart
which would be markedby pain,redness,or swelling(Samrambha)
after suchapplication.As an alternative,the affectedpart shouldbe
plasteredwith clarified butter,commonclay and sandalpase. The
embeddedshaft (Salya)is then exactlylocatedat the spot where,
owingto theheatof theaffectedpart,theclarifiedbutter,or earth,or
sandalpastewould be foundto havemelted,or dried up.
Similarly, the modeof localisinga shaft(Salya),embeddedin
thefleshis asfollows:-First,thepatientshouldbeduly lubricatedand
diaphorisedwith medicinalagentssuitedto the requirementsof his
case.Then, the part or the limb having been thus reducedwith
depletivemeasures, theshaftwouldbe foundto havebeendislodged
from its seatandto be movingabout(within thedeepertissuesof the
affectedpart)givingriseto pain,rednessandswelling.In sucha case
theexactlocationoftheshaftshouldbefixedatthespotwherethepain
 Chap.XXVI SUTRASTHANA

and swelling, etc. would occour. The samemeasures

should be
adoptedin thecaseof a shaft(sarya)whichriesembedded in thecavity
of the abdomen(Koqlha),or in a bone,or joint, or muscle.
In thecaseof a saryarodgedin a vein,in anartery,in any
external
channer(Srota)of the body,or in a ligament,the patient
shouldbe
madeto ride in a carriagewith a brokenor roppedoff
wheerand
draggedup and down in it on an undulatingioaO.The pain
and
swelling,etc.incidentarto thejorting, wourdoccurat ttratpart
orhis
body,wherethe shaft(Sdya) is embedded.
In thecaseof a shaft(sarya)rodgedin a bone,theaffected
bone
shouldbe lubricatedanddiaphorisedwith oil andheatrespectivery,
afterwhich it shourdbe firmry pressedandboundup. The
seatof the
pain or swelling,caused suctra procedure,wourd
!l markthe exact
localityofthe embedded s-arya.
similarry,in rhecaseof a ,t utlsuivul
lodgedin ajoint, thesamelubricating,diaphorising, compressing, and
expandingmeasuresshourdbe adopted,and thi painfur
,*iiting
causedtherebywould indicateis exacttocarity.Nodefinite
method
canbe laid downasregardsascertaining theexactrocationora sarya
lodgedin anyofthe vital partsof theborty(Marma),inasmuch
asthey
areco-existing with(theeightdifferent locations ofulcers,suchas,the
skin,theflesh,thebone,etc.)r10
TrrEn;qaerqFqfrq
@

General rule : A painfulswelling,occurringat anypart

of the
body and incidentalto suchphysicalor naturalendeavours
of the
patient,as riding on an erephantor on horse-back,
crimbinga steep
hill, bendingof a bow, gymnasticexercises,running,
wrestling,
walking, leaping,swimming,high_jumping,yawning,
coughing,
singing,expectorating,eructating,laughing,f.u.tising Jip.ar;riya*u
(regulatingthe breathpreliminaryto tt, p*.tice
oi yogaj, t, an
I ' Accordingty^'^irt rniiGi to u, adoptedin connectionwith a shaft (sarya)
lodgedin ony onc of themshoutdbe applied mutatis
mutandisto casesin which
theseMarmas would befound to be'similarty affected.
 S U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

emissionof semen,urine or flatus,or defecation,would clearly

indicatethe exactlocationof the embeddedshaft(Salya).ll
STEFiT qTT_
qRfu tS gwdr gnarsh al
Egt *dpil q:r rTqt Eatsfr ql nR| |
srr$srfr { ?Prmfrryr rTR{efRl
riqrgqrfr qgvrffi vtF{ ARGt(t lql l I
Authoritative Verses on the Subiect : The part of the body,
which is markedby painandswelling,or which seemsheavyand is
marked by complete anaesthesia, or the part which the patient
repeatedlyhandles,or constantlypresseswith his ownhand,or which
exudesany sortof secretion,and is marked by a sortof excruciating
pain,or whichhe involuntarilywithdrawsfrom, or constantlyguards
against(animaginarypainfulcontact),shouldberegarded asclearly
indicativeof theexacflocationof the embedded Salya.12'13
sriqqrsrqvr{5 +Ff Frcqcgnt
ywi Egtr*i trfiqgtr3.{dql RY| |
qvuar uaffi gq.tr qqrlnrf fufusq': t
Ysnr€fir1f fr:rrsFlfr Fqfitqr lq\ ll
A physicial, having tested with a probe the cavity of the
incidentalulceror theinteriorof theaffectedlocality,andfoundit to
be characterised by little painandatrsence of anyachingdiscomfon
or unfavourablesymptoms and swelling,after a courseof proper
treatment,andafterhavingbeensatisfiedasto its healthylook andthe
softnessof is margin,andafterhavingascertained thatanyremnant
of the embeddedarrow can not be perceived with the end of the
directorby movingit to andfrom should pronounce it freefrom any
embeddedforeignmatter(Salya),whichwouldbe furtherconfirmed
by the full flexion andexpansionof theaffectedlimb or organ'14'15
Tq*
sf,{QtrIrdt?Ii E Yr€FeI Vffitr
vr* Fn$qt vrgEnqtr$f,dfuq: Inq | |
 C h a p .X X V t SOTRASTHANA

qrq{+ur*drcrffrF{FdTi g + qRr
T€rk rli qlss A{riiilfr tfrtrqrqe ll
e,rn*i rrdii ard tRrd xgdverqr
Fqr*qrrr( ffi fqiTtq:yinqr(t tta | |
eqrqvfrar Tq* t wils+Evn EdT:I
Adrln: Prfriskt*rcfqrk argF+:I Rq| |
El
yr-€rF{ q ffi* vrfft fqqrft Et tRo| |
A particleof soft bone,hornor iron, in anywiselodgedin the
body,assumes anarchedshape;whereas bitsof wood,grass-stems, or
chips of bamboo-bark,underthe samecircumstances, putrify the
bloodandthe local flesh,if not speedilyextractedfrom their seatsof
lodgment.Bits of gold,silver,copper,brass,zinc,or lead,anyhow
insertedinto a humanorganism,areso,onmeltedby theheatof the
Pittam and are assimilatedand transformedinto the fundamental
principlesof thebody.Metalsor substances of kndred softness,and
whicharenaturallycold,aremeltedandbecomeamalgamated, under
suchcircumstances, with theelements of theorganism.A hair,or a
particleof hardbone,wood,stone,bambooscraping,or clay, which
remainslodgedin thebodyasa Salya,doesnotmelt,norundlrgo any
changeor deterioration.16-20
ffi qgrrFcr{ aqrftlgtrreqgr
feFfrtd *h q: vrei q wr: cfrfrt tRqtl
The physician,who is fully conversantwith the five different
coursesor fl ightsof anarrow(Salya),whetherfeatheredorunfeathered,
and has minutely observedand studiedthe symptomsdue to its
lodgmentin any of the eightdifferentseatsof ulcers(vrana) in the
humanorganismsuchasthe skin,etc.),is aloneworthyof attending
on kingsandnobles.21
VA Wgilffi qrenl rcrczrfqirr{d =ilq qq$vilssqra:lrql
Thusendsthetwenty-sixth ChapteroftheSu-trasth6na
in theSuirutaSamhit6
which treatsof explorationof splinters.
 sUrRAsrHAN.q,
CIIAPTEK XXVII

rrqffisqrq:
3f,eiltT:vreqrr{€r+qqszrFd Qf@[fpffr[3,
q*qrq r1rrE1=1 erqiTR.[ltl
Now we shalldiscourse on the chapterwhichdealswith the
splinters
modesof extracting lSaty6panayaniya-adhylya).1
vred@1 6'ffi-
qrurTd qgEPT |E1agn: | il(.Iefi-Ftqttr: qrtr{ ttE{
qr1qi rfrs"i rFrrd{ f+infqi ir*i ffi yqilFi eftTq{:
@q#frurrr
. Therearetwo kindsof Salyas.A Salyais eitherlooseor firmly
fixedtoitsseatwithinthebody. Weshallpresently speakofthefifteen
differentmodesof extracting a looseSalya, which are asfollows,viz.:
Extractionby naturalexpulsivefunctionsof thebody(Svabhiva),by
suppurationor putrefication@hcana),by excising(Bhedana),by
bursting(D1.,raF),by pressing(Pidana),by rubbing@ram1.'rjana), by
blowing with the mouthof medicinalpowdersinto the affected part
(Nirdhm6pana),by the administrationof emetics(Vamana),by an
exhibition of purgatives(Virecana)by washing(PrakEilana),by
friction with the fingers (Pratimarsa),by straining as at the time of
defeeation(Pravtrtrapa), by sucking(AcuSana)' by applyinga magnet
(Ayask6rnta) andby exhilarating(HarSa).2
:@,
qafrr qffi vrerqF{{glrri q|-dfu€r yfttqr-(qr)-E
 C h a p .X X V I I SUTRASTHANA 24l

rtq T{vilfurfrarn(rfrcan(qrrafrt rr€qF{aqr{ +*{

qK+( qrr n{"{qFrrgqr=i frsff; ffi( qrftrrftrett
uu[;aqr{rFqrh : yqrud*(t

El=tvrglh frH: ITiFTrvr{FT-

@:,
atfr, gurMyWrcr*: r@ ycn6ur-
EnRl fuqnoHr
r€erqRqiTq+fi-
qrrrrfrqsd E{dfrntrr
An embedded foreignmatteris usuallyexpelledfrom theeyes,
etc., by inducing lachrymation,sneezing,eructation,coughing,
micturition,defaecation, andthe emissionof flatus.
A Salya,or anyotherforeignmatterwhichhaspenetratedinto
thedeepertissuesof flesh,shouldbeextractedbysettingupsuppuration
in theaffectedlocality.Theputridfleshwouldloosenthefixtureof the
Salya,the weight of the secretedpus and blood causingit to drop
down.
Theseator thelocalityofa fixedSalyashouldbeopenedby an
incisionin theeventofits notbeingejectedevenaftertheestablishment
of the local suppuration.If the Salyafails to comeout evenafterthe
incisibn, the affectedpart shouldbe pressedwith the fingers, or
medicines,enduedwith the virtue of exertingpressure,shouldbe
appliedover its surface.A particleof any fine matter,accidentally
droppedinto theeye,shouldberemovedwith spraysof coldwater,or
by blowing into it with the mouth,or by rubbingit with hair or the
fingers.
A residueof digestedfood or mucous,a remnantof any food
matter(Ahlrase$a)misdirectedinto thenostrils,or anysmallsplinter
looselypricking thereto (Anu-Salya),shouldexpelledby breathing
hard, or by coughingupwardthroughthe nostrils (Utkisa), or by
blowingthroughthenose.A morselof food,actingasanobstructing
Salyain the cavity of the stomach(AmiSaya),shouldbe ejectedby
rubing @ratimarsa)the fingersagainstthe lining of the throat, or
againsttheregionof theepiglottis,while sucha morselbroughtdown
V o l .I - 1 6
 S U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

into the intestines,shouldbe evacuatedby administeringpurgatives

(Virecana).
Thepusor anyothermorbidmatterfoundwithin thecavityof an
ulcer shouldbe removedby washingit, while incarceratedflatus,or
obstnrctedscybalaor retainedurine,or obstructedf@tus,shouldbe
bornedown and expelledby meansof straining.
Any derangedV6yu or waterysecretionincarceratedin anypart
of the body, aswell aspoisonedblood or vitiated breast-milk,should
be suckedoffwith the mouth,or with a horn.
A loose,unbarbedarrow,lodgedin a woundwith a broadmouth
andlying in an Anuloma direction,shouldbewithdrawnby applying
a magnetto its end.A shaftof grief, driven into the heartby any of the
multifariousemotionalcauses,shouldbe removedby exhilaration
andmerry-making.3
gdgrgnq qt<FTqId qr Er+Erd{ur*{ rqa: yfr-
mrf*s I Tr @ grgftf rnr*qt t
sgRrs.ifu€r @t fficgqrqfr gftf€{: =
@qEwvrfiiwnqr{
Fq*dr u€rWqvr+{ vr'laqrr{rq*urrratEttYil
A shaft(Salya),whetherlargeor small,maybe withdrawnfrom
its place in either of the two ways known as the Anuloma and
Pratiloma.TheAnulomaconsistsin withdrawinga Shalyamthrough
a way otherthanthat of its penetration,while thecontraryis calledthe
Pratiloma.
A Salyalodgedinaplacelyingclosetothe spotofits penetration
lervtrcina) should be extracted through the way by which it has
entered(Pratiloma).Ontheotherhand,a shaftor Salya,piercingdeep
into any part of the body, but not coming out by the other side
(Partrcina),shouldbe drawnout througha way otlter than that of its
penetration(Anuloma).
Ashaft, piercingdeepintoanypartof thebodysoa.storeachthe
other side of the wcxrndedlimb or part, @ut not cutting out clean
throughit owing to the diminutionof its original momentum),and
remaining protruded in the heavedup flesh, should be extracted
Chap.XXvII SBTRASTHANA 243

througha channelotherthanthatby whichit hasoriginallypenetrated

(Anuloma),andby stining or strikingit with the handor a hammer.
The heavedup fleshshouldbe openedwith an incision,whenfound
possibleofbeingsoopened,andtheembedded Salyashouldbedrawn
out by stirring or strikingit with the handaslaid down before.
A Salya,lodgedin anysoftpartof theabdomen,chest,arm-pits,
inguinalregionsorribs, shouldnotbecutopenorstruckwithhammer,
but shouldbe tried to be removedwith the handsthroughthe way of
its penetration(Pratiloma),in failure whereof the Salyashouldbe
extractedwith surgical appliances(Sastra)or any other surgical
instrumedts(Yantras).4
ATqFd qTT-

vffi{ q&+{ qdarl{H(r

qqffrT g6Tt"{rs+€ dtr r\ | |
Authoritative Verse on the Subject : A patient,faintingaway
(duringthecourseofsuch a surgicaloperation),shouldbe enlivened
by dashingcold wateroverhis face.He shouldbesolacedwith many
a hopefulandcheeringword,anda nourishingdiet suchas,milk, etc.
shouldbe givenhim, andhis vital partsshouldbe protected.5
f{dffi qur q.dr @:
rrT:vrFIII{FGT
rft*il Fqa qF{g rttr{grqi @tqtl
ThenhavingextractedtheSalya,theincidentalwoundor ulcer,
the bloodhavingbeenwipedof, shouldbe fomentedwith heator by
applyingwarm clarified butterto its surfacein the eventof it being
found fit to be so treatedi.e., devoidof pain and unattendedwith
further bleeding).Cauterisationshould be resortedto where the
conditionof thewoundwouldindicatesucha measure.After that,the
woundshouldbeplastered(Pradeha) with honeyandclarifiedbutter,
andbandagedwith a pieceof cleanlinen;anddirectionsasto thediet
andnursingofthepatientshouldbegiven(aspreviouslylaid down). 6
Gmmeqf*ori@geguffirr$'
TF{+sT traq ffi Evnfqfirdqu{TtlE.<.€rqFrfr
Tfu vre{ @ qqFTFrhl
 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

@iffiqtrsrl
A Salya,lodgedin a vein or a ligament,(Sndyu), shouldbe
extractedwith the help of a probe.The shaft(Salya),lodgedin the
body and lying buried under the incidental swelling, should be
extractedbyfirmly tyingbladesof KuSagrassaroundits body'A shaft
(Salya),lodged in a spotsituatedanywherecloseto theheart,shogld
be withdrawnby the way by which it has entered;and the patibnt
should be enlivenedwith spraysof cold water, etc. during the
operation.A Salya,lodgedin any otherpart of the body and that is
difficult to extract,and that producespain and local inflammation,
shouldbe removedby cuttingthe part open.7
ffit qrsqa qr<nqiq+qrrttq I
ervr€kiqrqFrck:€sRTfu zrlurvrAErqrvrsqrrs
yF{u.qerg{drdq**-€rswarg'+rgwtrcer*eqryqH
qr qEfurq?ti irTrqr dr-g*( qcfrqrffi{ ffi ++t
vrs$qrfr rEarargqvnurr*m?rRf{dT(q{*etqlrarr
In thecaseof a shaft(Salya)whichhaspiercedinto thecavityof
abone,thesurgeonshouldfi rmly presstheaffectedbonewi& hisI egs,
andpull out the embedded shaftwith all his mightby grippingit with
a surgicalinstmment, in failurewhereofa strongmanshouldbeasked
to.firmlycatchholdof thepatient,andtheShalyashouldbepulledout
with the help of a grippingsurgicalinstrumentas before.
As an alternative,the bottomof the shaftshouldbe tied to the
stringof a bow, strungandfully bentdown;andthe Salyashouldbe
ejectedwith the meansof a full twang.As an alternative,a horse
shouldbe harnessed in the fashionknownasthe Pancdngi-bandhana
(lit. boundin thefive partsof thebody),andtheendof theSalyashould
be bent down and tied to the bridle. Then the horseshouldbe so
w,hippedasto raiseits headfirst, thuspulling out the embeddedshaft
(Salya) from its seat of lodgmentby the jerk of its head. As an
alternative,a high andtoughboughof a treeshouldbe lowereddown
andtiedto thebentendof theshaftasin theprecedingcase.Thebough
shouldbe then let loose,thuspulling out the shaft (Salya)with its
reboundingforce.t
C h a p .X X V I I SUTRASTHANA

f6tt'rr
qernrFft{ q*srt t3 t t
A shaft (Salya),lodgedin a boneand lying protrudedin the
heavedup local flesh (situatedin a place other than the inguinal
regions,abdomen, orarm-pits,etc.),shouldbestinedbystrikingiton
theheadwith anAsthilea roundstone,- a shorthammeraccordingto
certainauthorities), or with a stoneor hammer,andshouldbe taken
out by the way of its penetration.9

tr{ffi;urfh grRr-
tErtq"rr
Thefeatherof a barbedshaft,lying embeddedin a bonesituated
at a part of theorganismwheretheexistenceof sucha foreignmatter
is calculatednot to createany specialdiscomfort,shouldbe first
cnrshedby puttingpressureon theheavedup or protrudedflesh,and
theshaftthenshouldbe gentlypulledout of its seatof lodgment.10
v.Si u,ranrt elra TrS yaTrunFraqra yrdr*,i
dcrmr5g yhdrFfi${: qfrfu fiarfr1.drg.€tqt €rdrE{
wgqqPaqFctit n vmrdnqrT+ddi**rqqr
In thecaseof a bit of shellacbeingaccidentallyprickedinto the
pharynx,a metaltube shouldbe first insertedinto the passage,and
thena heatedmetallicrod shouldbe reacheddownto theobstmcting
shellacthroughits inside.Theshellac,thusmeltedby theheatof the
insertedrcd, would naturallystick fast to it, which shouldbe then
condensedby an injectionof cold water poureddown throughthe
aforesaidtube;after that the rod shouldbe withdrawnthuscarrying
awaythe meltedshellacat its end.
Accordingto certainauthorities,any otherobstructingforeign
matteraccidentallyintroducedinto thepharynxshouldbe withdrawn
with the help of a rod, soakedin meltedwax or shellac,and then
insertedinto thatpassage, all otherprocedurebeingthesameasin the
precedinginstance.1l
qfu ryt€FT(qr@*vto'g*g*o-
qrfid Fqrffii qr€raqr*,rdr(t Trf-*tt?t qFrar(re
246 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Tr*ctaprffii Frar qf vasr arFilqr Tg-{rqTFlqrqq-

qffiq lrqtq{ra: I eraq,rarqq qgcrfiffi ed
yr€e(frqarErf er qgyrffirttn?tl
In thecaseof a boneSalya(zuchastheboneof fish etc.)having
accidentallystuckfastin the throat,a bundleof hair, tied to a string
ofthread,shouldbeinsertedintothegulletofthepatient,thephysician
holdingtheotherendof thestringin hishand.Thena copicusquantity
of water,orof anyotherliquidsubstance, shouldbepoureddowninto
his tlroat, so as to entirelyfill his stomach.After that somekind of
emeticshouldbe givento thepatient,andthe stringshouldbe pulled
outassoonasthebundleof hairwouldbefelt to havestruckbelowthe
obstructingboneor Salya,which would naturallycomeout with the
pull. As analternative, thetopendof a softtwig, asis generallyused
in cleansingtheteeth,shouldbebruisedintotheshapeof a brush,and
thethornor theSalyashouldberemovedwith its help.Theincidental
woundshouldbe treatedby makingthe patientlick a compoundof
clarifiedbutterandhoney,or of thepowdersof theTriphali, saturated
with honeyandsugar.12

5+qr(qntr+(er$F$rTv*
qr Frc*<rgcrqtR?| |
. Thebodyof thepatientshouldbepressed or rubbed,or heshould
be whirled roundby the anklesor generallymeasures,calculatedto
inducevomiting,shouldbeadoptedin a casewherehewouldbefound
to haveswalloweda stomachfulof water(asin a caseof drowning).
As an alternative,he shouldbe buried under the ashesup to his
chin. 13
rrcrvrdgulrarrr*ft wlgffil5qr(
fr qd qr+d qr qrc+qr @ E a,r6rfrs{r(
argr E{ftra: fM q,}qfudr tr Frsqk, FTTrgrd
*,wrq=i rirrrrvrgrwErFc I irqgrar r€s ffiR*i r*
*qvr qsrElna qrfrEi ffiqfrrrqxrr
Strongwine shouldbe given to the patient,or he shouldbe
slappedon theshoulders,
soasto causehim to zuddenlystartin a case
Chap.XXVII SUTRASTHANA

wherea morselof food wouldbe foundto haveobstructedandstuck

fast in his gullet. A tight gripe aboutthe throatof a personwith a
creeper,rope or the arm ofan antagonist,tendsto enragethe local
(Kapha),which obstructsthecavity of thepassage (Srota)prcducing
salivation, foaming at the mouth and loss of consciousness.The
remedyin suchcasesconsistsin lubricatinganddiaphorisingthebody
of the patientwith oil andheat,andin administeringstrongerrhines
(Siro-Virecana),andthejuice or extractof meatwhich is possessed
of the virtue of suMuing the derangedV6yu. 14
$TEF{r qTT-

vt-€r{FdF{frqrs ERrqqr
aqT qaTirtGrg ITErq tR\ | |
auffiErreqrRg:rrrtrqffur qrfr q r
sTrqdilfirrqasrqaft gmarrmFtn!| Rq| |
AuthoritativeVerseson theSubject: An intelligentphysician
shouldremoveda Salyawith dueregardto its shape,locationandthe
adaptabilityof the differenttypesof surgicalinstrumentsto the case
undertreatement.A physiciar shouldexercisehis own discretionin
extractingfeatheredshafrs(Saly-as) from their seatsof lodgment,as
well as thosethat aredifficult of extraction.15-16
qffi: Iqtql q?r FrqH zGr
rren f{gurqr ffi TT*b Fr&qr ns | |
YfrmwfrtrF'dlr: fqffi+aqr
{erd Frrrrgrfr il€qr(Tcn(ftfT&Er Ra | |
A physicianis at liberty to exercisehis own skill and wisdom,
andto devisehisown originalmeansforthe extractionof a Salyawith
he help of any surgical instrumentwhen the abovesaidmeasures
wouldproveabortive.A Salya,notremovedfrom thebodyandIeft in
its placeof lodgment,bringson swelling,suppuration,mortification
of theaffectedpart,anda sortof excruciatingpain,andmayultimately
lead to death.Hencea physicianshouldspareno pain to extracta
Shalyamfrom its seatof lodgment.17-1t
fi WcrtRrrrqtW{qT+vcqrraftil'm sqF.ivilsqrc:rt\er
Tbus ends the twenty-seventhCbapterof the Sritrasthinain thc Su3ruta
Sahhita, which treatsof cxtractionof Salya.
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTER XXVIII

3d€TFivfrsEIr{T:
3{grrfr * ET@ITFITTT:,
q*Erq qrrqq erq"fi:[trl
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter,which dealswith the
e prognosis of anulcer.(Vi parlt6vipari ta-
favourable or unfavourabl
Vra4a-Vijfriniya-adhyiya). I
qilFnF-fftr{qtd gqeflTr€<r qenl
sqrqqk Erfuj acrrftsrfr q5iTr{r rRr r
aft SFrqyqrqrEqra*argefu*erqr
HgI$rqr(t tl tl
Metrical Text : Certain fatal or unfavourablesymptoms
(Ariq(as)' unmistakablypresagethe deathof an ulcer-patient,as a
flower, smokeandcloudrespectivelyheralda fruit, fire andrain. In
mostcases,the ignorantcannotinterpretarightthesefatal symptoms
owing to their extremely subtile nature,or out of ignoranceor
stupidity,or becausesuchsymptomsareverycioselyfollowedby the
deathof the patient.2-3
ttr{€ rrrui G sTg,ftFil(ffi;1
FranuttttY| |
l. The symptomswhich are developedby the derangedbodily hurnows in the
organismofa manat a time whentheyhavepassedbeyondall medicalcure,and
when the body semesas o merc passive back-groundfor those phenomena,
awaiting its impendingdissolution, are catled Arifus.
Chap.XXVIII SUTRASTHANA

Thesefatal indicationsserveas sureprecursorsof deathin a

patient,unlesswardedoffby the blessingsof holy Brl,hma4as,who
are free from low desiresor animal propensities,and are also
accustomedto practisethe Yoga and other religiouspenances;or
deathmay be avertedwith thehelp of menwho areinitiatedinto the
mysteryof concoctinglife-givingelixirs(Ras6yana).4
qsrf+sr qgqr q?rf E,riTr( ffil
arffi'qcrdFg g.{t Er6+ sr: n\ rl
@ vFcqdlrrdrgq'. 1
w* ftqrfr q*{ Eeraqq6{rtilftrrqr n r I
q:qffi fu FI$TFrir:l
*Ed r( il<rqe gflurt: rr€{rewr{ue tl
Many suchindicationsdo not proveinstantlyfatal but bring on
deathin courseof time,just asdiseases,supposed by someto be due
to the influenceof malignantplanets,taketime beforethey become
patentout of their incubativestages.An attemptto cure a doomed
patientis only repaidby failure and the ridicule of the world, and
hencean intelligent physicianshouldmake it worth his while to
carefullyobserveand studythesefatal indications.A contrarietyof
the naturalsmell,colour,taste,(sensation, sound,touch,etc.)of an
ulcer indicatesa nearandfatal terminationof the disease.5-7
r5,€@rg F{g rFqI rTq"nFqfirT:
I
*6qFgr*g r*a E{rfrp;: glFrTtTrftra:nd | |
I{rilRrfr*figqr: ffiEgrs rr'skT:I
iqr: ytftrmm: Tg{*rq( q:qer{-d(ni | |
An ulcer emits a pungent,sharp,or fishy smell under the
respectiveinfluencesof the derangedV6yu, Pitta and Kapha.An
ulcer,derangedby theactionof the vitiatedbloo( emitsa smelllike
thatof iron (Loha-gandhi),whileone,originatedthroughtheconcerted
actionof the derangedhumours,emitsa smell characterised by the
distinctivefeaturesof eachof them.On theotherhand,an ulcer,due
to thejoint action(of thederangedViryuandPitta),emitsa smelllike
that of fried paddy;one,dueto the actionof the derangedV6yu and
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Kapha,emits a smell like that of linseedoil; whereasone, brought

about by the action of the derangedPitta and Kapha, smells like
sesamumoil. All thoseodours,markedby a somewhatfishy character,
shouldbe deemedthe naturalodoursof ulcers,and any other smell
shouldbe held as a contrary or unnaturalone. t-9

F€rt:qr5
1gr1;en gdun EuIT: gar: Itto | |
I

TFrjqT:vsrrqrS xfrfrqrg rr€mr I rqqI I

An ulceremittinga sweetsmelllike thatof wine,or fragrantaloe
wood(Aguru),clarified-butter,J6tiflower,Campaka,Candafl ' otllSot
anycelestialflower (Dvyagandha),shouldberegardedastheprecursor
of death.Similarly,a smelllike the onewhichcharacterises a dog,
horse,mole,crowor a bug,or like theoneemittedby dry, putridmeat,
or resemblingthe smellof earthor slime,shouldbelikewisedeemed
unfavourableor fatal in an ulcer. 10-11
firtr+tcm:r
@,
:r qE*-q tqt f$rqqarlvng"d+qntRtl
Friilrin: ftcm. Iam. fiq|qr: qqfrFr*a: r
(Tt q fffi firtrq rrl vRed+qt R?| |
EErS i rSUrar qmqt qffitr r
wqrqfr r qa{k rrci arlqfuFf+(t ttY | |
A physicianshouldgiveup a casewhereanulcer,thoughit has
assumeda blackish,saffronor Kanku5thacolour(a sortof mountain
earth) through the action of the aggravatedPitta, is divestedof the
buming,zuckinganddrawingpain,whichispeculiartothatmorbiferous
diathesis.Similarly, an ulcer, which, thoughbroughtaboutthrough
the action of the derangedl(apha,hasbecomecold, hardand whitish
as naturalin oneofthe Kaphajatype,shouldbe givenup as soonas
it is markedby a burningpain.Likewiseanulcer,dueto theactionof
the derangedV6yu, and characterisedby a blackish hue and a thin
secretion,andwhichis foundto invadethevital principlesofthe body,
shouldbe abandoned by a physician,wheneverfoundto be entirely
 SOTRASTHANA 25t
Chap.XXVIII

devoidof Pain.12-14
ffigffi!qtr*{qisun:t
aqqfs{tng v{i ls{'rfii ffifr tt 8q t t
t ir qdgwErdr rrqaeef*cFT: t
qa* qrdrf,d qB:rfrtrg i gqn: I Rq | |
qu* qtrr€d {craRel ffi-qT: I
*nftqq{rrT: @:tRet!
tg YrqrEr{T€r<ranI
qurfiT"ttrf Fqi rlfuq1aqAfitfdr: lltz | |
An ulcer, which makesa gurglingor groaningsound'or-one
whichischaracterisedbyanextremeburningsensation,orisconfin
totheskinandtheflesh,andismarkedbytheemissionofwindw
aloudreport,issuretohaveafataltermination.Likewise,onewh
is characterised by extremepain,thoughnot otherwiseseatedabout
surface'
any of the vital partsof the body, or which is cold on the
nougt,anendedwithanextremelyburningsensationinitsinsidean
an
vice-versa,shouldbe deemedthe precursorof death.Similarly,
of a spear'
ulcer shouldberegardedasfatal, thatis shapedlikethebarb
oraKunta(akindofbarbeddartorspear),orlikeabanner'chariot
palaee'15'
horse,or an elcphant,or like a cow,aRox, a temple'ot a
18

gtrn tqrS qd'g I tqi | |

rrrFlt':rdsrtq ffi q t gcnt t

ffir:
rr+dt(dq :{af=ng*qvr: I lRo| |
A wisephysician,with anyregardto his own reputation'should
have_been
abandon. putiint laid up with an ulcer which appearsto
dustedover with a sortoipulverised crust,or who has beenzuffering
from oneaccompaniedUy lossof fleshand cough'
strength' difficult
'f
respirationandalrersionio food.An ulcer,whichoccurring any
at
thevitalpartsofthebodysecretesacopiousquantityofpusandblo
persistent
andrefusesto be healedevenaftera courseof properand
252 SUSRUTASAMHITA

medicaltreatment,is zureto haveafatal termination.19-20

EnWgtffirt*trTr+ffi
[ ?4[
TrqnsrfiivfrsEqrq:
Tbus ends the twenty-eightb Chapter of the Srltrasthirna in the Su3ruta
Samhit6, which deals with the favourable and unfavourable prognosis of ulcers.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTtrK XXIX

3{?Trtr d 4T@tr{EtTfT:r
q?frdrq lTqqq q-rafr:ilqil
NowweshalldiscourseontheChapter,whichtreatsof favourable
prognosisin diseases.
or unfavourable as knownflom messengers.
omensand dreamsetc. (Viparitaviparita-Du-ta-Sakuna-svapna-
Nidar3anlyaadhyiya). I

Krq{t"rtil*rrq-*rnv}ffiq \-t I
Tqr fuT ftftry*E frfirn vqfilfu: u? tl
ffi'il +r*F qrrft€-F{€lg f*kqr
4ttr{ar${Tci gS ar @ <rq*rqrRr}
Metrical Texts: Thefavourable or unfavourable termination of
a diseasemay be predictedfrom the appearance, speech,dressand
demeanourof the messengersenl to ca))tn a phystcian,or trom the
natureof the asterismand the lunar phasemarkingthe time of his
arrival,or from thedirectionof the wind (Anila) blowingat the time,
or from thenatureof omens(Sakuna)seenby him ontheroad,or from
thepctsture,temperamen:or speechof the physicianhimsetf. 2-3
rTrr6rsrgTqquTtqi
Rcrgr: qrffi r
n gE ffidr' *5{ar, llY | |
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

A messenger belongingto thesamecasteasthepatientlshould

beregardedasan auspiciousomen,whereasonefroma differentcaste
clfthedisease.4
termination
wouldindicatea fatalor anunfavourable
air{i d {d+ +*,*,rqf 3iT1r*'r:I
rrft*qtrrgrwr: gTkTtqT T3, rrq-{r: tl
*ei ?r sqq{fa {-dnfr qrfr rredr: n\ tl
A eunuch, a husbandof many wives, a messengersent on a
different errandand incidentallycalling at a physician'shouse,or one
who has quarrelledon the road, or messengerswho come riding on
camels,donkeysor in carts,or on f'ootin oneunbrokenline, shouldbe
looked upon as inauspiciousmessengers. 5
rTrYrffilereRr: qrglrr*r:re: r
eTrfrffifi - Elffiqwffgg:'qtl
;q{rkfirgr sFff{r f+q.dr Wur: r
il\9tl
Similarly,messengers, who call at the houseof a physician,
holdingin theirhandsa rope,club,or anyotherweapon,or whocome
dressed in black,red,yellow,wet,dirty or torngarments, or with the
uppersheets placed or arrangedon their right (Apasavya),
shoulders
or cladin singleclothswithoutsuchuppersheets on,aswell asthose,
who ate possessed of additionalor smallernumberof limbs,or look
disturbedandagitated,or whosebodiesarein any way mutilatedor
such,aslook fierceandhaughty,or speakin a roughandharshtone,
or utter any term implyingdeath,shouldbe regardedas augursof
evil. 6-7
l@tqsr*qrf*trdr{l
ur{ryrarrrnr*r*w : il4 r1
- qAk:qftYwrura: r
q,qrdrramqrRr-ilqrffrcfiTrry t r n r I
1. A Ph7andame ssenger should be despatched to call in a phy si ci an where a member
of the satne communiry wouldfall ill; a householder,in the case ofa patienr of the
same social order; a Brhhmapa, in the case of a Brhhma4a patient, and so on;
whik an infingement of the rule would be lookzd upon as an evil omen.
Chap. XXD{ STT}'AST)IANA

frfrrq* rS f*Rrgral *s+F: I

TinWrgFTtr{r:lltoll
wi qsqsn ar rl$ars+a aBqqr
Td{€rfrf Enfu qtur EKur nerTI tqq| |
sErrrEastdwrqr @Bcr:r
qrrTrqr{r E-{€r {rRfi} Fd{u{on: iltR ll
qqi f<Rrsrsm* ffi{rQ furar:I
*ef rr s$FfFil E.dr€ qrfu rrFdr: ttt? tl
qffi{gq t* iqqd ErTEflrvr;Trll
lq.qqti rrffii er alra.ffir =ilarcqrRy tl
Likewise,a messenger, tearingoff a bladeof grastor a chip of
woodwith his fingers,or handlingthetip of his noseor thenipplesof
hisbreast,or pullingtheendsof hisclothor hair,or thering-fingerof
hishand,or brushinghis nailsandhair,or standing with hisfingersin
his earsor nostrils,or waitingwith his handsplacedon his cheeks,
chestorhead, orabouttheregionsof thearm-pits,aswellasone,who
hasarrivedat thehouseof thephysicianwith bits of humanskull or
stone,or with ashes,bones,paddyhusksor charcoalin the palmsof
his hands,or one, who digs into the earth with his toe-nails,or
wantonlybreaksstonesor brickbats, whilewaitingat thephysician's
house,shouldbe regardedasa messenger of evil augury.
A messenger, who at the time of visitinga physicianfor his
professionalhelpcomessmearedwith oil, or with redsandalpasteor
mud,andcarriesa red garlandor a ripe but saplessfruit, or anyother
thing of like naturein his hand,or brushestogetherthe nailsof his
fingersor toucheshislegswiththehand,or carriesa shoein hishand,
or who appearsto have beensufferingfrom a foul or loathsome
disease,further one, who breathesheavily,or weepsor behaves
contrarily,or standswith the palmsof his handsunitedandhis face
turnedtowardsthesouth,or waitsononelegonanunevengroundwith
theotherraisedandplacedona highersupport,shouldbelookedupon
astheprecursorof evil. E-14
Tt=iqt* yrqr=iqr irfrq€fiS qrs$Fq{l
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

yffivrqrqfri fwi frqsqfu'ral

*ei rr sEr€{Ffi {drR qrfr rr€ilr: nt\ tl
A messenger, reportinghis errandto the physicianwhile he is
facingthesouth,or whois in anuncleanstateof thebody,or engaged
in kindlinga fireor inkillingananimal,orisremaining in anudestate,
or is found to belying on thebare floorof hischamber, or performing
an affectionafterattendingto a call of nature,or anointinghimself
or sittingwith hishairdishevelled,
with oil, or perspiring, or a state
in
of mentalperturbation isto belookeduponasa messenger foreboding
evil.15
eE€ H iA qr Erd drwraqfil
qs{G qraH qr Fq*: Efiil*rg q I tqq| |
errffiqrErsT5-T€ig rrufrg q r
lrgqf qtreqrqrqwf qFER+gq I
'qrfr rrFdr: ttq\etl
*ef q srqfffr qrr*
A messenger, seekingthe interviewof a physicianwhile he is
engaged in offeringoblationsto hisdeparted manes,or to thegods,or
onewhocallsonhim at noon or at midnight,at morning or at evening,
or duringthehappening of anyabnormal phenomenon,
physical or at
an hourunderthe influenceof anyof thefollowingasterisms (lunar
mansions), viz. the Ardra, the ASlesl, theMaghir,the Muli, the two
Purvis,andtheBharani,or onthedayof thefourth' ninth, or the sixth
phaseof the moon(whetheron thewaneor on theincrease), aswell
ason the last daysof months and should
fortnights, be considered as
a messenger of evil augurY,16'17
fig<rFraqr qqre EFTTFI qfrqa: t
tr€art firirfrtg {dr erflSETrtal:
llqz ll
if qE a.qrfr+Sq'ciffiqq,'cr: {rTI: I
\rt{ id qrqrii g-er riArreqg il(lRq tl
rsttg yitg nele q I
s{Fd !il-d+*g (c*acrnrm: r
ffid Fdqrrr{ fu gd6 rrfusfr:1?orl
C h a p .X X I X S U ' fR A S l ' H A N A l)/

A messenger,hot and perspiring liom being sealed near a

blazing fire, and calling upon a physician in the midday, should be
deemedas an inauspiciousone in the caseol a Pitta.jadistenrper;
whereasa messenger of similardescripturnshouldbe lrxrkedup()nas
fr:rebodingthe favourableternrinationof a disease,if rluetclthe action
of the deranged Kapha. The favourablecharacterof a messenger
should be likewise determined in diseasesoriginated through the
actionof the derangedV6yu,' etc.;and an intelligentph.v-sician is at
liberty to exercise his own discretion in determining the r)men.
Similarly in a caseof haemoptysis,dysenteryor any morbid discharge
fiom the urethra(Prameha),the first interview betweena messenger
anda physicianneara reservoirof wateris an omenof happyaugury.
A learnedphysicianshall thusdeterminelhe oniinouscharactert.r[ir
messengerin connectionwith othertlise;rses lts well. l8-2{)
gHr:
{erctcrrcTr: VqrdTqr1ffir: r
HsiqrdirqrHqrq3: ?ir*i6T: qa; I tRq| |
rffi{n6qq: lrrErizri {arAfu: I
@:Faa:yfrrqfuqql
srdq:$.tr FffFleqEil: E6T&-{: qd: I tRR| |
s+ei srqgqqrftf €n tfr q* gFaqr
sr{T{fr * *ef 'H ? tn,*q-{: grr:1tRi rl
'Messengers
of happy augury : A fair andhundsome messenger,
who is clad in cleanandwhitegarments, anclbelongsto thesamecas^te
or spiritual clan (Svagotra) as the patient himself, forebodes the
successfultermination of the disease(for which the medical aid is
needed).A messenger,calling on a physician either on foot or in a
bullock cart, and who is contented,intelligent, capable of acting
according to the rules of decorum, time and circulnstances,and is
independent and original in his thoughts and ideas, and carries
ornaments,and other auspiciousarticles atxlut his person,is alone
capableofrendering the best servicesin connectionw,iththe calling
in of a physician. A messenger,for the lirst tinre, interviewing a
L A nressenger,visiting a physician in the a,fternoonor during a heaty rain or storm.
or at a time when the vital winds is naturally disturbed and agitated, indicates
an unfavourable prognosis.
Vol.I-l 7
258 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

physician, when the latter is complacently seated with his face

towards the east,and on a clean and even ground, should be regarded
as a messengerof happy augury.21-23

{ftr{nrfry {Srt yrrrA qf{ ry61rilRy tl

\* EEroftTwqsr rilfft+rqrrcrs-t{'ilrr
EFqrFqFn:qFrgriF{fuS*ffir qfu r rtq I r
l@ ErTTflrfr g*+ Tq:r
sTlfvrr*sTd qr* ferrq: Gtrd d?rrI tRq| |
rFfiFrfrTd - Yr$'etoJ{erF|=Ir:I
Rfa+gqtrs Afui rwdjFtiTqlt?e tl
vr€i ffi T"n qtfi'rq*e ttFrfi: I
Y€qr+ qrFqq:*sr qrg {ffrSrTr:n?a tl
Rawmeat,a pitcherfull of water,anumbrella,a Brirhmana, an
elephant,a cow, an ox and an articleof a whitecolour,shouldbe
deemedauspicious sightsby a physicianonhis wayto thehouseof a
patient.A mother,a cow with her calf, a smallpitcherof water,a
decoratedvirgin, fish, unripe fruits, a Svastika(a cross shaped
religiousinsignia),sweetmeat, curd,gold,a vesselfull of sun-dried
rice,gems, fl owers(according tocertaincommentators a well disposed
king), a blazingfire, a horse,a swan,a peacock,a bird of theChisha
species,chantingsof Vedic verses,clapsof thunder,blowingsof
conch-shells, notesof lutes,soundsof chariotwheels,roarof lions,
lowingsof cows and bullocks,neighingsof horses,trumpetingof
elephants,cacklingsof geese,hooting of owls, and the pleasant
conversationof personsgoing to the palaceof a king, should be
regardedaslucky sightsandsoundsby a physicianon his way (to the
houseof a patient).24-2E
q*gqw.dhilq qqfr{q f{oq} 6qrtr
snFJfrr qr =nfr*w-qqfurreemr! u?q| |
F<q vrnrg Erfirfr qgr Eraiilqf{n:I
qrtr qt qtfun erfr Wtqr: q'Cffi | t?o| |
 Chap.XXIX SU T R A S T T I A N A

Similarly,harmonious melodies of birdschirpingon theboughs

of healthylGira trees,bentunderthe weightof fruit, and looking
gladsomew i(htheir do\Nry of beautifu\b\ossomsandfo\iage,or notes
of birds perchedon the terracesof palacetowersor on the tops of
bannerpolessingingmelodiously, or binls followingthemessenger
with theirsongsor singingseatedfromtheauspicious quartersof the
heavens, or followinghim on his left, shouldbe equallyregardedas
sightsandnotesofhappyforeboding. 29-30
Eqlsyfirgt rA Rfrne rr6u?* |
@-F{<qrs.rrqT$gntqtl
ffiqurrq-fiPi?r tqrqr+qrr: r
5.fr Fqq {Eilrg rtrr* qr*srqfrr: I t?Rtl
A bird, seatedon the witheredtrunkof a blightedor thunder-
blastedtree,or on a thornyknoll coveredoverwith creepers, or on
ashesor stones,or amidstordureor husksof grain, or on dried
skeletons,
andsingingin a harshvoicewith itsheadturnedtowardsthe
blazingor inauspicious quarterof the sky, shouldbe deemedas
portendingevil. 3l-32

qfrunR qrqrrrt yvrki arr$trerfr.I tt? | |

q{ rqmerwruri +rrd yr?T€Ffd:r
qrr*tffiE q lryrci ffirrqqrr
qvf=i er rrilgrfr T rilqr{qcnr+; ntx | |
Similarly,birds,which are possessed of namesof masculine
terminationsarehappyomensif seenon theleft by a physicianon his
wayto thehouseof a patient,whilebirds,ona similaroccasion, whose
nameshavefeminineendings,areauspicious if seenby him on the
right. A dog or a jackal,seenrunningfrom the right to the left, is a
happyomen,andsois a mongoose or a CAEabird if seenon theleft.
A hare,a serpent,or an owl, seenon eithersideof the road,is an
inauspicioussight.The sightandthesoundof a Godhi or a Krkalisa
(an animalof the lizard species)areboth inauspicious.33-34
 S U S R U T AS AM H I T A

ffif Efi qunql

qc€r|Mg - Eq-qrsruTtils{r{t tl\ tl
.\
qIT[ ;Tg aensg+r-ffiaqr
lrsr+d{TgtlTr En r-mqdtr nlq t l
rr*o,sq-orvn=ri l56ffirunqfrl 1qiqr: I
}qfr qfdaraqe1-*irFqft.qa6cnt t?e | |
{g: rffiqp ' {sr' t
rerfrrsilsFrqrrug yftrc*qg 'rf*ar u?4tl
If a man,<xherthana messenger of inauspicious characterbut
possessed offeaturesalikeunfavourable, shouldhappento crossthe
way of a physician, just startingon a prof'essional
call, he shouldbe
regardedas equallyindicativeof evil. The sightof a vesselfull of
Kulutthapulse,or of husksof grain, or of stone,ashes,clay or
charcoal, or of oil, is inauspicious.Similarly,thesightof a vesselfilled
with red mustardor with wine other than which is clear and mild
(Prasanna) shouldbe deerned an omenof evil augury.
Similarly,thesightof a parchedcorpse,or of a witheredtreeor
PaldSabranch, Aphysician.meeting
is equallyinauspicious. a member
ofany ofthe vileor degraded castesor a blindor indigentperson,or
a milninimicallydisposed towardshim,shouldconsiderthecharacter
o,fthe diseaseto be unfavourable.
A gentle,coolandfiagrantbreeze, blowingfromthedirectionof
his destination,shouldbe regardedas an auspiciousomen by a
physician.A wind, which is hot, dry, and is chargedwith the fetid
exalationsof putridmatter,andwhichblowsfromthedirectionof his
startingpoint,shouldbe regardedasan evil omen.35-38
T*ff{s rrqr +{vr6qs qka: r
fuqql(rgd$ qu?qtr
T,'€{lR: YVI'Fqtl
eqtffi*ur F{futrgqel|l*(ttYotl

ffi ercsfiqruri{rd* * 'rftM: ttxt t I

C h a p .X X I X S I J T R A S ' T HA N A

ffi iTsn wri Wi *qftrffrr6il{t

qlCr{zrg *aFT qr*rqi T gvmqh r rY?| t
The word "cut", usedby anotlterandaccidentallyheardby a
physician(onhisway)to thebed-side of a patientlaid upwith Granthi
(aneurism) or Arbuda(tumour),shouldberegarded asa goodomen;
while the term "open",heardundersintilarcircuntstances and in
connectionwith a caseof Vidradhi (abscess), or Gulma (abdominal
gland),or Udara(ascites),shouldberegarded asanequallyauspicious
portent.Sirnilarly,the term "stopped"is commended in a caseof
dysenteryor haemoptysis. Thus the physician should interpret the
auguriesaccordingto thenatureof eachindividualcase.
A curse,imprecgtion, or wailinglike "woe to me", as well as
sclbs,groans,reportsof defecationor vomiting,thebrayingsof anass,
thefrightenedsoundof a camel,anobstacle or impediment in thepath
of a physician, or a suddenhreakage. collapse,or thefiillingof any
articlefrom a cupboard,anda sador dejectedspiritot thephysician
withoutanyassignable cause,shouldberegarded asevil omensat the
time of his starting.39-42
aensg!r
gftrdm $ EIrFt 5-d-ffi rtrqt I tYl | |
ffi-Eurq,rqtgqur*T:r
q{ed'{r{rrsr+qsrfuf nYY| |
qgTrfiqg.rrr{ - wtgursrfu6w11: r
F{en+ qr Y* qr M qvt{ rrm, uY\ tl
qrrs5ai Fg.51effirTcrr.r(Trg{ui RQrrr
FRilrfr{rrri cTF, qtri A{qwn txE(tl
*enrr{rqrr+ qr +rfr tn sqdqlq: I
+d qpirqrTruftsf;iE.sirqr€il{uTrhqr I tys | |
ygc{r(qr glftTr(qrqr*gei trrrmcn I
FFilgrqrq Erfrfurfu *rfr{ nYa | |
* fuglgs: I+gqrfrf rErffif{: I

"qffiffiqrGqsrqqhnYqtl
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

tlq+ {sqt qrfq qs *a: r$ ffil

qrr {*S qrrFggrr 6gtt5 ql
sTriIf{q gd ?r{qr{Emfrceq+*qf$Tsqil 1qo| |
Theseomens shouldbeobservedor attendedtoatthetimeoffirst
enteringthehouseof a patient,or at the threshold or within its walls,
butnotafterthephysicianhas oncecommencedthe medicaltreatment.
Thesightofa knotoftorn hairs,ashes, bones,wood,stone,husksof
grain,cotton,thorns,a bedstead with its legsupturned,wine,water,
fat,oil, sesamum, dried grass,straw,a eunuch,a deformedpersonor
onewith a brokenlimb,a nudeman,or onewith a cleanshavedhead,
or clad in a black garment,shouldbe regardedas evil omensby a
physician,whethernoticedby him at the time of startingor after
gettinginto a sick-room.Potsor utensilsplacedin pendentbrackets,
and found to be spontaneously moving aboutwithout any definite
cause,as well as any other fallen articlesdiggedin, smashedin or
thrownout of thesick-room;a physiciansittingdejectedandgathered
up in his seat,andthepatientsittingwith a downcast face,or pricking
his body or at the bed clotheswhile talkingwith the physician,or
shakinghis hands,backor head,or takingholdof or placingphehands
of the physicianin his own, or on his breast,or interrogptingthe
physicianwith anup-turned face,or pressing hisownlimbs,{when he
is interrogatedby the physician in return, shouldbe consldered as
unfavourablesigns.
The patient,in whosehousea physicianis not duly honoured,
canneverrally. Theduehonouringof a physicianleadsto a speedy
recovery. A messengerof good omen forebodesthe favourable
terminationofadisease, whilethecontraryis indicatedby a messenger
of the oppositetype. Hencea physicianshall carefullyobservethe
ominouscharacter of a messenger (despatched to seekhisaid).43-50
FtEn=Rr: g.Eqqrfr rT{unq S{r:r q t
gt-+ qb qwk qrfrre er rsarriiTsntltq | |
t5Tqqrerrrfrt:I
qtrt'{trHfr q} qrqq ERrurqfq:n\R I I
liffiEt€rtt qEn EF|RTI 5mqdqr I
rferq,dfrq€rrfrSr;fr <a+urqpq
il\?tl
Chap.XXIX SOTRASTHANA 263

srfrrqsrfuFrd qr q.E{t Efuun$s: I

qfrq+q ?i qrfu tm: YgFtrin€ilenll\Yll
rnq
fr+{g q *ers zil qr w$wdtrdtrr\tl
TggM ar r-+dq yflq asnr
F+tE{s + Tmf err(tF6fiTr Fq{t t\q | |
qs dYil rd qfr iTr€ilffi cnqtr
d er r(d T*{q} qr cr+fi gffi;ryr I t\e | |
qdilrlr(qeEql qr st er wesqfrl
@*drqr*qr*qr n\e r l
qrr+*c es+d qrq,llvqffinfqtr
rriFi il{;rrfr<r wrwf {ceqfr: | &q I r
?: qvi( M qr Yqqrrq*sncnr
qg wGffi cT EltFtr: YrrdF;il?t I lQo| |
vrrdnrffiF{iWi q{ qi*Ei qrFrqrqqr
gqrat'ffiqrffiqr*ffinqqtl
erqffircrm-ffi Feqf frcrtr
Eqap+d tn rrqeqd el fq&q €trqr
Is{srsr$€qtqrfuarrffiSqF6Fdt tqR| |
Dreams : Now I shalldescribethe dreams,which eitherbeing
dreamtby thepatient,or by hisrelations,portendfatalor a successful
closeof the malady.The patient,who dreamsof goingtowardsthe
southonthebackofanelephant, oronthatofanycarnivorous animal,
or of riding on a boaror on a buffalo,or seeshimselfcarriedtowards
thequarterby a darkwomanwith dishevelledhair andcladin a blood-
redgarment-laughing anddancing,soonmeetshis doom.A dreamby
apatientthatmembers of vile casteshavebeendrawinghimsouthward,
or that ghostsor anchoriteshavebeenembracinghim, or that savage
beastswith diabolicalfaceshavebeensmellinghishead,predictsthat
his earthly days are numbered,while suchdrgamsoccurringin a
healthysubjectindicatean impendingdisease.
Similarly, thepatient,who dreamsof drinkingoil or honey,or
 S1-ISRII'I'S
AAMHITA

of diving into a bed of dank or oozy slime,or of laughingand dancing

mud-besplattered,is at the thresholdof death. A dream of having
entwineda wreathof red flowers roundOne'shead,thoughotherwise
nudeor strippeclof clclthes,or of seeingreeds,bamboos,or palm trees
growing on his chest,Jxrrtencls the impendingdeathof a patient.On
the orherhantl,suchdreams.occurring in a healthysubject,forebode
the advenl rf disease.L)keilse, the pailent, who dreams of bdng
eatenup by fish,ur who fancieshinrselfagainenteringinto the womb
of hir^mother,or f hinkshe i:^falling fronrthe sumnritof a mountainor
into a dark and r-lismalcave, or as being carried away by the current
of a river. or assailedandoverwhelmedby a packof crows,is already
a doomedbeing.The dreamof a cleans^haved head,orof falling stars,
or of dying lamp ligtrt,or of the extractionof one'sown eyes,or of
shaking'divineimages,or of earlhquakes, purgings,vomitings or
fallingout of one'sown teeth,is alwaysfatal.Thepatient,who dreams
of climbinga Sitmali, KinSuka,or Piribhailratree,orof ascendingan
ant-hill or a funeral pyre, or of witnessinghimself bound to a
sacriflcicalstake,orof receivingor eatingcotton,levigatedsesamum
paste,iron, salt,sesanrum, boileclrice, or drinkingoil or wine (Sur6),
asthe rrasemay be,shouldconsiderhimselfasa doomedbeing,while
such dreamsin a healthy subjectindicate the impending attack of a
disease. 5l -62
qqnzi r€Rnrx* @ futre rr: r
l'br<rr{* F€r Ed rr{€qc<rq fruq? tr
-A dream should be regardedas ineffectualwhich is quite in
conformity with the physical teilrperamentof the dreamer(such as,
one of scaling the heavensby personof Vitaja temperament;one of
seeinga blazingfire, a fiashof lightning,or a meteor-fallby a manof
Pittajatemperament; and one of witnessingreservoirsof water,etc.
by a man of Kaphaja teniperament)as well as one which has been
forgotten or tbllowed by another of an auspicioustype or is the
outcomeof premeditatedthoughtlike one dreamtin the day time. 63
qpd6i gn1 qgli qfirgrs{vilfuunqr
Tqfr rrryS' i*rqcmt y{dT{nqy | |
C h a p .X X I X sUTRASTHANA

ffi *q-qFi *6s gFrtrqt

Ie*g err+frqqFr:# {Rd frr+5FqI rq\ | |
yr5*,{ql"f sriarqqr sruFrqrs+:t
ETR"$fotri qrfu qg grqqrrg+F'Tur: llQQ| |
ffiFr* firarq el vilfcni q ffit
rgqr+cifqqr1 Eq{r gmtiQrrqzlFrdrtl lq'e| |
qernrrsrfuqrtet€ fuhq: a,.15{aerTI
qffi Sarqraqrn*f ffi aerrllqall
At-everpatientdreamingoffriendshipwithadog,aconsumptiv
one dreamingof making friends with a monkeyor a monstef;a
hystericpatientwho dreamsof makingfriendshipwith a ghost;a
piamehaor dysenterypatientdreamingof drinkingwater;a leper
grow
dreamingof drinkingoil, or a Gulmapatientdreamingof a tree
on his belly, shouldcounthis daysas numbered. A person afflicted
with anydisease of thehead,anddreamingof a treegrowingon his
head,oronesufferingfromvomitinganddreaming of eatingsesamum
cakes;or anasthma patient,or a person,
aftlictedwiththirst,dreaming
of makingajourneyon foot;or a jaundicepatientdreamingof eating
a foodpreparedwith turmeric;or a personsufferingfromhaemoptysis
and dreamingof drinking blood, shouldbe consideredas aboutto
depar-tthis life. A patienthavinghad any of the aforesaiddreams,
underthecircumstances, shouldgetupin themorningandmakea gift
of M6sa-pulse, sesamum, ironandgoldto theBr6hmarps, andrepeat
the blessedTripadi Giyatri (Mantras). M'68

ffir ragqluri gqr(e4rat gT, {ltr{ t

q*{. qrqdi ilq qgqrfr sqrF6a:llqq ll
r qrqfifi alCrnr<gar eqqv}rfi{ r
elqcrm+ ie rrFr*ri aprrr
ffi {criFfti g:Frcn{ ffilleoll
Havingdreamtabaddreaminthefirstwatchofthenight'a
personshouldmeditateupona holy or auspicioussubject,andthenlie
^down
fully controlled,andrepeattheMantrhs
againwith all hissenses
sacredto any of the gods.An evil dreamshouldnot be relatedto
266 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

another.Thedreamerof thedreamshouldresidgin a holy templefor

threeconsecutivenights,andworshipthedeity with the mostfervent
devotion,wherebyits evil effectswouldbecomenullified. 69-70
em .fiqd Ilaqqrfr yyrki F{r;rc1vh{l
erqFdqqrnTqqrt\fr{d, gafr Eqrtt t\eq| |
qFrcqF=tffi frsffi qsrfr qr
rTvAE q-eltqrlrqrq .qTArrrrrqrq \a I t\eR| |
qid qqsrtgc: y*fir qnrfu q rn-€ilRq I
tltta snetr$Tr{T qr}$FTqrq q I ts? | |
Now we shall describethe dreams,which are of auspicious
nature.Membersof thetwiceborncastes, gods,cows,bullocks,kings,
one'sown living friendsandrelations,a blazingfire, a Brfrhmana,or
a sheetofclear waterseenin a dreamby a healthypersonpredictor
predictsto him a pecuniarygainin thenearfuture,while suchdreams
occurring in a diseasedpersonindicatea speedyrecoveryof the
diseasehe hasbeensufferingfrom.Similarly,dreamsof meat,fish,
garlandsof whiteflowers,clothsandfruitspredicta gainor a speedy
sure,as the casemay be.71-73
Er9nstr(w6'eT
srrfra:( Frenqrq qr*twrcrq tr I t\ey| |
Tfrr{€15{rrg qFrdq u.gdr{66'ql
d-{. irerTqFrrrTrq qr*{wrqrq ? | re\ | |
sr'il qr Y*qt qr rrrfr qrfr ?i E*qr
qtrd FG*qas q"rernnagkqquee r I
q$6qr1lf{r1lqqr{rT: q&anffir =n:r
tr ffgRfr iqIKC q,d rrqrqt{nee tl
Dreamsof ascendingthe terraceof a royal palace,of climbing
a treeor a hill, or of ridinganelephantpredictsimilarresultsasabove.
A dreamof one'ssailing over a river, pool or seaof turbid water
predictsa moneygainor cure,accordingasoneis healthyor diseased.
A dreamofhaving beenbit or stungby a serpent,by leeches,or by a
Chap.XXIX SUTRASTHANA 26t

bee,indicatesblissor cure,accordingto one'sgoodor badhealthat

thetime.Theman,whousuallygetssuchauspicious dreams,should
be lookeduponasa long-livedman,andmaybeunhesitatinglytaken
undermedicaltreatmentby a physician.T4-77
EAgtciRffirqfq{TEI+@
Trtsihid{Yfrsapr:illRtl
Thus ends the twenty-ninth Chapter of the Suarasth6nain tbe Su6ruta
SamhitZr,which dealswith favourableor unfavourableprognosisfrom messengers,
birds, omens etc.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA
CHAPTER XXX

Ffrfr*qrq:
g[erk[: ffid Qf@rff€ffrf ;,
q*qrq w.rar1q-qafr.rqr
Now we shall discourseon the Chapterwhich treatsof the
prognosisthatcanbeobtainedfromthepervertedfunctionsof thefive
senseorgans(Paffcendriyirtha-Vipratipatti-adhy6ya).
I
vr+wfrnfrdpr rffifiqr
il( ERE rnr*T qrsql ft*q trr? n
Metrical texts : A perversionor contrarietyof thefunctionsof
the mind or brain(Sita),and of the organsof sense-perception, is
called Ariqta (an unfavourablesymptomforebodingdeath).Now
hear me describe,in brief detail,the symptomswhich are called
Arigta (fatal indications).2

Eofrfr fr Feerrlwearlulfqarrrm+r+a:r
@ q fr:wrrtilQtl
Hq w{q qrrr.r6rFd rFurtqrqw<*( |
rnrzrnruqgrr:rfr ffidrq {uffi ilY | |
Fdr€Ag nTh g.aaqE qwhr
q ?PfrFdq *tcneTr(?i EarFrilrt61gq{t t\ | |
The man,who hearsa varietyof divine soundseven in the
absenceof any of the celestialbeings(suchas, the Siddhas,the
Chap. XXX SUTRASTHANA

Gandharvas etc.),or thinksthathe is hearingthe uproarof a city, or

themoanings of thesea,or therumblingof a raincloud,withouttheir
actual presence or proximity,or who is incapableof catchingtheir
soundsevenwhentheyareactuallypresentandsounding, or assigns
to them causesother than the actualones,shouldbe regarde{as a
doomedbeing.Theperson,whointerpretsthe uproarof a city or the
rustlingforestassoundsemanatingfrom othersources,or rejoicesat
the voiceof his enemies, andis annoyedat thatof his own devoted
friends,or who suddenlylosesthe facultyof hearingwithoutany
maninestor tangiblereason,shouldbe deemedas alreadyon the
thresholdof death.3-5
q€qsrrFreT6rfr vfrdgETsvflr*qr
trgrflVfrdfus*} qI <r*{ ffirrq rr
ssFrr*sFdmra r: vfrt{ yffit
f6rq qrfi{qrrfd *sff+qqwfr Ert te | |
€I rrr{rfur lFqtl
ndqr?r€rrn* qqFfrErrer r
FTrdrgFdqfTqrfu $rtri ffim: r
g'rFqqfFd Eilr+sr{if gqFfr rrflilgrrqt tq | |
Theman,whofeelscoldwhentouchinga hotor warmsubstance,
and,viceversc,complainsof a burningsensation evenwhensuffering
from a boil, or a p'ostuleof the Kaphajatype (characterisedby
numbness, shivering,etc.),or shiverswhenthe temperature of his
bodyis felt to beconsiderably high,shouldbelookeduponasalready
onthepointof death.Theperson,whohaslostthefacultyof touch,and
doesnot feel any pain in any part of the body when it is struck or
amputated,or feelsasif his bodyhadbeenstrewnover with particles
of dust, or suffers from discolorationof the skin which becomes
markedwith blueor red stripes,andwho is harassed by hostsof blue
flies aftera bathor ananointment,shouldberegardedasonewho has
alreadypassedthe confinesoflife. 6-9
frrqfrt{ tr6rFd rrsq qgrr*kdql
tsqlfifi'r: Eqr( rrFr Tff ffirfq+ll?o tl
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

rnqffirrnqgE$rzMFqarr I
ril qr rrr1 r fAfu rrdr{ d yqert I Rq| |
Similarly, the manwhosebody emitsa fragrantsmell without
havingbeenrubbedwith any kind of perfume,or to whom a sweet
thing tastesacid,andanacidtastessweet,or who exhibitssymptoms
of a generalperversionof thefacultyof taste,or in whom(articlesof)
differenttastes(administeredin theirofficinal orderof enumeration)
tendtOaggravatethe derangedbodily humours,or bring abouttheir
pacificationand a dullnessof appetiteif partakenof in the inverted
order,shouldberegardedasa departedsoul,like theonewhohaslost
the facultyof taste.10-11
grFd eft Erhd $ftsnq Errf;rdrql
Tfrt +sqerr rFd yrr* {t q *cq: r
ril qr rFd T Errqrfr.rdqit frftftfrqt tt? | |
The man,who deemsa fetid odourto be a fragrantperfrrme,or
onefragrantto be fetid,or onewhodoesnotfeelanydiscomforteven
at thesmellof a burninglampwick thathasjust beenextinguished,
or
who hasentirelylost the facultyof smell,shouldbe lookeduponasa
deadman.12
ffiFgunfdqr{f,{ qrcrcRsr fqvrcilcn,
frTfrtr tJ.6rFdqrErerb Eil rrr: I tq?| |
fqqr E*ffi qrfr lqffi{ qvqfrr
rrltq$lTir$qrF{rqrqffidTT{t Ry | |
grtdrrttry} €r vwqrrdFs( Turrtl
age*snmrt* qr F{dA q'r* q*rtt tq\ | |
|ffie FSwTq{ql
srfui $fr<rnrfr{s rrvqfrtnq| |
nR{qr
Yffi €1er5 r11erqqilF=r*rqTt ns | |
@ ftsrFr& rrvqfrt
r qtqfr lr*f*i zer t*rrrnrfrtr
qr ii Erfr rrqfrqt na | |
Chap.XXX SOTRASTHANA 271

Theman,to whomthetwin attributes of heatandcold,pleasure

andpain, as well as the peculiaritiesof weather(asstorm,drought,
snowfall, etc.), and the different quartersof the sky appearto be
reversedor inverted;one who has lost all distinctions(of joy and
misery,storm and sunshine,heatand cold, etc.),or to whom the
specificattributesofthingsappearto becontraryandreversed,should
be regardedason the point of death.The man,who seesstarsablaze
in thebroadday-lightor fanciesseeingthefieryorbof thesunby night
andthemellowdiscof themoonby day,or whoseemsto witnessthe
phenomena of rainbowandlightningevenin theabsence of anyrain
cloud,or the formationof a lightning-spangled rain-cloudevenin a
clearbluesky,is sureto bespeedilygatheredto hisrest.Theman,who
observes thereflectedimagesof chariots, palacesandaerialcarsinthe
heavens, or seestheemboclied imagesof thefire andsky gods,or to
whom the earth appearsto be envelopedin frost or smoke, or
enshrouded in a sheetof fine linen,or chequered with crosslines,or
blazingwithfire,orfloodedwith water,or to whosesightthePoleSnr
and the asterisnrArundhati(oneof the Plides)and the Milky Way
remaininvisible,shouldbereckoned asalreadywith thedead.13'lE
ffi*gErqrqelqqrqfrr
qr fu{?Trqrs;urcrsqrtt tqj | |
uvzr*65rF.fi;TT
ffi
arE5,rd5,.5,slltlrurf q{{Ssnlt
firynffi 15d1nr { @ 1 1 1 o t l
rr) er qrfirdnf Fq{tf qG{tq'tl
sTliIfiq uriqgg: s*ql qrfurqr5uTr(t tRl | |
The man,who fails to seehis own imagereflectedin a mirror,
in the moonlight,or in hot water,or seesbut distortedreflectionsof
himselfor of any otheranimal,or of dogs,cows,storks,vultures,
ghosts,Yaksas,Raksas,PiSlchasandN6gas,shouldbe regardedas
aboutto departthis life. The man,to whomfire appearsto be freeof
its naturalaccompaniment of smoke,or thatit is possessed
of a colour
resemblingthe hue of the breastfeathersof a peacock,shouldbe
regardedasdoomed,(if happeningto be sufferingfrom anydisease).
Ontheotherhand, thesephenomena indicatetheapproachof adisease
in one, who is found to be as yet in the enjoymentof apparent
all
SUSRUTA SAMIIITA

health.19-21
EA Ugrilffi q.d{srfiq$F<ardfasftrtFildcffisqrqrutorr
Thus ends the thirtieth Chapter of the Su-trasth6na
in the Su6rutaSamhit6
which deals with prognosisfrom the pervertedfunctions of the five senseorgans.

+++
 SUTnASTHANA
CHAFTEK XXXI

qsHqfrstarq:
ffidatr@rptrrl:,
qefrqrq rrttqq e5qffi;11q11
Now we shalldiscourseon the Chapterwhichdealswith the
prognosisto be gatheredfrom the altered condition of features
t I'
(Chly6r-Vipratipatti-adhylya).
vqrqrdfrfrqr fur mfu6rerfr qr+qqI
srFrqEik ri srqr: lr qrrgrtfyrqqrrt rr
qFT
srqgr( q $rw+ Etr € xrrgr*ivr€Tqt tR| |
qFnq*6: rtftrA: Med infriil: r
ur* qr qrqqn+nft g.dtf ws SF*cql tx | |

L Physicians of the Ayurvedic School, however, observe a distinction between

Chhyh (shade of complexion), Prabhb (heahhful glow of the complexion), and
Var1a (natural colour of the complexion) itself. The Chhyh or the shade of one's
complexionmoy be easily distinguished as clear, rough or cool, erc. and can be
detected only on a close view. The Prabh6, on the other hand, is visible Jiom a
distance and admits of being divided into seven dfurent rypes, such as red,
yellow, white, brown, greenish,pale, and black The Varna or the natural colour
of the complexion of a man is found to be either fair, black, dus@ Iearning
towards the fair, according to his race and habitation. The term also includes
natural modesty, look and ease.

Vol. 1-18
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

3rR-6rqvr;Trq{q v€trqrqTB: qak q t

lrrqgFdqr qrfr ii rrdrgqrTrR(u\ rl
Metrical Text : Theman,whosecomplexion suddenly assumes
a brown, red, blue or yellow shade,shouldbe regardedas already
gatheredto his rest.The man,who haslostall senseof modestyor
propriety, and whosecomplexion,and whosestrength(ojah) and
memory have suddenlyundergonediscolourationor extreme
deterioration,shouldbe countedwith thedead.Little chancethereis
of thelife of a patientwhoselowerlip hangsdownwhiletheupperone
is drawnor turnedup,andbothof themhaveassumed a blackcolour
like thatof ajambolinefruit.Thepatient,whoseteethfall outor which
haveassumed a reddishor a darkbrowncolour,or a colourlike that
ofa Khafrjana bird(darkblue),shouldbereckonedasalreadygathered
to his fathers.2-5

EEnrcqrqfrrwrqrfrw Yftr = qRq* r

tn-dvner q+q"rtq TftsFfir(f*Wrecrqt I E | |
EFclarrcFcfirqrfrgq, qr?rptqtfum r
s1q.q"dfd rrr{r eT =rq !ffi uFtiT:ne tl
sBfAffi rc* r* ErR q *q+r
srfrf qr ygt ?ret F lilg-+fr ga{l1a 11
*wr'ffiqs€rFffig*l
ga} rrr rr
Ersnavrnprepnnn*sf;nr{qrh
Thepatient,whosetonguehasbecomefurred,swollen,or inert,
or is ofa blackcolour,shouldbe consideredasalreadyat the gateof
death.The patient,whosenosehas sunkor becomebent,cracked,
dried, or who whenbreathingmakesa gurglingsoundthroughthe
nostrils,shouldbegivenup aslost.A patientis certainlyquittingthis
life whoseeyesappearto becontracted, or unequal,
oblique,or inert,
insensitiveto light or touch,sunk in their sockets,or bloody,or
markedby a copiouslachrymation.Thepatientwhosehair appearsto
havebeengluedtohis head,whoseeyebrows arecontractedandhang
down,and whose eyelashesarelistlessshouldbeconsidered asabout
to leavehis mortalframe.6-9
Chap.XXXI SI J T R A S T H A N A

ard{il=TGtr€RerT ErFqfr q: Frr: I

q*,rfffi'grffr H€I: grsTrtw6rFd€: I tlo | |
rr{r{rtE6ffiqrfrFq{t6zilsfu{r@frr
sienqqrfr TgyR?i Ir** n+Fnqiqilqq ||
mrr: rdEr *t qr+ fu€ti ? zr:I
ffiqTqgffiHFGr:uq?tl
zil wtro,
vfonq]rqEd|qqr€-furryrffs
*165*:qfit--t+(nq? tl
The patient,who is incapableof swallowingany food or of
holdingup his head,andwholookswith a kind of fixed stare,with all
memoriesof life fully obliterated,
shouldbedeemedasdyingon that
very day. A wiseor prudentphysicianshouldgive up the medical
treatment of a patient,nomatterwhetherstrongor weak,whois found
to be faintingawayeverytime he is liftedup or seated.Thepatient,
who constantlyextendsor drawsup his lowerextremities, or keeps
them in a gatheredup posture,shouldbe looked upon as rapidly
succumbing. A wisephysicianshouldabandon apatient,characterised
by the coldnessof his breathand extremitiesand a hurried and
intermittentrespiration,or who is found breathingwith his mouth
open,or lips separated. 10-13
Frfi r M q+q d qr !ilFrffi gd* I
tt<er rcql trF{rdq: € qFrfir I lqY| |
rfites+fuargor€arrlfrrr:r
ntqt qrrh *rrd tcst aqrF(*qtnqtl
drq: qfrrrq}r+ q1FI Tili rcrdtr
g5rsrffis rreil qgr(rs Eflf{fr{t Rq| |
Similarly, a patientaffectedwith a kind of stuporor insomnia
andremainingdrowsy,all daylong,or faintingat theleastattemptof
speaking,shouldbecountedwith thedead.Thepatient,wholicks his
upperlip, or is troubledwith eructations,
or holdsconversations with
the departed,shouldbe deemedasalreadyenteredinto theregionof
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

thedead.A man,spontaneously bleedingthroughtherootsof his hair

(poresof the skin) otherwisethanin a caseof poisoning,shouldbe
deemedasdyingon that day.14-16
qrdr*frr E EE+ w*edtrgurffir
wqrqFcerr*,,fr lr r{rgF{i{rqqtRe tl
A patient,affectedwith an up-coursingpain aboutthe cardiac
region,like theonewhichdistinguishes (appearance
acaseof V6t6,sthil6
of a stonelike lump risingor seatedwithin thethoraxandascribedto
theactionof thederanged V6yu),accompanied by anaversionto food,
etc.,shouldbe alreadyreckonedamongthe dead.17
: Tfrm: qr(e1!ftrfr: I
gt.Gr 6F{ TFfr€ gqqi WFil} Eiqq.ttqa| |
An idiopathicswelling(Sopha)first occurringin eitherof the
lower extremitiesin a malepatientnotasa complicationof anyother
diseaser,as well as a similarswellingfirst appearing
at the face,or
aboutthe regionof the anusin a maleor a femalepatient,is sureto
havea fatal termination.18
sfirrTrfrqfr M: yFrrs+fnr I
qrrfu{:qrRr+qrfrznzrd
qfrurqrF{*(ttqq| |
*+ Er6sqerqrtfrm, sr*Erqmqrl|
qr*aqfr grdrFfffr n rf{rq: nRotl
vqrqrfuar qr+qqs Fqgrfq Pswfr I
gqs vrrl afr ue d qfuFdaEt tRqtl
Apatient,sufferingfromcoughorasthma anendedwith dysentery,
fever,hic-cough,vomitingandswellingof thepenisandthescrotum,
should be given up as lost. Excessiveperspiration,burning, hic-
cough,dyspnoeaand hyperpyrexiawith a burningsensationof the
body,areundoubtedlycapableofextinguishingthe vital sparkeven
in a strongpatient.Similarlya patient,with a blackcoatedtongueand
theleft eyesunkin its socketanda foul smellfrom themouth,should
be givenup aslost.19-21
1. Such as Chlorosis. Ascites. Hoemonhoids.
Chap.XXXI SUTRASTHANA

fistrerungqt I
q$Jr€irdr vrfr rmqq YIfu'ffiT:lRR | |
Themouthofa man,whois onhiswaytothemansions ofthegod
of death,becomesfilled with tears,thelegsarewet with perspiration,
andthepupilsof the eyesroll aboutor becomelistless.22
sTM 3€q,fur ql
Fqh PgrrtrnfuT
rrgrfigr(15ffirr<r nRl tl
-Edrr;sn8r n T$: I
Tqrrqig t qrFiT rr<rrtt qrntrqquRy tl
The patient,whoselimbs becomeall of a suddenabnormally
light or heavy,is sureto go to the regionof the sonof the day-god
(Yama).The patient,whosebody emitsa fishy, dirty or a fragrant
smell,or smellslike fat, oil, or clarified-butter,
is on the way to the
mansionsof Death.23-24
qnr FiTracrqTFdqfti rTtqFa ErrFFTr:
I
ff qrfu n?rqffu ?Trdrl* qqrcr.r{r rR\ | |
Eq{rFrs11VilrFT:
@:l
E$urqdqf{rs qrd vr€EF*qRrflt tRq| |
qR E@ ttqffid€*+acn r
I Ynrertrs4qfo T€ Kl$qfurfr: uRu| |
rdrFdfiI fw:r1ri EfrgYFrg <rflrrtl
ftrqtqr qtrfu irFT l1q.sqRm:I tRatl
ffiuT effi{a' lfn qt,r
qF{ffir€ \ilffr *fui frq=i artqr t?qtl
Thepatienton whoseforeheadlice freelymoveabout,or whose
offeringsthe crowsdo not eat,or who doesnot find comfoft in any
positionor place,goesto themansionsof thegodof death.A pafient,
whohasbecomeemaciatedandenfeebled, or hasbeensufferingftom
a complicationof suchdiseasesasfever,dysentery,oedema,etc.,one
supervening anotherpre-existing
malady,shouldbedeemedasbeyond
218 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

thepaleof medicine.A ravenous hungeror anunquenchable thirstin

a weakpatient,who refusesto be appeased or satisfiedwith sweer,
whole-someandpalatablefoodor drink,shouldberegardedasa fatal
indication.A patientexhibitingsuch symptomsas diarrhoea,an
excruciatingheadache, colic in the intestines,thirst and gradual
failingof strength,standsin dangerof imminentdeath.Deathis due
to the transitorycharacterof life, or it may be attributedto irregular
conduct,or to thedeedsof one'spreviousexistence transformed into
the dynamicsof fate.25-29
im $filr:frvrrqerrqrfu frffi:ar
q{unF{gq F dgrs{Fd qmqqil?o tl
atfr ffir lrftrqFfi ffiqqrr
ffryr: gErf ,Tdri+qrriTgcT:
aTrTrrfrrn: I tQq| |
Ghosts, evil spirits,PiSdchas
andmonsters of variousshapes and
denomination, constantly leadmento death.Theseevil spirits,owing
to theirnaturalkilling propensities,
nullify theefficaciesof medicines;
andhenceit is futile to takein handthe medicaltreatmentof a man
who exhibits any of the abovesaidfatal symptoms,and thereby
testifiesthathehasfallenintotheclutchesof suchevil spirits. 30-31
VAWrc+itM q.r€rAffi :rrt I rr
. Tbus ends the Thirty-fint Chapterof the Sutrasth6nain rhe Su3ruta-Samhit6
which deals with prognosis from perverted features.

++.t
 SI]TRASTHANA
CHAPTEK XXXII

aGiefrs€arqt
BfenrT:ffidalr@trtttq:,
qQfr;qrqrryt1-qqerqaft;uqt
Now we shall discourseon the Chapterwhich treatsof the
ofthe
prognosisbasedon theperversionofthe externalappearances
body 1
(Svabhiva-vipratipatti'adhySrya)'
Eqrargfflqf ffi* q{qrq Iir({rqr;-
{.ffiI+qsftTT, EFsrrrf{ffidr' Rmruri
Tqrf fterrilt, ffiwrilr, St{T
rgF$trdq, q@I?fnr, ffi6€sQ €;rgrqi*ddr,
sTwrrqFfu qr€F+gf, @ q?rgrtta
ttell
A contrarietyof thenaturalfeaturesof anypartor memberof the
body shouldbe lookeduponasa fatalindication.The blacknessof a
limb or a part which is naturallywhite,l or the whitenessof a black2
part, or a naturallyred3part, or member,etc. assumingany other
colour,or a hardapart becomingsoft,andvice versas,or a movable6
part suddenlybecomingfixed, and vice versa,Tor the contraction
(flexion) of an extendedpart, or the extensionor expansionof a
contracted (flexible) part, or a shortt part suddenly becoming
1. Thcteethandthe cornca.2. The iris. 3. Thetong,ueand thepalate,etc' 4. Bones,
parts
teeth,etc.5. Soft suchasthefksh,fat, etc.6. etc.7.Nose,earsandflesh,
Joints,
etc. 8. Headandforehead,etc.
 S T J S R U TS
AA M H I T A

elongatede,and vice versa, or a suddenhanging down of a part or

memberof the body which doesnot naturallytohang down, and vice
versarI , or a suddenincreaseor decreaseof naturaltemperatureof any
part, member,or organ of the body, as well as its suddenglossiness,
roughness,numbless,discolouration,weakness,orweariness,should
2
be lookeduponasfatalsymptoms.
r+jq: pry\r+:

qr+r(r frrtrurrs <vii HflA, =n€rdvlqr firsqtq{Fil: r

irird qT dq: | *qr( Ffir qrtlrgfu: I
rirw-qpf gq,rrnsqrrqfr qvt{gilqr$t{trei=iqrq,*ilq.g-
g3darql @ il(gungh tgTr{r{r{l riFr-
{c6{dr:g q Y1*qrtrq: | v5.uo6g qfil.Frki
ffi "A
ar a?lrat-$eret{:r vil'iw; T€ffiffi-
fuqar{rdr qr MguqgrE$rft+ qr <<qg.rqvrfrgt tQtl
(Similarly)a limb or a partof thebody,hangingdown from its
naturalgrrsition,orbecoming raisedortwisted round,or castobliquely
from its naturalseat,or dislocated,or protruded,or drawninward,or
suddenlybecominglight or heavywithoutanydefiniteor assignable
cause, or a suddeneruptionof a coral-coloured rashor Vyanga,should
be regardedasindicatinga speedydissolutionof thepatientin whom
they are exhibited.
Likewise,theappearance of veinsin theregionof theforehead,
or an eruption of postuleson the ridgeof thenose,perspirationon the
foreheadin the morning,copiouslachrymationwithout any ocular
complaint,a senseof beingdustedwith driedandpulverisedcowdung
overtheface,or theflyingof pigeons,Kankas,etc.,overone'shead,
or excessivemicturitionsor motionsof the bowelsfrom an empty
stomach,or a suppression of urine or fecesevenafter a heartymeal
or draught,is fatal.So also,painandachingaboutthe breastandthe
chest,emaciationof theextremitiesandanoedemaof themiddlepart
of the trunk, and vice veJsa;or an oedemaof the uppertrunk and
emaciationof thelower part,andvice versa;or an oedemaof the left
sJrplkgwerspiration, urineandfecesetc.
Chap.XXXII SUTRASTHANA

half of the body and emaciationof the right, and vice versa; or
hoarseness, huskiness,
orlossofvoice,discolouringoftheteeth,nails
orof theskin,eruptionofwhitepatchesonthechest,etc.,of thebody,
shouldbedeemedas signswhichforebodetheapproaching dissolution
of an individual.3
qs qtql u,w,5ffi Fwqk I q{q er Effi
ffraWr lsqrrr{rtil€tr *anaF6*vn$ Fq * qrhr
€I ffi mMcennqr ffi trrrrTr€I Eqn-
firqa:t @: e*;qTruffigr* E?r{Ef{:
YFdrFqr€ r{!el: I VITq-rqTTrq€IT:
ffisq]* gtirfrfirs-
ffi qffirsrfinls: ruq uaR t3-fiqr{reE€zriq-
@t qr \qrfirsrFnIil: TT{rFn( ffit ty tl
Moreoverthe patient,whosesemenor expectoratedor fecal
matterdoesnot floaton water,or whoseesthedistortedor bifurcated
imagesof objects,or whosehairshineswitha glossasif anointedwith
oil, findshisreliefin death.A weakdysentery patientwith a complete
aversionto food, or one who is tormentedwith thirst even when
sufferingfrom a cough,or a mansufferingfrom chroniccatarrhwith
a completeloathingfor food,or fromgastritis(Srlla)with aphonia,and
vomitingfrothy bloodandpus,shouldberegardedaspastall cure.A
patient, enfeebledand emaciatedthrough fever, cough and an
oedematous swellingof thefaceandtheextremities,andshowingthe
greatestaversionto food,andthemusclesof whosecalves,shoulders
and thighs have grown loose and flabby, shouldbe consideredas
awaitingthecall of death.A patient,sufferingfrom fever,cough,and
vomiting,or passingwith the stool,in the evening,undigestedfood
mattereatenin the morning,woulddie of asthma.4
qweq F+oq-t q .it+ qdfr Ek{!ef,': weq$
$rGpicr: yi6ef6€ rq!q: I 3Tr{Prfrr:
I
€ # MraF< trr€t EFr*r EUITrrqr ffir
qErN qvrmg-fr qr eFdt srrqsfr qr q,utTffir
@ | qrT Ercr'Eqirrn:rarq€crrrrq'rrmt
ffit rrqqf Er ffi *{r qrl
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

*frrrqn
The patient,who falls to the groundbleatinglike a goat, and
exNbits suchsymptomsas a ruptureof the testes,numbnessof the
penis,droopingofthe neckandintrosusception ofthe penis,shouldbe
consideredas past all cure.The patient,whose heartis first felt dry
followed by becomingcoveredwith a slimy moistureof the whole
body,aswellasonewhostrikesastone withastone,orapieceof wood
with a pieceof wood,or who cleavesin two bladesof dried grass,or
onewhobiteshis lowerlip andlickstheupperone,or drawshis ears
andtearshis hair, or dishonoursthegodsandthe Br6hmanas, aswell
as his own physician,friendsand relations,shouldbe regardedas
beyondthe paleof medicine
Similarly,a disease, dueto theinfluenceof a malignantplanet
occupying either through its retrogadeor zigzag movement,an
inauspiciouspositionin relationto the natalasterismof the patients,
is sureto terminatein death.A man,struckby lightningor a falling
meteor,bafflesall medicinalskill.Similarly,a diseasedueto thefact
of one'sown house,wife, bed,seat,conveyance, or riding-animal
assuminganyill-omenedfeatures,or a diseaseoriginatedthroughthe
useof gems,utensils,garments,etc. of forbiddenor inauspicious
characterusuallyendsin death(Ariqta).5
$rqk qTT-

frlfuerqn: Hqqq fufrrfr*sFqr$ r

g$srffFfrrs aqrui irffifr: nq tl
Authoritativeverseson the Subject: A disease,
appearing in
an enfeebledandemaciatedsubjectandrefusingto yietdto a course
of propermedicinaltreatment,andwhichbecomesratheraggravated
by the administrationof proper medicinalremediesor antidotes,
necessarilyportendsthe deathof the patient.6
ffit qEranfu: q6sr qrq tRq: r
T qr6rrwi rrs ETqt q ffitle ll
qdrukqFrqqr1g*dvlfuqO,
qlqrgrcq[rfrqTr{Tf€ lTs: ira{* qr*(ila rr
Chap.XXXII SOTRASTHANA

A Mahivyidhit (lit :- a deepseateddisease) suddenlyabating

in a personin whom nourishmentfails to produceany perceptible
effect forebodesa fatal termination.The physician,who can detect
andfully interpretthesefatal indications,is honouredby theking for
determiningthe curableor incurablenatureof a disease.7-8
1. Anydeepseateddisease,whichseriouslyaffecrsthevitalprinciplesofaman,is
calledMahhvyhdhi.DiseasessuchasPrameha,Vhtavyitdhi, Sosa,etc.havealso
beenincludedwithin the categoryin the Chapteron Kirya-chikitsh.A general
ameliorationor recoveryin thesecasesbeingnatural,on accountaf their deep-
seatedcharacter,a suddedabatement is usuallyfraughtwithfamlconsequences.
(Ari$P).

gfr V{ilffi qflqr+ eqreF{yfrqftrrfq ErFvilsqrq,il?rr

Thus ends the thirty second Chapter of Sftrasthina in the Su3ruta-Samhiti
which deals with the prognosis based on perversion of the natural appearances gf
the body.

+++
 STJTnASTHANa
CHAPTEK XXXIII

ffidatT@lrFlTrr:,
qifrErq rrrrqq qq<fr:nqu
Now we shalldiscourseontheChapterwhichtreatsof incurable
lfvaranfoa-adhybya).I
diseases
sqr*q i ger qrq+ qrnrErufuAl
Tsrfir(frtrr({T !ar1qu+q,mrrrqttR| |
qrrqr&: Y}6s !6tEwil r1rrq1: I
3[Vrrfr dddlq{r1w{l
srcaraf yEF*{ gAeaq{qr rrarrrqr:I t? | |
yrurlrRTqrqgrq

Td+qr ffi*'rr ftqril frffisrruytl

v6 gwmi trri u,,utqnFrfrkaqr
TT wrtrg qmqTftTFtqrvr+(n\rl
Metrical texts : Hearmedescribe,Ohchild,thediseaseswhich
beingattendedwith manya distressingand supervenient symptom,
and being treatedwithout rejuvenatingand restorativemedicines,
speedilyassumeincurablecharacter.The following eight diseases,
viz:-Mahi-V6ta-vy6dhi (paralysisor diseases
affectingthenervous
systemin general),Prameha(morbiddischargesfrom the urethra),
Chap. XXXIII SUTRASTHANA

Kug(ha,Ar3a (piles)Iliragandara(fistula in ano),ASmari(stonein

thebladder),Mu{ha-gartrha (falsepresentations)andtheeightkinds
of Udari (abdominaldropsy)are,by theirverynature,extremelyhard
to cure. A physicianwith any regardto professionalsuccessshould
abandona patientlaid up with anyof theprecedingdiseases,
marked'
by complicationssuchas, emaciationof the body, lossof strength,
dyspnoea,palpitation,wasting,vomiting,dysenteryandhic-cough,
fever and swoon.A caseof V6tavy6dhidevelopingsymptoms,sucti
as oedematousswelling,completeanesthesiaof the affectedpart,
breakingandpalsy(shaking)of the affectedlimbs,distentionof the
aMomen,with achingandcolic pain,usuallyendsin death.2-5
Etf I
fogqrfiki rrci sad aF< qrreqt tq tl
A caseof Prameha,attendedwith indicationsasareto be found
underthe headof that disease,as well as an increasedsecretionof
urine chargedwith semen,albumen,etc. and eruptionsof specifib
abcesses(known as Sarhvika etc.) is sure to have a fatal
termination, 6
!rF{=i lqrcTfs FFH Eil€{tt(l
q?ilaCrJttrrfti q5e f+6 rr
Efurttr\e
I
iletl
A caseof Kustha(leprosy)
characterisedby spontaneous
bursting
of the affectedparts,hoarsevoice, and blood-shoteyes,and not
proving itself amenableto the five-fold appliancesof emetics,
purgatives,etc.(Pafrca-Karma),
usuallyendsin death.A caseof piles
attendedwith thirst, aversion to food, colic pain, excessive
haemorrhage, anasarca(Sopha)ofthe locality,anddysunt"ryis soon
relievedby death.7-8
qrdTfsffir f*qq: vfrfrE ql
qrr<rrq yrcFfi qe ii qft*qft(r rqI r
Yv5r{fir{qri EqT* u,rrFqf,rfl
srw{t qTq{d{rg fuqinVffaarnlo Ir
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

A patientsufferingfromanattackoffistulain ano,characterised
by anemissionof flatus(Viyu), urine,fecalmatter,wormsandsemen
throughthe ulceratedlocality, shouldbe givenup aslost. A patient
sufferingfrom the presenceofstone, gravel,or urinaryconcretions
(Sarkari)in thebladderandattendedwith oedemaof thescrotumand
theumbilicus,retentionof urine,andcolic painin thatorgan,is soon
relievedofhis painby death.9'10
Trfdtqrr{rvg+ Fffid diFrti?fr: r
€: F{ q,d'r$ qsFtrPlrgrdiar:.rRq | |
In a case of false presentation (Mu-dhagarbha) an extreme
constrictionof the mouthof the uterus (or uteri),developmentof the
peculiar pain of child-birth, which is known as Makkalla, tonic
rigidity of thevagina,andsituationof theplacenta(Aparh)ata wrong
place (false pregnancy)and other symptoms(convulsions,cough,
dyspnoea, vertigoetc.)describedin theChapterontheEtiologyof that
disease,forebodethe deathof the parturientwoman'll
qw*rf,r-dFqie - YilrarFdsr*kn{l
faRti {atqrurg r"tffid{lRR ll
q€ilrqFd f{rtils *t Frqftrfrsfqer r
'tcttur ffi T{: ntl ll
ffi*r<t'qrg
A patientsufferingfrom aMominaldropsy(ascites)markedby
painat thesides,aversionto food,oedematous swellingof thelimbs'
dysenteryand freshaccumulationof water evenafter he had been
tapped,or evacuatedwith the exhibitionof purgatives,shouldbe
givenup as incurable.A caseof feverin which the patientbecomes
restlessandtossesaboutin the bedin an unconscious state,andlies
extremelyprostrate,or is incapableof sittingor of holdinghimselfup
in any other position and is besidesafflicted with rigor through
complainingof a burning sensationwithin, is sure to end in
death.12-13
* EqnEr rffir$ & wg'revgr*r1t
fftiqdur dr€rzrr{d qft EFilqr+EqI Rr | |
 Chap.XXXIII S'TRASTHANA 287

ffi Xa Fqnr+**qr
Trrdqilfi$i efu T{ q{qqFdE{: I R\ tl
Similarly,a fever patientdevelopingsuchsymptomsas, the
appearance ofgoosefleshon theskin,an achinggathered_up painin
the cardiac region, blood-shotor congestedeyes, and breathing
throughthe mouthshouldbe deemedas alreadyat the thresholdof
death.Similarly,a caseof fever,attendedwith hic-cough,dyspnoea,
thirst,fits of unconsciousness
or fainting,androllingof theeye-balls,
provesfatalin a weakandemaciated patient,whois foundto breathe
hurriedlythroughthemouth.14,15
sTrfunqf rdrffii FffgFrrfr{ ql
Survilffisrs rr =w"Tfr Er: nte rr
EM
ffifur r{ gqrnAvrti Fr{rvr+{ttqstl
A caseoffever provesfatalin a patient,foundto be restlessor
to lie inert in an unconscious
(subcomatose)statewith dull, clouded,
or tearfuleyes,()rprostrate,somnolent andextremelyemaciated. A
fever patientand especiallyan old one extremelyenfeebledand
emaciated,readily succumbsto an attack of dysenteryin which
labouredrespiration,colic andthirst supervene.16-17

E.Aur eg ftri qqqrffi6 rrme{rne | |

rrcfu EdHi€ gfrFi Tq1fuffi!1qqtl

An attackof Phthisis(Yaksm6)leadsits victim to deathin whom
glossinessof the eyes,aversionto food, expiratory(subclavicle)
dyspnoea,difficult and up-drawnbreathing(Urdhwa-Svisa), and
painful and excessivemicturition (dianhoeaaccordingto others.;,
manifestthemselves.A patientsufferingfrom an attackof Gulma
(abdominalgland),andont}revergeof death,exhibitssuchsymptoms
as labouredandpainfulrespiration, colic pain,unquenchable thirst,
aversionto food, lossof consciousness, anaemia,and the sudden
obliterationof theGranthi(tumorous or glandularformation).rE-19
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

snqfti E€|rffirggFdfr{l
Eqrqtrggqrffi ffiqiw+{tq111o ll
qr€ffi{d eI qrud€5 {l=Gt: I
q qrrgfufr ffillRqll
A personlaid up with an attack of Vidradhi (abscess)and
exhibitingsuchfatalsymptoms asdistension of theabdomen, retention
thirst, pain of a variedcharacter(such
of urine,vomiting,hiccough,
asaching,excruciating,etc')anddyspnoea, should be regardedasto
haveapfroachedthegoalof hislife. A patientsufferingfrom anattack
oflaundiceor chlorosismarkedby yellownessof theteeth,nails,and
andseeingeverything yellow,is notexpected to
of theconjunctivae,
long survivethe occurrenceof the at1aick'20'21

Eilki s{nq € trdvil lfrFttqrur:r

Tr6l"maRvTf Fr ffiFrfr ffittRRll
s{qrqIcr€rud qr ffirt:t
@ ffinR?tl
ytr qFcageqt
*an-ng fu{q|rrrqqgrfr fu{rvr+qttRYtl
. A personlaidupwithanattackof Haemoptysis, largelyvomiting
blood,ind viewingeverythingred or blood-coloured with his blood-
shoteyes,shouldberegardedasabouttodepartthislife.Aper
insangextremelyenfeebledand emaciated,andsittingupsleepless in
the night,or with eyesconstantlylifted upwardor castdown' would
Ue sin relieved of his earthly suffering' A case of Apasmf,ra
(epilepsy)provesfatalinaperson,whoisextremelyemaciated,
*itott eye-bro*sareconstantlymovingandwhoseeyesseemfixed
in an unnatural(oblique) stare'22'24
EA g5dsff{rqi W{Elfsarwrtfr arq :qftivilsarq:rt?ll
samhitir
Thus ends the thirty-thid chapter of the Siitrasthanain the Su3nrta
which treats of incurable diseases'
 StfTRASTHANa
CNAPTER XXXTV

srrrr* gt'++*cqrcf EtrgrrptrrT:,

qefrErqrrrrcq qqafr:uqn
Now we shalldiscourseon thechapterwhichtreatsof themode
of preservingthe life of a king whosesoldiersare on march(Jucta-
Seniya-adhy6ya). I
vrrrfilftrrfrqinrr
fitqqr Tqtrf 6,rd qsn Hgrrtqrrt I t? | |
frffiS: : gffilir;p
{fcail ffi*ur F{'qrtE rtrFre:1p1;1
Metrical rexts : I shallpresentlydescribethemeasures, which
a physicianin the king'sserviceshouldadoptwith a view to protect
tty.]ire of t_risror_afmaster,speciallyfrom acrsof secrerpoisoning,
while mobilizing his armiesto invartettte tenitory st t sreighbour'rg
monarchaccompanied by his chiefsandministers.2-3
lr*r|lTsfii Erqr lrfii qeerfrFffiqr
qrqqrqtr€ .ffiq ?Tsrtl
rs ftrg Fqfudsrq erffi{qA rcqq+ | ty | |
A commonpracticeof theenemyundersuchcircumstances is to
poisonthe wells on the roadside,the articlesof food,
the shadesof
trees(shadowyplaces)andthe fuerandforagefor cattle;hence
it is
Vol. l-19
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

incumbenton a physicianmarchingwith the troops, to inspect,

examineand purify thesebeforeusingany of them,in casethey be
poisoned.Thesymptomsandmedicaltreatmentwill befully described
anddiscussedlater on in the part,entitledthe Kapha Sthirna' 4

a*or areilfc': tqr eTrrKE: {rtt: I t\ | |

1ffi1
rtr Tqftf fnf Tnt du5frHr rq| |
Men, learnedin the lore of the AtharvaVeda,hold that death
may be attributedto a hundredandonedifferentcauses,(lit : deaths
of a hundredandonekinds)of whichone(whichis thatof anold man
naturallyandspontaneously expiring)is callednatural,while therest
areunnaturalor traumaticin theirorigin.Physiciansconversantwith
the curativevirtuesof drugsandminerals,andpriestswell versedin
theVedicMantras,shouldjointlyprotectthekingfromdeath,whether
dueto idiopathic(DoEaja)or extrinsiccauseds.5-6
rgr @r
gfrffi d{qr( q+a fi{urrffidque tl
Fg.{: vffi gunvil qdqdutlql
rd|"Trqfr ffi:1ztl
The god Brahmtrdisclosedto the world the Atharva Veda
togetherwith the eight allied branchesof vedic literaturepnd the
scienceof medicine.And sincea priest(Br6rhmana) is well-versedin
theaforesaidbranchesofstudy, a physician should subserviently
act
andoccupya subordinatepositionto the priest'The deathof a king
usuallyleadsto a political revolutionor to populardisturbances and
bringsabut a confusionamong the vocations of the differentorders
of society.The growthof populationmarkedlysuffersthroughsuch
7-E
catastrophies.
5.5.qrnn Tqrun5 *i{d Ee*fdmr
sTrf,rRTIT: qTqrM'f*fi,qrqqEq: llq ll
 C h a p .X X X I V SOTRASTHANA 291

dsr{tEkfffuT qrqrn:qffir' {*, r

Fr{rhrqfti ftFd *{ri$El fqqqrcr: I tio | |
IFFqrqrt q q-6fr Tr$nEr*rfr{ql
€n weqP6 *o: rfuqa: I ttt | |
ilr{er+i rs+qqw:lenfrsg@dql
scs{ariltr F{qvr€rqqfidr: nlR t l
VIr€TrrkEEqin: I
ffi erq F{rrnfa TrdFFTftild: I tt? | |
As the externalfeaturesof a king resemble thoseof a common
person,whilehis(king's)comrnanding majesty,sacrifice,forbearance
andfortunearesuper-hunian (in theirnatureandintensity),therefore
a manshould,whoisprudentandseekshisowngood"thinkreverentially
of his king,andpropitiatehim with tokensof loyaltyandallegiance
as if he were a deity. A physician,fully equippedwith a supptyof
medicine,shouldlive in a campnot remotefrom theroyatpivition,
andtherethe personswoundedby shaftsof arrowsor any otherwar
projectiles,or suff-eringfrom the effectsof any limbibed poison,
shouldresortto him (thephysician),conspicuous like a triumphant
ensignforhisfameandprofessional success.A physician, wellvirsed
in his own technicalscience,andcommanding a fair knowledgeof
otheralliedbranches of studyaswell,is glorifiedby his ting andthe
Brahmanas, andis like a bannerof victoryan ennoblingorniment to
thestate.9-13
*Eil Enq3vgug3. r}wt' rrRqnrm:r
qi rrrqrtsfuEsrqr: ffid{:n?ytl
gar*qF{RrFr:qrbgsilTryqr-tfrnrqr
qrffii Erfu rrdmqfr srq*qtR\ | |
The physician,the patient,the medicine,and the attendants
(nurses)
arethefouressentialfactorsof a courseof medicaltreatment.
Evena dangerousdiseaseis readilycured,or it maybeexpected to run
a speedycoursein the eventof the precedingfour factors being
respectivelyfound to be (qualified, self-controlled,genuine and
 s U S R U T AS A M H I T A

intelligentlywatchtul.14'15
ffiqr€q: {t(r yr+*marrfar, r
s*rfi@ qrnw{ ffitRqll
{'gq FET I
wti yftrd"d{ qqterr FdrrrrR{l tqe| |
In the absenceof a qualified physicianthe three remaining
factorsof treatmentwill prove abortivelike a religioussacrifice
performedwith thehelpof anUdgatrt,a Hoq,2anda Brihmapa,in the
ubt.n.r of an Adhvaryu.3A qualifiedphysicianis alonecapableof
relievingthepainofmanya sufferingpatient, justasonlyahelmsman
a
is capabieof takinghis hoatacross river even withoutthehelp and
co-operationof a singleoarsman.16'17
ffiEgo,qf srq5frt
F[$6GT: qH: VPc:ru*rW"tttvc: I lta | |
ygqFTqffiqq q{qr4 frwcE:t
vesrffi 4I Tt fiqqq qrq g.€qtlRq ll
whois well versedin the
Qualitiesof a physician: A physician,
scienceof medicineandhasattendedto thedemonstrations of surgery
andmedicine,andwhohimself practises
thehealing art, and is clean,
courageous,light-handed,fully equippedwith zuppliesof medicine,
surgicalinstruments andappliances,andwhois intelligent,well read,
andiSa manOfreadyreSources, andonecOmmands a decentpraCtice,
andis furtherendowedwith all moralvirtues,is alonefit to be called
a physician.18-19
sTf
$rrqFtrEqrndfczrqnrtrEnfr t
sTrffi qtfua: qt-qsqtl lRo| |
Patient : The patient,who believesin a kind and all-merciful
t. Udsittl : Oneof thefour principal priestsat a sacifice, whochantsthe hymns
of the SimaVeda.
HoQ : A priest, who recites the (Riks) prayers of the 8g Veda at a religious
sacifice.
Adhvaryu : A piest ofthe Yaiur-Yeda,whoseduryis rc cast thesacrificial beast
into thefire.
 Chap.XXXIV SOTRASTHANA

Providence,and possesses an unshakablefortitudeand strongvital

energy,andwho is laid up with a curableform of disease,andis not
greedy,and who furthercommandsall the necessary articles,at his
disposal,andfirmly adheresto theadviceof hisphysicianis a patient
of the properor commendable type.20
YYr*r6F{ qrqil(l
!.trqT:r r*€'rci rrstaotrsfiTdqt tRt | |
ffi frqsflr
lr+sp qd *,rA q *qEf vq sqtt tRR| |
Medicine : The(proper)medicineis thatwhichconsistsof drugs
grownin countriesmostcongenialto theirgrowth,collectedunderthe
auspicesof properlunar phasesand asterisms,and compoundedin
propermeasures andproportions,
andwhichis pleasing(exhilarating
to the mind) and hasthe propertyof suMuing the derangedbodily
humourswithoutcreatinganydiscomfortto thepatient,andwhich is
harmlessevenin an overdose,andis judiciouslyadministeredat the
opportunemoment.2l-22

@gfrffur
fur€qfderrd: !r(: qRqt: Sa: I tRt tl
Nurse : Thatpersonaloneis fit to nurseor to attendthebedside
of a patient,whois cool-headed andpleasantin his deameanour, does
not speakill of anybody,is strongandattentiveto the requirements
of the sick, andstrictly andindefatigablyfollows the instructionsof
the physician.23
gA gtrffdrqi q{pn+ g.ir++{fr crc qgfrdvr}ssufl-q:utvn
Thusendsthethirty-fourthchapteroftheSu}asth6nain thesu3rutaSamhitir.
which treatsof preservingthe life of a king whosesoldiersare on march.

+++
 ST]TRASTHANA
CHATTtrR XXXV

q{Fiefr$arq:
sTenfr@t €r@lrFlTR:,
qQfrErq rryrgq erqaR: rrqtt
onthechapterwhichdealswithclinical
Nowwe shalldiscourse
(Aturopakramaqiya
observations 1
adhy6rya)'
sng{g5m.qqrfuft{rqrg{rqr*e*qrrqqrtrmrgh
qfr*attttt
A physicianshouldfirst observethevital condition(Ayu) of the
patientbeforecommencingthe medicaltreatment.After that, the
thecountryandseason
nalureof thedisease, of theyearin whichit has
madeits appearance, as well as the stateof digestion,age,body'
habit,previousmedicine,naturaltemperanent
shength,disposition,
andthepowerof endurance of thepatient,etc.shouldbeobserved and
carefullyexamined.2
r* {tr-
@6@irys^.r@i, q5rqRcilqi

srcrSfcqi5qtEqatfrgwwrurffiiuarafrgwmure+i
g5{ qrfur( ffg, rreqqftfrr nffiirqmtql \tRr-
1111
Characteristicfeatures of a long lived man : Men, the
C h a p .X X X V SUTRAS Ii ANA

dimensions of whosehands,legs,sides,back,nipplesof the breast,

teeth,face,shouldersand foreheadexceedthe average,as well as
thosewhoseeyes,arms,phalanges and fingersare longerthanthe
ordinaryonesshouldberegarded asgoingtolive long.thosewhohave
broadchests,broadeye-brows withbroaderspaces interveningbetween
the musclesof the breasts,and who takein deeperinspirationsof
breath,will belonglived.Thosewhosenecks,thighs,andgenerative
organsare shorterthanthoseof the averagetype, or thosewhose
voicesandumbilicalcavitiesaredeep,andwhosebreasts areunraised
and thick-set,and externalearsbroad,fleshyand hairy, with the
occipitalregionfully developedandprotruded,will enjoya longer
spanoflife.Men,onwhosebodiessandal pasteandsimilarpreparations
beginto dry up fromtheheaddownward,whilethoseappliedoverthe
chestbecomeabsorbedlater, shouldbe lookedupon as persons
endowedwith an uncommonlylongerdurationof lit-e.
The medicaltreatnentof sucha patienlmaybe unhesitatingly
takenin handby a physician.
Persons,exhibitingbodilyfeatures
other
thanthosedescribed above,shouldbelookeduponasshort-lived men,
whilethose,whoarepossessed of features
commonto menof boththe
abovementionedtypes,shouldbe considered as keepingthe mean
betweenthemasregardslongevity(Madhyam6yuh). 3
qqR qr*-

Taseft'rrrerg: rftdrF: fuilfu: r

Tnn-ffgqH Q: TT qnqigTtqh r r
'rqt-( $!.dnm
Prfr(ilrqF{f,r+;
Authoritativesyerseson the subject: A man,with deep-set
bones,ligaments,andveins,andtoughandthick-setlimbs,and.firm
andunflinchingsenseorgans,as well asone whosebodygradually
developsa moreandmoresymmetricalshape,shouldbelookedupon
asa long-livedman.Theman,whohasnotailedfor a singlemoment
evenfrom the day of his birth, andhasbeengettingmoreand more
strong-limbed everydaythrclughthecultivationof his inbornsense
anda betterknowledgeof thelawsof health,is sureto live to a good
old agein thefull enjoymentof his senses
andintellect.4
296 SAMHI'I.A
SUSRIJTA

Frttrfr ssd Frdq tr

s{e6qqrqtds *qr, 1gd*ln+ar: I
t qr ftr*sfumrqrfr rrr+q,urtuqiffi 1I
$rt*d +qrs E€iT: t
qF{r 1g{ifg v{qqrglffid rgqfr, ll\ ll
Madhyamlyu[r : Now, hear me describethe bodily featuresof
a nran of a mean or averageduration of life (l\{adhyam6yuh). The
man, the integumentsof rvhoselower eyelidsare markedwith two or
threewell-markedand extendedlines or furrows,and whoselegs and
externalearsare thick and fleshy, and the tip of whosenoseis turned
a little upward,andwho hasup-pointedlines directly runningthrough
the middle of his back, is expectedto live up to the ripe old age of
seventYyears.5
ilrqFfr s?d F*er ir
E€rft qs qstFurgr-rETfu trtqlt
acffi T q Erqrrqtqrqirql
ss{Et greot rsrnrrrgr:iltqr Tl.frfigr:| |
t:str vdxr* qrfu FilFii rgvatr
W q f{ErRi € *+( qsF"Frfd{tlq ll
Specifictraits of a short-livedman : Now,hearmedescribe the
specifictraits,whichcharacterise thebodyof a shortlivedman.A
manwith shortphalanges of fingersa narrowback,andexternalears
abnormallyraisedup fromtheirnaturalseats,andwhois possessed of
a largepenis,ahighnose,a breastcoveredwith ringletsof curlyhair,
andwhoexposes thegumsof histeeth,or whoseeyesroll whiletalking
or laughing,is notexpected to seemorethantwenty-fivesummers'6
srer grr{rgm :t
if€lEFlttt: rtrs.l*fr 1 atr
{*rE*' qrErE9s?ffi W{enu* |vAft;qrqqqqnrF o.r
6F fusT qtfu{ qscrrFr5r+:I qglEdrqi qsffi
|@ qlftd:r qg*rr€nr{n:
w(:r@@l 3rst-
Chap.XXXV SUTRASTHANA

<vrr{arv-gr,\ifr{{fi sFEE[trrFdvrqEFrkiqidRr{l\il-s.r{re-
1rqr{6[\ell
We shallnow givetheexactmeasures of thedifferentlimbs and
membersofthebodyforthebetterascertainmentof thedurationoflife
a patientunderinvestigation.- Thelegs,thearms,andthe headare
calledthelimbsof thebody,whiletheircomponent partsarecalledthp
members (Avayavas). The greattoe of a man, or the onenextto it,
measured with his own fingersshouldmeasure two fingerswidth in
length,thelengthsof theothertoes(thethird,foutth,andsmallones)
successivelydiminishingby a fifth part of that of his middle finger
(PradeSinD.
The fore-soleandthe soleproperrespectivelyshouldmeasure
fourfingerswidthin lengthandfive fingers'widthin breadth.Theheel
of the foot (P6rr$ni)
shouldmeasure five fingers'widthin lengthand
four fingers'width in breadth.Thefoot itselfshouldmeasurefourteen
fingers' width in length. The girth of the foot, as well as the
circumference ofthemiddlepartsof thighsandknee-joints,respectively
shouldmeasurefourteenfingersin width.
The part of the leg betweentheankleandthe knee-jointshould
measure eighteenfingers'widthin length,whilethepartbetweenthe
joint of thewaistandtheknee-joint shouldnieasure thirty-twofingers'
widthin length,theentirelegthusmeasuring fifty fingers'widthin all.
Thelengthof thethighis thesameasthatof thepartlying betweenthe
heel andthe knee-joint(Jangh6).7
FrtrcTrR l
TE{WrTh r
trr{srrf'firF{ -
ffir :
$evn{.a: t rltuil,
@l
@r -
qqqlgdrqsrqd rqraiilgrEf,yeffi ' €ndrr{eir
u,Frstr€tnz| |
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Thescrotum,thechin,the(two rowsof) teeth,theexteriorline

of thenostrils,therootsof theears,andtheintervening
spacebetween
the eyes,shouldrespectively measuretwo fingers'width in length.
Thenon-erected penis,thecavityof themouth,thetworowsof teeth,
the nose,the heightof the neck,the ears,andthe fbrehead,andthe
spaceintervening between thepupilsof theeyesmeasure
fourfingers'
width in length.
The entirelengthof the vaginalcanalshouldmeasuretwelve
fingers'width,Thespacelying betweenthepenisandtheumbilicus,
aswell astheoneintervening betweenthechestandtheupperendof
the throat(lit : neck),like the onelying berweenthetips of rhetwo
nipplesof thebreast, shouldnleasure twelvefingers'widthin Iength.
The lengthof the entirefaceshouldmeasure twelvefingers'width.
Thegirth roundthe wristandthefore-armof a manshouldmeasure
twelvefingers.
The ginh roundtheknee-jointis sixteenfingers'widthandthe
Iength betweenthe wrist and the elkrw shouldmeasuresixteen
fingers'width.Thepartof thearmbetweentheelbowandthe tip of
the middlefingershouldmeasuretwenty-fourfingers'width in all.
Thelengthof the entirearmmeasures thiny-twofingers'width,and
the girth roundthe thighsshouldmeasure thirty-twofingers'width.
Thepalmof thehandshouldmeasure six fingers'widthin lengthand
four fingers'width in breadth.Thespacebetweenthe bottomof the
ball of thethumbto therootof theindexfinger,aswell asthespace
betweentherootof theearsto theoutercorneror angleof the eyes,
shouldmeasurefive fingers'in length.The middle finger should
measurefive fingers'widthin length.Theindexandthering-fingers
respectivelyshouldmeasureftrur and a half fingersin length,the
thumbsandthelittle fingersrespectively measuring threeanda half
fingers.t

ffi gqfiEqt Frrrrrn$dfuRr{r

WgerafEr I Tr{FilTrrrqRprr6r ?nGFrr r*qanrqrfyil
ChapX
. XXV SO T R A S T H A N A

sfri{rrr{.iryrii $tqrqrq Efrnttt

Thefissureof themouthshouldmeasure four frngersin length.
Thegirth roundtheneckshould measure twenty fingers.Eachof the
cavitiesof thenostrilsshouldmeasure oneandthreequarterpartsof
a fingerin length.The regionof the iris occupiesa third partof the
entireareaof rhecornea.Theregionof the pupil shouldmeasurea
ninth part thereof.
The arch extendingfrom the hairy extremityof the templar
regionto the middlepoint of the backof the headshouldmeasure
elevenfingers.Thedistancebetweenthemiddleof theheadandthe
terminal point of the hairy portionof the neck shouldmeasurelen
fingersin length.Thegirthof theneckmeasure fromthebackof one
earto thatof theother should be fourteen fingers.Thelengthof the
pelvicregionof a youngwomanmeasure from below theanteriorside
of the thighjoints shouldbe foundto be equalto the breadthof the
chest(Vaksab)in a malesubject(twelvefingers).
Thethighof a womanshouldbeeighteenfingersin breadthand
equalto thatof thewaistof a man.Theentirelengthof a malehuman
bodyshouldbe a hundredandtwentyfingers.9
lTqFil iATT_

rrsFdfr Tfr qS Eqr1 rrfr E ffir

rrr€rrrr*ql d} qrdErr(€gri* firr{t lqot t
ta' €rr{.*tq qurqq!61fdir: | |
gt': lrrrdar*r SqqqT G qrS'qrt
ndFd futrs T6{6Fdl
qqq qeringFfr fr*wens*rqr Rq| |
Authoritativeverseon the subject: An intelligentphysician
shouldregardtheorganismof a manof twenty-fiveor of a womanof
sixteenyearsof age,asfully developed (in respectof thematurityof
thesevenfundamental principlesof thebodysuchas,serum,blood,
& c),Thedimensions limbsandmembers
of thediff'erent of thebody,
laid downabove,shouldbeunderstood asto havebeenmeasured by
the standardof one's(man's or woman's) own finger's width, and a
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

person,whoselimbsandorgansarefoundto correspond to theabove-

said measures,is sure to live to a good and hearty old age, as a
necessaryandbefittingsequelto ahappyandprosperous careerin life.
In thecaseof a partialcorrespondenceof one'slimbsandorgansto the
above-saidmeasuresandproportions,a man shouldbe regardedas
havinganaveragelife andprosperity.A personwhoselimbsfall shon
of the abovesaidmeasuresshouldbe regardedas an indigent and
shortlived person.10-1I
qqzlrq: I
3Ts[ ITI.{F1 ffit
qeqrurfifi*W Ftrsrr FdrEIr(@
qgit-firrrurf g*ur r erryrgilqfti tnqrrrs*fiFTt tiqrr*-
qwirrdi*g qqflr rraRnr:erq I
@:
fiarqffi Tdwfrrq snqrcnqF6qJ +dgr I s{frBrflnr
TafiFrqFd qf'dqF{drg rrRT | futqargT€rrqq-
ffi r*nr Err+aTSq*qrot' HqIFr{
F*arftdqr q.d q.d ysniqrg:rrhilr{*frhuqRil
Physicaltemperament(Shra) : Now we shall describethe
characteristictraitsof thedifferentpreponderant
principles(S-arra)
or
temperaments of thehumanorganism. A man,whois possessedof a
goodretentivememory,andis intelligent,valorousandcleanlyin his
habits,andwhosemindis gracedwith suchrareandexcellentvirtues
as,purityofthought,anda ferventandunflinchingdevotionto gods
and the reverend,and who exertshimselffor the furtheranceof the
absolutegood,shouldberegardedasa manof Satvasdra (psychicor
illumined)temperament.
A man with glossy,white andclose-setbones,teeth,and nails
andwhohasbegottena largefamily of children,andshorvsa marked
amativetendency,shouldbe looked upon as a man in whom the
principle of semendecidedlypreponderates. A man with a thin and
sinewy body, and who exibits traits of excessivestrength,and
possesses a deepresonantvoice,anda pairoflargeandhandsomeyes,
andwho is successful in everywalk of life, shouldbe lookeduponas
one in whom the principleof marrowpreponderates. A man with a
largehead,anda largepairof shoulders, andhavingfirm teeth,bones,
cheek-bones, andfinger-nails,shouldbe consideredasonein whom
C h a p .X X X V SUTRASTHANA

the principleof bonepreponderates.

A man with a large and bulky body,and who is capableof
enduringa large amountof fatigueor physicalexertion,and who
naturally talks in a soft and melodiousvoice, and whose bodily
secretions suchasurineandperspirationarecharacterisedbycoldness
shouldberegardedasoneof a fattytemperament. A manwith anerect
and upright frame,and deep-setbones,andjoints in thick layersof
flesh, should be regardedas one in whom the principle of flesh
predominates.
A man,whosefingernails,eyes,tongue,palate,lips, palmsof
handsand solesof feet are glossy,andtingedwith a shadeof red,
shouldbe lookeduponasonein whombloodformsthe essentialand
predominant principle.A manwith a soft,smoothandpleasantskin
andhair shouldbeconsidered asonein whomserum(Tvak)formsthe
essentialprinciple of the body. In respectof wordly successand
longevity,menof eachof thedforesaid typesshouldbe successively
judgedinferior to menbelongingto theoneprecedingit in theabove
orderof enumeration. 12
lrCFiT qt=r-
ffi.rg.rcg-yqrurKer qfta: I
rrfrFrg: gRgufrf$rsrqffi a.+gI R?| |
Authoritative verse on the subject : A qualifiedphysician
shouldexaminethe durationof life in a patientwith thehelp of the
aforesaidmeasuresof limbsandtheessentialbodilyprinciples,before
proceedingto take up his medicaltreatment,and his professional
successhsouldbe decidedlyincreasedtheref. 13
qreffiqrq grrlF{trdrr,rrd qtt frfleqr:€tErr?rcEtr:
y-src}qrgt tty | |
whosenames
All thediseases, havebeenspecificallyenumerated
before,maybe grouped heads
underanyof thethreedifferent asthe
curable,the suppressible(Y6pya)andtheincurable(lit : fit to be
pronounced 14
ashopeless).
df"rqryfuEr qfrfra-ffi6: YrE*;q-dsqeepr
tfrt
 S U S R U T As A M H I T A

irrWt*t qrq zr: qfu E{rh qqqmrtrqrfr

ffi € il*In \r*'r{q{ia: I yrd'qd q: yrffiqr+
@tsr;Tf,qruil*@:q
:llt\ll
Eachof thesedifferenttypes,in its turn, shouldbe carefully
observed soasto determine whetherit is a primaryor anindependent
disease, ormerelyanaccessory orsympathetic one,orthepremonitory
indicationof an incipientdistemperin its incubativestage.
An aupasargika(sympathetic) diseaseis merelya symptom
developed in thecourseof an originalor primarymalady,andwhich
hasits foundationin theverynatureor component factorsof thepre-
existing distemper.A disease,which manifestsitself from the
commencement of a caseandis neitheranaccessory symptom,nora
premonitoryindicationof any other distemper,is called a Pr6k-
kevala(primaryororiginal)one.A disease whichindicatestheadvent
of a futureor impendingmaladyis calleda Prfrvarfpa (premonitory
stageor indicationof a disease). 15
r* ffi ffi{dgtrdFf er ryrq*qii
!ftr{dilt srqflqri F{rF#{rrfi yq*arqqr
The medicial remedyto be administeredin any particular case
should be selectedwith an eye to the curative virtues of each of its
components,so as not to clash with the nature(cause)of the disease
andits accompanyingsymptoms,andto provesimultaneouslysoothing
to both of them. On the contrary, a violent unfavourablesymptom
should be first attendedto and checkedin a casewhere it would be
found to have grown strongerand more distressingor dangerousthan
the original malady in courseof which it has beendeveloped.
A primary or independentmalady, unattendedwith any of the
distressingor unfavourablesymptoms,shouldbe treatedaccordingto
its indications and the nature of the derangedhuniours involved
therein,while in an incubativediseasethe treatmentshouldconsistin
subduing a premonitory symptom as soon as it would make itself
manifest. 16
Chap.XXXV SUTRASTHANA

lrqfr ?TT_
qrk ffi frqr iidsrqde{r{fu4{ur: I
sr5t.qfu fu ftr$qfErgqrqiqnqe tl
yrfrF{Fdflr EflGt: llqa ll
AuthoritativeVerse on the subject: As thereis not a single
disease,which canmakeits appearance withoutthe participationof
anyof thederanged bodilyltumours,a wisephysicianis enjoined.to
administermedicinesaccordingtothespecificfeaturesof thederanged
humoursinvolvedin a diseasewhosenatureandtreatmenthavenot
evenbeendescribed in anybookon medicine.Thedifferentseasons
ofthe yearhavebeendescribed before.17-18
vtsl lffiqrr5ufr ffirenurqr
E,?ErE-qf'Effi srKi FsqrfirFiq Erc*qr tqqr r
silrr* er fqrfrr& gr* qr a Qat fxrnr
fuqr ff{rsfrRffir qr qrgkfr r ffinRo tl
qr qff vrrrqfr qrd qrh qrifr qr
qr fr"Tr, r g qr qrfu Etsqg{K+{n?t tl
Metrical Texts : ln thecoldseason, a disease shouldbetreated
with measures andremedies enduedwith thevirtueof destroyingor
wardingoff cold,while in summerthe medicinaltreatmentshould
consistof measures andapplications capable of allayingtheheat.The
medicaltreatmentof a diseaseshouldbe commenced just at the
opportune moment, which should not be allowed to expire in vain
underanycircumstances whatsoever. A courseof medicaltreatment
commenced at aninopportune moment,or notresortedto attheadvent
of its propertime,aswell asoveror insufficientmedication, proves
abortive even in a curable type of disease. The proper medical
treatment(of a disease)is that which successfullycopeswith the
maladyundertreatment,andarreststherecrudescence of a freshone
by way of sequel, and not that, which though subduing a particular
distemper, is immediatelyfollowedby a new ane.19-21
ffi !T?EF':Iq qgffi lrEfr, Mryqa
<piffi rrdfrtffiqr*t, *Err: fir*r,
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qqr yfurm, agef: gq: Trdqnr*rftfrlt?Rtl

Ithasbeendemonstratedbefore thatthefoodof a manis digested
only with thehelpof thedigestivefire or heat(P6cak6gni),
whichmay
bedividedinto four differentkinds(states).Oneof thesekindsis due
to it not being in any way affectedby the derangedhumoursof the
body,whiletheotherthreearerespectivelyascribedto thefactof their
becomingso deranged.The digestivefire or heatbecomesirregular
or fitful (Viqamigni) through the action of the derangedViyu
becomeskeen,throughthe actionof the derangedPitta, anddull or
sluggish,throughthe actionof the derangedKapha.The fourth kind
(Sama)continuesin a stateunaffectedby anyof themorbidhumoural
constituentsof the body owing to their maintainingthe normal
equilibrium.22
r**qqrdFrdgqJ-fiFiuqqvefr*t rrq: pffi$; I
q: EErk(qqqrufr -
@E€r€Fdqq:te:@
Tqfr R fur:, IS ; Trggf6;
lrEfr, vr*'r+ q wrnrffie-
Er6{r<rqTtq{qfrt qKI -
ffi qril rrffir E6T+{qqFds rr<: rRI rl
.Samlgni and Viqamlgni : The digestiveheat,which fully
digeststheingestedfoodatthepropertimewithouttheleastirregularity,
thusreflectingthecontinuance of thebodilyhumoursin their normal
state,is calledSam6gni.Thedigestiveheatwhichis irregularin its
action,andwhichsometimes helpstheprocess of completedigestion,
andproducesdistensionof the aMomen,colic pain, constipationof
thebowels,dysentery, ascites,
heaviness of thelimb rumblingin the
intestines,and loosemotions (dianhoea) at other times,is called
Viqamigni.
Tikq46gni : The digestiveheat,which helpsthe digestionof
evena heavymealwithinanincrediblyshortspaceof times,is called
"Keen" (Tikqaigni) and which becomingabnormallyaugmenled
begetsan excessive or voraciousappetite(Atyagni),helpsa glutton
to digesthis frequent
meals,andproducesa parchedthroat,palateand
 C h a p .X X X V SUTRASTHANA

lips, heatand otherdiscomforts.

Mand6gni : The digestivefire or heatwhich causesthe tardy
digestioneven of a scantymeal, and producesheavinessof the
abdomenand head,cough,difficult breathing,water-brasl1,
naDse4
andweariness of thelimbssimultaneouslywith thetakingthereof,is
calleddull or sluggish(Mand6gni).23
ffi erceqfuf*#ryr:furRFmqr-tr
qrtsF-+qlur rr+F{6,1-1q6qsnryqqI t?y | |
ir* Irt fu qda, fq6rifraqrserxft: ffiS:
lrFr{dc frq+ @ \ro+qreF+ffi+ur
Eft+E ffiHffi:, zA@ qF..f8ur-
ftrfrurqu
\frrrnca)) exrs :-Tneorgestrve
fire of theVisamakindbringson
diseasescharacterised by the derangement of the v6yu. A ieen
(Tiksna)digestivefire bringson bilio-us(pirtaja)
affections,while a
sluggish(Manda)fire gives rise to diseasesmarkedby
a deranged
stateof the Kapha.Endeavours shouldbe madeto keepthedigestive
fire of the sama type (normaror regurarappetiter)in
an unim"paireo
state.Theoneknownas visama(inegurar)shouldbe
correctei by a
diet consistingof emollient,acidor salinesubstances.
In a caseof
abnormallykeendigestivefire, themedicaltreatment
shouldconsist
in prescribingpurgativesanda dietinthecomposition
of whichsweer,
cooling,and fatty or arbuminous mattersrargeryenter.The same
treatmentshourdbe adoptedin (Atyagni) as marked in
casesof
voraciousappetite,anda diet consistingof buffaro-milk,
or its curd
(Dadhi)andliquid buffalo-burtershouldbeprescribed
for thepatient
in addition' Emetics shourdbe administeredin a case
of duil or
sluggishdigestion(Mandigni) andthepatientshourdberestricted
to
adietconsistingof articresof apungent,astringentor bitter
taste. 24 -2s
qrd;+
@ eT;ti6.:l
furmrtrff{i fu}ti *{ yr€}uRqtl
1' Thereis a dffirence between'Agni" and "appetite".
Agniincrudesbile and
pancreaticse,etions, and henceindicatesthi
itate ofonis dige*ion. ippetite,
..
thoughnot an unerringindicatorofrhe process,is the
effect"ofAgnii.
Vrl. I-2f)
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

sda: rrq*figfir: t
€qrqtqrst qrfr € A Tstr+qqftsi&: I lRe| |
is godly in
Metrical Texh : The fire, thatburnswithin a person,
its subtleessence,and possesses the clivineattributesof atom-like
invisibility, weight-lessness, etc',andis thedigestantof food' Ittakes
and
up t , ry*prr chlle of dift'erenttastesfor thepurposeof digestion,
isinvisibleowingtoitsextlemelysubtleessence.Thethreevi
their own
Ve,yutknown as Prl1a, Ap0naand Samtna' locatedin
26'27
sphereswithin the organism,feedit andkeepit burning'
qq€ Ffu, ffiai q{d Tqfrhr rMqr
.*tRtfr fhqr:-qfrtqr:, ${rargrr, qrrr<r Fhl tg
TiT(F{T{r: qfrwr:, ffti+gtwr: (fr{T=Ir(t:, qr*sarEt
Efrtttatt
Thetlneestagesof manmayberoughlydescribedas( 1) infancy
or childhood,(2) youth or middle age, and (3) old age or dotage'
may
childhood extendsup to the sixteenthyearof life, andchildren
are fed on
be divided into threedifferentclasses,accordingas they
milk, or on milk andboiledrice or on boiledrice alone'A child lives
and
exclusivelyon milk up to the first yearof its life, it is fed onrnilk
boiled rice (traro food) up to the secondyear, and is thenceforward
nourishedwith boiled rice (hard food)' 2E
qsiqrrwsffi -dr
ffi EnaqTr{rrgPf
EfiRfd rr* wt ffi{GrrrrFffi tMfvra: sdqr-
ffiref,fi t
rrqaqd vffia-
qrrcergei ivdffi
@tT€qrqs$llRill
The middle age of a man extendsfrom the sixteenth to the
youth,
seventiethyear of his life, and exhibits the traits of growth,
arrestof developmentand decay.The processof growth or building
goesonuptothetwentiethyearoflife,whenyouthortheageo
the
irutorlty sets in and holds sway over the body of a man up to
thirtiethyearof hislife, thestrength,semenandall theorgansandvital
 Chap.XXXV SUTRASTHANA

principresof the body attain(their)fun maturity

ar rhe ageof forry
Thenceforth decaygraduailysetsin up to theseventieth ylar of rife.
After that the strengthandenergyof a mandwindre
oay uy oay.r'rre
organsandvirility grow weakandsufferdeterioration.
tt e traii tu.ns
to a silvery white,the parchedskin looksshrivelled
and becomes
impressed with marksof dotage(crow'sfeet-marks). Theskinhangs
down andbecomesflabby,thehair beginsto fall off,
unO,y.fio*,
of alopeciamark thesmooth,sheenandbaldedpate.
The,urpi*iion
becomeslabouredand painfur.The body, worn
out like an old and
dilapidated building,shakes
withfitsof distressing.ough. s;.;;;""
is incapableof ail acts,and doesbut imperfecttyperrorm
ail bodily
functions.He hasgrown old.29
il#n*mrg *seprrw+rtr r}qqrrl:rrh*w $rafu,
xiq@vfrqdarrlorr
The doseof medicineshouldbe increasedwith
the age of a
patient till the age of decay,and reduced
after the expiry of the
seventiethyear to the quantity(which is usuallvprescribed
for an
youthofsixteen).30

rTCFil qT:T-
im* F{qd+
qr\-r yqar{tT IIE.TIT
rr.q.gi(| TFT frrir+qgl
{rzlrT fqirlfET
qf* qrg{A d-ftq ffiqr rQrrr
T{t
srFnrnhf+€ qmf€t ffitqr
tr(gtct$ frqTtg Tfrfqqhffi vr*, I r??| |
Authoritative verses on the subject : Kapha
is increased
during the years of childhoodand pitti in middle
ug", **iu un
jngre3seof V6yu (nervousderangement) marksttrecloiing y.ui, of
life, ugeof strongor drasticpurgatives,andcauterisation
Jhe arealike
prohibitedin casesof childrenandordmen.
Theyshoutcueuseconty
in weakened or modified forms if found
inOispeisaUty
necessary.3l-32
fu3 -1qn: q'vil qsq Efr yrgqFqq.r
u,,vf+(tffi rqr r.ftrWil rrtrr
Tqlur+{ qar€ q.fa vati f"r.rq.t t?l | |
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

personis eitherstout'
It hasbeenstatedbeforethatthebodyof a
A stout personshould-be
thin or of an average(middling)bulk'
whilea physicianshouldtry
irOur.c in bulkwith depietive*iusur.s,
humanbody'whichis neither
to makea thin patientlain in flesh'A
to maintainits shapely
too thin nor too stoul, shouldbe made
rotundity,33
rretqF{Fdgcr,*+eer< t
qd+{ gerr{qfq-
rrgr{ E|Ft€kt:W
6-{u[rqr[IlltYll
We havealreadydiscoursed on thestrengthof thebody'Now in
primarilyincumbenton the
a particular.urc uni.' treatment'it is
naturallyweak' or has
pfiysi.iunto enquirewhetherthe patientis
thebodilyhumoursor old
becomesothrougha derangedconditionof
makesall remedial
e"O sinceiiis thestrelgthof a patientwhich
"gt.
measures(suchascauterisation,etc')possible,itshouldberega
to a medicaltreatmentof whatsoevernatuure
u, tfr. grunOestauxiliary
it may be.34
*kq{n: gTntElit:F5irErrf,cwr r{T: I
rd qrqrtdei *a: Ynd:+(ll?\ | |
gtr€
"s.ifiF lltqll

MetricalTexts:Therearesomemenwhoarestrongthou
andaccordinglya physician
thin;whileothersareweak,thoughstout;
shoulddeterminethebodilystrengthofapatientbyenquiringab
labour'Sattvaor fortitude
tfrecapacityof his physicalendurinceand and
of one'smindto sensations
denotesa kind of (stoic)indifference
sourcesofPleasureor Pain'35-36
vtr{q F6} Fd riKlqrsrqqrs{rt
-Rqqr+s*,, v6t *a inrfiT: l lle | |
rrEt€:
is capableof
A manof strongfortituude(S6ttvikatemperament)
painby repressing his^mind
enduringeverything,or any amountof
a Rijasikaturn of mind
*itft tftJnufp of ni, *itt o' intellect'A manof
(strong,active,energetic) maybemadeto patientlysubmitto a course
medicaltreatmentby meansof persuasive counselsandthe
"ip"littf
 C h a p .X X X V SUTRASTHANA

logic of the inevitable,whereasa man of a T6masikatemperament(a

worldly cast of mind characterisedby Nescience) is simply
overwhelmedat the prospectof bodily pain. 32
y{frf rMrqR.er( ?FrrT: r snqrfr g tvr6rd-

qrqflerftRrfur rrsk[Rail
Lateron, we shailhaveoccasionto dealwith thedifferenttypes
of physicaltreatmentandof remedialagentsin general.A partiiular
country,or a season of theyear,a particulardisease or a peculiarmode
of living, any particularkind of physicallabouror eiercise,or the
specificpropertiesof thewaterof anyparticularlocality,or daysleep,
or ajuiceof anyparticulartaste,is or aresaidto becongenial (s6tmya)
to a man,or a manis saidto be naturalised to theseconditionsand
environments, whentheyfail to produceany injuriouseffecton his
health,thoughnaturallyunwholesome to others.3g
ril rqt ertrt q€{ Eqriq Frifua, r
qrqrs*ir*q(ar qvrefrfr FqQ+qrt?q | |
Metrical rexts : A thingof anytastewhitsoever,
or anykindof
habit or physicalexerciseis saidto be congenialto a man which.
insteadof in anywaytellingon hishealth,contributesto his positive
pleasureandcomfort.39
tprwrTfr wff.FT:Trerrrurvfrr r* a-6qae++m-
rfrqdrwil gg{ffiFil TggEqrfrqftrc-

Sqtr-
qrafurfoi-
Tfu€g vrff.Fr: I sqqtgrerqtlT: qrq1gurEfrpxo1
Featuresof Anupa country : A countrymaybeclassedeither
asanAnrrpa,Iilhgalaora sidhirana one,accordingto its distinctive
physicalfeatures.An Anupa (wateryor swampy)countrycontains
a
large numberof pools,and is woodedandundulatedwith chainsof
lofty hills traversingits area,andwhichis impassableowingto its net-
worksof riversandsheetsof accumulated rain-waterrippling before
3lo S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

thecurrentsof thegentle,humidair.It is inhabitedby a raceof stout,

shapelyand soft-bodiedmen, susceptibleof Vtrtala and Kaphaja
diseases.
FeaturesofJingala and S6dhlra4acountries: Thecountry
whichpresents a flat surfaceandwhosedull monotonyis enlivened
hereandthere scantygrowthsof thornyshrubsandthetopsof a few
by
isolatedhillsorknolls,andin whichthewatersfromspringsandwells,
accumulatedduring the rains, becomenearly drained,and strong
galesof warmwind blow (duringthegreaterpartof theyear)making
its inhabitants,thoughthin, strong,tough,andsinewyin their frames,
subjectto attacksof diseases, is calledJirngala.A country,which
exhibitsfeaturescommonto both the aforesaidclasses,is called
S6dh6rapaor ordinary.40
rdk ql=r-
tsrn: Hrqgm ffi:t
atrrutfwrarv{il1.rgr{qTqFruilEnT: IrYl | |
q den QfilEffi; Frfuqr ErTIclar6iTr:I
€ttfrF{draqr srqnq*qqrrrdr: I ryR| |
sR qtqrr{q qrfts tvrtd rfi(l
Rtvrs Td rtfrtrvQr r

qq\* ftrsqrffi qarurgqr aennYYtl

*;qa, gft6P|3 grrtnurcfr :r<'r
srelsrtltr€{ilq: rF{rq@EIIFP[-iqur: nY\ | |
Authoritative Verseson the Subiect : A countryderivesthe
epithetof Strdh6rapa from theordinarycharacterof its heat,cold and
rainfall, and from the fact of the bodily humoursmaintainingtheir
normalstateof equilibriumwithin its confines.A diseaseoriginated
in, and peculiarto a particularcountryfails to gain in intensity,if
broughtoverto, andtransplanted in a countryofa differentcharacter.
A man,who observes a regiften of diet andconductsoothingto the
derangedbodily humoursaccumulatedin the.countryhe has come
from, and aggravatedand manifestin the shapeof a diseasein the
C h a p .X X X V SOTRASTHANA 3ll

countryhehasbeenliving for thetimebeing,neednotapprehend any

dangerfrom thealteredconditionsof his newabode,fbr thefactof his
not observinga regimenof diet andconductregardedbeneficialin
consideration ofthe physicalfeatures ofthe latterplace.A disease
of
recentgrowthor originunattended withanydistressing orunfavourable
complications, andunsuitedto thenatureof thecountryr,theseason
of the year,?the temperament,3 andathe adoptedor congenialor
naturalisedtraits of the physiqueof a patientwith a regularand
unimpairedstateof digestion(Samlgni),andwho exhibitstraitsof
strength,fortitudeandlongevityandcommands the co-operation
of
thefbur commendable factorsof a courseof medicaltratment,readily
yieldsto medicine.
A disease,
whichis markedbyfeaturesotherthan
thosedescribed
above,shouldberegardedasincurable,whiletheoneexhibitingtraits
common to both the abovesaidtypes, should be looked upon as
extremelyhardto cure.41-45
er€rrrTr€Turrdr* fuqrrqi u"frq}ql
{.fu Yrrd*rnqTa &irrrsg+ F6fi:nyq tl
Tnn {T*sfr qt& ErF{+q fm{r Finr
EFd+{ 6qr qrfu: qqrsrETdd Gr rxs rl
q qqtsi Fdffi{rrat fuvF* qrerfte$q frqq I
€Rlqrvfrtq'rr*rr*qmsFft ilYe t l
Inthe caseof a formermedicineprovingabortive,a differentone
shouldnot be resortedto aslong as the effectof the first would last,
inasmuchasa mixtureor a confusionof medicinalremediestendsto
producea positivelyinjuriouseffect. A medicineor any medicinal
measure,failing to produceany tangibleeffect,may be repeatedin
quicksuccession in adifficultordangerousdisease, if itbeempirically
, to the derangedKaphain a countryof the
.lhngab type.
2. As the attack of a bilious distemperin forewinter, or of a Vhtaja malady in
auturnn,or of a Kaphaja affection in swrnrer.
3. As thc appearanceof Kaphaja diseasein a patient of bilious temperament.
4. As the appearanceof a Kaphaja diseasein a subject habituatedto the use of
viandsof pungenttaste.
3t2 SUSRUTASAMHITA

foundto be beneficialin the caseundertreatment.The intelligent

physician,who, consideringthe natureof the season,etc. fully
conformsto the abovesaidrulesof medicaltreatment,conquersthe
bodily distempers anddispelsthegloomof Deathfrom theworld with
his medical skill. 46-48

EA g5iffi qr{w+ 3Trgfr'ffiwffi

crc qgmsqrq:ttlqil
flrus ends the Thirty-iifth Cirapter of Sutrasthanain the Su6rutaSamhitir'
which treats of clinical observatiou.

+++
 SUTRASTHANN
CHAPTER XXXVI

qFSefrsearq:
snrrfr Er@tfFIrrT:
q*Erq Trrqq qq<R:uqn
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter, which treats of
remediesfor swelling,etc. (Mi3raka'adhyaya).t1
miscellaneous
qrgg.ffdfiTmft q $rf4.o r6tqqql
srFdgr*e rr€r q yffi qrartqa(rtr r r
{qt q rf,rlirg qg.{i T+f asrl
vfrrfrrs rTnn:q* yfrq, firtYfrqa(trt rr
enq3.i ffi+ q te ga frfu: qn: I
freftirrsfr ffi firdsfr ft'lilRqn ty | |
3trql|;qrqetlr*n q 6'IFtt vtwlt Tt6l
\$fu*,rFTS+ q Y&q, vffitraql1q ll
qt wttr+ # qeqr firu*tm,Rrar
3Fr<nqfc ffisd ffiqaqrntl
Metrical Texts : A medicinalplaster,composedof Mlhrlanga,

1. Thenomenclature ofthe chapterisbased,accordingto cettainauthoities,onthe

fact of itsj ointlytre atingof ii ghtprincipal pro cesses of absorption,suppuration,
spontaneous bursting,etc.of a swelling;whilesometherearewhoholdtlut the
iame of the chapterisdeividfromthefact of its containingremeilialmeasurei
commonly(Mi1rala) beneficialto swellingsand ulcers'
314 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Agnimantha,Bhadradaru, Mahausadha, Ahimsra,andRasnbpasted

togetherandappliedto theseatof theaffection,leadsto theresolution
of a swelling,dueto the actionof the derangedVZryu.
A plastercomposed of Durvi, Nalamula,Madhuka,Candana, as
wellasplasters composedofdrugs ofcoolingproperties,r
bringsabout
the resolutionof an inflammatoryswellingof the Pittaja type, and
provessimilarlybeneficial toa traumaticswelling,ortoonewhichhas
its origin in the vitiatedconditionof the blood.
Measures, laid down in connectionwith a swellingresulting
from the effectsof poison,wouldleadto the resolutionof a Pittaja
swellingas well.
A plaster,composed of AjagandhhA3vagandha, Kala,Saralh,
EkaisikFr,andAjaSrngipastedtogether, andappliedto thespot,leads
to theresolutionof a Kaphajaswelling(appearing at anypartof the
tndy).
A plaster,composed of thecomponents of theabove-saidgroups
of medicinaldrugsandLodhra,Pathy6,Pindltaka,andAnanth,brings
abouttheresolutionof a swellingdueto thesimultaneous derangement
of the threefundamental humoursof thebody(S6rnnipitika).2-6

ffiqTtdwr:rtar qdgfi: I
Fr**qrr ura qrm-qrmintrAnnr<raI t\e| |
A medicinalplaster,prescribed for a swellingdueto thederanged
Vhyu, shouldbe appliedby mixing it with a little rock salt, acid
(Amla),andoil or clarifiedbutter.Similarly,a plaster,prescribedfor
the resolutionof a Pittajaswelling,shouldbe appliedcold, andwith
a little quantityof milk addedto it. A plasterfor the resolutionof a
Kaphajaswelling shouldbe appliedwarm to the affectedpart, and
with the additionof a considerablequantityof an alkali and cow's
urine. 7
qflft ffi131
Tri6?t:ffiEiqrqggnRqrqqna ||
L Belonging to the groups (GaUa)of medicinal herbs,which go by the narnesof
thebfirst compoients, sucfias theXitrotyaai grbup (Gana), rhe lhpaladi group
etc,
C h a p .X X X V I SI T R A S ' T H A N A 3r5

PhcanaPlaster : A plastercomposedof the seeds'f Sana'

Yava-powder,
MrIlaka,Sigru,Tila andSarsapa, Kinva(enzyme),and
drugs
linseedpastedtogether,or one consistingof thermogenetic
(suchas 8
kustha,Aguruetc.),wouldestablishsuppurationinaswelling.
ffisFr*t Ffr ffi Eqqrfr: I
g.ffir q qrurqn
err{EqrFr qr qrfr qrrtrEnqlTuirr{{l 13| |
_Dhra4aPlasters: A plastercomposed of Cirabilva,Agnika,
Danti,Citraka,Hayamdraka andthe dungof pigeons,vulturesand
storki (Kahka)pastedtogether,wouldleadtothespontaneous bursting
of a swelling.An alkali, or its ingredientsshouldbe regardedas a
powerful auxilliary in bringingaboutthe spontaneous burstingof a
swelling,9
ertrrtm6eTr{rgiEql|rdrF{yfrs{ql
qFfF{ ? {EIr{Rt: ilqo r l
Pi{anqPlnslers : A nlastercomposedof the rootsandbark of
slimytrees(Sblmali,Selu,etc.),or of barley,wheat,andMasapulse
powdered together,wouldincrease thesecretionof pusfromanulcer,
or a swellingthathasburst.tl0
qr*rgqdtr: t
vffi e;qnrfur qrigr{rEqGa,: utt | |
SodhanaPtasters: A Kagzrya2(decoction)of Sankhini,Ankotha,
Sumana,Karavira,andSuvarcalZr, or of drugsbelongingto the group
(Ganas)knownastheAragvadhidi-Varga,shouldbeusedin washing
the contentsof an ulcer, or a secreting
and purifying (asepsisinB)
swelling.11
srqrrqrsqffi+ 3 rrdrs !{rF.dr6qrI
Tffirq,: !T6T ffistq:nlRrl

I. Theplastershouldbe appliedall roundthe sw'elling,leavingits headfree and

exposed.
A decoction with one pan of a drug mixed with four, eight or sixteenpans of
water, the whole being boiled down to a quanerpetn of the enrire quantiry.
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

u--cFf{i rr{qrrfr irEoflf{ qq:ftrrenr

e,r*i Frfdr EFfr €R-frrdEWn rqt rl
rivffi Tffi rquffif<G*qr
\R*q*: E6qiqqicqirrfr :a vilrrrtr rqyr I
SodhanaVarti : A lint saturated with a plasterof Ajagandha,
Aja3rngi,Gaviksl Lhngalihvaya, Pfltika, Citraka,P-atha,Vidanga,
El6, Harenu,Tri-katu,Yavaks6ra, the five kindsof salt,ManahSilit,
Kirsisa,Trivrta,Danti,HaritrlaandtheSurZrstrajamrttika,andinserted
into an ulceror an openswelling, brings about thepurification
of its
interior,and thesedrugsand substances shouldbe regardedas the
ingredients of SodhanaVartls (aseptic plugs).12-14

TdQ*E qr*S EqfE *ilFdrh EntR\ | |

3rd'rrqf rTdqfr{ firq"r qrntnqnfu|
lirrfrqgi ER? t e,rfrri reiffiqr
{.SMI qr:{rR EqfErtrri Tcq.rtte r r
Sodhana Kalka : A kalka (asepticpaste),composedof the
precedingdrugsandsubstances, is possesed
of thevirtueof purifying
the interiorof an ulcer,or openswelling.

Oil or clarifled butterpreparedwith the atbresaidAjagandhi,

Ajesfngl etc.andK6sisa,Katurohini,J6tikanda,andthetwo kindsof
Haridrb,andappliedto anulceror openswelling,puritiesits interior.
ThemedicatedGhrtapreparedwith theexpressed juice of Arka roots,
Utama, the milky juice (latex)of Snuhiplants,drugsaboundingin
alkalis,Jati-roots,thetwo kindsHaridra,Khsisa,Katurohiniandthe
aforesaidplug-drugs(Sodhana-Vani)pastedtogetller, should be
regardedaspossessed of a virtuesimilarto theprecedingone.15-16
qqt{+t tff{qfr fu: EtyrmdhlfrFTr:r
Td* ilEa,rft ? ER-il"i qr:firqrr
vffi q zffi *e tqrfurvilq+tRe tl
Erfrfr +sA ffi q-dr{ri lliqtatl
re.s qr+S Wf E*il vfrEr{(rRatl
Chap.XXXVI SUTRASTHANA

qrcr{mrffis raaqfxqarg ql

TgFfi.{n FeqrtrqT vtru6 vMrq qilq3ll

A medicated oil preparedwith Mayfraka,(Apang),R6javrkEa,

Nimba,Kosatati, Tila, Brhati,Kantakari,Haritala,Manahsila,and
theafcrresaidplug-drugs (purgative to others),should
drugsaccr:rding
be useclfor the purposeof purifying_theinterior of an ulcer. A
pulverisedcompound consistingof Kasisa,Saindhava,Kinva,Vaca,
andthecomponent
ih. t*1, kindsof HaridrZr drugsof the asepticplug
powderedtogether, shouldbeusedfor thepurificationof thecavityof
ln ulcer.For the samepurposea c'ndensedextract(Rasa-Kriyh)l
shouldbemadeof theessence of thedrugsbelongingto theSblsZrrldi,
Patolldi,andTriphalldi groups.17-19
*M rrfr Fre ilqqrsfitrt
rrnsfu q EEtd qFdqq quregqllRo ll
(Dhupana)an
Dhu-pana: A wise physicianshouldfumigate
Sarjarasa'
of Srivegtaka'
ulcerwiththefumesof acompoundconsisting
the group'
Salsaradi
S'aiala,l)evadiru,and the drugsbelongingt6
pulverised togerherand made into an (aseptic)fumigating
compound.20
t5.tl|qrunrjgflqf Eqnrri eE wfucqt
Td Yfti a,qrd cr tqunels Yrsf I lRq| |
A coldinfusion(Sita-Srta)of trees(Bata,Audumbara,A3vattha,
etc.)whicharecoolingandastringent in theirvirtue,shouldbe used
in healingor settingup a processofgranulationin an ulcer'21
rtwqar"gq:urgffi trfr asnl
qfrfirnffi q qffi frqun: r{fir: I l?R| |
qrffr *qqfcfrr qk*ffi,r 11qqill
qr*Mgtncn: rqr(YvndqurNl lR?| |
Thr Ropa4a-Varti : Plugs of drugs zuch as Soma, Am{a
or of thosebelongingto the Klrkolyztdi
(Gulanca),andA$vagandha,
drugswith waterweighingeight or sixteen
timis theircombinedweight, aneighthorsixteenth
andrhenboilin6,themdownto
pan of theentirequanilry'
 318 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

groupor of the spr,utsof mild-exudingtrees(Ksrrivrkshs

suchas,
Bata, Audumbara,etc.) and insertedinto an ulcer tend to herp its
granulation(Ropana). A paste(Kalka)of Samangi,soma,siratzr
wood, Soma-Valka,(red) Candana,and drugs belongingto the
Kdkolyddigroup"is recommendetl for thehealingof an utcer. 22-23
TcrqTrqffigqn \a EfG rnerdt fsrn
trrqtqrfg"kq:Erqyvrr*ffi8frt rRy| |
c.rergwr@ $t t{ff6 ql
*srs *e ffi tqulnR\ t l
A medicated Ghrta,preparecl with theprthakparni,
Atmagupti,
Haridri,Daruharidni,M6lari-, Siti, aruldrugsberonging
totheIkkilyadi
group,is renowned for itshealingproperties. A medicatedoil prepared
with K6llnus6ri,Aguru,Haridrir,Diru-Haridrl,Devadiru,priyingu,
and Rrxlhra,is possesed of a similar efficacy.24-25
q-{fir flqar ff q,r*d sr6Frr6qrl
€rcrwilof*Rr{. q fu qufffi u?q t l
fur6..fir rn{rs, gqmrrfrs** ql
trqquf T{q*e tqurRf wrF{frnRe||
E€ :qMrq fxqtrrrnrnehq ql
TsF*,,€rf+qunl ffid qcrrfiqql?a tl
_ A pulverisedcompoundconsistingof Kangukir,'l'riphali,
Rodhra,
IGsisa,Sravalivhayaandthebarksof DhavaandASvakarna g>wdered
together,is possessedof a similar hearingproperty.The use of a
pulverisedcompoundconsistingof priyangu,sarjarasa, pus.
pa-ktrsisa,
Tvak,andDhavapowderedtogetheris commended for thehealingof
anulcer.A condensed extract(Rasakriy6)of thebarkof milk-exuding
trees (zuch as Ba1a,ASvatthaetc.) and the drugs known as the
Triphal6,shouldbesuccessivelyusedfor thehealingof anul cer. 26-2E
eTwqrtTsryFqr q matrfi gafttrr
giffirq+yvFst qr*Mg zil trqr: I tRq| |
Utsldana : The drugs known as Ap6m6rga,A3vagandh6,
Tilapatrl Suvarcar6and thoseberongingto the Kakoly6di-group,
shouldbe usedfor the growrhof fleshin an ulcer (Uts6dina).-zg
Chap.XXXVI SUTRAS HANA

q;rfr{i +qd F6s?iffi rrq:fiTrnt

@gr+5€flIF{?llloll
q.e $tfrq-qrr$ qrE-qgrfhqrfr qt
ggrwrqcsrqill?q ll
Avas-adana: A compoundconsistingof K6sisa,Saindhava
the
(rock salt),Kipva, Kuruvinda,Manalr3il6,theshellof a hen's-egg,
blossomsof J6tiflowers,theseedsof Sirisa'andIKarafrja'andpowders
of the abovesaidmetals(Dh6tus)mixedtogether,shouldbe usedin
destroyingthe fleshysuper-growths of an ulcer (Avasldana).30'31
tsqlti q{qd qT ?rerrfinrqcnfr qr I
yg*d firqq sr$ wm@g a,fgrt?R| |
A wisephysicianshoulduseall thedrugsandsubstancesashave
beenenumeratedin connectionwith the healingor establishingof
suppuration, etc.in anulcer,or asmanyof themaswouldbeavailable
at the time.32
qrq rdFffiqrq:n?qil
En WtAfwrqt W{qri
in theSusrutaSamhitir
Thusendsthethirty-sixthChapterof the Su-trasthlna
remedies
which treatsof miscellaneous for inflammatory swellings'

+++
 St]TRASTHANa.
CNAPTER XXXVII

rr<Rrftseqrq,
s1Q[rtr@ia1r5qTgTq:,
qefodrq rrrrdq qqffi;1q1
Now we shall descourse on the Chapter,which dealswith the
distinctivetraits of the differentclassesof soil commendedfor the
growth or culture of medicinal herbs (Bhu-mi-Pravibh-aga-
-arnfo
Vij fr a-adhyiya). r

@MeffiTdffi*rrrvqr
EFsrTrfrfi Filffi qr {Hqq-raoilq lrfrtd | il€'f qmqfu
SqEia-
; fffiet;[Qll
Thesearethe generalfeaturesofagroundwhichis recommended
for the cultureof medicinalplantsor herbs.A plot of ground,whose
surfaceis not brokenor renderedunevenby the presenceofholes,
ditches,gravelandstones,nor is loosein its character,and which is
notdisfiguredby ant-hills,norusedfor thepurposesof a cremationor
executionground,andwhichdoesnotoccupythesiteof a holy temple,
is favourablefor the growth of medicinalherbs.A ground which
possesses a soil whichis glossy,firm, steady,black,yellowishor red
anddoesnotcontainanysand,potashor anyotheralkalinesubstance,
andis favourableto thegermination of plantsandeasilyperviousto
C h a p .X X X V I I STJTRASTHANA )Ll

the roots of plants growing thereon,and which is supplied with the

necessarymoisture from a close or adjacentstreamor reservoir of
water, is recommendedtbr the growth of medicinalplantsand herbs.
Plantsshouldberegardedaspartakingof thevirtuesof thegroundthey
grow upon. A plant, growing in sucha commendablesite, should be
examinedas to its beinginfestedwith worms or insects,or as to its
being anywiseinfectedwith poison,or cut with an arn, or affectedby
winds, atmosphericheat, or an animal's body. It shouldbe culled or
uprooted in the eventof it being found sound,healthy,deep-rooted,
full-boiled, and of maturedsap.The gatherershouldlcxrktowardsthe
north at the time of cullinp. 2

Wrdq-ilrwr{fr Rfir 1-fi garrrT q'sn qT

Tpmrqrvrsqrqr rggun{|uTsil fuen pfrildrF*qi5,r
@ {ffir srglgnffugr I rilqreqf
d€a$rrfr Vtawwrrrggqrr+6sFr{Xfurifiwrr FQrr
rrs{rwrEqt @ erfutquqfuwrr
gfr wwr ?rgr€rantrwrn wfr.xmtqrr Fdqr*qq{rtqr
wrrTr q?sTvrgunfRl[drlt tl
A plot of groundwith a pebbly,steady,heavy,duskyor dark
colouredsoil, andwhichconduces to the growthof largetrees,and
yieldsrichharvests of corn,shouldberegarded aspermeated with the
specificvirtuesof essential Earth-matter.
A groundhavinga cool,glossy,whitecolouredsoil, which is
adjacentto water,andwhosesurfaceis coveredwith a lavishgrowth
of glossyweedsandlusciousshadytrees,shouldbe considered as
characterised by the essentialpropertiesof water (Ambuguna).A
groundhaving a gravellysoilof variedcolours,andwhichcontributes
only to the germinationof scantyandyellowishsprouts,shouldbe
looked upon as permeatedwith the attributesof essentialfire
(Agnigu4a).A groundwith an ash-coloured or ass-coloured(grey),
soil, and on which witheredlooking,sapless, large-holedtreesof
stuntedgrowth,somehowekeout a miserableexistence, shouldbe
consideredas being controlled by the specific propertiesof air
(Anilaguna);while the one havinga soft,level surfacewith large
treesand lofty hills croppingup at intervalsthereon,and which is
Vol.I-21
\)) S U S R I , I T AS A M H I T A

coveredwith growthsof weedsand under-shrubs,and is enduedwith

a dark soil,.kept moist and sappy by the percolation of invisible
(subterranean)water, should be looked upon as permeatedwith the
essentialpropertiesof sky (Ak6Saguna).3
s{rr *P*<qrrqrqt:-
qrnc5,=d lil(Eaqwfr;
qg.riq1ffiq-d{r$ril:tffi{|r}qEq1qq;m-
$TqFilrrffi
; qq'Erqrq-q.IJurrF{ ffis
:EEg tl-ffi dr$rrJnn{M Xti qrtrqfcqs$F5'q-
yffi qr€r*t q*{ ff aqrsraq.ltxtt
Accordingto certainauthorities, the roots,leaves,bark,milky
exudations, essenceandfruits(seeds) of medicinalplantsandherbs,
shouldberespectively culledin the earlypartof therains(Prirvrt)and
in the rainy seasonproper (Var36),autumn,(Sarat),fore-winter
(Hemanta),spring(Vasanta)andsummer(Grisma)'But we cannot
subscribeto that opinion inasmucltas the nature or essential
temperament of the earthis bothcool (Saumya)andhot (Agneya)'
Accbrdinglydrugsof c<-xrling virtuesshouldbeculledduringthecold
seasons of theyear,antl heat-making onesin thehot seasonf asthey
do notbecomedivestecl to theirnativevirtues at thoseseasons of the
ygar.Medicinalplantsof coolingvirtues,whichare grown Qna soil
of cool temperamentand ale culled during the cool Seasons of the
year,becomeintenselysweet" ccxllingand glossy. Theseremarks hold
goodof othermedicinalplantsandherbs.4
r*@r1dqrdrhffi
@tqrffqtfrrt@
$t?rft{Trrfrt @ Tivrmrad qiffiirrrfur
tr{Filil\ rl
Herbs of purgativeproperties,which are grown on a soil
permeated with thespecificvirtuesof wateror earthmatter,shouldbe
culledaSthemosteffectiveof theirkind. Similarly,herbsof emetic
virtuesshouldbe culledfrom a groundpermeatedwith the essential
virtuesof fire, skYandair.
 C h a p .X X X V I I SUTRASTHANA )zJ

Herbsexercisingbothpurgativeand enetic virtuesshouldbe

culled from groundexhibitingfeaturescommonto both the twcr
aforesaidclassesof soil. Similarly,herbspossessed of soothing
properties(SamSamana)rare foundto exerta strongeractionin the
eventof their beingrearedon a soil permeated with the essential
propertiesof sky. 5
TrEfu}e q|fir€rq;T* @:l
CqEfufu rTqffir *ffir) *qrqqrqrre (r) fcmr<rq-
TR[ulrq{5,,a,,
All medicinalherbsandsubstances shouldbe usedas freshas
possible,exceptingPippali, Vidanga,Madhu, Guda,and Ghrta,
(whichshouldbeusedin a maturedconditioni.e.not befbreayear).
Themilkyjuice or sapof a medicinaltreeor plantshouldberegarded
asstrongandactiveunderall circumstances.Herbsanddrugs,thathad
beenculledor collectedwithintheyear,mightbe takenandusedin
makingupa medicinalrecipein a casewherefreshoneswouldnotbe
available.6
l{qFil ?Er_
rilqrtaT<rqqr qT€n n qr* FrE[rfrur: I
{.drtrrg t foEil qqiilqRrfis*ne tl
qf,wFFrqunFqTI
qqRceffi T q,rcilsk nr FS ffina ll
Authoritative Verseson the Subject : Medicinalherbsand
plantsshouldberecognised andidentifiedwith thehelpof cowherds,
hermits,huntsmen,forest-dwellers, andthosewho cull thef-ruitsand
ediblerootsof the forest.No definitetime can be laid down for the
cullingof the leavesandrootsof medicinalplants,etc.,suchas are
usedin compounding therecipe,whichis calledthepatra-lavana, and
which covers, within its therapeuticrange, diseases,which are

l. Herbsor drugs,whichin vinue oftheir ownessentialpropertiessootheor suiltlue

a diseasewithout elininating the morbid hunrcursor without exeicisinguty
emeticor purgadveaction.
324 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

peculiar to the entire organism(suchas V6ta-vy6dhi,etc')t 7-8

vr*rqqtr*tsdr qqFqfi rlFfitq+r
agqfnrssrr*r *Fqq: Yqrsrgilr: l13ll
s{qffi: 1s} fuqfrffi;1
{€: F qE qrqiht qfr} qfifiqlEqraq.l lto | |
Assoiladmitsofbeing dividedintosixdifferentclassesaccording
etc.
to its smell,colour,taste, so the sapof a medicinal plant may
assumeany of the six differenttastesthrough its contactwith the
peculiarpropertiesof thesoilit growson.Tastessuchas,sweet,etc.,
remainlatentin water,whichimpartsthemto the soil in a patentor
perceptiblecondition.9'10
rrdtaWnrwrqrqfr: srqr{ufr ITfrrI
qqrfur qr ?*E ilqgunf{ ffiqa: Inq | |
A plot of ground,exhibitingtraits peculiarto all the five
fundamentalmaterialprinciples(suchastheearth,water,fire, etc') is
saidto bepossessed of a soilof generalcharacter (Sddhdrani Bhtlmi),
andmedicinal plantsand herbs partakeof the specificvirtuesof the
soil theygrownon. 11
TTnRfir: t
Td ri{ E{rrf * oot6 FqRGtqrrqrr r
ffi fiTqrfr El=i sffisrql+ feaqt
Mrqd '!-&qr( Atsrqfrfrdqt
tq?tl
Drugs,whetherfreshor old, andemittinga contrarysmell,or in
any way affectedas regardstheir naturalsaporjuice, shouldnot be
usedfor pharmaceutical purposes.12
The virtues of such medicinaldrugsand substances such as
Vidafrga, Pippali, Madhu, and Guda, improve (after a year)'
.{.ccordinglyall drugsandmedicinalherbs,exceptingthe preceding
ones,shouldbe usedfreshandunsoiled,or uninjuredby insects.13

l- Hencethe doctrine,as regardsthe culling of rhedifferentpans of a medicinal

plant suchas,theleaves,roots,etc.,inthedifferentseasonsoftheyear,naturally
falis t<tthe ground.
C h a pX
. XXvll SUTRASTHANA 325

ws{|-Tr qeT:TsrFTil-fi+F{€nF{c5ql
Srrqrgffir ffiS ilqY||
Blood,nails,orhair etc.,of animals,(officinallylaiddownto be
usedin ourPharmacopoeia), shouldbetakenfrom youngandhealthy
animals,andtheordure,urine,or milk or ananimal,(enjoinedto be
usedfor medicinalpurposes), shouldbecollectedat a timeafterit has
completedits digestion.14
-yr{ kqe*q-d{l
sPTRrqi FqRr {* *wnrrpftTqttR\tl
The pharmacyand the medicinalstoreof a physicianshould
occupya commendable site and an auspiciousquanerof the sky
(Northto East),and the collectedmedicinesshouldbe kept tied in
piecesofcleanlinen,or storedin earthenvessels
andhollowtubesof
wood,or suspended on woodenpegs.15
gA {tfsFfffin qrpn+ q@r+rrffi:rm sqBTfrsqrq:t?err
Thus ends the thirty-seventh Chapter of tlre Sutrasth?rnamin the Su6ruta
samhitzrwhich treatsof tlre Classiticationof groundslbr the culrure of medicinal
plants and herbs.etc.

+++
 Sr]TNASTHANN
CHAPTER XXXVIII

q#efrs€rTrq:
s{?rrfr roqttrdufrcqqr{ ET@IrRTE[:,
qQfrqrq r1{5qq erq<rfr: rrqrr
Now we shall descourse on the Chapter,which dealswith the
generalclassificationof drugs accordingto their therapeutical
graha4iya-adhyiya)'I
properties(Dravya-Sair
qr{rh vcnF*Yr<qqtrun $rEFfr| ?r€retT-fr?lTRTrqr
ffi F6?gr ffi{r *iqr Wrqqutr YrdrefrrrrFIqr
E,srsrFrdr.#rrd Tdr+rarq.EqrfrT6Fil 5q+ffi
Ensqr$gfq.rcgq.* ifrt

Thesedrugsareusuallymadeinto thirty-sevendifferentgroups
(Gana)which are as follows :-
TheVidlrigandhidi Group :Thedrugsknownas Vidarigandhadi
areVid6ri, Sahadevd, ViSvadevh,Svadahstri,Prthakparni,SatAvari,
Mahlsahfr,
blackS6rivh,Jivaka,Rsabhaka,
S6riv-a, I$udra-Sah6,Brhati,
Kantakdri,Punarnav6, Eranda,Hansap6di,Vrscikdli,and Rishabhi,
from thegroupknownastheVidAri-gandh6di.
Metrical Text : Thepresentgroupof drugssubduesthe action
of the derangedV6yu and Pitta and proves.beneficialin phthisis
(Sosa),Gulmi, achingof the}imbs,Urdhva-Svirsa andcough.2
Jhap.XXXVIII SUl'RASl.IIANA 327

Frdq5srrcl.€r$ -
F{rrdfiffimrF gF* ifrr
s{11rqfiF<ftAq rTuT: V&rsrrkantr6::
r
@ ErurvheFT:il? tl
The Aragvadhidi Group : Thedrugsknownas Aragvadh?rdi
are Madana,Gopaghonti,Kutaja,Patha,Kantaki,P6rtal6, Murv6,
Indrayava,Saptaparna,Nimba,Kuruntaka,Ddsi-kuruntaka, thetwo
kindsof Karafr.ia,
Parola,Kirdttikta,Gudrrci,Citraka,Shirngst6,and
Susavifcrrmthe groupknownas theAragvadhhdi.
Metrical Text : Thegroupunderdiscussir-rn
destroysthederanged
Kaphaandtheeflectsof poisonandprovesbeneficialin casesof Meha
(morbiddischarges tiom the urethra).Kustha,fever,vomitingand
itchingof thebodyandactsasa purifying(aseptic)agentin thecase
of an ulcer.3

59+<qt
Tf,ffiFd
erbrnffi Aq tstn*dfirctrrq: I
F{Fr6Fnfrrt :vpi !Fm*ffiqdq,,",,
The Varunldi Group : The drugsknown as Varunidi are
ArtagAa,Sigm,Madhu-Sigru, Tarki,ri,tvtesa-Sfngi,
Ptltika,Naktamirla,
Morata,Agnimantha,the two kindsof Sairiyaka,Bimbi, Vasuka,
Vasira,Citraka,Sat6vari,Bilva,AjaS5ngi, Darbhi,andthetwo kinds
of Br.hatiform thegroupknownasthe Varunddi.
Metrical Text : The group is possessed of the efficacy of
reducingthe derangedKaphaandfat andprovesefficaciousin cases
of cephalaegia, Gulmaandinternalabscesses. 4
@@rlqq;'r.
: lnr{gr
ifrr
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

ffifqffiq rrufr arafuarqqt

: ll\ ll

The Viratarvidi Group : ThedrugsknownasViratarv?rdi are

thetwo kindsof Sahacara,Darbha,Vrksldani, Gundr6,Nala, KuSa,
K63a,A6mabhedaka, Morat6Vasuka,Vasira,Bhallu1<a,
Agnimantha,
Kuruntaka,Indivara, Kapotavankd,and Svadanstrdenter into the
compositionof thegroupknownas theViratarvddi.
MetricalText : Thegroupsubdues incidentaltothe
all disorders
derangedstateof V6ta and provescurativein ASmarI,Sarkarir,
Mutrakrchhra,Mulr6ghhtaandurinarytroubles.5
qdnqryf,+-

qMgsfrrEr,tr{ndfrl
TTrflgrflF<fi-Aq rTqT: EEFcr=nvr{:I
{drntqei1trq6t: 6sffi:netl
The S6lasirirdiGroup : Thegroupof medicinaldrugs,known
consistsof Silasdra,Ajakarna,Khadira,Kadara,
as the Sirlas6r6di,
K6laskandha, Kramuka,Bhrrrjja,MesaSrngi,TiniSa,Candana,
Kucandana,SinSap6,Sirisa, Asana,Dhava,Arjuna, T6la, Sika,
Naktam6la,Putik6,A6vakarna, AguruandKdliyaka.
MetricalTexLs: Thegroupof thedrugs,knownastheS6las6ridi
Gana,destroysthe germ of Kustha,absorbsthe derangedfat and
Kaphaand provesbeneficialin morbiddischargesfrom the urethra
(Meha),chlorosisor Jaundice(P6ndu).6

@:qqrfrAfrr
w tq:HrFERi rTUT:I
*F{ds6{: rwrsfrqu* C{cqT)ffi*qrPrq: I le | |
The Rodhridi Group : Thegroupof medicinaldrugsknownas
the Rodhrddiconsistsof Rodhra,Sdvararodhra, Palh3aKutannata,
ASoka,Phafrji,Katphala,Elaviluka, Sall6ki,Jingini-,Kadamba,S6li
andKadall.
Chap.XXXVIII SUTRASTHANA

Metrical Texts : The groupis antidotalto thederangedKapha

and fat, is astringentin its properties, removesvaginaland uterine
disorders,neutralises the effectsofpoison(antitoxic) andactsas a
stypticand purifyingagent in a caseof ulcerandarrestsall secretions
andexcretions ofthe body.7

t
qq.fffi rrofr aq qq+dfuqnra: I
ffiF€66ryrr+ ffiqr( grrrvfren:tta ll
The Arkldi Group : ThedrugsknownastheArka,Alarka,the
twokindsof Karafrja,N6gadanti,Mayuraka,Bh6rgi,R6sn6,Indrapugpl
K$udraSvetl,Mah-a3veta, V$chikhli, Alavan6 and TapaSa,V1k;a
enterinto the compositionof the groupknownas the Ark6di Gaqn.
Metrical Texts : The group known as the Arkhdi destroys
Kapha,fat. andthe effectsof poison.It actsas a vermifugeand a
specificasepticagentin thecaseof an ulcerandprovescurativein
diseasesof theskin.E

Edrd'+-
frvgffifrt
gcsrffi Aq qq6( Ffirqfl',
ffi gtrr{ilel=T:iljtl
'fhe
Surasidi Group : The drugs known as Suras6,white
Suras6,Fanijjhaka, Arjaka, Bhustrina,Sugandhaka,Sumukha,
K6lamila, KaSamarda,Ksavaka,Kharpugp?t, Vidanga, Katphala,
Surasi, Nirgundi, Kul6hala, Phailji,
Indurukarnik6, Pr?rchibala,
K6kam6chiand Visamustikaform the groupknownas the Surasidi
Gana.
Metrical Texts: Thegroupactsasa vermifugeandis anaseptic
agent.[t suMuestltederangedKaphaandprovesbeneficialin catarrh,
non-relishfor food, asthmaandcough.9
ifrr
 6A
\*/
JJU s u S n u t as A M H r l A

gqu,rffiril aq +AET: {qi*!r6(l

M,rnugi"m: ffqrVn: I tto I I
The Muqkakhdi Group : The groupof medicinaldrugsknown
as the Muskakldi.consists of Muskaka, Pali3a, Dhava, Citraka,
Madana,Vrksaka SimSaph,Vajra-Vrksa and Triphal6.
Metrical Text : Thepresentgnrupis possessed of thetherapeutic
vinue of destroying fat and removing the defectr^of semen.Meha,
piles, jauncirce,chkrrosis,gravels^and urinary calculi in the bladder
are the diseaseswhich yield to its curativeeflcacy. l0

T€M6Er+rfie{r*
@q1iF6ufriR.
firanznfr: Er6Ei{:ffi:r
F{6err( ffi W:nttrl
The Pippalyldi Group : The group of medicinal dmgs known
as the Pippalyirdiconsistsof Pippali.l'ippali mula, Cavya,Citraka,
Srngavera,Marica,Hasti-Pippali,Harenuka,El6,AjamodFr, Indrayava,
Pirth6,Jiraka,Saqapa,Mahfi-Nimba-Phala, Hingu,Bh6rgi,Madhurasl,
Ativisa, Vaci, Vidangaand Katurohini.
Metrical Text : The presentgroup actsas a good appetiserand
is an absorbantof intestinalmucousand unassimilatedlymph chyle.
The rangeof its therapeuticalapplicationincludescatarrh,deranged
Kapha and Vlta, non-relish t-crrfocxl, abdominal glands, colic and
gastralgia.ll

5=r'r*YRgR l
Snffi qrdqq+ Frdqr{ ffiqt,
ETUItrFTTGF:
Group : Thegroupof medicinaldrugsknownasthe
The El-ardi
El6di-Ganaconsists
of El6,Tagara,Kustha,M6nsi,Dhy6maka, Tvak,
Patra,Ntrga-puqpa,
Priyangu,Harenuka,Vy6ghranakha,Sukti,Cand6,
C h a p .X X X V I I I SUTRASTHANA 331

Sthaur.reyaka, Coca,Coraka,Viluka, Guggulu,Sarjarasa,

Srivestaka,
Turuska,Kunduruka, Aguru,Sprkka,LISira, Bhadrad6ro, Kuntkuma,
Punn6gaandKe3ara.
Metrical Text : Thetherapeutic virtueof thegroupconsistsin
subduingtheactionof VhyuandKaphaandin neutralising theeffects
of poison,It isa cosmeticandarrests theeruptionof pimplesandother
vegetations on the skin such as rash, urticariaetc. and checksthe
itchingsensation incidentalthereto.l2

@qFr&r{aR IE:REr{56REr-
q€rrfr€Gr*cTrFtqgadFdl
Kdt il{rtF{irfr rruft ffir
em{rffi ffiqr( tsqrq=ilnq?tl
The Vachdiand Haridrhdi Groups: Thegroupsknownasthe
Vacirdiand Haridridi Ganas,respectively consistsof Vaci, Mustft,
Ativisa, Abhay6, Bhadradirrf,NhgakeSara (Vacidi), Haridri,
Ddrdharidrd,Kala6i, Kutajaseeds andMadhuka (Haridradi).
Metrical Text : Thesetwogroupsarethepurifiersof breastmilk
of thederanged
antlspecificallyactaStheassimilators humoursof the
body,their curative properties
being markellywitnessed in casesot
mucousdysentery (Amltislra). 13

gqsi$fr Afrr
gffi: YqrrnRRq quh ge+rhqrra: r
aefr{ttrSrrvrr:niY tl
The Syimhdi Group : The drugsknown as Syzrma, Maha-
Syamir,Trivrt, Danti, Sankhini,Tilvaka, Kampillaka.Rarnyaka,
Kramuka,Putra3roni, Gaviksi,Rijavrksathetwo kindsof Karafrja,
Guduci,Saptal6,Chhagalirntri, Sudh6and Suvarnaksiri,form the
groupknownasthe SyhmidiGana.
Metrical Text : Thisgroupis possessed of thetherapeutic virtue
of curing abdominal glands and acts as an anti-toxic. It proves
beneficialin An6ha(epistasis),aMominaldropsyanddiarrhoeaand
JJZ S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

is oneof themostreliablepurgativesin casesof obstinate

constipation
of thebowelswith suppressionof urineanddistentionof theabdomen
(Ud6varta).14
qgE€fr1
qtq{tdt
: lR\ll
The B $atyldi Group : ThedrugsknownasBrhatl Kantakzrikar,
Ku{ajaphala,Path|and Madhukacombinedlyfrom thegroupknown
as the BrhatybdiGana.
Metrical Text : Thegroupis a gooddigestantor assimilatorof
thederanged humours. It subdues
thederangedVita, PittaandKapha
andprovesefficaciousin casesofnausea,water-brash, dysuriaand
non-relishfor food. 15
: ugtEtrfr ifrr
ffiwr: ffi:r
qnqyrr+ @:ilqqtl
The Pafolldi Group : The drugsknownas Patola,Candana,
Kucandana,Mu-rv6,Gudrlci,P6ttha,and Katurohiniform the group
known as the PatolddiGana.
Metrical Text : Thegroupis a febrifugeandanti-toxic,andits
therapeuticactionconsistsin destroyingthe actionof the deranged
Pitta and Kapha.It restoresthe naturalrelishof the patientfor food,
removes vomiting, and proves beneficial in ulcers, and itching
erythematous eruptions.16

fs<tar
qg6,*hl
q,rdht€rF<Td ffi:t
ffi t!6ufr gtlr: Kqv&trfiTwntnetl
The K-akolyhdiGroup : The drugsknown as Kakoli-Ksira-
IGkoli, Jivaka,Rsabhaka,
Mudga-Paqri,Marapa4i-,Med6r"
Mah6medl,
Chap.XXXVIII SUTRASTHANA 'JJ

Chhinna-ru-hi, Karkata-Srngi, Tugaksiri,Padmaka,Prapaundarika,

Rddhi,Vrddhi,MrdvikFr, JivantiandMadhuka,combinedlyform the
groupknown asthe Klkolyldi Gana.
Metrical Text : Thegroupof medicinaldrugsunderdiscussion
subduestheactionof thederanged Pitta,bloodandV6ryu.It increases
the quantityof milk in the breast(galactagogue) and favoursthe
accumulationof phlegm(Kapha)in thebody.It is a restorativeandan
elixir and is enduedwith the therapeuticvirtue of augmentingthe
virile potencyof a man.17

lerdafrl
srctrR: 6qi Ek rruil ffiqur: r
: llqzll
The Uqakhdi Group : The medicinaldrugs.and substances
known as Usaka(alkalineearth)Saindhavasalt, Silijatu, the two
kindsof K6slsa,HinguandTutthakaenterinto thecompositionof the
groupknownas the Usak?rdi Gana.
Metrical Text : It destroyskapha(mucous),absorbsthe fat of
thebodyandprovescurativein casesofstoneor gravelin thebladder
(urinarycalculi),dysuriaandaMominalglands(Gulma).lE

rfrdfrr
ffi: ftqrer* rffi rFT:l
firrqrgvtrr+ ftr*qr( (rfiI{rT: I tqqtl
The Shriv-adiGroup : The drugsknownas S6riv6,Madhuka,
Candana,Kucandana, Padmaka,Khsmariphala,Madhula-Puqpa and
U3ira,combinedlyform the groupknownas the S6rrivldiGa4a.
Metrical Text : The group underdiscussionallays thirst and
proves curative in a case of haemoptysis.Its therapeuticvirtue
consistsin curbinganattackofbilious(Pittaja)feverandin specifically
alleviatingthe burningsensation(Daha)of the body. 19

qgngfrl
JJA S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

3rs{rFdnh 1ffiT:l
M ?G iT6€Frra{ itelT I rRo| |
The AfrjanhdiGroup : ThegroupknownastheAf,janidiGana
consistsof Ailjana, Ras6frjana, Priyahgu,Nilotpala,
N?rgapuspa,
Nalada,Nalina,KeSaraandMadhuka.
readilyyieldsto the
Metrical Texts : At attackof haemoptysis
curativevirtue of the groupunderdiscussion.It is anti-toxic in its
characterandallaysthe internalburningsensation ofthe body.20
Fwflr
ifrr
q6lrqtrFqndq qufrsFraF+trvrt:
r
qrffi EET:ftqrst* TfidqE:nRqll
The ParuqakhdiGroup : ThegroupknownastheParuTakadi
Gapaconsists,ofPanlsaka,Drhksa,Kat-phala,D6dima,R6j6dana,
Kataka-phala Sbka-phala andTriphall.
Metrical Text : It subduesthederanged V6yu,allaysthirst,acts
asa cordial,increases one'srelishfor foodandcuresthediseased or
abnormalcomponents of urineor its defects.21

gf,IqE6r eI-

@:TT*YruFUTAfrI
rtqt frqqrmtarfr q€rfrsFnrvr+l
Fqrdld ffi ftr+ qqnrsrfrtM-n?R ||
The PriyairgvhdiGroup : Thegroupof medicinaldrugsknown
as &e PriyangvddiGapaconsistsof Priyangu,Samang6,Dhahki-,
Punnlg Ntrga-puqpa,Candana,Kucandana,Mocarasa,Raslfrjana,
Kumbhika,Srotofrjana,Padma-keSara,YojanvalIi and Dirghamrll6.
The Ambaqth-adi Group : DrugsknownasAmbasth?rdi Gana
consistsof Dhhtakiflowers,Samang6,Katvanga,Madhuka,Bilva-
peSiki, Rodhra,Shvara-Rodhra,Palirda,Nandi-Vrksaand Padma
{ - h a p .X X X V I I I SU'IRASTHANA 335

KeSara,enter into the contpositionof the group known as the

AmbasthZrdi Gana.
Metrical Text : The two medicinalrecipesor groupsprove
beneficialin a caseo{ derangedPitta,favour the healingof ulgets,
bring aboutthe adhesionof fiacturedbonesand provecurativein
casesof dysenterywherethestoolsareftrundto consistof lumpsof
thick andmaturedmucous(Pakvxtisirra). 22

Mrfi{qrnAfrl
qffi Entt: ffi grr"rflT€r.fi':
I
{"FFrr€fr qraiftil *Frfrq-6(nRt | |
The NyagrodhlrdiGroup : The drugs_known as Nyagro<fha,
Udumbara,ASvattha, Plaksa,Mudhuka, Kapitana,Kakubha, Amri,
KoSamra, Corakapatra, the two sortsof Jarnbus,Priyirla,Madh[ka
(Mahua),Rohini,Vafrjula,Karlamba, Batlari-, Rodhra,
Tinduki,Sallaki-,
S6rvara-Rodhra. Bhall6taka, Palh3a
and Nandi-Vrksa, combinedly
form the groupknownas the NyagrodhlrdiGana,
Metrical Texts : Thisgroupprovesbeneficialin casesof ulcer,
curesall disordersof theuterusandvagina,favourstheadhesionof
fracturedbonesandall sortsof secretions of thebodyin additionto its
astringentproperties(Sangrihi)and provescurativein a caseof
haemoptysis. It is ananti-fatandassuagestheburningsensation of the
body.23
@T{n€ft1
qcr Fd-q{rt 5 TqarF{€ {rr: t
il?Ytl
The gu{rlcybdiGroup : Thedrugsknownas Gudulci, Nimba,
Kustumtruru-, Candana,and Padmaka,combinedly form the group
known as the llu{tlcyadi Gapa.
Metrical Text : lt is a goodappetiser,and actsas a general
febrifugeandsuccessfully combats suchsymptomsasnausea, wantof
of thebody.24
relishfor t'ood,vomiting,thirstandburningsensation
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qgn*frl
ssenF<r{ air6fqrrrm'iqryra: r
rTsT:ilR\ t l
The Utpalidi Group : ThedurgsknownasUtpalaRaktotpala,
KumudaSaugandhika, Kuvalaya,PundarikaandMadhukaconstitute
the group knownas the Utpalldi Gana.
Metrical Texts : The groupis possessed of the therapeutic
virtueof allayingthirstandcorrectsthederanged Pittaandthevitiated
blood. It assuages the burningsensationof the body and proves
curativein casesof vomiting,thirst,in Hrdroga(Anginapectoris),in
syncope,in haemoptysis andin casesof poisoningas well. 25

qq gwrffi qrail rrur: VeFqF{qE{:I

zilfr*w; q6agfrq1. qIEFrRTsn I rRq| |
The Musthdi Group : The groupof drugsknownas Musthdi
Ganaiscomposedof Must6,Haridr6,D6nl-Haridr6,Haritaki,Amalaki,
Bibhitaka,Kuqqha, Haimavati, Vaca,P6th6,Katurohini,Sarangasta,
Ativis?r,Drhvidi, BhallatakaandCitraka.
Metrical Text : Thegroupunderdiscussion
destroys thederanged
Sleqma,curesuterineandvaginaldisorders, purifiesthebreastmilk
of a mother,andactsas a gooddigestant(P!rcana).26
ffifrqqn
FFFnrEqffiGfirM)ktffir
qqqr *r+ +E ffiirRurr
The Triphal?rGroup : ThedrugsknownHaritaki,Amalakiand
Bibhiltaka,constitutethe groupknownasthe Triphal6diGana.
Metrical Text : The presentgroupdestroysthe action of the
deranged V6yu,KaphaandPittaandprovescurativein Meha,andin
diseasesof the skin (Kustha).It is a good appetiserimprovesthe
eyesightandprovesbeneficialin chronicintermittentt'ever(Visama-
Jvara\.27
 Chap.XXXVIII SU T R A S T H A N A

@Ares{l
n$rr
fT6:{r{ *q{ @1R4tl
The Trikatu Group : The Trikatugroupconsisrsof pippali,
MaricaandSrngavera.
Metrical Text : It destroysfat and Kapha,provescurativein
cutaneousaffections,
leprosyKustha,anrlis possessedof thevinueof
curing aMoninal glands,catarrh,dullnessof the appetiteand
indigestion.28
r
rTUT: q+qt1r6: I
ruE* ffi ge{: e,w+flfiTvrt:nRjtl
The AmalakVaAlG-roup: ThegroupknownastheAmalakyidi
Gaqaconsistsof Amalaki.Haritakl pippatiandCitraka
Metrical Text : Thepresentgroupof medicinaldrugsact as a
generalt-ebrifugeand may be usedwith advantagein f"eversof
whatsoever type.Moreover,it is anaphrodisiac
andactsasa general
tonicor restorative
andappetiser,destroying
thederangedKaphaand
improvingtheeyesight.29

ffifrr
qurqqrfmde rffifu5a; rrt: I
lllo | |
The Trapv?rdiGroup : ThegroupknownastheTrapvhdiGana
consistsof Trapu,Sisa,T6mra,Rajata,Krsna-Lauha,
Suvarnaand
Lohamala.
Metrical Text : The presentgroup is regartledas a good
vermifugeandpossessed of the virtueof neutralising
the effectsof
chemicalpoisonoriginatedthroughincompatible combinations. Its
therapeuticrangecoversAnaemea Meha(morbidsecretions fromthe
urethra),Hrdroga(heartdisease),thirstandmaladies incidentalto the
effectsofpoison.30
Yol.l-22
 S L I S R U T AS A M I I I f A

ere -
grqrnrn ifrr

€sffi gsrffien:ll??ll
TheLbkqadiGroup:ThedrugsknownilstheLaksa'Arevata'
Kutaja, ASvamara,Katphala, Haridrir, Dhru-Haridri' Nimba'
Sapticchada,Mi,rlati,and Triyam6nir form the L?rksadiGana'
bitterandsweet
Metrical Text : This Ganaconsistof astringent,
a vermifuge
gc'rotl and a purifying (aseptic)
taste(Rasa)and acts as
agentin casesOfbutl,malignanttlr rndolentulcers.Diseases due to the
derangedKaphaanclPitta proveanlenabletOits curative properties,
which extendt(Jcasesof cutaneousaffectionsKusthaas well. 31
qg TgTfirqd g.sd qqqrq: I irT frqu-4ry6fr-
qdq: t
6.q"qerqqqd frqtfTrr*n *fr
q*q: T€FIr{ql
qrdrEi fimvrri {flr TflTsqillR rl
Now we shalldescribethefive groupsof medicinalroots(M[la),
eachconsistingof similar numberof components'
: Thegroupknownasthenincrr
. The Sva|paI'afrcamd|aGroup
grclup of five rOOtS(svalpa-Paflca-mfla)consists ()f the roots of
ile<licinalplantsknown asthe Trikantaka,the two speciesof Brhati'
Prthakparni,and Vidirrigandha'
Metrical Texts : This compoundpossesses a tasteblendedclf
the
astringent,bitter and sweet.It is a tonic and naurishing,subdues
derangedVhyu anclprovessoothingto the derangedPitta' 32
qf,{l

€Ftrfri u,sqraei qrt ffirtqr

q5T€ Ff,( qd{ll?Q ll
The Mahat PafrcamuJa Group : The oneknownasthe greator
the major groupof five medicinalrclot(Mahat-Pailcamrila)tronsistsof
the roots of such trees as Bilva, Agniniantha, Tuntuka, L'6talaand
KhSmari.
 Chap.XXXVIII S U T R A S T HA N A 339

Metrical rexts : rt is bitter in tasteand subduesthe cleransr:d

Kapha and v6ta. Ir is righr (easilydigestibre)and appetising,
intl
acquiresa subsequent sweettastein its reaction(Anurasa).3j
sffiddrrqsgq+l
rTUT: fiSffr Aq Eqfirinn;rmrqa: I
3{Fr€r rr|Er{v*q Fffid{rgn: nly tl
The Da3amulaGroup : The rwo precedinggroupsin
combinationform theonetechnicallyknownastheDaia-tu,nu
ttt
tenroots),whichis possessed of thevirtueof destroyingthederanged "
v6ta, Pittaand Kapha.It provesbeneficiar in cases,f asthmaano
difficultrespiration.
It actsasa gocxliliges^tant
in res^pect
of undigested
lymphchycle,etc.andis usedwithsatislactory re)^urts
in ail typesof
fever.34

iFd q*{rF: l
Ffr qum-riA: t r
Tfu td vffiqnyr$t
rrd+€Eti +{ {-s+qF{{rw+ u?qr r
The valri-pafrcamuraGroup : The groupconsistingof the
rootsof thefive nredicinal creepersknownasVioiri, Sirivi,-Rajanl,
GuduciandAja-Srngiis calledtheValli-pancamula.
ThePafrca-kan{aka Group: Siniilarly,thegroupconsisting of
thefivemedicinar(thorny)shrubsknownasKaramardda, Trikantaka,
sairiyaka,satavari,andGrdhranakhi is canJ ,h; pr;;;-iu'i"uu.
Metrical rex[s : The two precedinggroupsprovecurativein
Haemoptysis andin all thethreetypesof anasarcior oedema(sopha).
Moreover,it has the incontestable virtue of arrestingalr sortsof
urethraldischarges and is a potentremedyin alr casesof seminar
disorders.35

@gfrgwqfirqa:r
Tfiffi detq ql
sf+t: Fg6': Stur vfu{fe ffiq1le 1
3.10 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

The Pailca-Tf4aGroup : The groupconsistingof the five

medicinalherbs(of thegrassspecies)areknownasKuSa,K-aSa, Nala,
Darbha,KZrndeksuka is calledthePailca-Tpa.
MetricalTexts: casesof Haemoptysis, renaldefectsor urinary
diseasesare foundto speedilyyield to the curativeefficacyof the
compoundinternallyadministered throughthe mediumof cow's
milk. 36
\tqr qr€r|tfrsltr€' fimftqrvl"T3 I
'rg-di viM+m+ qfi|qtP$'d I l?s | |
Metrical Texts : The first two of the afcrresaidof Partcamu-las
(viz.theSvalpaandtheBrhatPailcamu-las) arepossessedof thevirtue
of destroying thederanged v6ta,whiletheonestandingin theendof
is endowedwith thepropertyof killing the
the list (TrnaPaf,camflla)
derangedPitta. Thosestandingthirdandfourthin orderofenumeration
(theValli andKantakaPaf,camrilas) subduethederangedKapha.37
lrq,*{ rTqnae ffiqr€ fqwtql
fuffig qqqrfr Fr6{r twrdTilc.r{l l?a | |
The groupsof medicinaldrugsandrootshavethusbeenbriefly
which will be moreelaboratelydealtwith latepon in the
clescribed,
chapteron TheraPeutics. 3E
qFr$qq qqrqis fuf qfifu qq?rrtl
gfurq rrcrrmf €Sil qfdqqnqrqll?q ll
*rd{g<nn-6tt
grtfr€r G q*( llYo | |
q'fraF*qrHsrrnrqFrdqvq}qaEl
@rnferqtar{WqllYqll
An intelligent physicianshouldprepareplasters,decoctions'
medicatedoils, Ghqtas(medicatedclarified butter) or potions,
accordingto theexigencies of eachindividualcase.Thesedrugsmay
ofthe year,andshouldbestoredin a room
beduly culledin all seasons
protectedfrom smoke,blass of cold, wind and rain. The groups
Lnumeratedaboveshouldbe therapeuticallyusedaccordingto the
natureof the derangedhumoursinvolved in eachindividual case.
C h a p .X X X V I I I SUTRASTHANA t+ I

only two,threeor fourdrugsof thesamemedicinalgroup,or a similar

numberof drugschosenfrom thethedifferentgroups,or a group.f
medicinaldrugsin itsentirety,or in combination
with anothei,should
be usedaccordingto the indicationsof any particularcase,as the
physician,in his discretion,woulddetermine. 39-41
Vn gTrifu q-*tarfi fdrirtuft{fr Trqrefivilsanq: r ?z,tl
Thus ends the thirty-eighth Chapter oi the sutrasthirna in the Suirura
Samhita,which dealswith tlreclassificationoldrugs accordiugto theirtlrerapeutical

+++
 SUTRASTHANA
CHAPTEK XXXIX

3{elkf: *tvilr{{ivrT+cqqr* @f@lf{z[fr[3,

qPfrdrq l{rrEq e5qffi;1q11
ontheChapter,
Nowweshalldiscourse whichtreatsof medicinal
drugspossessedof cleansing or soothingeffects
(cathartic)
f
(sam3odhana-samsamaniya'adhyirya).
Tfi E-ffi qT-
{ntqqr€qlrFr{€'ilaqffi

I n5r
ffiq.qrF{r ffiqwrRurtl
Emetic Drugs : The drugsknown as Madanafruits, Ku[aja,
J-imrltaka, Iksvhku,Dhamargava,Krta-vedhana,Sarqapa,Vidanga,
Pippali, Karaf,ja, Prapunni{a, Kovidira, Korbud'ara,A_ri51a,
A3vagandh6, Vidula,Bandhujivaka,Svetl,Sa4apuspi, Bimbi,Vaca,
Mrgerva-ruandCitr6, etc.arepossessed of emetic Out of
properties'
thesethefruits (seeds)of plantsprecedingKovidarain theabovesaid
list (from theMadanafruitsto thoseof thePrapunnada) andtheroots
of plantsfrom Kovidlra to its close,should be used.2
Chap.XXXIX SOTRASTHANA 343

frgoTlfirri IFnfr I fus*mfrn qredrfrr-{iFtEr:| q,F{s-

E'EF?F[E[:Iqrrrdnr+{rsramf rn:flfr |TfrdrrEq+: T{r&r I
*qFrrf ffifruQn
PurgativeDrugs : The trees,plants,herbsandcreepers,etc.
knownasTrivrt?r,Sy?rma, Danti,DravantlSaptal6, SankhinlVisanikar,
Gavaksi,Chhgal6ntri, Snuk,Suvarnaksiri, Cirraka,Kinihi, KuSa,
K16a,Til vaka,Kampillaka,Ramyaka, Pe'ur1fr.Ptlga,
Haritaki-,Amalaka,
Bibhiraka,Nilini, Caturangula, Eranda,Putika, Mahivrksa,
Saptac:chhada, Arka andJyotismat;, etc.arepossessed of purgative
properties.Of thesethe roots of plants,whichprecedeTilvaka in the
abovelist, shouldbeusedfor purgativepurposes. Thebarks of trees
from Tilvaka to Pdtali in the samelist shouldbe usedfor similar
purposes. Thepollensor dustof the Kampillaseedsandof thefruifs
of treesfroniErandato Puga,theleavesof Puaika, andAragvadha and
themilky exudations of theremainingmembers of thelist, shouldbe
similarlyused.3
ffi rrq?TryrG* ffi q,rrtFsq,,rirqwrrfr-
qrrrETrfuil qqi FrftTr Efrnxu
Theexpressedjuice of KaSatati,
Sapral6,Sankhini,Devad6li,or
Kiravellik6 is bothemeticandpurgative.4

'qqrfr , rxqafrqq*ftm Fflfr I

Rrnffi-
ffi qwrfr I
iTrffivrTrturtq-(t:
|ffi T{rFrr€gffi-
r**l ffi gqrfun vnfi-drflqqsmi
Frqfd'r dflrnfr rnfdffqr: I
: I YtQlgti qmrfuhr\rl
The Errhines : The following_ drugs,viz. pippali, Vidanga,
Apimflrga, Sigru, Siddh6rthaka,Sirisa, lriarica, Kaiavira, Bim-Ui,
Girikarnik6,Kinihi,Vaci, JyotismatlKaranja,Arka,Alarka,LaSuna,
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Ativisa,Sqngavera, Tamila,Suras6,
T:aliSa, Arjaka,Ingudi,Meqasfngi,
Matulungi, Murangi, pitu,lzrtl,Sala, Tala,Madhrrka(Maula),L?rkszr
andHingu,togetherwith suchsubstances asrock-salt,spirits,cow's
urine and watery exudationof cow dung should be regardedas
errhinesSirovirecana. The fruits (seeds)of plantsfrom Pippallto
Marica enumeratedin the above-saidlist, the roots of plants
commencing with Karaviraandendingwith Arka,thebulbs of those
whosenamesprecedeTaliSain the samelist, the leavesof those
commencingwith TaliSaand endingwith the Arjaka lherein,the
barks of IngudiandMesaSrngi, rtreflowersof Mitulungl, Murangi,
Pilu and Jati, the essence(S6ra)of{Szrla,T6la and Madhul (Maul)
trees,thegummyexudation (Nirydsa)of HinguplantsandLhk$arees,
aswell assaltswhicharebutthesalinemcxlifications of earth,Madya
(wines)which are but the modifiedproductsof Asava(fermented
liquors),andsecretions of cowdung,or cow'surinewhichshouldbe
understoodto meanthe animalexcrenents,in their crudeor natural
state.shouldbe usedwhereerrhinesareindicated.5
Tiyrqqr;zrilgq.-d=tFrrT:r r* @-
ffi-
ftr<rR'-
q;qf€ i qra !s{.i* Hqr}t qrtr{ivrr+ trrt:ltQll
Sam3amaniya Drugs : Now we shallenumerate the namesof
drugsandsubstances whichsootheor pacifythederangedhumoursor
principlesof thebodyinvolvedin anyparticulardisease
Sain3amana.
Virta-Sam3amana-Varga : Thefollowingdrugs,viz.Bhadradl,ru,
Kustha,Haridr6,Varuna,MesaSmglBala,Atibala,Artagala,Kacchur6,
Sallakl Kuberaksl Virataru, Sahacara,Agnimantha,Vatsidani,
Erap{a, A3mabhedak,Alarka, Arka, Satavarl Punamav6,Vasuka,
VaSira,Kdfrcanaka,Bh6rngi, Kirpzrsi, VrScikiill, Pattura,Vadara,
Yava, Kola, Kulattha, etc. and the drugs forming the group of
Vid6rigandhidi-Gana,as well as thosebelongingto the first two
groupsofPancamrlla(MahatandSvalpa),arepossessed ofttregeneral
virtue of soothing(restoring
to"itsnormal state)
the deranged (V6yu)
Yita.6
Chap.XXXIX SUTRASTHANA

ffi:rnRcrrR_
wqr+{ fir*ivrm}
qrt:ll\9ll
Pitta-sam6amana-Varga: The drugs known as Candana
Payasyi, Vid1ri, Sat-avari,
Kucandana,Hribera, USira,Mafrjisth?r,
Gundr6,Saivala,Kalh6ra,Kumuda,Utpala,Kandali,Du-rvh, Mu-rya,
etc.andthe drugsformingthegroups
of y6di,
K6kol S6riv6di,Afrjanhdi,
Utpaladi,Ny6grodh6di,andTrna-Pancamula groupsgenerallyprove
soothingto the derangedPitta.7

@- -
rrqq,,erfrFt@@-
ffi{ffi{: @qqrhvesrtivrm}
Eri:llZll
Slesmi-Sam3amana-Varga : The drugsknownas Kileyaka,
Saral6,Risnl,
Aguru,Tilaparni,Kustha,Haridr6,Sitasiua,Satapugp?t,
Prakirya,Udakiba,hgudi-,SumanAh, Ka}6dani-, HastikarTa,
l^aigalat<i,
Mufrj6taka,L6majjaka,etc.andthedrugsbelongingto the groupsof
Valli andKantaka,Paficamulas andthosecomposingthe Pipalyidi-
Y,arga,Brhaty6di-Varga, Ir{uqkakadi-Varga, Vac6di,Surasidiand
Aragvadhddi groupsaregenerallypossessed oftheefficacyofrestoring
the derangedSleEmato its naturalstate.8
r*rreftr+affi@fqqarr(t
r*@idgqvrqq[ftfqffit
ffi Fqqrq qr lr€q* t gtqffirqfuai rFTrh-
qafrq1;rr*5Fdrtvrrqftfr, qd rivffid, ffitd
qFrqF*,k(mt rrdfrr Fgrr(rrq+{ F*eqr{rqr
The choice of a medicinewhetherfor cleansingor soothing
purposesshouldbe determinedby the considerationof the strength
(intensity)of the disease,andthe staminaandthe digestivefunction
of thepatientundertreatment.A medicine(ofa smthingor Samslmana
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

efficacy),which is strongerthanthe diseaseit hasbeenappliedto

combat with, not only checksit with its own soothingvirtue but
usuallygivesriseto a freshmalady,on accountof its surplusenergy
being not requisitionedinto action,nor its being usedup by the
weakenedandconqueredoriginaldistemper.It is thusstoredup in the
organismforthe workingof freshmischief.A medicine,whichproves
strongerthanthedigestivefunctionof a patient,impairshisdigestion,
or takes an unusuallygreaterlengthof time to be digestedand
assimilated intohis organism.A medicine,whichis strongerthatthe
physicalstaminaof a patient,may bring on a feelingof physical
languor,fitsof fainting,lossof consciousness,
delirium,etc.Similarly,
an overdoseof a cleansing(cathartic)niedicinemay work similar
mischief.On theotherhand,medicines of inadequatepotencies,and
accordinglyunequalto thestrengthof a disease, aswell asmedicines
in inadequatedoseslail toproduceanytangibleeffect.Hencemedicines
of adequatepotenciesshould be alone administeredin adequate
doses.9
$l-Ek El-r-

fr)ffi8tilq*<trcda:r
yrn furqr*t T5rrqorr
rC csrq f$rqEq
qe t+ T+ qt* f*ar" wi ynqr
srqrffi yileriR rqrEr*(rnttl
s* Yf*trs 5g.*tss vfrqq!
$r+ffi{f,iFTrfr ryf,i qTFrrvraqt tR?rr
qTqrF<SE qe+S€rersrgkR-q+l
fe€ritr€i Wf tq, EF-ffiisq{sFrd:
nqt tl
Authoritative verseson the subject : A prudentphysician
shouldprescribea mild purgativefor a patientenfeebl6dby theaction
of thedBranged andaccuntulated bodilyhumoursandlaid up with a
disease in which sucha cleansing(cathartic)or emeticremedyis
indicated.The samerule shouldhold good in the caseof a patient
enfeebledthroughcausesotherthanphysicaldistempers,andwhose
bowelsareeasilymoved,andin whomthefecalmatter,etc.arefound
to havebeendislodgedfromtheirnaturalseatsor locations.Decoctions
Chap.XXXIX S[JTRASTHANA

(includingextractsandcoldinfusionsof medicinalherbs)in dosesof

four Palasweights,and pastesand powdersin dosesof two Palas
weights,shouldbe prescribedin a diseaseof ordinaryintensity.
Correctivemedicines(PurgativesandEmetics) maybesafelyexhibited
evenin a weak patientwith looseor bowels,if theyare
unconstipated
foundto be stuffedwith a spontaneous accumulationof fecal matter
(Doqa)etc.inspiteof suchlooseness or easymotion.10-13

VA g{ddlffi qrpn+ ffi artsqihqFElF{sfrss*rq:iltcll

Thus endsthe thirty-ninth Chapterof the Suarasthirnain the Su3rutaSamhitir,
which treats of drugs of cleansing (corrective) and soothing properties.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA
C,HAPTDK XL

qsfirfrsearq,
srirr& f ztT@TtrET:,
?r*qrq rrrrqq 6qffi;1q11
Now weshalldiscourse ontheChapter,whichtreatsofdrugsand
their flavours, virtues, potenciesand chemical actions as Lord
Dhanvantari narrated. (Dravya-Rasa-Gupa-Vlrya-Viphka-
Vij ff?rniya-adhy-nya).
I
ffi gt fti yqrtq, 6sr(? qqRcrrarq, fnl
lrg F{ ElqRertiT tFr({T:,qstr- arfi lFe + lqr{T* !r€
T rfa; FftqrEr€, F{di f6 EqqF;rar grrr:, qeTT-
E-OflffierTf{ :, q qq ITrr;T{gq;* qrFrrgrFq} qr IFTR,
gqrs{enqr€, qcn ft qrRfid errr;qqrd q rrusftf
iqrfrr; v$e{qrgqrrq, vsnryR'Ht rgAt Eai =trrrr(ur:,
qlIq€rg, EqFrelaT TgRFfr r{qFt; sTr(Irrgtqsqtta,
qqrErd srrrgur:,qsTr- ftrErRrFqrFAiqrdiq rsq.sffdH-
qqrF{g r vgrkrarr,r {Tr€ryrqruqrEa,vnd fr E[q
vwFrgqa* fr ffi, qsn- rTrg.g.$TF-{FQft ffi q Tqr€
nqffi; rtrrfi{i,lqr+frFAfqqrqq}ef+,
qerr- irgm irqrryr:Fnpt qF{r|f VFr; qfi,*yrsrErsr€,
FqrqrffimTfiT Etttt€t3€1ezrt, qen- T6r{qrefltfrfr;
rer<qdYqn{|tdm{etql rrrr
Chap. XL SUTRASTHANA

Certainprofessors of theAyurvedaholdthata medicinaldrugor

substance is pre-eminently themostimportantmatterwith which the
sgienceofmediCineiSConcerned. FirStbecause, adrug,asa Substance,
hasa definiteandcontinuousexistence,whichits attributes(suchas,
taste,etc.,) do not possess.As for examplethe tastes,etc., which
characterise a fruit in its unripestage,arenot perceivedin its ripe or
maturedcondition. Secondlybecause,a drug is real (Nitya) and
invariable,whereasits attributesarebut transitoryandaccidentalat
the best. As for instancethe real characterof a drug cannot be
destroyedwhetherit be powderedor pasted'Thirdly because,a drug
or a substancenever can lose its own genericcharacter.As for
example,a drug possessed of attributespeculiarto the fundamental
matter,earth,canneverbetransformedinto oneof wateryattributes-
a truth whichdoesnothold goodof its attributes.Foutthlybecause,a
drugor a substance is anobjectof all thefive senses of a man,whereas
its attributesof tastes,etc. are respectivelyaccommodated qo the
facultyof specialsenseorgans.Fifthly because, a drugor a substance
is thereceptacleof the attributes of taste,etc.,while thelatterarethe
things contained.Sixthly because,a dictum of medicine can be
commencedwith thenameof a drugor substance' As for example,it
is quite naturalto say that the drugs such as Vidiri Gandhfr,etc.,
shouldbepressedandboiled.But it sounds preposterous to utterthat
the sweettasteshouldbe pulverisedandboiled' SeventNybecause,
the greaterimportanceof a drugor substance hasbeenlaid down in
the Sastrasof medicinesin as much as medical recipeshave been
describedby the namesof their componentingredientssuch as
M6rtulufiga,Agnimantha,etc., and not describedas the tastesof
Mtrtulunga,Agnimanthaetc. Elightily because,the attribuiesof
tastes;etc.,dependuponthedrugsandsubstances (of whichthey are
the attributes)for their progressive maturity. As for example,thetaste
of a drugor substance varieswith its growthand is different in its raw
(immature)and ripe (mature)conditions. (Hence a drug is more
importantthanitsattributes of taste,etc.)Nintilybecause,adrugmay
provecurativethroughthe efficacyof oneof its componentpartsor
principlesasin thecaseof Mahbvrksathemilky exudationsof which
are possessed of therapeuticalvirtues,which cannotbe said of its
taste.
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Hencea drug or a substance(Dravya)is the most important

factor (which the scienceof medicinehas got to deal with). A
substance or drug necessarilyimpliesactionandattributeswhich is
intimatelyconnected with dravyaandof.whichit is theprimarycause,
or to put it more explicitly,theseattributeshave an inseparable
inherencein andareintimatelyassociated with thesubstanceby way
of causeandeffect(Samav6yi-K6runa). 2
}grg$t tgrql ysnrr{,u,gr(? s{rrrqrd{sTr.rmf6
vn€ fr rqr s{fuqrr:, qsn-rnrqir srr6nFfr,
afH yrun:; gtr?Trr@, gqFqsr*f6 tgr :,qqr-qgrrqcTEqrr
ffii f'rrqFfi; e{lwrrrer, r*r U5fr+t Fd;, qsn- ngrFrFc;
Nfu*qtra, Elffi +{:, qen-mM qg{qrE:tFqfr
;
RTqr(TRr; gwli, 1*g1u6iilr I iF€TqTUr-@qrc:rltt
Others,on thecontrary,whodo not endorsethe aboveopinion,
accordthehighestimportanceto theattributeof taste(Rasa)of a drug
or substance.Firstlybecause, it is solaiddownin theAgamas(Vedas),
whichincludethescience of medicine(AyurvedaSastra)aswell,and
in asmuchassuchstatements as"Foodis primarilycontingent on its
tastesandon fooddependslife" occurtherein.Secondlybecause,the
essentialimportanceof tastemaybeinferredfrom suchinjunctionsor
instructionsof theprofessors of medicineas,"sweet,acidandsaline
tastessootheor pacifythederangedbodilyV6yu." Thirdly because, a
drug or a substance is namedafterthe natureof its taste,as a sweet
drug,a salinesubstance, etc.Fourthlybecause, itsprimaryimportance
is basedon the inspiredutterances of theholy sagesRsiswhich form
the sacredhymnsand versesof the Vedas,and suchpassages as
"sweetsto becollectedfor thepurposes of a religioussacrifice",etc.,
areto befoundin them.Hencetasteis themostimDortantfactorin the
scienceof medicineand formsthe primary attributeof a medicinal
drug.But lateron, we shallhaveoccasionto speakof that.3

ffi ddslsrrqr( rrEFilrra *d Fgfuergwf

Chap.XL SUTRASTHANA 351

ffi:t*fuSqqrg:vfrd{swf ffi
sqf ffi ftFtri Tg @fr; Kdrfr qq ffir
TsqFrryTrffi{ q-dffrr qsn Rrf,{f,(
TsWi u.qRi Fffir$r$ ard vrr+qqdidiilq. iTenee?er:
6sTz[: rf,$: wTrr$: *oqrq|-€t qrdqtffi
vffi-dr{r req,, firq* firt vrrqFdT$rfuiltran,
srFTqTqrti[i dEui $qq5r ffm'r qrqrrr* firS qefu-
qE rtr€tA qg{r rritlrg| re-qi{dreiYMeftfr
firysrtrar(r srFi q,Frei yM rrqqfr lnqrdd-dr(.
qg{qft€r@rxrt
Certain authoritieshowever,(who reject the two aforesaid
ttreories),holdthepotency(Virya)of a drugto bethemostimportant
factor in medicinein as much as its therapeuticaction,whether
purgative,emetic,or both,or cathartic,or pacifying,or astringent,
appetising, pressing(drawingto a definitehead)or liquefacient,or
constructive,tonic (vitalising)or aphrodisiac,or inflammatory,
absorbing,caustic,or bursting,or intoxicating,soporific,killing or
antitoxic,dependsuponits potency.Thepotencyof a drugis either
coolingor heat-making owingto thetwo-fold(hotandcool)natureof
the temperament of the world.Accordingto severalauthoritiesthe
potercy of a medicinaldrug may be classedas eitherhot or cool,
emollientor dry, expansive or slimy,mild or keen,so asto embrace
theeightdifferentattributes in all.Thesepotencies of medicinaldrugs
servetheirrespective functionsby overpowering their(drugs')tastes
with their specificstrength(intensity)andvirtues.As for examplethe
decoctionof therootsbelongingto thegroupof theMah6pailcamula,
though possessed of an astringenttaste which is subsequently
transformedinto a bitter one, acquiresthe virtue of pacifying the
derangedV6yuout of its heat-making potency.Similarly,the pulse
knownasKulatthathoughpossessed of anastringent taste,andonion
thoughenduedwith a pungentone, respectivelysoothethe same
derangedhumourof the body throughthe oleaginouscharacterof
theirpotencies. Ontheotherhand,theexpressed juice of sugar-cane,
thoughpossessed of a sweettaste,tendsto augmentor aggravate the
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

derangedV6yuowingto itscoolingpotency.ThedrugPippali,though
a pungentsubstncein itself, provessoothingto the derangedPitta,
owingto its mild andcoolingpotency.Similarly,an Amalakafruit,
thoughacid in taste,andSaindhava, thoughsaline,respectivelytend
to pacify the derangedPitta.The drug Klkamlci, thoughof a bitter
taste,andfish, thoughsweet,respectivelyaggravatethePitta,owing
to their thermogeneticpotency.Similarly, Mu-laka(Radish),though
pungent,increases the K6phaof thebody,on accountof its emollient
potency; and Kapittha,though acid, soothesland honey, though
sweet,tendsto pacifythederangedKaphaowingto thedry character
of its potency.The aforesaidinstanceshave beencited by way of
illustration.4
9TEFil qFT-
t wr qrcrvrcmr$rEFil qR tS * I
rtq{flTqp\FnFt q t Fg: FrfrTrrqtt\ | I
t wr' fuwrrtr rrdk qF< tS *r
Wrtrq*,Uqr,6r:netl
i wr, t'ctqvrmr rrak qF{ tg *l
ffi qd{n{ Tffitrrstr
ilsrtr yqrqF{Fdn4| |
Authoritative verses on the subject : Tastes,which are
possessed of dry, light or cold potencies,fail to pacify the deranged
V6yu, thoughotherwisethey may prove soothingto that deranged
humour.Similarly,tastes,whichareordinarilyreckonedaspacifiers
of the derangedPitta,fail to producethat effectin the eventof their
beingenduedwith a keen,light or heat-making potency.Likewise,
tastes,whicharecommonlyfoundto soothethederangedKapha,tend
to aggravateit in theeventof theirbeingpossessed of potencieswhich
areresepctively heavy,coolandemollientin theircharacter.r Hence
the potencyof a drug is the most importantfactor in the scienceof
medicine.5-8

l. Flavourssuchas,sweet,acidandsaline,subduethederangedVhyu.Tasressu
as, sv,eet,bitter and astringentare antibilious in their fficacy, while those,
whicharepungent,bitterandastringent,areantiphlegmagogic itrtheir vinues.
 Chap. XL SUTRASTHANA 353

+sr6c+, frqr*.: gqnF{frt 6Fqr(? rrqqfirezn_

F { q r d - d r ( tg a @ @
Wr Ad qr qtlFat F{rgr+-fu qr* Efrt *F*q
ry 1g1* q.qdFd | il{. E r rrcrq, TqFn_
Ertrqrnarqlsn+ffi rrf6r ftra F6fuqtqq+||bfr
ert++qa{r{t q+i F+rilsqq: qr* rrfuerfr, vA*i A
@aeurdrgtfr, ngrlngna, , qtivffirfr
*F€€:r@ilrr(@i
Ilg1+€T*qaenprrFd€5Hr{q:rqfr urt:*..Tqg-*"rilrfr
lyft wfi nirdFfr r*f*Eq*sqrq*q.rmtqirq*Ffr Fd,
@\F:uRrl
But certainauthoritiesdissentfrom the above-said view, and
attachthehighestimportance to theprocessof digestive(chemicar)
reaction(Vip6ka)for the reason,thatall ingestedfood,properly
or
improperlydigestedin thestomach, proveswhoresome or otherwise
to the body. certain authoritieson the subjecthord that
digestion
developsall the severartaste.rAccording to others,tastessuchas.
sweet,pungentandacid,foilowuponthecompletion of theprocessof
digestion(by way of reactionaryresult or transformation).
It is
needlessto sayttratthehypothesis is basedon erroneous data,in as
muchasthefactof aciddigestion(acidtastedeveloped
at thecroseof
the digestiveprocessor reactionaryacidity) is contrary
notrrto ne
propertiesof matterand thecollectiveexperience oftheraceembodied
in thedictumof theSastrasandwhichshourdberatherascribed
to the
acid tasteof the pitta remainingin an undigested or unassimilaterl
cordition owing to imperfectgastricdigestion.The probabilirf
oru
salinedigestion(areactionarysarinetastefoilowingupon
thecroseof
the digestiveprocess)shourdbe necessarily presumed,if the fact of
an acid digestionwere to be upheldas a tested
and corroborated
principleof medicarscience.The hypothesis
of an acid oigesiion
(reactionary acidity)doesnot precrudethe possibilityof a ii*itu,
salineoneowingto theparticipationof thenaturaltaste(sarine) of the
1. The processoyaigrnn;;;ild by a reactionaryrcste,whichmaybe either
sh'eet,pungent,acid, astingent, bitter or saline.
Vol.I-23
354 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

bodily Kaphain the pKrcess of digestion,as is saidof Pitta in the

precedinginstance.Hencethe theorythat only threetastes,suchas
sweet,acid,andpungentaredeveloped throughdigestivereaction,
appearsto be untenable, and naturallypoints to the doctrinethat a
sweettaste(partaken of by a man)bringsOn a sweet tasteddigestion;
an acidtaste(reactionaryacidity)begetsaciddigestion,andso on, a
tasteof whatesoever kind partakenof by a manimpartingits Specific
characterto his digestivereaction.Those,who adhereto the last
nameddoctrine, endeavourto substantiateit bythefollowinganalogy'
andarguethatasa milk keptboilingin a basinplacedovera fire does
notchangeits naturalsweetness (withthechangeof its temperature),
ascerealszuchasSali-rice,wheat,barley'Mudga,etc'sownbroadcast
in the grounddo not part with their inherent,genericattributes
(throughtheirsuccessive stagesof development), sothetastesof food-
stuffdo not alterevenafterbeingboiledin the heat of thedigestive
organs.others,on the contrary,assertthat weaktastesare naturally
mergedin the strongonesin the courseof digestion'And sincethe
consensus ofexpertopinionsonthesubjectservesonlyto increase the
confusionon accountof their differencesandbigotedantipathy,we
shalljudiciouslyrefrainfromindulgingin idletheoriesonthezubject.9
sTr.'frG FgF€qE qr*} ugr: u@t ir*{grrdt
T€:,qisrdqgRfdrir*@fu
qqfr, gursrqqt(I€dr Egdr u, 1@raraa 5d,, itqrfur
dq.F{t Fsr(Fdhq (e qrfi' Efrttqon
Only two kindsof digestion(digestivereactionary tastes)have
beennoticedin theShstr?rs such as,thesweetand thepungent, thefirst
beingheavyandthe secondlight. The specificpropertiesof the five
essentialmaterialprinciplesof theworldsuchas,theearth,water,fire,
air andskymayberoughlydescribed asheaviness andlightness,the
two attributeswhichappertaintotheirfundamental natures.Heaviness
formsthe characteristicattributeof earthandwater,while lightness
standsfor the essentialpropertiesof fire, air and sky" Hencethe
digestionof all food-stuffmaybedescribedaseitherheavy(Guru)or
light (Laghu).10
 Chap.XL SO T R A S T } I A N A

gTEFd ?Er-

frd+*tu*itlr qrq+ qg{ T€qt I tqq| |

H.snetr*rgrgom. Irqqr+g +g El
Frdd*ikeirtrI {TE5': E6gifi, sqt I tq? | |
qrffi qr{iT6; I
Tguffi srq:rrrfusa* ffiH. I tt? r r
?r€qqrg{rt6Fr{ffir{*{urtEarqr
ffiqqrfrrqr ff EFil qtrfr qn tqytl
rnfilrrfia fu{r dqlE *4 qrfu fu{r rsr( l
rg) TrRnfqtr rgqE?r *srd: qiltt tt\ I I
Authoritativeverseson the subject:of substances underthe
processof digestion,thOse,which are characterisedby attributes,
specificallybelongingto earthand water,are calledsubstances of
sweet(heavy)digestion;while thosewhicharepermeated with the
specificpropertiesofair, fireandskyarecalledsubstances ofpungent
(light) digesrion(easilydigestiblearticresof food).we have
fuly
statedthe text of thecontroversyas regardstheprimary importance
of drugsandtheirtastes,virtues,potenciesanddigestivereactions,
as
well asthe viewsof thosewho build their theorieion the separate
or
exclusiveimportanceof any of the five afore-saidfactors.Ttrewise
andthe eruditesetan equarimportanceto eachof them,andascribe
thecurativeefficacyof a medicineto theco-operation of all thesefive
factors' A drug or a substancesometim.sdestroysor originates
a
derangedconditionof thehumoursthroughthedynamicaction
of its
native or inherentproperties,sometirnes in virtue of its specific
potencyand sometimesby naturaltasteor digestive(chemicar)
reaction.Digestivereactionis impossiblewithout drug potency.
There is no potency without a taste,and nste without
a drug or
substance is anabsurdity.Hencea substance(vegetableorotherw-ise)
is the greatestof themall. l1-15
Erf,T iI
{m11
et?rttqrtpo.{i Erq rrengr(ffi, I Rqr r
355 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

ddt'dr Tnn isd tsfu Eqrrrqr: {ttt: I

T*g a qr<+f F{urrcg {un: gar: I lte | |
rA raqrfurErgrk M r q$€r: I
N rqrA tr *qr qlqrcrErsrqr: llt4 ll
A tasteanda substance arecorelativecategoriesfrom the time
of theirorigin,like a bodyandanembodiedselfin theplaneof organic
existence.3ince an attributeper secannot be possessed of another
attribute,theeightkinds ofpotency (properties) can only appertainto
a substance andnotto a which
taste, is an attribute in itself.Substances
are digestedin an organicbody andnot the six tastessimply for the
reasoiof theirbeinginvisibleandintangiblein themselves. Hencea
substance is thegreatestofall theaforesaid five factors (ofsubstance,
taste,virtues,etc) andtheattributesI iei nherentin thesubstance. 16-18
ffiyfir€rft E$Iltkt:l
qFTffi ffi fuqQrd:llqqll
y€TQT€TqTuTtFFtt: yfuqTs Fr$nrkr: I
qtq*€EF{Ft-drt qfrtd a.<ra{rrRo| |
F6}onfr' qrqqarF<F&:rtqt
dFtrt ftTeE iI qftnrrtrrri T E tES I tRq| |
Unscrutable andunthinkablearethevirtuesof drugs(meflicines),
whichareaboveall rulesof syllogism;andhencedrugs(medicines),
whichhavebeenobserved to be efficaciousfrom time immqmorial,
asivellasthoselaiddown thescriptures
in on medicines,shouldalone
be usedin the coufse of a medical treatment.A learned physician
should think it a sacrilege to logically dispute the efficacy of a
medicineof tested virtue,and which has beenadopted aftergenerations
of careful observationand is instinctivelypronouncedby men as a
beneficialremedy.No amountof logic will alterthe natureof things,
nor persuade thedrugsof theAmbag[hagroupto exercisea purgative
vinue. Hencean intblligentphysicianshouldadhereto the official
recipesgivenin thebooksonmedicine,andnotintroduceinnovations,
howivei logical or probable,into the realmsof appliedor practical
Therapeutics.19-21
gPdgTriFfdrqi W{qrf rq{ggq ffi* crc
qgtffiss{rq:[tou
Thus ends the fortieth Chapter of the Suarasthhnain the Su6rutaSamhitit'
which deals with drugs and thelr flavours, virtues, and digestive (chemical)
transfomration.

+++
 ST]TRASTHANn
CHATTEK XLI

eTerrtrffidQr@ff{zlr{;,
. qcffqrq r{frqq q;ryafr;nqn
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter,which treatsof the
specificpropertiesof drugs(Dravya-Vi3eqa-Vijfi6nIya-adhy6ya).I
air @ T{g?5rqr{Harfi+Ffi:,
e{ffisarsd rr{fr-EE qrnfiffi{ W
ffintt
The five fundamentalprinciplestsuchas the earthKsiti, water
(Apa), fire (Teja), air (Marut) and Sky (Vyoma) enter into the
compositionof all substancesin the world, andthe predominance of
any of them in a particular substancedeterminesits character.
Accordinglya thing is denominated asa substance of dominantearth
principle,or onemarkedby a predominance of fire, air or ether.2
n|:t@)g€t5,FdFirFsr{gfltrsffi Eni{
srqvil q$F{Fd qrRf-cqrrq @ ffisd-
ffiil?tl
Pbrthiva Drugs : A thing or substance,which is thick, pithy,
compact,dull,immobile,rough,heavy(hardtodigest),
strongsmelling

I. Thesemay be translated as Solid Liquid, Gas, Ethcr and Ethcrion in the

parlance of madernscience.
358 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

andlargelyhasa sweettastemarkedby a shadeof astringentis called

a subsianceof dominantearth (Parthiva)matter. Such a thing
thefirmness,strenglh,hardness
increases androtundityof thehuman
boJy,andispossessedofgravity(thevirtueofmovingthebowels).3

?f,.crcrwce"f qgrrqqrqqrury{r rq @-
fisqaq;qfi{fril)d11
Apya Drugs : Similarly,a thingor substance, whichis cold'
moist,glossy,devoidof keenness, takestirneto be digested,is mobile'
co*pu.t, soft,slimy,sappy,anclis largelyenduedwith anacid,saline
or sweettastemarkedby a shadeof astringent, is calleda substance
of dominantwater(Apya)principle.Suchathingsoothes andimpans
a glossycharacter to thebody,keepsit moist,favourstheadhesion of
its parts,andincreases its liquid contents.4

@{@
q---*,,{€rg"fffi tqcqt il(<al-
[\tl
Taijasa Drugs : A thing or substance, which is heat-making,
pungent and keen, subtle in its essence, permeates the minutest
capillaries,and is dry, rough,light, and non-slimy in its and
character
hai strongpropertiesanda tasrcwhichis largelypungentmarkedby
thedominantprincipleof
is calledasubstanceof
a shadeoisaline, fire
(Taijasa).Sucha thingnaturallyevincesan up-coursing tendency in
thebody,producesa burningsensationin its inside,helpsthe process
of digestionand spontaneous bursting(of abscesses), increases the
temperatureof the body, strengthens the eyesight,improves the
complexionandimpartsa healthfulglow to it. 5
@Erq|tfqger*qFtr$ffiqa:
qqrqFTFd qr{frq{l -
qilfqfriler
VhyavlyaDrugs : A thingor substance, whichis subtlein its
andis dry,rough,light,coldandnon-slimy,increases
essence, tactual
sensationand is enduedwith a largelyastringenttastemarkedby a
Chap.XLI SOTRASTHANA

shadeof bitter, is calleda substance

of the dominantprincipleof air
(Viyaviya). Sucha thing removestheslimy characterof theinternal
organism,produceslightness,drynessand emaciationof the body,
andincreases thespeculative or contemplative
facultyof themind.6
f wqq6a'Trdrr'
vfrqqt ffinell
Ata3iya Drugs : A thing or substance, which is smooth,
unctuous,andis subtlein its nature,softor pliantin its consistency,
expansive (in theinternalorganism),
porous,soundyandnon-slimyin
its characterwithoutany definitetaste,is calleda substance of the
dominantprincipleof sky (AmSiya).Such a substance produces
softness,lightnessandporosityof thebody.7
s{*t Frqvf+{=Tr+qrfrrfd
qqR ffig(fqq€frfr E€r
ii ii @ rrtrTrygt.rF{ Elqrfur
q,rffir rrcFat inR rqT EdFd rr tnIFT:,zqqdFil T(
6{, q- q[dfd ilff a* qdf< irqk€ilri, qstr qdfu v
:irrtTr[:,qHqrEFrF< a-q r5qfrfrna x
It may be inferredfrom the foregoingillustrationsthat thereis
not a singlesubstance in the world which is not enduedwith certain
curative-virtues. Drugsor substances, usedin specificcombinations
and accordingto the indicationsof a diseaseundertreatment,prove
curativein virtue of their nativevirtuesand potencies.The time,
duringwhicha drugor a medicineexertsitscurativevirtues,is called
its K6la or theperiodof action.Thatwhichimmediatelyresultsfrom
the useor applicationof a medicinalremedyis calledits Karma or
physiologicalaction.The principle,in vifiue of which the action is
performed,is calledits potencyor Virya. That, in which the action
takesplace,is calledits receptacle or Adhikarapa.The meansby
which it is effectedis calledits agencyor Upiya, while that what it
accomplishes is calledits therapeuticeffector phala. 8
ir*{ffir@Iftrdn+ndr,
grdqd liauk, r
s{Fr{qfO q, mgi{r@
 S t I S R U l ' AS A M H I T A

dr*ffifi,irsr{@lsqqlur-
$r6gqTe $rFr{t arr*,rwgunfiqt rf{rrnql rrffifrq-
f+asqrr$rs{, erfffs tffirgw-
qtusaqt @t ifaw 1frrqq1gr-
qfirwqr @rnE+qltqll
Of thesethedrugsof purgativevirtuearepossessed of attributes
which specificallybelongto theearthandwater.Earthandwaterare
heavy,and naturallygravitatedownwardowingto ttleir heaviness.
Henceit is infenedthatpurgativedrugsarelargelyenduedwith the
of earthandwater,in virtueof whichtheyaremore
specificattributes
strongly attractedtowardsthe centreof the earth(gravity).Drugs
enduedwith emeticproperties arepossessed whichform
of attributes
thecharacteristicsof fire andair.Fire andair arelight,andnaturally
ascendupwardowing to their lightness.Henceit is inferred,that
emetic(Vamana)drugsarelargelypossessed of attributes,whichare
upcoursingin their nature.Drugs or substances enduedwith both
emeticandpurgativevirtuesarecharacterised by attributesbelonging
to boththeaforesaidelements (earth and fire).
Drugswhichsoothethederanged bodilyhumours,arepermeated
with qualitieswhich specificallybelongto the principleof the sky.
Astringent (Sangr6hika)drugs are enduedwith attributes,which
spebificallybelongto theair owingto thedryingcharacterof thelatter
element. Appetising (Dipana)drugsarelargelypossessedof attributes
whichbelongto thematerialprincipleof fire. Lekhana(Liquefacient)
drugsor substances are enduedwith attributeswhich belongto fire
andair.Constructive orrestorative(Brmhana) drugsor substances are
enduedwith attributeswhich specificallybelongto earthandwater.
Theseinferencesshouldbe carefully rememberedat the time of
prescribingmedicines. 9
$rEk ql=r-
: wi qfirrr1; I
"nFd
: fird Q1gq1frFcFr{FeqrRor r
=65Pffi, vfur prqeFd
ffiorn{l
F*rS5ffqrdnqr EF€qrc+Fd tr6-tt: rqt | |
Chap.XLI SUTRASTHANA

3Trtutu ryf t{ fir*g{dtr

ErFrRr: qRrdf I RR| |
q{tsrqgunk€f ra Ed frfrfucqt
ffi er rgvil qrfr vran **g qrqtqt RQI t
Authoritative verseson the subject : The derangedbodily
V6yu readily yiedlsto the curativeefficaciesof drugspossessed of
attributes,specificallybelongingto theearth,fire andwater,whilethe
derangedPitta is speedilysoothedor restoredto its normalstateby
drugshavingattributes,specificallybelongingto theearth,waterand
air. Similarly, the derangedKaphais pacifiedby drugspossessed of
attributeswhich characterise the sky, fire andair.
The bodily V6yuis increased by theuseof drugspossessed of
attributeswhich specificallybelong to the sky and air, while the Pitta
is increasedby the useof thosewhich are largely enduedwith the
specificattributesof fire. Thebodily Kaphaof the bodyis increased
by the use of drugs which are largely enduedwith the specific
attributesof theearthandwater.Thushavingascertained thedominant
attributesof drugs,a physicianshouldusethemfor thepacificationof
two or more of the derangedhumoursof the body accordingto the
exigencies ofa case.10-13
?r,r nr Vi Wn ddrfimr: @-
fiffiei*epffi+,@
$raggunfi66, *6,, fur6wrguntfu Fgci,qrggur-
{tdrtsFi,@fu,@l
rffi qnrE+,vfrillgfrfser : firffir:, ffiryr<r-
vfuf:, u6qrs qrilfuirET:,Frgq6[': vfu: r N
Tgsndun:Frvfurgr:,fiffi raql:rwylfrai l@
?qlsr, *qlrfr g+g:qt{FrdFr(t xu: qrfi: V,*c'qFirqr
Eq}q#rq, Frg*Efquq[ftrqr qrcrqth q | il{ EFqfrtg
qtg rffitrgfdrfaEr ilsqr-qgt T€ rnRF{:,rrlft:
ftrergrq Ffrrrqvn
Of the eight-fold potenciesof a drug, such as cooling,
 S U S R U T AS A M T I I ' T A

thermogenetic, oleaginous, heavy,parchifying,plastive,keen and

slimy,keenness andthermogenetic potencyshouldbeascribedto the
attributesof fire; coolingpotency andthatof engendering slime,to the
predominance of the attributesof water in a drug or substance;
oleaginousness, to thepredominance of theattributesof theearthand
water;plastivepotency,to thepredominance of theattributesof water
andthesky;parchifyingpotency,to theexcessof theattributesof air;
non-slimypotency(VaiSadya, to thepredominance of theattributesof
earlhandair; andheavyandlight digestion,to thesamecause.
Of these,oilinessandthermogenetic potencyprovecurativein
repsect ofthederanged V6yu,whilecoolingpotency, plastivepotency,
andthatof engendering slimesuMuethederanged Pitta.Keenness,
parchifyingand non-slimypotenciesconquerthe derangedKapha.
Substances, whichareheavyin digestion, destroythederanged Viyu
andPitta,while thosewhicharelight in digestion(easilydigestible
substances) provecurativein respectofthe derangedKapha.
Of these,softness, coldness andheatmaybeperceived by touch.
Thepropertiesof sliminessandits oppositemay beperceivedby the
eyesandtouch.Theproperties of drynessandoilinessof a drugmay
be perceivedwith the eyes;keennessof a drug from the fact of its
producingpain in the mouth;and[heatandcold,by the sensationof
comfort (pleasure)or discomfort-A Textl The fact of heavy
(insufficient)digestionshouldbe inferredfrom the frequentpassing
of stoolandurine,aswell asfrom theexpectoration of Kapha,while
thecontraryshouldbepresumedfrom theconstipationof thebowels,
retentionof urine anddisordersof the aMominal V6yu (flatulence,
distensionof the abdomen,etc.). A specifictasteis detectedin
materialprinciplesof similarproperties. As for example,a drugor a
substance, whichis heavyandenduedwith a sweettaste,shouldbe
deemedas belongingto the group of the earthy matter (largely
possessed of attributescharacterising earth-matter). Similarly, a
substance, whichis sweetandoilyin itscharacter, shouldberegarded
asbelongingto onein whichtheprincipleof waterpredominates, 14
$rqh qrtr-

TUn q EftT Edg yr0tqfr f aen r

@ rqtE4,:tR\tl
Chap.XLI s[ITRASTHANA

Authoritative verse on the subiect : Properties,which

drugsandsubstances,
characterise maybe aswell foundin a human
organism,andthenormalcontinuance, or diminutionof
aggravation
thederangedhumoursis dueto theactionofthedrugs(substances).15

EA g{iffi qfipn+ ffi =rdE6-irGlfitti:sElFr:ttYlll

Thus ends the forty-first Chapterof the Srftrastlrinain the Su5rutaSamhitir

which treats of specific propertiesof drugs.

.S++
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTEK XLII

ffiefr*arq: t
3[rrrfr @f tilTGtTFtrrT:,
rnf{FE Ttrcrq eraqfr,nqx
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter,which treatsof the
-aniya-adhyirya).
specificpropertiesof fl avours(Rasa-Vi3eqa-Vijfr 1

r{vrsqrwFeTr:, irgTr(rEil{TT:
I rrgfl:IT6r(
rr{'g v$qi ffi, se,qrftr€qtEg
Ir6urqltRtl
Thepropertiesof sky(Ak-aSa),air @avana), fire (Dahana),water
(Toya) and earth(Bhu-mi)are soundtouch,colour,tasteand smell,
eachof theprecedingelementspossessing propertieslessby onethan
thoseof theoneimmediatelysucceeding it in theorderof enumeration. I
[Sincea matteris designatedafterthenameof thepreponderant
naturalelement,which entersinto its compostion],tasteis saidto be
a water-originedprinciple. All material elementsare inseparably
connectedwith one another,andthereis a sort of interdependence
amongthem,eachonecontributingto thecontinuance of theotherand
l. To put it more explicitly the property of sound belongsto ihe slq ikila. fhe
propenies of sound and touch appenain to the air (Vhyu| Thepropenies of
sound,touch and colourform the charaueristics of Fire (Teja). Sound,touch,
colour and tasteform the specific propenies of water (Toya). Sound, touch,
colour,tasteand smellmarkthe eanh maner(Bhfimi).
Chap. XLII SOTRASTHANA

jointly entering,to a moreor lessextent,into the compositionof all

,,
materialsubstances.
s €-rqrd ltT: tqEp{tsqfE fueel: *ar fernqtl
T€eIr- qgfrsd q.gqaRtrtr: Er'qTqVfrr t:4 rfa:
FIETuT:
qrtlrt{isqfE ffien ftrtri I irt ry;,

xurqrg€r( if,(€F:, w ftrfi':, IFrqFfd-

Tqrq|ttdqr(i5qrq Ffrt lt t t
This water-originedflavour(Rasa),which becomingmodified
throughits contactwith the rest of the materialelements,admitsof
being divided into six differentkinds, suchas sweet,acid, saline,
pungent,bitter and astringent.These,in their turn, beingcombined
with oneanother,giveriseto sixty-threedifferentkinds.A sweettpste
is largely enduedwith attributeswhich specificallyappertainto the
materialprinciplesof earthandwater.An acidtasteis pre-eminently
possessed of attributes,whichbelongto theelementaryprinciplesof
earthand fire. A salinetasteis mostlyenduedwith attributeswhich
characterise theelementsof waterandfire. A pungenttasteis largely
possessed of attributes,which markthe elementaryprinciplesof air
andfire. The specificattributesof air andskypredominatein a bitter
taste.The specificpropertiesofearth andair shouldbe regardedas
dominantin an astringenttaste.3
ild qg{rF|FrEsn qTiIElT:,
qgfflfi*.qt"Tr: Y*ETqr! llY ll
Tastessuchassweet,acidandsalineareenduedwith thevirtues
of subduingV6yu. Tastessuchas sweet,bitter and astringentare
possessedof thevirtueof subduingthederangedPitta.Tastessuchas
pungent,bitter andastringenttendto suMuethe derangedKapha'4
T{ ergrr*drrfir,firtrqF+dveqr fta 5A t a qi wr:
ffiqr grqdF{gyrr{rsttqtl
The V6yu is a self-originedprinciple;n the humanorganism.
ThePittaowesits origin to thebodilyheat(Agneya),while theorigin
of Kaphais ascribedto thepresenceof watery(Saumya)principlein
 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

thebody.Tastessuchassweet,etc.areaugmented by causesin which

they havetheir origin, andprovesoothingor pacifyingin respectof
causesotherthanthosewhichproducethem.5

@TsrFgP€r:-drrnsilr+qrry|
I qgTrler-
r* UgfftmAwrAr: Itl'r{r:, E6-€rertrdun3{rr+€Tr:
mpTr: furen Tr€| EF{i66q;4 TqTrmEr€| Iilrzn:
TfrAtr, g{F+qrsitun: rtqil
Accordingto certain authorities,thereare only two kinds of
tastes,owingto thetwo-fold(hotandcold)natureof thetemperament
of theworld.Of thesethetastessuchassweet,bitterandastringentare
cold in their properties,while the pungent,acid and salineones
exercisefiery or heatmakingvirtues.The tastessuchas sweet,acid
and saline are heavy and emollient in their character,while the
pungent,astringentand bitter onesare dry and light. The watery
(Saumya)tastesarecold.Thefiery (Agneya)onesarehot.6
trr {([:, iltzt
qr61frfr; q'rnql rTT:,TftsFrytsr*{ Erdzrfr, lteFr*€Ff
!{tqErgrtrd, dEtsr( fu, *slsqr( *uzrrqfi1fr1ep
Coldness,dryness,lightness,non-sliminess, suppression (of the
urine or ordure)form the charactersticpropertiesof the V6yu. An
astringenttaste should be consideredas possessedof the same
propertiesas the Viyu, andhenceit (astringenttaste)increasesthe
coldness, dryness,lightness,non-sliminess andarrestivenessof the
latterwith its specificcoolness,dryness,lightness,non-sliminessand
arrestiveness. 7
ffi,6ggrtr4ffi;
qalw:,1+s{2ff Emqr*q{iTtrdteFrqr{fuvdMFj
forsr( avrfifrna rr
Fr€rEtHrq-f
Heat,pungency,dryness,lightness,andnon-sliminess form the
specificpropertiesof thePitta.A pungenttaste,whichis possessed of
the same properties as the Pitta, respectivelyincreasesthe heat,
pungency,dryness,lightnessandnon-sliminess of thelatter with the
help of similar propertiesof its own. 8
Chap.XLII SUTRASTHANA 36'l

: YeETt,dgrrqrrfr-
tr{gfr r€:, *ss qrff d6rq*d, 'ilrcr{
=rdrErfr,
'iltzi, yfkqr*d if€€r( tffiFdl irFT gr{qdfr:
q'g$lg:,€Yfuur:ggfra;dr(@
ftqr( *a, nrvarq rfr{qdrrqr*{ tfurefqR t
drvr€rr(
@1q11
:- Sweetness, oiliness,heaviness,coldnessandsliminess formthe
specificproperties,of Kapha.A sweettaste,whichis possessed of the
samepropertiesasthe Kapha,respectivelyincreasesthe sweetness,
oiliness,heaviness, coldnessandsliminess of thelatterwith thehelp
of similar propertiesof its own. A pungent taste is enduedwith
propertieswhich are contrary to those of the Kapha, hence the
sweetness, oiliness,heaviness, coldnessandsliminessof the Kapha,
arerespectively destroyed by the pungency,
dryness,lightnbss, heat
andnon-sliminess of thepungenttaste.Thesehavebeencitedonlyby
way of illustration.9
TgfiqTurrrfisrd EFrtr: I H-rrQ: vn-*vgqrr{aFd
e6rflfr dffi ffi 5ffid wrqFdYM qrFrqffi
rlTqll{: r* q<ra*Sarr{qfrSqrgFdv{qfr q-Cfffi
rftsq: r* ErffrFqgarrqqfd qqr**i v+qh qrffi
F trent: | * W qreft Ee{ \il{zrfr ffil1.$t qrfirfirg
gwqfd rT t6€en':| + rr& *qgarr{qFd 5q*vrei q{qfr
$rm€F{grqrEqFd E{g € frm: | * T€ ffi ffi
Krrrqh wi qqrh t{d q,dfr ffi iEr q HEn{T:lltoll
Characteristics of Tastes : Now we shall describethe
oftastes.A taste,whichispleasant,
characteristics provescomfortable
to givesnourishment andcontributesto thelife-preservationof a man,
keepshis mouthmoist,andincreases thequantityof bodily Kaphais
called Sweet (Madhura).A taste,which producestooth-edgeand
increasedsalivation,andincreasestherelish for food, is calledacid
(Amla). A taste,which impartsa greaterrelish to food, produces
salivationand softnessof a part, is calledsaline (Lavana).A taste,
which producesa burningsensation at thetip of the tongueattended
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

with a tingling of the part and headache,and is instantaneously

followed by a runningat the nose(fluent coryza)is calledpungent
(Katlka). A taste,whichgivesriseto a sortof suckingsensation at the
throat,removesthe slimy characterof the cavity of the mouthand
increasesthe relish for food, is calledbitter (Tikta). A taste,which
bringsaboutthedrynessof themouth,numbsthetongue,obstructsthe
throat,andgivesriseto a drawing,pressingsensation in theregionof
the heart,is calledastringent(Kalaya).10
TTrgurr:rfrsed qqrnq: t T{ q5ft v{T} Tq15qrg-
,{.*.tr€f€rqtq:*f 'rfrqlcfr rrcrqE'ETr€n=T:
vifrffi{Fqrnqn qritF€defturFtd: vqrqFrfifuftr{r-
@: qFsFtrrsr({: ffiqqqr-
vlFd I H Sfgufrs+fi \r{rs*qrtsffrn: tnrtT{ursTir€rcfiET-
R nsfq!*r<-
@q+qfruqtr
Specificvirtuesof tastes: Now we shalldescribethespecific
virtuesof tastes.Of these,thesweettasteis possessedof thevirtueof
increasingthequantityoflymph-chyle,blood,flesh,fat,bone,marrow,
albumen(ojas),semen,andmilk in a parnrrientwoman.Strengthens
the eyesight,favoursthegrowthof hair, improvesthecomplexionof
the body, bringsaboutthe adhesionoffractured bones(Sandhhna),
and purifies the blood and the lymphchyle.Likewise, it proves
wholesome to infants,oldandweakmenandulcer-patients (suffering
from Endocarditis-Urah-Kqata) andis mostcovetedby beesandants.
It exhilaratesthemindaswell asthefive sense-organs, relievesthirst,
swooninganda burningsensation of thebody,andoriginatesKapha.
Similarly, it favoursthe germinationof intestinalpagasites.Largely
andexclusivelypartakenof, it bringson cough,dyspnoea,flatulence
(Alasaka),vomiting,sweettastein themouth,hoarseness ofthe voice
(aphonia),wormsin the intestines,tumours,elephantisis, Basti-lepa
(mucousdeposit in the bladder),Gudopalepa(mucousor slimy
depositin the anus),andAbhisyand(ophthalmia),etc. ll
srdriwrr qrq+{hn: :q)EfuErfr
qE:Vfra: t*<t, yrqgilE€rrlFd I RqifguftsQ6qq-R {Tq-
Chap.XLII SUTRASTHANA

ffi-
FrqrqrEqfr,iln@@
@ffi
qrrdlIn EE€rgfr[qRu
Acid taste : An acid tasteshouldbe regardedas a digestantof
assimilatedfood, and is enduedwith resolving,appetisingand
carminativeproperties.It setsin the naturalemissionof flatus and
ufine,restoresthenaturalmovements of thebowels,andgivesriseto
an acid (digestive)reactionin the stomach,and to a sensationof
externalshivering.It originatesa slimy or mucoussecretionand is
cardiacstimulant.An acid taste,tttoughpossessed of the afbresaid
virtues,brings on tooth-edge,with suddenclosing of the eyes,
hppearance of gooseflesh on the skin, liquifectionof Kaphaand
looseness of thebodyin theeventof its beinglargelypartakenof to
theexclusionof all othertastes. Owingto itsfiery character, thetaste
underdiscussion Setsin a process of suppuration in cuts or burns, or
in incised,laceratedor punctured wounds, aswell as in those,which
reSultfromexternalblows,or aredueto fractures, Swellings, or falls,
or arebrought aboutas the after effects of any idiopathic distemper,
or whicharetainedwith theurineof anyvenomousanimalsor through
contactwith anypoisonousanimalor vermin.It givesriseto a burning
'sensationin the throat,chestandthe regionof the heart.12

FIEFT: Tfvilsrq:qlq+ ffiqsr: z*<qt

vffiqFtMq{:ffitq
gare*Trffi
wrtFE*urcrq -
qrFfruqtr
is possessedofcorrective
Salinetaste: A salinetaste (purgative
andemetic)virnres,favourstheprocesses disintegration
of digestion,
moisteningand spontaneous burstingof swellings,bringsaboutthe
looseness orresolutionofanyaffectedpart(ulcer),isheat-engendering
in its property and proves incompatiblewith all other tastes.It
cleansesthe internal passagesor channelsof the organism and
producessoftnessof the limbs andpartsof the body.A salinetaste,
Vol.l-24
370 SUSRLITASAMHITA

thoughpossessed of the aforesaidproperties,may bring on scabies

urticaria,oedematous swellings,lossor discolorationof the natural
complexionof thebody,lossof virile potency,distressing symptoms
affectingthesense-organs, inflammation of themouthandthe eyes,
haemoptysis, Vhta-rakta (akindof leprosy)andacideructations etc.,
in theeventof itsbeinglargelypartakenof to theexclusionof all other
tastes.13
qrEqt dqt: rrrtr+ rtqrr vilert: Ten-di{rirg-
:@
@ ifr Iv qrigwls*o qerFqsa{qrn

@ q qravFn'qrqr(qfrrtqxu
Pungenttaste : A pungenttasteis enduedwith appetising,
resolving(Pacana) andpurifyingproperties in respectofulcersetc.)
anddestroys obesity,languor,deranged Kaphaandintestinal pamsites.
provescurativein casesof Kustha(skin
It is antitoxicin itscharacter,
diseases) anditches,andremoves thestiffness of theligaments. It acts
as a depressent andreducesthe quantityof semen,milk and fat. A
pungenttaste,thoughpossessed of theaforesaid virtues,maybringon
vertigo, intoxication, drynessof the throat,palate andlips, burning
sensation anda hightemperature of thebody,lossof strength, tremor,
a sortof achingor breakingpain,anda neuralgicpain(Vlta Sula)in
theback,sidesandtheextremities, etc.in lheeventof itsbeinglargely
partakenofin exclusionofall othertastes.14
nrmvAq+ffi{rr: v}rr, @-
yfl'rT=T:lRrqvffi t e
Wiguils+*.q*r"Tcfgwffiffi:-
nqql
Bitter taste: A bittertasteservesto restorethenaturalrelishof
a personfor food.It is a goodappetiser,andactsasa goodpurifying
agent(in respectof ulcers,etc.),andprovescurativein itchesand
urticaria.I[ removesthirst,swoonandfever,purifiesmother'smilk,
andis possessed of thevirtueof dryingup urine,ordure,mucous,fat
andpus,etc.A bittertaste,thoughpossessed of theaforesaidproperties,
 Chap.XLII SUTRASTHANA 3't I

may bringon numbness of thelimbs,wry-neck,convulsions, facial

paralysis,violentheadache, giddiness,and an aching,cuttingand
breakingpain,as well asa badtastein themouthin the eventof its
beinglargelypartakenof in exclusionof all othertastes.15
E'rTTuT:Ifg'r6i*i tqtrr: T?Tr$t=T:
vM *qt: fiqur,
frsr; ffiqurr*A I 1*I*ngufrs+fi

€atr*qurpl-fia qr€rfr uqE,||

Astringenttaste: An astringent
tasteis possessedof astringent,
healing,styptic (Stambhana), purifying,liquefacient,drying and
contractingvirtues.It lessenssecretions from mucousmembranes.
An asfringenttaste,thoughpossessed of the abovesaidproperties,
may bring on the peculiartype of heartpain known as (Hftpida)
parchedness of themouth,distentionof theabtlomen, abstructionof
speech,wry-neck(ManyirStambha),throbbingor quiveringand
tinglingsensationsin the body with contraction of the limbs and
convulsions,etc.16
3ftr: Trtrn+{ rpqrugfurq: r dqFrerr-qrate€nR:
e{rrr[rqT$.r-fiq'+5q'r-

qqr*tqg+
qri:It\9ll
Nowweshallmakeagenerar
crassification
ofthedrugsaccording
to their traste.
Madhura-Groups: Thedrugsformingthegroupsknownasthe
Kikoly6di-Gana, aswell asthickened milk, Ghee,lard,marrow,Sali
andSastikarice, Yava,Godhrlm,Masapulse,Srnglrtaka, Kaseruka,
Trapusa, Ervlruka,Alibu, K6linda,Katak,Gilodya, priy6la,puskara,
Bijaka,KaSmarya, Madhu-ka (Moula),Driksi, Kharjrlia,R6jldana.
T6la,Nilikera,modifications
of theexpressed.Iuice
of Iksu(Sugarcane),
Bala,Atibalir,Atmaguptir,Vidiri, payasy-a,
Goksuraka, Ksirimorata,
Madhu-likiand Kusm?rnda etc. are generallyincludedwithin the
Madhuragroup.17
JIL S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qrq a mfdfa gl q u'i vt tg qq q q tr te ai aq a a Eq tEeai aq-

Tffirtqr-
d qrt:1tetl
Acid Groups: ThefruitsknownasD?rdima,Amdaka,Mdtullurga,
Amrhtaka, Kapittha, Karamarda,Badar, Kola, Pr6cina-Am4laka,
Tintidika,Ko3amraka,Bhavya,P6riv ata,Vetraphala,I,akuca,Amla-
vetasa,DantaSathaandcurd,whey,Sur6,Sukta,Sauvira,Tuqodaka
andDhanyamla,etc.aregenerallyincludedwithin theacidgroup.lE

SalineGroup : Thedifferentkindsof saltsuchas,Saindhava,

Sauvarcala, Vida,P6kya,Romaka,Slmudraka,Paktrima,Yava$lra
(nitrateofpotash),UsaraprasutaandSuvarcikhcollectivelyform the
Salinegroup. 19
ffi:VrcrR: -
E6tff€
frqgrfftn rrrfisrurF€ !Tut{t: q-EEnqri:llRoll
PungentGroup : Thecomponentdrugswhichformrthegroups
kno*n asthe Pippalyddiandthe Suras?rdi-Ganas andSigru,Madhu-
Sigru, Mulaka, La3una,Sumukha,Sita3iva (camphor), Kug[ha,
Devadlru, Harepukd,Valguja-phala,Candh, Guggulu, Musta,
Langalaki,Sukanasa andPilu etc. and thecomponentsof the group
known as Salasaradiganacollectivelyform the pungentgroup.20

Trqrt{
ftrfrt qrl:rR?ll
Bitter Group : The componentmembersof the groups of
medicinaldrugsknownastheAragvadhidi-Gana andtheGuducy6di-
GanatogetherwithMandulpar4i, Haridr6,Daruharidr6,
Vetra-karira,
Chap.XLII SUTRASTHANA

Indra-yava,Varuna,Sv6du-kantaka, Saptaparna, Brhati, Kantkhri,

Sankhinl Dravanti, Trvrt, Knavedhana,Karkotaka,K6ravellaka,
V6rt6ka, Karira, Karavira, Sumana,Sankha-puspi,Ap6m6rga,
Tr?ryam?rnb, .ASoka,Rohini, Vaijayanti, Suvarcall, punarnavi,
Vlscikalf'/andJyotismati,
etc.collectivelyconstitutethebittergroup.
2l
;qmqrFflqtarR: l.irqsqrfr fu-

q.fiTfr qrfigrrF€ gTuwr:

@ g.(rrr{qg. *Edr:
Hqt+{ E.qr* wtrr??tl
Astringent Group : The componentmembersof the groups
known as the Nyagrodhidi-Gana,the Ambasthadi-Gana and the
PlVanevddi-and rhe Rodhrddi Ganas,Triphald, Sallakl Jambu,
Amra, Bakula, Tinduka fruits, Kataka fruits, Szrkafruits,
Phsbnabhedaka, thefruits of treesknownasthe Vanaspatis(lit : lords
of the forest, such as the Vita, the A3vatthaetc.) and most of the
componentmembersof thegroupknownasthe Salasbrhdi Gana,as
well asKuruvaka,Kovid6rakaJivantl Cilll P6lankyaandSunisa44aka
etc. and grains and pulse of the Niviraka and Mudga species,
collectivelyform theastringentgroup.22
Hff Tsrri ffi | irq{qr-qgryr Efir:,
ffifu*r:, rt:f($ qq
\ErgE6'r:, qtilfi'r:, g{T: \Rrr:,
gfi': v(tr Efrt tqrrrq* y+ffifr trFrrT:rRQtl
These tastes,in groupsof different combinations,numbers
sixty-threein all; as for example,fifteen,computedby takingtwo at
a time; twenty,computedby takingthreeat a time; fifteen,computed
by takingfour at a time;six,computedby takingfive at a timeandone
computedby takingsix beingparticularlycomputed.Thusmakingup
an aggregate of sixty-three.23
qqfr qFr-
qrsr: lrsfurr€Fil qffi qyrdirqr: r
qqr ytfuf,r AqT qvf qft qfrqftT: I tRy | |
374 SUSRUTASAMIIITA

Authoritativeverseon the subject: Theman,who gradually

habituates himselfto theuseof eachof thesixaforesaid tastes,enjoys
a sortof immunity from theirinjuriousactionin thesamemanneras,
a strongman,who makeshimselfsuccessively accustomed to the
actionof thethreederangedhumoursof hisbody,is noteasilyaft-ected
by theirpathogenic properties.24
gfr Et-d{iftrtqt q,*ten+ ffi qrq lffivftsqrq:rv?lr
I-lrus ends the forty-second Chapter of the SrTtrasth6nain the Su3ruta
Samhitir, rvlrich treatsof the specific propertiesof t'lavours.

+.t +
 SU:rnASTHANa
C'NAPTEK XLIII

FgiqfiqtsszTrq: t
sTerr* @d E{r@lrfzfrr{;,
qcfo{q vrrar1 qqaR:nRil
Now we shalldiscourseontheChapter,whichtreatsof themode
emetics(Vamana-Dravya-Vikalpa-Vijffhniya-
of administering
adhyiya). 1
6mrffiT('IFTRffi rrqFdt BT?r
@Tftr€d@
ffiqgftrytrfysr{uffiqrqfu€r
qrq\1Fffr4g{qf+der@
g.fi rqF{ga<rF{;F{tyrfi rg?ptflFqierfrtrdugd{rrF1(l
ftffiqr=nftr-aR-aqrrqti@
qe-Ee- iqdnf
@{irr*q, drsi@
qftqq,rurfElrrq@ qdqgftqqr}
ffiqre,qrtvger@i
@:lngcrrrlgqrqH{Tffir-
tGt=t-

rgqffiq-T{qrfif{FnFfiT: I
ErrrT: ffisrqr j{dqlflql q1 tssqsl
376 SIJSRUTASAMHITA

{Trnrrfrrd{urf qgr"TrqTd ?T?rrI

rffiffq trrt rr
Of all emeticfrutstheMadana(seeds) shouldbedeemedasthe
best (mostactive).Madanafruits shouldbe dried in the sun and
powdered.Thena Palaweight(four tol6rs) of the powdershouldbe
stirredin a decoctionof Pratyakpuspl, Sad6-Puspl or Nimba,and
givento thepatientwith honeyandSaindhava salt,for emesis.As an
alternative, a potionconsistingof thepowderof raw Madanafruits,
stirredin a clecu:tionof Vakulaand Ramyaka,and heatedin fire,
shouldbe administered with the additionof honeyandrock-salt.A
gruel,consisting of sesamum riceandpowderof greenMadanafruits,
boiled together,shouldbe given to the patient.Likewisematured
thoughnot ripe Madanafruits shouldbe storedin a box madeof the
bladesof KuSagrass.The box shouldbe plasteredover with a
compositionof cowdungandclay andkeptburiedin a bushelfulof
Yava,Tusa,Mudga,Masapulseor Sali rice for eightconsecutive
nights.Thenhavingextractedthem,fully burstout, with the heatof
thecoveringgrain,theirkernelsshouldbeseparated fromtheirseeds
anddriedin the sun.Thenhavingpastedthemwith curd,honeyand
thelevigatedpasteof sesamum theyshouldbeagaindriedin thesun,
afterwhichtheyshouldbekeptin a cleanvessel.A Palaweightof the
aforesaidpreparedpowder should be poundedin a decoctionof
Yastimadhuorof anyof thedrugsof theKovid6r6digroupovernight,
andgiventothe patientonthefollowingmorning,throughthe medium
of honey and Saindhavasalt. The patient should take it looking
towardsthe northor the east,andthe following benedictoryMantra
shouldbe recitedon theoccassion.
Metrical Texts : "May thegodsBrahma,Daksa,ASvin,Rudra,
Indra, the earthgoddess,the moon,the sun,the fire, the wind, the
concourseof holy sages(Rsis)and the materialelementswith the
curativepropertiesofdrugstheyoriginateandnourish,preservethee.
Maythegntionprovewholesometo you,astheelixirsprovewholesome
to the Rsis, the nectar to the gods, and ambrosiato the good
Nighs." 2-3
ffiAur@rgTlrEfmlqrAi
Chap. XLIII SUTRASTHANA 377

t Td;6pf qr ffiFrsr-
rrRrrrki rrE{qffiqr*url @ ErTrr€Rt:
g<rFr*,r qffi5r{r qc+mffi €t tr€t: I Ee1-ltrd-
qqFrdn qT rr€renrdF1(t @: l lY l l
This emeticmedicineshouldbe speciallyemployedin casesof
catarrhalfever,catarrh,andinternalabscess. In caseofinsufficientor
unsatisfactory actionof thepotion,the drugs known asPippali,Vaca,
anda pasteof Gaura-sarsapa andSaindhavasalt shouldbe addedto
it. It shouldbe administeredwarm antl in repeateddosesuntil the
symptomsof emesiswouldfully appear,In the alternative,powders
of Madanakernelssoakedin andsaturatedwith their decoctionand
subsequently dried,shouldbeadrninistered throughthesamevehicle
(decociionof the Madana kernels);or milk creamboiled with the
kernelsof Madanafruits shouldbe administered with honey; or a
barleygruel madewith milk preparedasaboveshouldbe prescribed
for thepurpose.This emeticmeasureshouldberesortedto in casesof
Haematemesis or in Haemorrhagefrom the bowelsor generative
organsand burning sensationin the heartdue to the action of the
derangedPitta. 4
@ qr q{r$ qfurqgwftrs qs5rt
tr ar, @ | qEatnaqqrri rrsrffi'*6-
qqrqfqrnrfrrrfrFi @( unrwwngqiqr ale Fflqdr€wE f
ffiur, fir* qqrsrrflrtl rE-{cnrrrq€rei Etr
fi rqeqrffi{Fdrqof arffi Tr<{ur-
qwwqrffi, qqcrqFdErqqufur @ |
@r\il
Milk, boiledwith thekernelof a Madanafruit, shouldbecurdled,
andthecreamof thecurdor thecurditselfsopreparedshouldbeused
for emeticpurposesin casesof water-brash,vomiting,syncopeand
dyspnoea.The essence(Rasa)of the seedpulps of Madanafruits
should be pressedout and condensedin the mannerindicatedin
connectionwith the extractionof oil (Sneha)of Bhall6rtaka,and the
patientshouldbe madeto lick thatcondensed essence in where
cases
thePittawouldbefoundto haveshiftedintothenaturalseatsof Kapha.
378 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Sun-driedandpulverisedMadanafruits, mixed with a decoctionof

Jivantl maybe administered instead.
A decoctionof the kernelsof Madanseeds(Majja),saturated
with powdersof Pippalyddior apotionsconsistingof thesamepowder
mixedwith a decoctionof Nimbaor Rupika,shouldbe prescribedin
casesof lymphatic(Kaphaja)diseases dueto actsof Santarpalra (use
or theemesisin suchcasesshouldbeeffected
of emollientremedies),
with a decoctionof Madhuka,KiSmariandDraksZr saturatedwith the
aforesaid powder. Thusthe emetic remediesmade of Madanafruits
are discharged.5
sfrqleqgrquf qr T*qtq qfiiqr, Fdtg q+frdr'i
+Er*S rrfirfr€F'f, srfrq*g q Eqlilr, €flrfiqrrgg qfq,
rovr++igqr qT E.{r, ,
ffig @:r Td*{ Vsqelherrrqr
E.irffiq (E E'Fr: I FqEilrt€gEr{rf qr q*qh qfrtur,
@:ttqu
PulverisedJimu-taka flowersmay be usedin the samemanner
andthroughthesame medium or withthesameadjuvantsandfor same
purposes,asthe preceding(Madanafrui$. Jimu-taka fruits shouldbe
pulverisedin theirraworunripestateanddriedin thesun,anda gruel
madewith milk boiledwith the samepowdershouldbe givento a
patientfor emesis;or milk-cream, boiledwiththepowderof Jimufaka
fruitsQit : flowerst)powderedin theirmatureof hardened (RomeSa)
state,shouldbe given;or thesurf'ace creamof milk boiledwith the
powdersof full grown(AromaSa), greenishyellowJimu-tatafruits,or
a Sur6(wirte) madeof their decoctionshouldbe prescribed.These
emeticremediesshouldbe usedin casesof disinclinationfor food
throughthe actionof derangedKapha(lymphaticderangements),
cough,anoroxia,dyspnoea, jaundiceandin phthisisaswell, like the
compoundsof Madanafruits describedbefore. Mature Kutaja or
Krtavedhanafruits may be used for emetic purposesin similar
combinationsand through similar mediumsas the Madanafruits
describedbefore.Powdersof lk$vhkufruits similarly preparedwith

I. Fruits include.flowers
Chap.XLIII ST,ITRASTHANA 379

milk, curd,etc.may be usedfor emeticpurposes in casesof cough,

asthma, vomitingandnon-relishfcrr
fooddueto theactionof deranged
Kapha(lymphaticdisorders). 6
qrqFffi@ftr$q-{qrrg.+fi-
qnfrql6q'qqr:rrtr@f
ffitffiEnqrsrdqrrqfr,
affiffitid+g ?f{Eeurr(teqfitra-
ffi* qr genfiqrfr r1qfulp'eql
The emeticcompounds of Dhirmirgavaflowersare identical
with thoseof thekernelsof Madanafruits,theformerbeingregarded
as specificallyindicatedin casesof chemicalpoisoning,Gulma
(internalgland),abdominaldropsy,cough,asthma,as well as in
diseasesdueto theactionof deranged Kapha(lymphaticdisorders).
The pulpsof kernelsof Krtavedhana seedsshouldbe soakedin the
expressed juice of emeticdrugsandsubsequently reducedto powder.
Thepowder,soprepared, shouldbestrewnoveranUtpalaor anyother
flowerandthepatientsshouldbe madeto smellit in thecasewhere
the Kaphawould be foundto havechangedits seatwith the bodily
Vlyu. Likewise,in ca;^es of excessive derangement of the bodily
humours,thepatientshouldtregivena stomachful of barleygrueland
thenmadeto ejectthecontents c)fhisstomach by causinghim to smell
sucha medicatedflower, Sternututoric Sir<lvirecana or emeticor
purgativedrugsprove most efficaciousafter being soakedin or
saturatedwith the expressed juice of theirown.7
t:r€rilgrT-
Fqfrrd
nrlflar< qqroqr& ETtlvrffiqF€lrrqt tz | |
;rqr*' rqr*, edrqll{frqgkqql
qq-qFgqfi-€}(||q 11
Authoritativeverseson thesutrject: Thusa generaloutlineof
the leadingcharacteristics
of the emeticdrugsin generalhasbeen
given.An intelligentphysicianshouldchoosean emeticremedyin
consideration oftheyearandthestrengthofthedisease,
ofthe season
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

andshouldtry to setin theprocessof ejectionin a patienteitherwith

thehelpof theexpressedjuice,pasteor powderof theprescribeddrug
duly administeredthroughthe mediumof anarticleof food or drink,
or throughan electuary.8-9
Vng{rffitr{en+erqqpffid rrq
frsalmsqrq;rr?r
Thus ends the forty-third Chapter of the Su-trasth6nain the Su3ruta Sainbitir
which deals with the choice and mode of administering emetics.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA

CHAPTEK XLIV

sTqrdl
{ er@rf(rlf{;,
qcfrErq qlrqq qqaR:Rrr
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter, which treats of the
choice of purgative (Virecana-Dravya-Vikalpa-Yijfrhniya-
adhy6rya).I
eftTn* Ff,f{if N qf,ffir
Tsnrt fmw*r*q qffi
Erfttr* nRt l
tiFiEiGsi tiFi E1=i Er€fuqr1
$PFrt[: rr€r:t1ffiftfr gFrq{itr6: | |
M ftqFi eqqrfr qqtT{JTfvr: il? tl
Metrical Texts : Of the purgative roots, the roots of reddish
Trivrta shouldbe deemedthe mosteffective.The barksof Tilvaka
and the fruit known as Haritaki are the most potent of all purgative
barksandftrits. Similarly,theoil of castorseeds(Era4{a-Taila), the
expressed juice of Kiravelliki andthe milky exudationsof Sudh6
plantarethemosteffectiveof all zuchpurgativeoils, expressed juices
and milky exudationsof plants,etc.Thesedrugsor substances form
the principal purgative remedies(in our pharmacy),and we shall
discussthe modeof their administrationin zuccessive order.2-3
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

afrqaEq{qTr3fttWirf,{ffiqqr
qufr{dffifiCrunrc*trge:ttYrl
Fqiffi-{gt T*wq++ 'rt Srgd REqr t
@rrdtq{tu,w$frr*Er(r rq r I
A purgativeremedyconsistingof the soundandmaturedroots
of Trivqt soakedin the expressetl juice of the principalpurgative
drugs and subsequently pulverised and mixed with a considerable
quantityof Saindhavasaltandpowdered N6gara, shouldbeadministered
throughthe mediumof curd or sour rice gruel, etc. to a patient,
sufferingfrom a disease dueto thederangement of thebodily Vfryu'
Thesamepowdermixed with modificationof sugar-cane juice (such
as treacle,sugaretc.),or with decoctions of drugsbelongingto the
Madhuridigroup(Kdkoly6di-gar.ra), or withmilk,shouldbeprescribed
for a patientlaid up with Pittajadistemper.In diseases due to the
derangeclactionof theKaphathesamepowdershouldbeadministered
with a decoctionof Guduci,Aristaor Triphald,or with theadditionof
pulverisedVyosaandcow'surine.4'5

@tuarfihqxfql
g$q rrXnrcg T€rmilrfr.qi Erdqqrur{l lq I I
q'mpr**r*<rrfr qfr rnqq-@rr{-tTr(r
rc[GssrFT:rrqdeffii; s$r*qrgu tet: I t\eI I
qefiry{rrffiTqr! qqlrn&i qnweigumq r
fugEqrfr fr sqr6"iFr:sfuF{fl{qFFgtr: I te | |
Onepartof thesamepowderTriv(a, mixedwith onepartof old
treacleandthe drugsknownasTrivarnaka,andTryusana,shouldbe
administered for purgativepurposes (dueto theconcerted
in a dtsease
actionof thederangedVdyuandKapha).As an alternative,a Prastha
measure(two seers)of thedecoctionof theTrivrta roots,mixedwith
a Kudavameasure (halfa seer)of theirp&ste,anda Karsa(two tol6s)
weightof Saindhava saltandNigara,andboiledtogether,andthen
formedintoa cclndensed compound shouldbeused;or onepartof fte
pasteof the sameroots,mixedwith half a parteachof rock-saltand
powderedN6gara,shouldbe administered throughthe vehicleof
cow's urine. A comp,ound consistingof one part of each of the
 C h a p .X L I V SUTRASTHANA 383

following drugsviz., powderedrrivrta roots,Nagaraand Haritaki-,

anda half partof eachof suchdrugsaspowderedMarica,Devadhru,
vidangaandripe puganuts,mixetlwith rock-salt,andadministered
through the medium of cow's urine, should be considered
as an
effectivepurgative(in diseases
ofwhatsoevertype).6-g
Fd-"Fr<anr*g Ruf {tT N fi{Tqr F*gar
rffit q rrfrtqrrift{ irqrQ
Tffiq;rsr rqrr
gt a qr*,firgd fr€nqqnfu w*ne Fcr*,
vftiffiFqa"il'nT6qrgfuur: lrdETr:I ttor r
Powdersof purgativedrugstakenin adequatemeasures
and
soakedin theirownjuiceshouldbe boiledwith theirrootsandmade
into pills (Gugka)with clarifiedbutterandadministered asoccasion
wouldarise.As anarternative, powders of purgative
drugspastedwith
clarifiedbutterboiledwith their rootsshouldbe madoinioboluses,
and the intelligentphysicianshouldadministerthem through
the
mediumof clarifiedbutter,prepared asabove,whenevernr.rrrury.
A quantitytoftreacreshourdbekeptboilingoveranoven,and (harf
a
part)of the puverisedpurgativerootsshourdbe castinto
it, u iit,t,
beforeit is completelyboiled.Thenthe basinshouklbe taken
off the
fire, andpowdersof aromaticdrugsknownasTrij6ta strewn
over it,
andthecompound subsequentry macreinroboluses(butiki) of adequate
sizeaccordingto therequirements of thecaseundertreatment. b-10
ffi€rqqqrfs qFf k nrd arurntugFf: r
oTrffrr(rrFfqr ilqt{ rqarefrcqdfuf r1fu€ |
qr-*,srr*q,rffi nq | |
Rftfti F(qrki qanerr+ar{ yqFTr(|
vfr-frF' +{* dEr.n€rr: *.=rket .nFffiqrf qrnsrqt tq?| |
Onepartof any of thepulverisedpurgativedrugs(such
as the
Trivrta roots,etc.) shourdbe boiled with four pu.t, oi
their own
decoction,andonepartof powderedwheatsteamed in the fumesof
a separatequantityof a similarboilingdecoction,
shourdbepounded
with a quantity.f crarifiedbutterboiredandpreparedwith
th. ,u,n*
decoction'Thenhavingcookeda quantityof thinireacre
in a separate
e equal to the agyregate weighr ofthe other
drugs in the compound under similarcirru,nrtonrrr.
3E4 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

utensil,powdersof wheatand purgativedrugspreparedas above'

shouldbi castinto it, immediatelybeforebeingcompletelycooked,
and the vesselshouldbe takendown from the ovenand allowedto
cool.Thenthisconfection(Modaka)shouldbeperfumedwith aromatic
drugsandregardedasreadyfor use.In short,this purgativeModaka
is goodfoodaswell. 11-12
Tk{ N qR.r1rq gfrrffie : sfuqgaefi lRe : r
ef?fr+rfr ffi: std F{qqr( | nl l I
Purgative preparationsof Mudga, etc' : The soupof Mudga
pulsesaturatedwith thedecoctionof a purgativedrug,andtakenwith
tlarified butter and rock salt, acts as a good purgative as well.
Similarly,soupsof otherpulses(suchastheMasura,etc')soakedin
a decoctionofiny of thepurgativedrugsanddrunkwith theaforesaid
adjuvants, exertpurgativevirtues.Dmgspossessedof emeticproperties
may UeuseOU'bugh the precedingmediaof pulse-soups as well. 13

fir€r ffi qR'frq e-dfumrssr*: Yfuqq rqT I

qEFcaqqq5ryrtrT qrtqg d fiffifrs gvfrTqlltY | |
shouldbelongitudinallysplit,andthenpaste
A bit of sugar-cane
of Tribhandishouldbe placedin its middle:thenit shouldbe tied up
(withthe bladesof KuSagrass),andplasteredover with acoatof clay,
andinsertedin a gentlefire of dung cake.After that,it shouldbetaken
outof thefire, fuiy roasted;thejuice squeezed out and cooled,would
proveagoodpurgativetoapatientlaidupwithaPittajadistemper.1
@-l@*c:HEIT:I
tgrqg5ffirr€ lq{rdiq{vrrtr | lq\ | |
A compoundconsistingof equalpartsof sugarandpowdered
Ajagandh6,Tvakksiri, Vitlari and Trivn and licked with honey and
clarified butter,provescurativein a fever with thirst and burning
sensationof the bodY'15

}ai g.€qrruri eqqrqFervr*qllqq ll

A compoundconsistingof onepart of pulverisedTrivrta and a
quarterpartiach of the6rugsknownasTvak,PatraandMarica,and
Chap.XLIV SUTRASTHANA 385

administeredwith anadequatequantityof honeyandsugar,shouldbe

regardedas a goodpurgativefor delicatepersons.16
q*e*6 ffifr qFrc*{sdrF{trql
fxgqrtgti vftf firnai il€dieqnq\e tl
A Pala weight of sugarshouldbe boiled with a half Kudava
weightof honey,andTrivrta powdersto the weightof a quarterpart
(of the combinedweightof honeyandsugar)shouldbe addedto the
boilingcompoundat thelaterpanof thecurking.Theremedyshould
be administeredcool, andlookeduponasa gurd purgerof Pitta. 17
@-ffi{gqqTql
Fffi ArE}r( ktqqqnqatl
, A compoundconsistingof equal,paftsof powderedTrivrta,
Syhma(Vriddha-Daraka), Yavakshra,Sunthiand Pippali and taken
with honey,actsasoneof themosteffectivepurgativesin diseasesdue
to the actionof the derangedKapha.18
M-qrffierertr
foiTrIE-q rqmwTq.*{rcnar qrE+qt lqq| |
r{aFi FrdhFd
ntg}r{ 6qqr*: g.€{frffiTq|11o tl
Over-ripePathy6KaSmarlOnatrl DadimaandKola fruit taken
with their seedsor stones,shouldbe boiled(with a quantityof water
weighingsixteentimestheircombinedweight).The decoctionthus
obtainedshouldbeboiledwith (castor)oil andthejuice of Amlaphala
etc.(to theweightof a quarterpartthereof),shouldbeaddedto it. The
whole should be boiled togetheruntil reducedto a considerable
consistence. Thepowdersof thethreearomaticdrugs(Trisaugandhya)
andTrivrtar shouldbethenaddedto it, whichshouldbeadministered
to a patientasanelectuarywith honey.Thisremedywill provea good
purgativein respectofa delicatepersonof Kaphajatemperament. 19-20
+ifrg.ef dilFrs tfiry{ slsfrrqrl
qrf qtt{lri gF{mfirwi {rf;rqmg-(n?q tl
1. Theweightof honeyandpulverisedTry7tashouldbeequalto afounh pan of the
entirequantiryof medicinetalcznat a time.

Vol.I-25
 SUSRUTA SAMHIl'A

A compound, consistingof onepartof powderedNili fruit, one

pan of powderedTvakandEli, andtwopartsof pulverisedTrivrta and
mixed with an adequatequantityof sugar,andtakenwith honeyand
thejuice of Amlaphala,shouldbe regardedas a purgativeremedy
possessed of thevirtueof destroying
theconcertedactionof thethree
derangedhumoursof the bodl'.21
@-f*q;1il*ftf*:qt:r
dqq,, gFqtni*ed-rfiftnrlq{rr6r: uRR | |

. A compound,consistingof equalpartsof powderedTrivrta,

SyZrma(Vriddhad6raka.l,Pippall and Triphal6rand made in!r' a
confection(Modaka)(with theadditionof honeyandsugar),should
beregarded asoneof themostpotentcures(purgatives)for S6nniptrta
(simultaneousderangement of thethreevital humours),
haemoptysis
andfever.22
Ff,{{lTr{ngq: +mrfuqcm ir*rrTrderTI
qrrr{.ErnW{ €qd uguFtwr
Edr qT.qerrrqr+(r t?t | |
Fd6rrqg}t 1rftru,,i
qtqi-ErdqilqgerTr1rtrffirerrtr
6trqnfr ErdaFfiEnd Fdtilqt t?y tl
quf wr"rffi + u---* 51drgrrf, anI
qEffii F{qtFTr
frd F{twi dk nqrrunqftir"En+|tR\ ||
A compoundconsistingof threepartsof Trivrta, one part of
Triphall, oneof Yavaksaraoneof KrsnaPippaliandoneof Vidahga,
poundedtogetherandusedasanelectuarywith theadditionof honey
anCclarifiedbutter,or madeintoboluses (Gutik6)withtreacle,proves
curativein casesof enlargedspleen,in Gulmasdueto theactionof the
derangedKaphaand VAyu,in Halimaka(Chlorosis),as well as in
casesof aMominaldropsy,etc.Thepresent remedy(purgative) is one
of the mostharmless purgativecompounds (of our pharmacopoeia).
A purgativecompoundconsistingof Sydm6r (Vriddhadiraka),Trivrta,
ruitl fatvi, Must6, Durdlabhl,Cavya,Indra-yavaand Triphali,
administered throughthevehicleof clarifiedbutter,essenceof meat,
or water,is commended to personsof dry temperament. 23-25
 Chap. XLIV SUTRASTHANA

effi:EFtrsrtrrrTT: vfriTr€r* {dT: I

d tnrfurcs rqrfu g-+tr{rdFr{+{nRqtl
F(rrrgRr€ t€rq yftfEFiqrffiqt
Effifr q-r{iffit Farrqt ffinRetl
qrsr-*d qrtrr€ T{RrAr{f
nrffie ffi: qrrt5{rsffiuRe tl
Preparationsof PurgativeAsavas(Wines) : All purgative
drugstshouldbe dulyboiledinwater,Threeparts of thedecoction
thus
preparedshouldbe mixed with two partsof cold powderedbarley
Phhnitaandagainboiledovera fire.Thenafterboilingit, it shouldbe
takendownfromtheoven,cooledandpoured intoa pitcherpreviously
coatedinsidewith a specialplaster.2
Thenaccordingto thedifference
of theseason (coldor hot),thepitchershouldbekeptburiedin a heap
of paddy for a monh, or a fortnight. It should be taken out and
understood tcrbereadyfor useas soonas it would emit a winv or
fermentedodour.Asauas(fermenting liquours)of animalurinesand
alkalinesubstances shouldbe likewisepreparedin the foregoing
manner.26-28
dRgfuqqgrqr Fr?) qr6rq BanP{dql
YTTefr{r5rfr?rugdrtt t?3| |
srcgda.d.fu qq-€r{w.qgqfr rfar1l
@ilQotl
nsftrwrrFrrc#t@l
qr+cqrr} trernna<ar( il( Td+frd: utq tl
F+qezrr(e.fi+ ar3 g.{r qrdr{Tf fqtqt
qq qE g{ffifr qqffi =fififu: ntR tl
Preparationsof purgativericeSur6 (Wines)etc.: Quantities
of Mhsapulseand Sali rice shouldbe respectively
first soakedand
t. Several authoities exclude the plant known as Sudhh (Manash), while orhers
stick to Tivrta alone in exclusion of all other drugs.
A new eanhen pitcher isfirst washed with water and died in the shade. Then its
inside is coated with a plaster of honey and powdered Pippali and is fumigated
with the fumes of Aguru (Eagle wood).
388 S T ] S R U T AS A M I { I T A

washedin a decoctionof purgativeroots.Thenthey shouldbe dried

and pounded together and made into balls, which should be
subsequently dried in the sun and againpulverised.'After that a
separatequantityof Sali rice steamedin the vapoursof theaforesaid
decoction,andkeptapart,shouldbemadeintocakes.Thenthreeparts
of thesecakesshoudbemixedwithonepartof theaforesaidpowdered
ball. The compoundthusobtainedshouldbe soakedin an adequate
quantity of that purgative decoctionpreviously kept apart ih an
earthenpitcher of the plasteredtype, describedbefore.The Suri
shouldbedeemedreadyfor use,assoonasit wouldemitthepeculiar
honey-likesmell.Sur6sof emeticdrugsshouldbe likewisemadein
the samemanner.29-32
ISnh lffi qs|-lrFl rIURq q I
rf6il: rl-5Tfg ffi{frillttl
gur trwfr+{ fficR €rql
ffi qr{ft dt
ffi}t*,H:nQytl
qafh:@ El
EUqffiFiq fr:wr* qm*{Tgvil qer-1tt?q r r
{Ef,'run T$IqrTr t[ri qrrr*r* r{ilt: I
*grf qFrrcrrzr qSfrrr* tfififatntq r r
sQrq ec* r${q srtf ildF<r$tl
ffi{ Eqrfur yffi{ g+frild{r
AdTq €fftqrq E iq rFfu E cq.nte rl
Preparationsof purgativeSauvirakas(BarleyWines): Trivrta
rootsanddrugsbelongingto the groupsof Vidirigandhi and major
Pafrcamfla,aswell asMu-rv6,S?rrngasta, Sudh6r,Haimavati,Triphald,
Ativis?randVac?rshouldbe mixedtogetherandthensetapartin two
equalparts.A decoctionshouldbe madeof one of them, while the
othershouldbe reducedto a stateof powder.After that,a quantityof
well thrashedandhusklessbarleyshouldbe soakedin the aforesaid
decoctionfor sevendays,andshouldbe subsquently driedand fried
a little. Then threeparts of the latter and one pan of the aforesaid

1. For impaningto it the necessary

Enryme.
Chap.XLIV SUTRASTHANA

powder(powderedTrivrta roots etc.) shouldbe mixed togetherand

soakedin the aforesaidcold decoctionof thosedrugs.The mixture
shouldbe thenkept into an earthenpitcherof the foregoingtype and
administeredin adequatedosesas soonas the characteristicwiny
smellof the mixture(J6tarasa)wouldbe detected.Thepreparationis
calledthe purgativeSauviraka.33'37
Kdii qrlqrae Fdqr q*fi+tr*: I
arrrfriqu riFq rqrl€lrsrqfu€r}qt t?e| |
3NT{ff.Tr: EFsn}trrffiitrTrfuq we+q r
gfqisr*drffiE* ffia*qurqrl
frgawgqrtwqril{ilqq*qFrrirql
qfffrtqarfirreT Wf esr U q*mnYo rl
t*e va {*"r q-trt {**q Q+tqr
frrdqr qm{Fgrfr rq Ed<q,rrffiql lxq | |
vdRtn: I
Ir{rr{r(qtarrtrEqrir*ftIrdFdtr rYRr I
ffiS q*g erFqcnRa: gn:ny?.tl
Preparations of purgative Tuqodaka (fermentedliquors of
barley with husks): The drugsenumeratedin connectionwith the
foregoingpreparationshouldbemixedtogetheranddividedin halves
and kept in two sepamtevessels.One half of the mixture shouldbe
well-thrashedandtieclup in a pieceof cleanlinen with a quantityof
unthrashedbarleyin husksandshouldbe boiled with a decoctionof
AjaSqngiina separate basin.Thenbarleyin husksshouldbeseparated
from the rest of the componentsof the mixture after it has been
throughlycooked.Thenthreepartsofthesebarleygrainssubsequently
thrashedshouldbe again soakedin their decoction,and a fourth part
of the aforesaidpulveriseddrugs(zuchasthe rootsof Triv.rt4,etc.)
should be addedto it, imd the entire mixture should be kept in an
earthen pitcher of the l5eforementionedtype. This preparation is
calledTu$odakaQit : Washingsof husks)andshouldbe usedas soon
asthe characteristicsmell of fermentation(Jtrtarasa)
wouldbeemitted
from thepitcher.The processesof preparingSauvirakaandTusodaka
havebeendescribed.They shouldbe usedafter the explry of six or
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

sevennightsfrom thedateof theirbeingin thepitcher.

The rulesandprocessess regardingthe preparationof Trivna
compounds holdgoodin casesof similarpreparations
madeof therest
of purgativedrugs(suchas,Danri,Dravanti,etc.).38-43
fa*vrgqivrratr
frrorffiq*rytrrF{fiffi r{q€rfu rtqr
m|@r ffi{ vMirtd:nyytl
a*: trcutfiqnrn*n TC;fo{ Fqrrrqlqt
T{trs q€ fu-qEr<r6rmffiaq,y\ tl
*agffiq-f**qrffiq qnyqtl
wg,*a vr{'€m-qrircffrerqr EiilT:nxe tl
The rootsof Danti and Dravantlshoul,Jbe first pulled up and
collected,afterwhichtheyshouldbedriedin thesun.Afterthat,they
shouldbemixedwith honeyandpastedpippaliandplacedin a boxof
Kusagrassfirmly tiedup andplastered with a layerof clay.Thebox
shouldbeputintoa fire of driedcowdungcakes.Thecompoundinside
theplasteredgrassbox shouldbe cookedar;cordingto theprocessof
Putaplka,and shouldbe takenout and us;edin diseases Jue to the
action of the derangedKapha and pitta and in combihationand
throughvehiclesdescribed in connection
withthepurgativeoompounds
of Triv(a.
Pastes(Kalkas)anddecwtionsof DantiandDravantishouldbe
boiledwith clarifiedbutter,andcakra Taila(sesamum oil pressedin
an oil mill). The clarified butter,thus cookedand prepared,would
provecurativein casesof ErysipelasKaksabrrrrning sensationof the
body and Alaji, while casesof Meha,Gulm,a,retentionof flarus,
(kapha)andobstructionof thebowelswouldprrove amenabletothe oil
abovedescribed.Diseasesdue to t}te retenti'onof urine, semenand
v6yu or fecal matterreadilyyield to oneof rhe four oily substances
(Catuh-sneha, oil, clarified butter, lard ancl marrow) cooked and
preparedwith the pasteanddecoctionof Danti and Dravani. 44-47

@s*:l
Fc?raWnr-ffi{ffrE*: r rxz | |
Chap.XLIV SUTRASTHANA

qEilRi qFlqr qqf ffir{ fctqqqt

ff {ta$uf .qrtd furr&Eqt,,qrqaql
@-Rtaiffiurqtnrqtl
A compoundconsistingof Danti, Dravanti,Marica, Kanak6hva,
Yav1saka, Vi6va-bhesaja,Mrclvika, and Cittraka powdered together
and successivelysoaked in cow's urine for seven days, should be
administered for purgative purposes,lhrough the medium of clarified
butter. A diet of powderedbarley,stirred in honey,shouldbe given to
the patientafter the assimilationof the abovesaidmedicine.Diseases
such as indigestion,pain at the sides,jaundice, enlargementof the
spleen as well as those due to the combined action of the deranged
Kapha and Pitta readily yield to the curative efficacy of this purgative
remedy. 48-49
rTElrtdvrfr: e: {d IIFT(I
: qqT firq*FF{frt{r1lqotl
EF*dq ffi{i wrh qvr\stfrg
trrT: rq.rkur|1fr1T-i*ffir
qtwr frrwt:Eqqrvrqr: n\? tl
TwentypulverisedPathydsmixedwith thepowdersofDanti and
Citrakaroots,eachweighinga Palain weight,aswell aswiti two tola
weightseachof powderedPippaliandTrivrta shouldbecookedwith
eightpalaweightsof treacle.Thecompoundthuspreparedshouldbe
madeinto ten largeballs of confection(Modaka),eachof which
shouldbe takenon everytenthday.Warm watershouldbe usedfor
drinking andbathingpurposeswhile usingthemedicine,which does
notentailanystrictregimen ofconduct(asnon-exposureto coldwind,
etc.).It proves in
curative dysentery, jaundice,
pile and cutaneous
affectionsandsubdues thethreederangedhumoursof thebody.50-5f
#frqr6qigarfagETF€r*ncnr
Tffi qqffi Aq+egunn *rrq?rr
,fiqryrRqffid <sfrrqrrrd?raerr
I
-Fqfer rnffi Fqffi(nqt ll
lFffi6
Erqnrs @:r
 392 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

fqfusd arqTfu€rB lt?T:vfrdr€ qrclqr t\y | |

@-vilqqrrgqcnr6q I
ffi rrd f{qEr{ fet"Fqn\\ ||
Fr{dttrffi{ifrsd Eyr{a: firrfrF,unnr
TF: ftrJqt=il qr ftnrvfurgt{t: r
rraerscswiarErairsire ffin\qtl
Trivfdiq(aka: Theninefollowingdrugs,viz.Trikatu,T{ataka,
Must6,VidangaandAmalakatakenin equalparts,andeightpartsof
Trivrta,andtwo partsof Dantirootsshouldbeseparately pulverised
andsievedthrougha pieceof thin linen.Thepowdersthusprepared
shouldbepounded togetherand mixedwithsixpartsof sugarand little
quantityof honeyandrock salt.tCold watershouldbe givento the
patientafterhehadtakenthemedicine, whichprovescurativein colic
pain in the bladder(Basti-Su1a), thirst, fever, vomiting,anasarca
Sotha,chlorosisandvertigo.It doesnot entailany strictregimenof
conductlike otherpurgativesandactsasa goodeliminatorof poison.
ThecompoundiscalledtheTrivrd-a-staka andis speciallyrecommended
in Pittajaaffection.Persons,
sufferingfromdiseases dueto theaction
of thederanged PittaandKapha,shouldtakethemedicinethroughthe
vehicleof milk. Themedicineshouldbeprescribed for rich persons,
owing to its dieteticcharacter.52-56
eq@r
quffuqr E dt qFfi difiqrlur.ner+qt t\e | |
trftf qrFati+{ qrf ffil EnF+eqr
il\4tl
Purgative barks : The exrernalskin of theLodhrabark, to the
exclusionof its inner lining, shouldbe takenand pulverised.The
powder,thusprepared,shouldbe dividedinto threeequalparts,two
of which shouldbe soakedin a decoctionof the same(Lodhra)bark
and filtered twenty-onetimesaccordingto the processlaid down in
connectionwith preparationof alkalis.Theremainingthird partof the
powdersshouldbe soakedin the aforesaidfiltered decoctionand

l. Thetermlittle ISatin thepresentinstancestandsfora quanerpan.

 S U T R A S T HA N A 393
Chap.XLIV

subsequentlydriedin thesun,andagainsoakedin a decoctionof the

Themedicine
drugs,which collectivelygo by thenameof Dasamrlla.
snoutrtbe prescribedin forms electuaries, previously
(wines, etc.)
describedin connectionwith the Trivrta compounds'57-58
frerri Fq FIfr rraflqrETsT
aqqlr
Efrfiirn: qa€fur-F*g.{i AtcrEFdil{l l\3 | |
ff @+q wffiFrq€urnr
Tgrtri q{ igi Eqnffi<{nqoll
Efitr*l ffi{ +*rd irrm @qt
qFsrfr q ir( rT{ .wur frtmqilqq ll
Efrf*1 1{ffi5' Etrf Wrq"f Reinl
+qd fqt*qqnqR | |
\
I
rrfRTlTzrqR?rem
fugr( Terr rrftri rT:rrEsrfir*<t: llqQll
fircreqrffitrr firer(fiTqr Affiq t
*ffi sEI qq zm ftRs*qrlqYll
The modeof preparingandadministering purgativemedicines
outof barksenduedwith similarvirtueshasbeendescribed. We shall
presentlydealwith thosemadewith purgativefruits'
Fruit Purgatives: Soundandstoneless Haritakisadministered
in theway of Trivrta compounds provecurativein all formsof disease
and in malignantsoresand internalabscesses. They are the best of
elixirsandimprovetheintellectualfaculties.HaritakiandVidanga,as
well asrock salt,N6gara,TrivrtaandMaricamixedin equalpartsand
takenwith cow'surine,actasgoodpurgatives. similarly,powdersof
Haritaki-, Bhadra-dlru, Kustha, Puga-phala,Saindhavasalt and
Sr-ngaveta, taken throughthe mediumof cow's urine, act as good
purgative.For purgativepurposes, a man shouldlick a compound
ionsistingof thepowdersof Nllini fruits,N6gara,Abhayaandtreacle
andsubsequently drink a gooddraughtof warm water.A compound
composed of Haritakispastedwith adecoctionof thedrugsconstituting
thegroupof Pippalyadiandbit of Saindhava salt,exertsaninstantaneous
purgativeaction. 59'64
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Eftr*t r+gqrun rrrrh g}a qT:

+q-ftrFfdr qrfr vrrereqfr*+nq\ |
qrdr5cfor+ Een ift-qrod yqnq+r
u<*urtart +'na yrrfr E|a Effinqq tl
tu 5qT ffiE:qq,qa:tr
ffiur{nq\etl
Mvfumqgrrfurql
fTqar vdtqufr f*+rngaqffFcn rqet l
E|-€RT:rqq+grfr E.qh Tir**karr
Efrila+F{erh qriffi+d rftilaEnqj tl
Haritakiseatenwith N6garor treacleandwith a bit of rock salt
addedto it, is an excellentstomachic. Thespecificvirtueof Haritaki
consistsin restoringthenormalconditionof thebodilyvdyu (laxative),
in rejuvenatingan usedup or exhausted frame,and in soothingly
invigoratingthe senseorgans.Hariiaki destroysail diseases,which
aredueto theuseofsweetor richlycookeddishes(Santarpana) such
as,thirst,etc.Amalakais cooling,andrefrigerent; it subdues pittaand
Kaphaandis antifatin itsvirtues.vibhitakais cooling,it subdues pitta
and Kapha.Th_egJolp of medicinalfruits known as the Triphalh
consistsof Haritakl Amalakaandvibhitaka,whicharecollectively
markedby an acid-astringent tastewith a shadeof bitter and sweet.
Powderedrriphalx regularly takenwith crarifiedbutter of a three
quarterpartof its ownweightacrsasa regularpanacea andis endued
with a rejuvenatingvirtue.65-69
fEtwilfr FqtFr ffivragrwr-{r
rri q,r& qg€iq ffi F{Efohneo11

fui urd q& q*er froq<qr sfr€ q I teq| |

re*qe}rril qtemf rrr*gurffur trF(yrr
l@+q quafungalFqdq1\eRtl
E:*(€rJfu+( qr zfrril frrt*tqr
q{rsftd FnFfiT-€Ta)T
fr-@)-gfu Sr rs? r r
Chap.XLIV SUTRASTHANA 395

gm fti aen qfu-Tqrrur€ Fffiqt

qFitrdeil-dqfrur-v€qrtg *FwcqueY tl
All fruitspossessed of purgativeproperties,shouldbeusedin the
mannerdescribedin connectionwith Haritatciwith the exceptionof
caturangulas.Thecaturangulafruit shouldbecollectedin theproper
season,andthenkept buriedfor a weekin a bedof sand.After that,
theyshouldbeunearthedanddriedin thesun,andtheirstonesor seeds
(lit. marrow)shouldbe takenout. Thenthe essentialoil of the seeds
shouldbe extractedby pressingthemin an oil-mill like the seedsof
sesamum, or by boilingthemwith water(hotexpression). Theoil is
a goodpurgativefor a child up to its twefth year.
Hot watertakenafter havinglicked a compoundconsistingof
castor oil saturatedwith powderedKusthaand Trikatus,acts as a
goodpurgative.castoroil takenwith a decoctionof Triphal?rs double
its own measure,or with milk or extractof meat, acts as a good
purgative,whichshouldbeprescribedfor infants,old men,or persons
debilitated from the effects of ulcer cachexia,or of delicate
constitution.10-74
sdrqf ffis' drrsri Eu3 €tal
fqiFrrcT ffi vtT: ff lr{ FiTqlle\ ll
srf,ry{i aqFil F{e-fl( a.tfeqqr(ll\eEr ll
fuqrmr EgtrTI F€r<qfu ssq{t
ftrrr{rv+q M *qqEF< q EK{r1l lete | |
I have finisheddescribingthe preparationand applicati.rnof
fruit purgatives.Now hearme,O Susruta,discourseon similar milky
exudationsofplants andtrees,etc.whicharepossessed ofpurgative
properties.The milky juice of a Sudh6plant is the strongestof all
purgatives,which beingimprudentlyusedby a medicalignoramus,
maybe attendedwith dangerous consequences,while thesamein the
handsof ajudiciousphysicianprovesstrongenoughto disintegratea
mightyaccumulation of derangedhumoursandto successfullycombat
manyan irremediabledistemper.7 5'77
qE:FIt:vsq[Ftrql TfdfrP+trr: rFrql
q,6n+: TrqqFr{ T(F.ttffvilfErfrql
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

srrdlFqFr.Adil(Ey#aiffirdqt tez tl
Eilrl
tfrcr tei-*aurg ggn(*rnmr qrn tsj tl
ffiqrqrFqa: qqqqffi:r
rrrF{dnqq-fr$l' ffi Frawfq6.,
quf errfrfirqi=nfrirqftifffiqpqt teo||
Onepart of the decoctionof eachof the drugsconstitutingthe
groupof majorPafrcamula andBrhati,etc.shouldbe mixedwith one
part of the milky juice of a Sudh?rplant (thusforming an eighthpart
of the wholecompound). After havingboiledit overa charcoalfire,
the compoundshouldbe takenwith two Tola (kola) weightsof any
acidliquid (suchaswine,sourricegruel,creamof curd,etc.)in the
mannerof rrivrta compounds. A gruelmadeof ricesaturated with the
milky exudationof a Mahhvrksa,or a sweetened, ponidge-like
preparationof the samesubstance (Utk6rik?r)madewith treacle,
should be deemedas possessed of purgativeproperties.As an
alternative,an electuarycomposed of sugar,clarifiedbutterandthe
milky juice of a Snuhiplant,shouldbe usedfor purgativepurposes.
Powdersof Pippalisoaked in themilkyjuice of thesameprantshould
beusedwith rock saltfor movingthebowels.powderedKampillaka
madeinto boluseswith Snuhijuicemaybeaswell prescribed for the
same. end.78-80
TtqrfrI YrGlfr fS @ rrrdr{l
TrcilrdE.ftft acT:qenaq tl
ff i+{ RdT qrci qr;TtE q I
snqr{Tr{s qr q<q.Tgatg} frfiFqt I taR| |
ffi: qfilqtRf*:r
srtF sqtffit qrrregq+q+(uat | |
, Powdersof Saptal6,Sankhinl Danti, Trivrta and kernel of
Aragvadha,shouldbe saturatedwith cow'surineandthensoakedin
themilkyjuice of a Snuhlplantsuccessively
for sevenconsecutive
Chap.XLIV SOTRAST'HANA

days.tA smellof thepowderthuspreparedandstrewnovertheflower-

garlands,andclotheswornby a manwhosebowelsareeasilymoved,
actsas a mild Purgative.
The useandpreparationof purgativeremediesconcoctedwith
roots,barksandmilky exudationsof plants,etc.havebeendescribed,
which shouldbe prescribedaftercarefullyconsideringthe natureof
the case under treatmentand accordingto their specific
indications.81-83
frqqraq: t
ffiefn-ynunkg qfrrtcr:ltey tl
fudrr( HFt{$qrs fu qT Tg" qrl
na\tl
T€TT E*fu 6ri ErfrTqr+trd{l
l5.t5,Ekr{-drgrrErrt ffi14qtl
yt5 t+S qq:g vrfu 16* A*5 aen vt5 r
qeEfu@lrzell
qfitrq: wm,q* mnq: Ter rfrel R*E qfq I
tnFtt:qttqgqrrqnfeffitere: fut llze | |
A compoundconsistingof threeSzr4aweights(onetola and a
halfl of powderedTrivrta, threeShnaweightsof powderedTriphalZt
pulp, and three Szrna,weightsof powderedVi{anga, Pippali and
YavakE-ara, mixedandpoundedtogether,shouldbelickedwith honey
and clarified butter,or they shouldbe madeinto a confectionwith
treaclefor purgativepurposes. Themedicinedoesnotentailanystrict
regimenof diet andconduct.It is oneof the mosteffectiveremedies
(of our pharmacopoeia) andprovescurativein Gulmas,enlargement
of thespleen,cough,Halimaka(chlorosis),non-relishfor food andin
diseases dueto theactionof thederangedKaphaandV6yu.A wiseand
intelligentphysicianshouldadministerpurgativemedicinesthrough
the vehiclesof clarifiedbutter,oil milk, Madya(wine)cow'surine,
meat essence,or throughthe expressed juice of drugs,or through
1. Themodeof preparingthe ponidge is asfollows : First the wheatshould be
saturatedwith themitfojuice of a Maha-vrka andthenmacerated.Thepowder
shouWbe thencooled with milk and treacleand madeinto a thickporridge.
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

articlesof food,or in formsof electuary.

Thesix kindsof purgatives
are the milky exudations, expressedjuices,pastes,decoctions,
cold
infusionsandpowdersof rnedicinaldrugsor herbs,andeachof these
preceding factorsshouldbe deemed stronger
thantheoneimmediately
followingit in theorderof enumeration. 84-gg
EA VgiltrFdinqrq.*srA @ =m
qgganffvfrsqrqrltxxrr
Thus endsthe forty-fourth chapterof the Sutrasthinain the SusrutaSamhitir,
whicb treats of the choice of purgative.

+++
 SUTRASTHANA
CHAPTEK XLV

3Terrfrf*foqfuRmtar{ @r@lrPlrE[;,
qefrqrq rarrd11erqafr: ilqrt
Now we shall discourseon the Chapter,which deals with the
in general(Drava'
rulesto be observedin respectof liquid substances
Dravya-Vidhi-adhYiYa).1
@i *q=i adni ernurqrsrwrrt
; {tzlitulQfllQll

Water Group : Atmospheric,or rain water is possessedof a

non-potenttasie.It is ambrosialin its nature,pleasantand beneficial
refrigerent,
to life. It is enlivening,tinvigoratingto strength-giving,2
frigorific, anti-hypnotic,andconquersthirst intoxication,drowsiness
and fits of fainting. It is most wholesometo the human body. 2
@irqgrdqiffi-
€nffir_
?rF{frr r* qg-
@ qwwg.T5cq,lF{ qrsr+++*
arr6ri, il( E n qr{ql r* :
sffi lrd*{uqi.'rq{.rr I r* saefuq@ $tcrqwi
l. Enlivensthebodyduringfitsoffaining andsuchlik cases'
2. Itnpansurengthto theerhaustedor ennciated
frunes'
400 SIJSRUTA
SAMHTIA

Eqqrar 3{q$rralfu6rqr qgrql ffiIgntfusrqf re.{i

Frtrst qrggvn$Tsr€ri trqrrT{t @
qqrF'{{Ta 3r6rrfii rq
ffiqrr5ap|p1111
After havingfallenuponthesurfaceof theearthit acquiresone
ofthe sixdifferenttastesaccording to thenatureofits receptacle such
asa river,or a Nada(a river with a masculinename),a pond,a tank
(Vzrpi)t,a K[pa2,a Cuntis,a fountain,an Artesianspringa Vikira4,
fallow land(Ked-ar), or a pondcoveredoverwith a growthof aquatic
plants (Palvala).Certain authoritiesmaintain that heavenlyor
atmospheric waterhavingfallenon a red,brown,grey,yellow,blue
or whitecolouredsoil,respectively assumes a sweet,acid,saline,
pungentbitteror anastringent taste.Butthetheoryis nota soundone
in asmuchasthe comparativepredominance of the attributesof the
five materialprinciplesin a particularsoil determinesthetasteof the
water containedtherein.Water,containedor collectedin a soil
markedby apredominance of theattributesof earth-principle,acquires
an acid and salinetaste.Water containedin a soil markedby
predominance of wateracquiressweet,taste.Water,containedin a
soil markedby a predominance of the attributesof fire, acquiresa
bitter and pungenttaste.Water,containedin a soil markedby a
predominance of theattributes of air,acquires anastringent taste.The
sky is devoidof all tastes,andhence,the watercontainedin a soil,
whichis largelypossessed of thespecificattributes of thatelement,is
characterised by the absenceof any tastewhatever.Only the last
namedkind shouldbeusedfor drinkingpurposes whereatmospheric
water would not be available.3
r*rdfrqf qgHq{r rsen-ern *lf *E_irt'ffi{frt tqr
srr{ ' yqr=i
\
dgiqrqr n-( 51ffi 'rr$i Erg.€Fdt i|:r
Tr$.qr,ry+rnR{ srqpi}edfrt rq}fifrrfr qN qdar
Twn{rq+q1kf qdfr iA
1. A tank or a large well with its sidesprotectedby bucrresses of masonrywork.
2. A well withflights of masonrystepsdescending tct its bottotn.
3. An ordinarywell, unprotected by buttresses
and unprovidedwith steps.
4. A flow of subterranean waterdug out of a bedof sand.
 SU.|RASTHANA 401
Chap. XLV

ffil, € EG XE* nercwrgvTqE lrqh ir<r rnff

q6trtrd66q1 Erurkd fuqcrRe q qrgfrfr f€rd'
ffiq{t qrgegEqrsgiqrfu Tfti rnff*q.-,ffil rrff
qrfu,
trgurr<frentrgi
gr: uen=i,
@gpqpnffi6ftiffirrqe5qlqT
qr* f{qearq, F( rrdqr€rgqg*frl Tsrf,pl cim{t
@l ir(gT:qqfuerqt irsen-Etd =TeFj
qrd drsrri grg{urt+k{ ffifcllY ll
Atmospheric water(AntariksaJala),in its turn,maybe divided
suchasrainwater,hailwatel,frostwaterordew,and
into fourclasses
snow-water, of whichthefirst is thebestfor its lightness. Rainwater
maybe dividedintotwo classes suchastheGanga and the shmudra.
es ine rain-cloutlis chargedwith vapoursevaporated fromthebosom
oftheGangesorthesea.Gangeticraingenerallydescendsin
monthof Asvina,butbothkindsshouldbesubjected to a test.Thetest
inthecaseofG.irngamrainwaterconsistsinexposingtoit,for
Muhu-rta (forty-eightminutes),a quantityof undiscoloured Sali rice
inasilverbowlwhichisnotextremelysoftenedbyboiling.To
ascertain whetherit is Gangeticrainwateror not,Gangetic rainwater
shouldbeascertained fromthefactoftheaforesaid Saliricenotbeing
in any.wayaffectedin itscolour;whereasa changein itscolourunder
.*porutr, aswell asthefactof itsbeingformedintoshreddyor seedy
ballsmixedwith slimysecretions, wouldindicatethattherain water
hadbeenformedof thevapoursof thesea(slmudra),andshouldbe
regarded asextremely unwholesome. Rainwaterfroma cloudentirely
formedof sea-vapours andcollectedin the monthof A3vina,is as
wholesome aswhatis technicallyknownasGangeticrain water,but
thelatteris thebestof theseveralkindsof atmospheric water.
The meansof collectingatmospheric (rain)wateris asfollows :
A broadpieceof cleanandwhitelinenshouldbehungoutin theopen
air, (with a stoneplacedacrossthemiddleto dip its centreof gravity)'
The rain water thus collectedshouldbe kept in a vessel.As an
alternative, rainwaterflowingfromthewatersF0uts of a houseshould
be collectedin a cleanreceptacle, and subsequently pouredinto a
golden,silveror an earthenvessel.The waterthuscollectedcanbe
Voll I-26
 4o2 SUSRU.TA
SAMHITA

takenat all times,andmay be substitutedby any otherterrestrialwater

in the eventof its not being availableat the time. Terrestrial water is
generallymarkedby a predominanceof the specificpropertiesof the
sky, andadniitsofbeing groupedundersevensub-headssuchas.well-
water, river-water, lake-water, tank-water, fountain water, spring
(A(esian) water, and cunti (weil unprovided with masonry steps)
water. 4
r* eqffiqrdGfE qr ++fr F6rgur${r(,flTR Trd
ysrrdr(, tEr* rrrni ilrsrri qT, qs+ efu yrgqcf qr,
f*sdd, rrr{fr drrdrlrfirqe s€fruqrr
Atmospheric or spring water shourd be used for their high
efficacy during the rains Varsi. All kinds of water may be used in
Saraton accountof their clearness.Lake or Lankwatershouldbe used
in Hemantai well and fountain water in springr (vasanta) and
summer;andcunti water,aswell asall waternot ofrecent origin, nor
due to an excessivedown-pouror inundation,shouldbe usedduring
Pravrt. 5
qleT{gfrqrus-vrrfur{fuil{ I
llq ll
Eil.rd'n*a-*ig ft.*q erfr i"i wdtl
F qrgre+drqfurlvr5urqffiq E I t\e| |
Metrical rext : He fallsaneasyvictimto internalandexternal
diseases(cutaneous affections),
etc.,whodrinksof or bathesin a pool
of water,whichis full of poisonous
worms,or is saturatedwith urine
or fecalmatter,or is defiledwith germsof verminor decomposed
animalorganisms,or is coveredover with the growthsof aquatic
plants,or is strewnover with witheredanddecomposed reaves,or
whichin anywayis rendered poisonousandcontaminated, asweil as
he,who drinksandbathesin thefreshlycollectedwaterof a poolor
a reservoirduringtherains.6-7
Tr ?r{ f vrRrqf-
1. The 'fains" in the present pa,ssageshoulcl be interpreted to mean
the end of the
rainy seasrn or the month of ,{ivina and nor rhe month of Bhbdra,
as its useis
specially forbidden in that month.
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA 403

ffi nrg6d.r=uamwpil{qrraF{fr fusrqt

irg : {E- €sr:rEk | ?rrr q{iTr
tffis{(dgrFafrr:asfrq;|@
rsq*q: I qtr'Tgdr lgie, 13aftsrr*rar I rrgqgci
qffie:tagqgq;q
fuqatr frqr<rfr qT rr ffiq Efrr a qfi eraffi r
qkneu
A sheetof water,whichis entirelycoveredoverwiththegrowths
of aquaticplantssuchas,moss,zoophytes, waterweeds,lotusleaves,
etc.,or which looksturbidowing to oozy mire, or is notexposed to the
currentsof freshair, nor illumined by the sun or the moon, and is
possessed of a definitesmell,colour,andtaste,shouldbe regarded as
contaminated or defiled(vylrpanna).water may be affectedwith
regardto thesix categories of touch,sight,taste,smell,potency,and
chemicaltransformation or re-action(lit : digestion).Roughness,
sliminess, warmth,andtheproduction of a shiveringsensation to lit :
tooth-edgeare the tactual defects (SparSa-Dosa) of defiled water,
whereasa variedcolour,andthepresence of mire,sand,andshreds
of mossare the defects,which markits look or appearance (Rupa-
Dosa).A distincttaste marks the water, which is affected as regards
its taste(Rasa-Dosa), whileanunpleasant smellis thecharacteristic
of the water,which is affectedas regardsits smell(Gandha-Dosa)'
The water,whichbeingtakengivesriseto thirst and to a senseof
heaviness of thelimbs,colic,andfluentcoryza,is saidto be affected
or yitiatedin its potency(Virya-Dosa),whereasthat which takesa
longtimeto bedigested, or is retainedin thestomach for aninordinate
lengthof time,is saidto beaffectedas regards digestion or chemical
transformation(VipZrka-Do$a). Atmosphericwater is free from the
abovesaid defects.8
ffif ldacrrdrcr=i aqrq:firrefus-
aT-drqruriqr Frqfiqury{r(Tg 6itaf' Tlrtqq-dqrirqra-
@ilqr
The defiledor contaminatedwatershouldbe purified by boiling
it, or by heating it in the sun, or by immersinga red-hot iron' or hot
404 suSRura
sAMHrrA

sandsor stonesin the same,and its smell shouldbe removedby

pertuning it with the Nlga, Campaka,Utpala,or Patalaflowers,
etc.9
Sqm rr-qt dri qffi qftrrqlsfu qr I
gqra?iFi rl\t qr glfu €ftFi ftr&r(rrq"rr
qrwi edtkd tr rrq arwnt*qr
Awr5it"i irqr rqq| |
qrFf sffi re ffirrqt
gut{ qrrgftrrg drffi{qrdiTr{nq? tl
srr*rsgRyqrq-yI-r$d:({rfr r ql
q:qqqr ftrqT1+'rr1 yn5qr{ ftfq+E ? | tq?| |
Metrical Texts : Watershouldbedrunkperfumedin a golden,
silver,copperor an earthengoblet,or in a bowlmadeof bell metalor
of preciousstones,Contaminatedwater, as well as rain water
accumulated in animproperseason, shouldneverbeusedfor drinking
purposes,inasmuchas it tendsto derangethefundamental humours
of thebody,andis positivelyinjuriousto thehumansysrem. Theman,
whodrinks,or bathesin, anycontaminated waterwithout'previously
purifying it as beforedirected,incursthe risk of being speedily
affectedwith oedema,jaundice,cutaneous affections,i4digestion,
dySpnoea, cough,catarrh,colic pains,aMominalglands,ascitesor
anyotherdreadfuldisease. 10-13
iFr qqr qqqg ytrr{Trh rTafu, ir€ren- 6ft5-
gmrrfrrnrerfrrqgfqffi
srqF;il;ilserr-rne?$ Eqei gs{ird T{*.qbfir ffifr r
qq vfrftrerrcnfr
rqf<-@ qfumrrrqqi
q-tri q-dq.{ui nrrsrwnqr*hnqy tl
Therearesevenmodesof purifyingwatersuchas,by immersing
theKatakafruits,thegemsknownastheGomedaka, therootsof lotus
plants,or of aquaticmosses, a pieceof linen,or a pearl,or a crystal
in a pitcheror vesselcontainingit. Thebottomsof a waterpitcherare
made of five differentshapessuch as, the Phalaka(rectangular
woodenstool),the Tryastaka(octagonalwoodentripod),the Muflja
Chap.XLV SUTRASTHANA 405

Valaya (ring madeof the bladesof Muflja gJass),the Udaka-Maflcik?t

(wooden scaffold for a pitcher) and the Sikya (pendentbracket)'
There are sevenways of cooling water, suchas by exposinga water
pitcher to currentsof air, immersinga water pitcher (tied round with
a piece of wet cloth) neck-deepin a vesselfull of water, churning it
with a stick, by fanning,or siphoningit by meansof a piece of linen,
or by burying a water pitcher underneatha bed ot sand,or by keeping
it suspendedin a pendentbracket.14
FFtqrqtrr+f TsnEi gfq vfrneqt
sr€i ag q tag tr gnrf,{€qhnq\tl
l\{etrical Texts : The water,which is devoidofall smellortaste,
and is pure,cool,limpid, transparent, refrigerentandpleasant,should
be regardedas possessed of all the commendable traits. 15

11:r;T€r:rrQrqTf$rgqr:qQzrT
FrT{fiqr{r xrtfugqr+g
;1gvr€ertI6Tddr{tEfqrunFrgqrqrFrfr
smr:r$Tsrrur€rql
iEr Tragr{"n: 56 v{qFil, fu*qgnTqr: Eei qrrgltqra,
rerqp{qr, ffit : edrqfrqrrfrr, F6m*qprar
I yFEqr€r€rsTq{r€rflrsrvrf-
Tgrcrtrqk, rrrR-cr*Frqr: q?ztTqmrfrrtrd6dFfrr'rte tr
The water of rivers, (which drain the Jlngla countries)and flow
into the westernsea,is light, and thereforewholesome.The water of
rivers, which traverse the marshy (An[pa) countries and empty
themselvesinto the easternsea,is heavyandthereforenot commended
to be used. The water of rivers, which run into the southernsea, is
neither too heavy nor too light owing to the fact of its traversing
cour-ltrieswhich have a Sldhlrrana character.The water of rivers,
which have their sourcesin the Sahyamountains,begetscutaneous
affections; while the water of those, which rise from the Vindhya
mountains,producesKusqhaandJaundice.The waterof rivers, which
rise on the mount Malaya, begets worms and intestinal parasites,
while the water of those, that have their sourcesin the Mahendra
mountain, begetselephantisisand abdominal dropsy. The water of
rivers, which riseon the Himalaya,producesanginapectoris,Hldroga,
anasarca,diseasesofthe head,elephantisis,or goitre in personsusing
 SUSRU.TA
SAMHITA

it for the purposesof life. Similarly, the water of rivers, which drain
the easternportion of the countryof Avantl (region),or flow through
its westernpart, begetspiles; while the water of those,which rise on
the mount of Pariyatra (region) is wholesome,strength-giving,and
conductiveto health. 16
T€I:YfrFrdrdat: imrqrgrn*emT : r
1d, **rcvwrr: qgsl {qrrql {T: ttq\et t
gr*ur =reil rm5 TTfrfir itqunkdr: r
gq(trrqr qgn irgqrfiT q& Fem,nqe tl
Metrical Texts : Thewaterof clearandswift-runningriversis
light,whilethewaterof those,whicharesluggishin theircourseand
arecoveredwith mosses andotheraquaticplants,is heavy.Thewater
of rivers,whichrunthroughMarudeSra (ModernMhrwar)is possessed
of a bittersalinetaste,or is enduedwith a sweettasteblendedwith a
shadeof theastringent, in
andis easilydigestibleandstrength-giving
its properties.17-18
it-rrrdqr+E$M trfli yelqfu, Tr Errcrcffrtrsrfu{i
rrqfr, rT qE q,qi qt Wr VfdI ttj t r
Every kincl of terrestrialwater should be collected earfy in the
morning, sinceit is obtainedthe clearestand coolestat that pan of the
day; and sincethesetwo attributesby far form the mostcommendable
traits in water. 19
ffiF Fryrrqfir€ffi+:r
efitq{T{Frqf< il( EF{j rrrr{|-qcT I l?o I I
rrrnrql ffi Ted rrq g$nq+r
qei rur*i ted qr*rtQr ira: rrqn?q rl
rsei Yfrtri 6rR qriltFdqrqa{l
q<qr<tgd anfi'firilEi frEei TTtr{nRRrl
Metrical Texts: Thewater,whichgetsthelightof thesunin the
dayandreflectsthemoonin thenight,andwhich,moreover,neither
producesKapha nor a parchedcondition in the body, should be
regardedas one in virtue with the atmosphericwater.Atmospheric
water,collectedin a goodand properreceptacle, hasthe virtue of
Chap.XLV SOTRNSTHANA

subduingthe threederangedhumoursofthe body, and acts as a pure

tonic and elixir, its virtue varying with the excellenceof the vesselin
which it is contained.The cool andlimpid washingsof the gem known
as the CandrakantaMani (the moon-stone)should be regarded as
possessedof the mystic virtue of warding off the ilttacksof monsters
and demons,and of subduingthe derangedPitta.They are beneficial
in feverandin casesof poisoningmarkedby a burningsensationof the
body, etc.20-22

IFfftrfrsTqltg ffi rrt qqrdr

slr*rqrfrt$ dq* qq?ii asrr I
'iEr
ssdt ffifir+ vfraqnn: g{rcrh I tRQ| |
rnrffi yRTvqr+qrtrfri'rsq}r
3ne{rt Gl mn* *B wa:$fr rr+qt r
1M r+t.frt q yfranqqHtqu?Y rl
Cold water usually proves beneficial in epileptic fits, in hot
seasons,and a burning sensationof the body due to the deranged
action of the Pitta, in blood-poisoning,haemoptysis,abuseof wine
(Madltya), loss of consciousness,fatigue or exhaustion,vertigo,
Tamakaand vomiting. The useof cold watershouldbe avoidedin pain
at the sides(pleurodynia),in catarrh,in rheumatism,in diseasesof the
larynx, .in distention of the stomach by gas or air, in cases of
undigested faeces, in the acute stage of fever, and just afte the
exhibition of any emetic or purgative remedy, in hic-cough, and
immediatelyfollowing uponan oily or fatty drink (SnehapZrna).23-24
Trtd qrfti $qr {ri eg *qrr{l
r<F+G q-J{ qrq T6 qqrq6{t t?\ tl
EsnEf Hr{{{ q€ t5,qrq qgT FTgI
arsrtf qrtrf gg evrd recTFc; irlRq tl
qrdv+q6{ qru{ €qrn
re ftrreqr
€q{rr fqtrf Eh\d Yftwtd *rri Eg I tRe| |
ffiqmilFqf .{gf tfi,tFE=Tql
u,qEi frrf 6a Filg ygquilEi-{q1Ra tl
 SLISRUTASAMHITA

q-$ ffi rTd{l

*H re rsqrr vdwui mg {rtqtRjtl
fu qg{ tr ffi To tqerfr
il6q qriqcrgw ffiqTarstr{ ir{ilto tl
qrgq5-<ei F{ti 6Eui vddqE-qr
qr{Frfr 'rftqrt?q tl
qFrdqT€ig*i ftr-d€r{ qr$.d{l
qr-*ffi6 EEr1-rEfev6ii qift15'*q'?? tl
*wi ig*g rfi-ils 6ft sp51uf 6g1
q,qHsfrryrqai fu Erffien{t tQ?tl
Tr(r I
zrq mpawpi FTtr Fr${ ffi qlty tl
q$ffi{ rq *ri 1rrw{ FEnRI
T q q{fleti il EffiFaq qrR qr+a1tt\ tr
3{da6i qil@F{ =Tfr{ rqfirwrs} r
rrsqnr{ Hg-qr$ tt fir*Fcrt iTenI t?q| |
€FJrqT-dsgt+ \a rl-drfui y?rFqt I
nlerl
Ttrfui Erei vrki TwTr6€ s*5 q I
ftilq erg frrf Ea frri trffirlq illarl
E*f firrfuqr€nEi rTR*#{*i I-€ I
grtH ffi y-H $qEt qrt I l l q l l
FeffirE-e E* Et ffi denI
qm ia qgit q qrtr rr<qrEtn l l Y o l l
gh srcr*ri:rr
Riverwaterproduces V6yuanda parchedconditionin thebody,
andis light, stomachicand(Lekhana)liquefacient. On the contrary,
that whichis heavy,comparatively denserin its consistency,
sweet,
andcooling,bringson catarrh.Thewaterofa lake(Shrasa) quenches
thirstandis strength-giving,
light,sweetandastringent.Thewaterof
 Chap. XLV SUTRAST{ANA

a pondor a tank(ThdZrga) produces Viryu,andissweet,astringent, and

pungentin digestion. Thewaterfroma Vapi(alargetank)subdues the
deranged VhyuandKapha,andgenerates Pitta,andispungentin taste
andis foundto be chargedwith a solutionof alkali.The waterfrom
a Cuntiisa gooddigestant, sweet,andparchifying,thoughit doesnot
give rise to Kaphain the system.The waterfrom a well (Kupa)
generates Pittaandis appetising. It subdues thederanged Kaphaand
is light andalkaline.Thewaterof a fountainis light,appetising, and
pleasant,and destroysKapha.The waterof an Artesianspringis
sweet,andsubduesPitta.It is antacidin its digestivereaction.The
waterfroma Vikira is light,appetising, pungent,andis chargedwith
potash(Khhra).Thewateraccumulated in anopenfield,or in fallow
land,is heavyto digestandtendsto augmentthederanged humours
of thebody.Thewaterof a Palvalais possessed of thesamevirtueas
the precedingone,with the exceptionthat it greatlyaggravates the
derangedhunoursof the body.Sea-water hasa fishy smell,and a
salinetaste;it aggravates all thethreederanged humoursof thebody.
Thewaterof anAnfpa (marshy)countryis thesourceof manyevils.
It is extremelycondemnable, asit increases theslimysecretions of all
thebodilyorgans,etc.Thewaterof J-lrngala countryis freefrom the
precedingbanefultraits.It is faultless,acidin its digestivereacrion
(Vidahi),is possessed of all commendable traits,andis pleasingand
refrigerant.The wateraccumulated in a sidhlrana countryis light,
cool,pleasant andappetising (Dipana).
Cold wateris anti acid in its digestoereaction,it subduesthe
thirst,bestto increasethe pleasure, digestoestimulant,tastefuland
light.warm watersuMuesthederanged v6yu andKapha.It is antifat,
appetising,diuretic,(Basti-Sodhak) andfebrifuge.It provesbeneficial
in casesof coughanddyspnoea, andis wholesome at all times.water
boileddown to a quarterpartof its originalquantityandthencooled
downwithall itsfrothandebullitions removed, is lightandlimpid,and
maybe safelycommended to theuseof all. Water,boileddvernight,
shouldnot be knowinglygiven to a thirsty personas suchit has
acquiredanacidtasteandwill augment theinternalKaphaof thebody,
and becomespositivelyinjurious.water boiled and subsequently
cooleddown shouldbe givento a personsufferingfrom any of the
diseasesdue to an abuseof wine or to pitta, or from a complaint
410 SUSRUTASAMHITA

brought about through the concerted action of the three deranged

humours.The waterh)iled andsubsequentlycooleddown is efficacious
in the condition of parching, diarrohea,in derangementof pitta blood,
in syncope intoxication, poisoning,thirst, vomiting and giddiness.
The water found insidethe shell of a cocoanutis heavy,tdemulcent,
cool, pleasant and appetising etc. It is diuretic, (Basti-Sodhak)
spermatopoieticand subduesPitta and thirst. Water should be taken
as little as possible by a person suffering from any of the following
diseasesviz., lossof relishfor food,catarrh,water-brash,oedema,any
of the wasting diseases,impaired digestion, abdominal dropsy,
cutaneousaffection, fever, diseasesaffecting the eyes, ulcer and
diabetes(Madhumeha,etc.).25-40
3P1ffi:-
lrqqrcf mn uihwrF*S qGcrg q(r
sTelrqrf+E ilqt5 E6ta,qf{rgzr( wr: I tyq | |
F( rsffifiFrgrqTt yrur{ I5,I
qgt ftfud rffi furer,€epr tr{ 5gl
Trdgrunl-diirgrr( qrci ffinYR tl
The Milk Group : Themilk of a cow,she-goat,
she-camel,
she
sheep,she-buffalo,mare, she-elephant,or of a woman,is what
generallycomesto theuseof man.2
The milk is thewhitefluid essenceof drugsandcereals,which
enter into the food of the aforesaidmilk-givinganimals,and is
thereforethebestofall nutritivesubstances (literallylife-giving).It
isheavy,sweet,slimy,cold,glossy,
emollient,laxativeandmild. 4142
ilr sd+E St ffi !ilrFdsrd{r(r tnaFrn-
vilfrrrdqmtgffifr-€qr@-
:{rfr*-Wt-rlrr-rrdKra-fi rqFsr-ffi -
q-qrrgft r-Irdufr
Yftanvf':- -
1. Light according to Jejjada.
2. From the conslruction of the present sentence in the oiginal texts, we are
wananted to include the milk of a doe, or of a she-mule, or bf a cow-rhinoceros
in the list, as they sometimesprove beneficialfor extemal applications.
 Chap. XLV SUTRASIIANA

rTffiErf{ Er6ETq6zt
C
ertrs:rui TFrFi ftd qrrqr€ rrqFi
qei:Terltrrql1Jgiff tjEui qcnhtfir:pnri EqIUrdr-
=*str TdqFrfr qrrgaqrd$turrti q€Errcren?Trr€-
ffrcr=rrq qcqirqqr rxl | |
Henceit provescongenial to all sentientanimals.Andsincemilk
is kindredin its natureto the essential principlesof life andso very
congenialto the panzoism of all createdanimals,its usemay be
unreservedly recommended to all, andis notforbiddenin diseases due
to thederanged actionof (Vayu)or Pitta,or in ailmentsaffectingthe
mind (Minasa),or the vascularsystemof man.Its beneficialand
curativeefficacymaybewitnessed in casesof chrclnic fever,in cough,
dyspnoea, phthisisandotherwastingdiseases, in Gulma(abdominal
glands),insanity,ascites,epilepticflts, in vertigo,in deliriurn,in
burningsensation ofthe body,in thirst,in diseases affectingtheheart
andthe bladder,in chlorosisanddysentery, in piles,colic pain and
obstinateconstipation, in Grahani,Pravihikh,miscarriage andother
diseasespeculiarto thefemalereproductive organs, andin haemoptysis.
It is a refrigerantand acts as a bracingbeverageafter physical
exercise.It is a sacred,constructive,tonic, spermatopoietic,
rejuvenating andaphrodisiac. It expands theintellectual capacitiesof
a man, brings aboutthe adhesionof brokenor fracturedbones
(Sandhzrna) rejuvenatesused andexhausted frames,formsanexcellent
enemata, increases thedurationof life, andactsasa vitaliser.It is an
emeticanda purgativeremedy,andimpartsa healthyrotundityto the
frame,andwhichthroughits kindredor similarpropertiesaugments
the qualityof bodily albumen(Ojah)andis the mostcompleteand
wholesomediet for infants,old men and personssufferingfrom
cachexiawitnessedin casesof ulcersin the chest,as well as for
persons debilitatedfrominsufficientfood,sexualexcesses or excessive.
physicallabour.43
TlqffircqR fu V€ Trnq;r{r
Trnfrilfi yfti qgt rTnrrtr+: I
ffi asn qrcFrrai v{i r{cr1ltyy tl
Metrical Texts: Cow-Milkis demulcent,
anddoesnotsetupor
4t2 SUSRUTASAMHITA

increasethe normal quantityof slimy secretionsin the internal

channelsof the buly. It is heavy.and is a goodelixir, and proves
curativein haenroptysis. It is cold, and sweetboth in taste and
chemicalreaction.It subdues bothvzryuandPittaandis accordingly
oneof the mostefficient of vitalisingagents.44
:r4siqgur€|ti ffifrfr Ffcqr
*ri ag rirG srw*rsrsfqilSEtl
W
qrdr€qr<r( qrrncr{ ffi {€t: | |
sqM FEEi @ rqgrd agr
vilrwgffiEi ffi{sFeerrrqrr
snF{qi qtJt ftil?i gr fimeur*aqt
rrezi ffidE q.rfr qrF+o+Fsre
I tY\ | |
The milk of a she-goatis possessed of properties similarto
thoseof a cow, and is specially beneficial to person suffering from
phthisis.rIt is light,astringent,appetising (Dipana), and is efficacious
in dyspnoea, coughandhaemoptysis (Amlapitta-A.T'). The milk of
a she-goat proves curativein all diseases owingto thesmallness of her
limbs and her agile habits,as well as for the fact of her drinking
comparativelya lessquantityof waterand living upon bitter and
pungeht herbs.Themilk of a she-camel isparchifying, heating, light'
palatableand possessed of a little saline taste. It proves curative in
oedema, aMominalglands, ascites, piles,intestinal worms and Kustha,
andis a goodantitoxicagent.The milk of a eweis sweet,demulcent,
heavyandprovesaggravating in disorders of PittaandKapha.It forms
a gooddietin Kevalavhta (Vatika)andin coughdueto thederanged
conditionof thebodilyVayu.45
qarn+erFq qgr qrf Efr{rvrt{l
Frtr*-{ YnT*t rrqr( ffi 1l€ttvqtt
The milk of a she-buft'alois sweetin taste,tendsto impair
theslimysecretion
digestionandincreases of theorgans.It is heavy,

l. It has been recently discovered by a Gennan physician that tuberculosis bacilli

do not thrive in goat's-blood--Translator.
 Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA .113

soporific, cooling, and containsmore fatty matterthancow's milk. 46

s6ur*{'yrqi qFd ynqrqrf,dt rrq: I
q3Trffirf Eq{ e.Eurr$r{i Fg I ty\e | |
The milk of a she-animal with unbifurcated
hoofs(Eka6apha),
suchas,themare,etc.,is tonic,light,parchifying,sweetandaCiOin
taste,leavinga salineafter-taste,and provingcurativein casesof
rheumatism restrictedto theextremities.
47
Tr"rtq qg{ wd q.qrqrgr*f Eqr
qeTrr*fi+: qcri ff vg frqr{t txu tl
Ekrqr tT5{ gtf uwcrrgr+t XF I
fu retfu yfti ?Sef mrndT{uyq tl
The milk of a womanis coldandsweet,leavingan astringenr
after-taste.It provesbeneficialasan errhineandactsasa good*asn
in eyediseases. It is wholesome, vitalising,light andappetising.
The
milk of a she-elephant is sweetthoughit leavesandastringeniafter-
taste.It is spermatopoietic, heavy,demulcent, coolingand tonic.It
invigoratestheeyesight.48-49
sI€T:unflfhqi qfrtTF ffiT vfrddtl
TTqr: o.{rqtHlr{tekfRteTT | |
lffircqrri qrqrcnffiFn{r
erdrt*tr srke{ qqqgrwrf6a.qp\o 1
q*sFrqF< 1-fr Er€T{r:
rrffiRfuqr
i|ffi cagil$1-1ft1qTFq * ?a{r
Tfr€r frrqr:wqqrq+E G dFdfrqn\q tl
qrfu grr4{ qfrt ffis:qenr
aaFnRrr$i Fd Xf€ tjaurgeat r r
s{F{€rr*lqwg M fffsgl q(r
Ts{ Treqof $r raffirii rriqr.uR | |
Ffr Sce{:rr
Themilk of a she-animal,
milkedin themorning,is heavy,cold
and takes a long time to be digestedowing to her entire repose
4t4 SUSRUTASAMHITA

(iterally wantof physicalexerciseor locomotion)duringthe night'

whencoolingattributespreponderate. Similarly,the milk milkedin
theeveningii foundtobepossessed of refrigerant andeye-invigorating
properties.Moreover,it restoresthe bodily VZryu to its normal
conditionowingto thephysicallabourundergone by theanimalin the
daytime, exposed to theraysof thesunandthecurrentsof freeair.
coto or unboiledmilk is extremelyheavy,andservesto increase tlre
slimy secretions of rheorgans,whereasby boiling it is freedfrom
thoseiniurioustraits.But thisrule doesnot holdgoodin the caseof
*o*uni, milk, whichis wholesome in its naturalor unboiledstate.
Frestrlymilkedwarmmilkshouldbe regarded asextrentely wholesome,
which,beingcooleddown,losesits efficaciousvirtuesandbecomes
unwho]esome'onthecontrary,over-cookedmilkisheavyandfat
making(lit : impartingstoutnessto one,sbody)'Themilk,whichemits
a fetidlmell, or hasbecomediscoloured andinsipid,or hasacquired
anacidtasteandlooksshreddy and curdled, oI tastessaline,shouldbe
regardedasunwholesome andinjurious' 50'52
sTsrEtr+t:-
qfu E qg{qqrasgfdl il( e,qrqr3{i Ftugwi
ffi{6rn g*f qrqrq-t
rrtrg5ll\? ll
TheCurd-group:Therearethreekindsofcurdsuchas,the
sweet,the acid,and the extremelyacid curd.Milk curd generally
leavesanastringent It is demulcent
after-taste. andheat-making in its
potency,as well as-spermatopoietic, vitalising and auspicious' It
prourr-rututivein Pinasa(nasalcatarrh),intermittent fever(Visama
lvara), dysentery,non-relishfor food,difficult urination,andgeneral
cachexia.53
WrFruqf< qg{ zrwtffittl
awmrqelret srqawi rffiqqur{l I
ffi getruqf rt<qrti ffiq{'(t l\Yll
MetricalText: sweetcurdgreatly increasestheslimysecretions
of theorgansandthequantityof fat andKapha in thebody.Acid curd
derangesthe Pitta and the Kapha,while the extremelyacid curd
 Chap. XLV SUTRASI]]ANA
415

vitiates the blood. Curd, which has been not

perfectly curdled
(Mandajrrta) is acid in its (digestive)chemicalreaction,
actsas an
inordinatelystrongpurgativeand diureticagent,
and derangesthe
threefundamental humoursof thebodv.54
furetffingifuild-q'6:r{l
erdrrd qFdf,gl <ft rr-q rftrq_{qil\\
tl
Frq ffi eg qrdqr€nq6ql
1@ * q q n \ q r l-
ffi ugt Eq EnilfufrrsTqql
qers**f krei HEm( EferqrFqq-l
tq\e
' tl
ffi u.g €err Tt. rHqtd qRr,
er-crrsrffuEsrF{ Ffi-,fr1Eqemfrr ?r
r\a
'- rr
a}ri qq-qrcrrr g.fr#-d =ft;
rt qrt q qgffiqFrqF< Ardq;r\q
||
*Tfrqrrqwd ere{ EGr qrtwql
Fqrgqr ts.ure|:* EF$TTTTFA ir(rrqo 1
-
ftrtei tuq ngi ee rrntu
qqqrr{€i *qti T";
EFr =rFri T"Fflq, tqqtl
'
dg qr* qsmEf ffi qp5a191aq'f
u.vrqrifr{r Trqr EFr wl*n***q1q?
Curdledcow'smilk isdemulcent,
tl
sweetindigesrion, appetising,
strength-increasing andacrid.It subduesthebooilivz,yuuni'i,nion,
a rerishto one'sfood.cuid preparedwirh the
ritt oi u ,rr.-gJuti,
light,andsubdues thederanged pittaandKapha.It proves
curativein
vrta andwastingdiseases, andisa goodappetiser. Itsbeneficiar effect
is witnessed in casesofpiles, Oyspnoea'and cough.CurO,fr.pu..O
withthem'k of ashe-buffaro, issweetin digestion,unorpr.rtipJirti..
It pacifiesthe derangedV?ryuandpitta, and
serves,o url.nlni:rr,u
normarquantityof bodiry Kapha.It is
spec.ificarya iemurcent
zubstance. Curdpreparedwith themilk of a she_camrt
i, pung.ntin
digestion.It is foundto be chargedwith
alkali,andis heavyand a
purgative.A continued useof curdredcamel'so,il. p.our, *riri".
vlta, piles,cutaneous -
affections(Kustha),wormsin the intestines.
4r6 suSnutasAMHlrA

andabdominaldropsy.Curd prepared with themilk of a eweproves

well as in
aggravating in derangemtnttoitnt- Vhyu and Kaphaas
reactionincreases
ciies of piies.It is sJeetin tasreandits chemical
of the organs'andtendsto derange the bodily
the slimy secretions
a mare, is appetising'It
humours.Curd, preparedwlti me milk of
andtendsto au.gment thebodilyVayu'It
;;;;rt injuriousto theeyes, is astringentin taste'It
i, por.niiying and trot in i" pot'nty' and
of kaphaandurine.curd prepared with the
diminishes thesecretions
rJigestion' tonic' pleasant'
milk of a womanis demulcent,sweetin
It subdues the deranged
n.uuy, andspeciallybeneficialto the eyes'
virtues'andis the bestof
humoursan,Jis speciallyefficaciousin its Curd
(Santarpana)'
all kindsof curd,andoi all emollientremedies
of a she-elephant' is light in digestion'
freparedwith the milk
iuUOurtfupha, andisheat-making in itspotency'It impairsdigestion'
and increases the quantityof fecal
leavesas astringentafter-taste
matter.55'62
qdrg-tTh qr+6 'rqr&F{ Y?rq-gql
ffid Etg 'rq+d Xufrtrql lql ll
qrdEt e,qqqFrtt' tr T ? fitrr{-(l
qft rq gqft"gd(llqYll
@
Tqqtrq.l
r.rqt"-qgr"wrcilw+qqfu
qTdFr€i Fai elT€ffi{qllq\ ll
EEt: g{T
rC

TnffiT ffisFrofiqn: r
e.q{rftrrdq: ltqq ll
qfu anrr !Fqr5 rnR Aqro* qrtrfl{l
ffid €g-tr{ Ffiqrd sfrFqllqs | |
kindsof curd'theoneprepared with cow's
Of all thepreceding
andquality.This curd
milk shouldbe regardeJasthebestin virtue
arelishto the.food'
well filteredthroughapieceof cleanlinen'imparts
whereasthecurd,wtricnharjbeenpreparedwithboiledmilk'sh the
be deemedthe mostefficacious.Tirecloth-filteredcurdsubdues
thoughit tendsto
Or*ngtO V?ryu.It is demulcentandrestorative' of
augmentation
increasethe Kaphawithoutbringingabouta similar
thePitta.Thecurdpreparedwitnuoitedmilksubduesthederan
Chap.XLV SI]TRASlHANA 4t7

Vhyu and Pitta, imparts a relish to the food, and acts as a good
stomachicremedy.It increases thestrengthandtherootprincipleof
life. The creamof curd is heavyandspermatopoietic. It subduesthe
deranged VZryu,impairsdigestionandisptrlegmgogue andaphrodisiac.
Curdmadewithoutcreamis parchifying,astringent andarrestsstool
andurine(Bistambhi),it increases the bodilyViyu. it is appetising
andis comparatively lighter,a little astringent
in taste,andimpartsa
relish to food. 63-67
yrqn\ qtu 'rfrrtt
i:r* frrffi +{ EfeI wFRTilqe t l
EqrrtrT6{ qql ""tg
iTg ffierrqr
strFi 6.rrFi qg{FTEf is.tF-drir5Eilqj | |
r6r4i fiums fiffflT{qrer ir{l
wqF{E+ qfr ffir@( q.frFd ?neo tl
wtaen Tfls{qdHrsrl
srsrki EtrffiErsfutqtqarvqgqmde I teq| |
Efr qftrq,i,r
The use of curd is.generallyprohibitedin (Vasanta)spring,
(Grisma)summer,and(Sarat)autumn,whereasit is recomrnended
duringtherains(Varsh)andin theforepartof winter(Hemanta), and
in the cold seasonproper(SKira).The residuarysedimentof curd
(Mastu)is frigorificandrefrigerant,
lightandpurifyingto theinternal
channelsof thebody.It hasa sweet,acidandastringent tasteandis
anti-aphrodisiac.[t destroystie derangedV6yu and Kapha,and is
pleasantand palatable.It acts as a speedypurgative,and imparts
strengthto the systemandrelishto Orefood.In this grouphavebeen
describedthevirtuesof thesevenkindsof curdsuchasthesweet,the
acid,theextremelyacid,thecurdof incompletecurdling,thecurd of
boiled milk, curd cream, and the creamlesscurd, as well as the
residuarysediment(Mastu).68-71
er?r ftiFqri:-
r*i E qqf{qFi e,qnqr5{Hgsr*{ Eg rqrqfrfrct"f
:@-
Yol.I-27
418 SUSRUTASAMHITA

-
@.PaqrFrir6{qg{rqqrqi€ei{f,{qifr
wlleRll
The Takra Group : Thetakra(whey)is sweetandacidin taste,
and leaves It is light, appetisingandheat-
an astringentafter-taste.
makingin itspotency,andhasa parchifying effectupontheorganisrp.
Its curativeefficacyis witnessedin casesof chemicalor combinative
poisoning,oedema,dysentery,diarrhoea, jaundice,piles,enlarged
spleen,abdominal glands, non-relish for food, intermittentfever,
thirst,vomiting,waterbrash,colicandobesity. ItsuMuesthederanged
V6yu andKapha,andis non-aphrodisiac. It is sweetin its digestive
reactionandpleasant to the system.It provescurativein difficult
urination,and in diseases due to the abuseof emollientmedicinal
remediesandapplications. 72
lt?er{rF<TerT{d-dr6rd{d,,! T(l
=nFdgrffi ?r*, €r6wi g{r rirr
T( qftlti dffig-qtne? rl
E s*{Erwi
Tri +q qTt Egr=iurfrre I gfr r
q {EftrrqTeg r tt Tffitfu+ | rex t\l
rffisffiqq,ftcffigqr
rrrrrtqft* E* u End ilfi gvrst r rle\ | |
Metrical Texts : A compound madeof equalpartsof curdand
waterandsubsequently churnedsoasto havethecontained creamor
buttercompletelyskimmedofl andwhichis neithertoothicknortoo
thin,is calledTakra.it possesses a tasteblendedof thesweet,acidand
astringent.Waterlesscurd,churnedwith the entirebutteror creamy
substance inherentin it, is calledGhola(a kind of whey).Theuseof
Takrais prohibitedin thehotseason, norshouldit begivento a weak
person,norto onesufferingfromanulcer,or laidup with anattackof
haemoptysis, or to onesufferingfromepilepticfits,vertigo(Bhrama),
or from a burning sensationin the body. The use of Takra is
recommended duringthecoldmonthsof theyear,to thepersonhaving
weakdigestivepoweras well asto personssufferingfrom diseases
due to the action of the derangedKapha,or due to occlusionof
channelsfrom suppression ofstoolor urine,etc.,or from theeffects
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA 419

ofthe derangedVayu.73-75
aE g-{ff yW fiFrgvrr{s, 3{R{ qraai
furq'rgneq rl
Again sweetenedTakrasoothesthederangedPittaandaggravates
the Kapha. Acid Takra subduesthe Vlyu and producesPitta. 76
qr*sd *er*ki srE fir+ rrvrck{l
fir*q T*i u,,* ffi *wq1rcsqrgql\ee tl
Trffi qtrrcTr Fqrr gdTr dsq.fi{q,rl
ilflFTdfr qlr€:: q@ffiq: I tee | |
gu: ffisF+ceq ffi<rr<: $iT: r
tiautt E-+ rrq fr{qffin\eqrl
"gft
Metrical Texts : In a caseof deranged
or disordered
Vbyu,acid
Takrashouldbe drunkmixedwith rock-salt,and sweettakra with
sugarin disordersof thePitta,while in a caseof derangedKaphait
shouldbemixedwith Yavaksara andthepowdersof thedrugsknown
as Vyosa. Takrakurcikl (lnspissated milk) is astringent(Gr?rhi),
parchifyingandhardto digest.It producesVhyu.The Mandaor the
residuarysedimentof a compound madeof theaforesaid Ku-rcikh
and
Dadhi Takra (curd-whey)is lighter than whey. Kilatat is heavy,
hypnotic,sprematopoieticandsuMuesV?ryu.Similarly,Morata2 and
Piyrfsa3aresweetto thetasteandrestorativeandaphrodisiacin their
properties.77-79
=r*fti gr: Feref eg Efq6crtqg{ u,.qrq*qGFdvFtri
igi {wt Ea ffi firffi E|'cqcfu{rFa qr.r6r€rvqr-
qqnnyrTsedrtranffiFcrd gF q.6ffii {ffi;r lfavr
vilqt;fffiqrnmiwr€qtrS+€ifu-
qTgt'qftrvftf*srrnH qgE{ rffi ffi
Y € rt r EA l l a o l l
1. Boiled milk curdledand subseuqently heatedand madeinto a paste is called
Kilhqa.
2-3. Themilk of a cowrecenllydeliveredof a calf is calledPiyiSa titt the seventh
day after its binh, while, it is subsequently
calkd Morata till it is perfectly
puified and becomes fit for the useof man.
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

Freshbutter(Navanita) is analbuminous substance,andis light,

sweet,cooling,demulcent,pleasant,appetising,slightly acid and
astringent.It zuMuesthederanged V-ayuandPitta.It isspermatopoi etic,
antacidin its reaction,andconduciveto the improvementof one's
memoryand intelleclualcapacities. It provesbeneficialin casesof
consumption, cough,dyspnoea, ulcer,pilesandfacialparalysis.
Butter(of a fewdaysstanding) is heavy.It increasesthequantity
of fat andKapha,andimpartsstrengthandrotundityto thebody,and
provesespeciallywholesometo children.Bufter madeof thickened
milk is thebestof all oily Kslrasubstances.It is sweet,coolingand
astringent;andimpartssoftnessto the body,improvesthe eye-sight,
andprovescurativein haemoptysis andeye-diseases. 80
rFilrF{qTVrcfiilE+ddrrfrqen Eqr furqr F-EITqgrT
qg{Fdqr-*,r
rffifuflrsr+fr TEt ihr rzqrl
Santhniki(uppersolidfiedportionof milk)suMuesthederanged
V6yu.It is a pleasing(Tarpani)tonic,is spermatopoietic,
demulcent,
palatable,heavyandsweetin tasteanddigestion, andprovesremedial
to haemoptysis. El
f{q;dr{qe qE{rR:M rrdsfirqfirfa: r
ffi'q qffiqq'{rF{*qn4Rrl
gfr Tmqtt, r
Metrical Texts: Thevirnresandpropertiesof thesemodifications
of curdledcow-milkhavebeendescribed in detailsinceit is thebest
of all kinds of milk describedbefore.The virtuesand propertiesof
similar preparationsmadefrom the milk of otheranimalsshouldbe
regardedasidenticalwith thoseof themilk of theanimalout of which
they havebeenprepared.E2

TqI r*rzf Tg vfrcdrf qgrmrFrqF< drEqgqr{fr-

iqffiqrur
F<srorqrq@iEqtuiqq;Tenq{
g€ v{fdrMwti rnqrffisv1trtffi rqfrgrsI ut | |
Clarified Butter (Ghfta) : Ghrtaor clarifiedbutteris Saumya
 Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA 421

or coolingin itsessence andpotency,andis mildandsweet.It slightly

increases theslimysecretions of theorgans,andactsasa lubricating
moistener, provingefficaciousin Udivarta,insanity,epilepsy,colic,
fever(chronic)anddistensionof theabdomenfromthesupirression of
stoolandurine(An-aha). It is appetisingandsubdues theVbyuandthe
Pitta.It improvesmemory,intelligence, complexion,voice,personal
beauty,amiabilityof features andtheprincipleof strength(albumen,
Ojas)in the body.It is vitalising,rejuvenating, spermatopoieticand
heavy.It improvesthe eyesight,increasesthe quantityof bodily
Kapha and &e durationof life. It is sacredand is regardedas an
appeaser of adversefate.It eliminatespoisonfromthebodyandwards
off the invasionsof monsters anddemons.83
ffi qg{ ynd qrdfuflFcqrra{l
aqqr4f Er.{rg rrai TTffi$rfoilquey | |
silsf Td ffid qqef Tew*{ql
u,Ft {rrt qr} qrf qcEirn+ q ?rql I te\ | |
qqf rtrfuF i TF qr+ tnqtr+6{l
qrdFrfiFvruri Eyfti rnF6d F{r teqtl
e*'q re Fi qrt vilrnbFrFqFraq'
{ri Ew,qrfftf EvgFdqtnr6{1e\e ||
qr+ €rfu{i ITFH ia FrfigEfrrrur{l
E6*sffiffi&
E6*fidffi+ vfrt q,q ?dka{.va.l
vfrt
rrr* Fqsrddg q.qr?i q,qqTvrt{l
{tt=i q41rs @;vrq; grq.laq | |
Metrical Texts: Clarified butter madeof cowmilk is sweetin
digestion,andcool in its potency.It subduesthe derangedVFryuand
Pina.andservesto eliminatepoisonfrom thesystem.It improvesthe
eyesightand possesses excellenttonic and invigoratingproperties.
Cow-butter,in its clarified state,is the best of all kinds of butter.
Clarified butter made of the milk of a she-goatis appetising
(Dipana),improveseye-sightinvigoratingandstrength-increasing. It
provesa wholesomedietin casesof cough,dyspnoea andconzumption
(any wastingdisease),and is light in digestion.Clarified butter
preparedwitlr themilk of a she-buffalois sweet,heavyin digestion,
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

andprovesremedialin haemoptysis. It is coolingandincreases the

quantityof bodily Kapha,andsubduesthe derangedVzryuandPitta.
Clarified butter madewith the milk of a she-camelis anti-toxic,
appetisingandpungentin digestion.It subdues thederanged Viyu and
Kapha,and provescurativein oedema,worms in the intestines,
cutaneous abdominal
affections, glands,andascites. Clarified butter
madewith the milk of a eweis light in digestion.It doesnot enrage
Pitta, and provesbenellcialin casesof phthisis(So;a) Vaginal
disordersandin diseasesdueto theactionofthe deranged Vhyu and
Kapha.Claritied butter made with the milk of a mare (lit : any
femalemammalwith unbrifurcated hcnps)is light in digestion,heat-
makingin itspotency,andastringent in taste.It isappetising, anuretic,
andsubdues theaction ofthe deranged Kapha. 84'89
qqurrr4li duTr{ qftl; vng5*crqqr
q@ a.nFd e€rr*dgmEi feqrqaqttSorl
t5,qrq ErafrUTT ftrmqFrqt dgl
€ffr q,rtq"i qffi: qqruffitl l3qll
Clarified butter madewith the milk of a womanis possessed
of eye-invigorating virtues,andshouldbe regardedastheprototype
of diving ambrosiaon earth.It is light (in digestion),anti-toxic,
stomachic, andconstructive. Clarifiedbutter preparedwith themilk
ofa she-elephant isastringentin taste,andbringsabouta suppression
of stoolandurine.It is bitter,light, andstomachic(Agnikara),and
provescurativein cutaneous affectionsKustha,poisoning,wormsin
andderangements
the intestines, of theKapha.90'91
qfitTigr: *tqrFd
@iffiqfc€ | r3R| |
Butter churned out of thickened nrilk and claritled (Kqira
Ghfta) is astringent, and proves beneficial in eye-diseases,
haemoptysis,epileptic flts, and vertigo. 92
EfiidrsrE q5t: *nt *et:ffiM vto* qfw{-
@uqttl
The condensedupperstratumof clarifi edbutter(Ghf ta-ma4da)
actsas a laxative,curesachingpain in the vagina,ears,or in the head,
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA cL)

to be usedas an errhine,as enemaor as eye-

and is recommended
drops.93
qfift 5{rsr wr refurrrEi fu l;ffi-
:v5oui*riffir-
ffiuqxtl
Old clarified butter is laxative and pungent in digestion.lt
subduesthe three derangedbodily humours,and proves curative in
syncope,intoxication, insanity, abdominal dropsy, f'ever,chemical
poisoning,consumptivecondition,hysteria,and in achingpain in the
vagina,ears,eyesor head.It is appetisingand is recommendedto be
used as eye-dropsand enema.94
grEK ETT-

5{rur frfimrrs-+{Fqr*rr3El
qF't{tr'Fdfr{r{ ilqq,tl
r\

\rsrEfl-vrGiq !FtI.r
rqfrti Ersrsftf: Erq qcdq q6rTc{ilqq tl
tr rrflTf qfir e,m-Ei rrqrnftr*: r
qFi qH nta5 ffiqr{ ftn..r*q,ie tl
Tdfuq 9PTFFTllq4ll
Efr gtrarf: r
Authoritativeverseson thesubject:Oldbutterproves curative
in Timira(GuttaSerena), dyspnoea, fever,cough,epileptic
sinousitis,
fits,andKustha,in casesof poisoning, mentalaberration,andhysteria
ascribedto theinfluenceof malignant planes.Clarifiedbutter
matured
from elevento a hundredyearsis calledtheKumbhaGhqta(Pitcher
clarified butter),while that, which is older than the one of the
precedingkind,is calledtheMahi Ghrta(thegreatclarifiedbutter).
KumbhaGhrrais said to be possessed of the mystic potencyof
wardingoff the invasionsof monsters,while the Maha Ghqta is
highly efficacious,sacred,and specificallycurativein the disease
known as Timira. It acts as a prophylacticagainstthe malignant
influencesof all evil spiritsandbanefulplanets,andshouldbetaken
by menin whomV?ryupredominates. It subduesthederanged Kapha,
 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

andimprovesthe strengthandintellect.95-98
srer *€It[rt:-

The Oil Group : Oils, which belongto the categoryof fiery

(Agneya)substances, are hot or heat-makingin their potencies,
irritating,and sweetin tasteand digestion,and are constructive
Brnhana,and pleasant.They expandthroughthe entire system
inirnediatelyafterbeingdrunkor rubbed(Vyavhyi),andare subtle,
clear,heavy,andlaxative(Sara).Theytendto expandthebone-joints
andcontributeto theirfreeandeasymovements (Vikasi).Theyactas
spermatopoietics (Vrsya),andpurify theskin,improvethe memory,
and impart softnessto the skin and complexion.They are flesh-
makingandstrength-imparting, andincreasethefirmnessof thebody.
They are possessed of eye-invigoratingvinues,and are anuretic,
liquefacient(Lekhana),bitter and stomachic(Pacana).They cure
VZryuand Kapha.They are vermifugeand producea slight Pitta,
leavinganastringent Theyrelieveachingpainin thehead,
after-taste.
ears,and the femaleorgansof generation(Yoni), act as purifying
agentsin respectof theuterus,andprovecurativein urticaria.
Theuseof oil is recommended'in casesof cut,cleft,punctured,
severed, lacerated,
blistered,thrashedor contusedwoundsandulcers,
andin burnsandscaldswhetherdueto theapplicationof heator any
vesicantalkalinesolution,aswell asin bitesof wild beastsandbirds,
etc.,andact beneficiallyin baths,unguents andlubrications.99
il( qRilg ril rTr+q rT+ quIt6*rdl
s{"Tqr{FE?ftqfr fr qrdynrili|tioo ||
Metrical Texts: Oil shouldbeusedin snuffing,andasenematias
Chap.XLV SUTRASTHANA 425

(Basti),eye-drops, as well as in seasoning

ear-drops, soups,curries
andcordials,etc.lt pacifies
thebodilyViryu.100
grueki qgrgsr ffi {rwi qgi
ffii w* gEdq$F{q|?sq{I:rerrqidrFrQrq{-ff-
@@ntottl
CastorOil is sweet,hot(initspotency),irritatingandappetising.
It leavesa pungent and is subtle.It actsas a
astringentafter-taste,
cleansingagentin respectofthe internalchannels ofthe body,andis
wholesometo the skin. It is spermatopoietic, sweetin digestion
(Vip-nka),andrejuvenating.It purifiesthesemen, vagina,andremoves
vaginalanduterinedisorders, andcontributes to thepreservation of
soundhealth.It improvesthememory,complexion andintellect(of its
user),suMuesthebodilyViyu andKapha,andcleanses the system
from all injuriousprinciplesby inducingpurging.101

-
*dtft *qunh it{gwrffi fuTq-f{ q.gM{ €fl uqfr -
*fr r rqoR
n
Oils obtainedfrom the seedsof Nimba, Arasl Kusumbha
Mulaka, Jimutaka,Vrksaka,Krtavedhana,Arka, Kampillaka,
Hastikarna,P4hvika,Pilu,Karaflja,
Ingudi,Sigru,Sarsapa, Suvarcalh,
Vidangaand JyotiEmati, seeds,are irritating,light, heat-makingin
theirpotency,andpungentin tasteanddigestion.Theyactasa good
laxative,andprovecurativein diseases dueto thederanged Vhyu,or
Kapha,as well as in casesbf Kustha,Prameha,headdisease,and
intestinalparasites.
102
qraei q-Jt tg qnd kf qmrr6{l
fuaM 1a furoqnqolll
GFFrofqr*d fr irg I
q,q'id*rc* +€d re tqqquioy tl
@i nsn egr
qEErqqffi Efu{lmffirq6{t rto\ r r
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

ffi re-{i fuf q*grsf Fdtqfll

l-tnFrr*r *qurrqryi ffi ?n?oE tt
Metrical Texts : Kqauma(Linseed)oil is sweet.It subdues the
bodilyVhyuandis strength-giving, andpungentin digestion.Devoid
of any eye-invigorating properties,it is hot thoughdemulcent,and
heavy.It increases thePitta,
Mustard oil is light,andactsasa vermifuge.It provescurative
in itch andcutaneous reducesVZtyu,Kaphaandfat, andis
affections,
pungent,appetising andLekhana(liquefacient) Oil obtainedfromthe
seedsof Ingudi ais vermifuge,and is light,and slightlybitterintaste.
It provescurativein Kusthaandparasiticdisorders, and affectsthe
strength, semenandthe eyesight of its user.The oil obtainedfrom
Kusumbha flowers in pungentin digestionand leads to the
derangement of all thebodilyhumours.It is irritating,andacidin its
reaction(Vidahi).It is devoidof any eye-cleansing propertyand
bringson haemoptysis. 103-106

@-feEfrffi -lnfutr-EtmTqfu
fr +-
fqrd-q-{Err-qffi-EgHn-*"-aq,io-qqrtrs-yt.Tfi qf
ffi rTg{rFr qg{PqtTr6Tf{ffi vffiuq-
fi{6zrdF{@ifrttqorgtt
.TheOilsobtained Atimuktaka,
fiomtheKirata-tiktaka, Bibhitaka,
Nhlikera, Kola, AkSoda, Jivanti,Priyila, Karbudira, Suryavalli,
Trapusa,Erv-aruka,Karklru, andKusmhnda seeds,etc.aresweetin
taste.potencyanddigestion,andtendto pacifythederanged V-ayuand
Pitta.Coolingin theirpotency,theyincrease theslimy secretionsof
theorgans,impairdigestion, andhelpthecopiousevacuation of stool
andurine.107

@ qg-{fiqrqTfrr EF(F,fuirgvrrr{r-
fr rEqr*rrorrqt&ydtg{qvr}ft tffirr5rfrqrrdFFUEaiA-
ffi srrrfr$nrrQrr€t qt Freral*<rr-rru+r-
@qE-6qrqr :ffi6,q-
qE66rFff6{T:r t -
sr*rnrrew6{r:fufiffiqEsr-
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA 421

Frrrrr gsffir{T:r I Tdftrfirki ffi

rffiwi +€=iftd qcdrtrrnia Iq*fusrki qgffii
ffiveeqrFlqd-€tffi-
grrFq qrffiqat rrqrq$q,qr€i rg+arfrfurq,.rg I Roz,-ttx | |
The Oils theMadhuka (Maula),Kh3maryaandPali3a seeds
aresweetandastringent, Theypacifythederanged KaphaandPitta.
Theoilsof theTuvarakaandBhallhtakaareheat-making, sweetand
astringent,and leave a bitter after-taste. They prove curativein
diseases dueto theactionof deranged VhyuandKapha,aswell asin
obesity,Meha,culaneous andintestinal
affections, worms,andcleanse
the systemboth by their emeticand purgativeactions.The Oils
obtainedfrom the piths(Slra) of suchtreesas,Sarala,Devad-aru,
Gandi-ra,Siffiapa andAguru, arebitterpungentandastringentin
theirtastes,andactaspurifyingagentsin respectofbadulcers.They
provecurativein skindiseases anddestroythederanged Vayu,Kapha,
and intestinal worms. The Oils obtainedfrom the seedsof Tumbi,
Ko3-amra,Danti-,Dravanti-,Syhm-er, Saptalh,Nilikh, Kampillaka,
and Sankhinl aredemulcent bitter,pungentantlastringent in their
tastes.They serveto cleansethe systemfrom all impuritiesand
banefulprinciplesthroughtheir purgativeproperties.They act as
purifyingagentsin respectof malignantulcers,andprovecurativein
diseases due to the derangedV-ayuand Kapha,as well as in skin-
diseasesKusthaand parasiticcomplaints.Yavatiktir-oil tendsto
suMueall thederanged humours,is slightlybitter,andactsasa good
acid,andliquefacient.
elixir.It is appetising, It is holyandwholesome
(Pathya), andservesto improve the memory of its user.TheOil from
Ekaiqiknseedsis sweet,andextremelycooling.It subdues thePitta,
increases theKaphaandaggravates theV-ayu. TheOil of theseedsof
mangostonesis slightlybitterin taste,andextremelyaromatic.It
subdues theVhyuandKapha.It is parchifying,sweetandastringent,
palatable,andnot highlyPitta-making. 10E-114
ffiffiqrgr6,rd€q;fikqr
TUTqEF{ ra flTflrq rndra}E feFcfiSqr tqq\ | |
q|z|:it:tFITeKt:
Tt6r: grner(qfidfifiar: t
*6 a5rgun im, Trt \alfTtr{wtqT:I tttE tl
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

rr&qk6 *foqkTtei e'yrstl

ffilqqetl
Metrical Texts : Thetherapeuticpropertiesof theoils from the
seedsof fruits,whichhavebeenspecificallydescribed in thepresent
chapter,shouldbe consideredas identicalwith thoseof the fruits or
seedsof whichtheyhavebeensopressed out.All thevegetable oils
(Sneha) described aboveshouldberegarded aspossessed ofthe virtue
of suMuingthebodilyVayu,andtheypossess someof theproperties,
whichspecificallybelongto sesamumoil. Sesamumoil is themost
commendable of all oils inasmuch asthevery word,whichsignifies
oil (Taila),is etymologically derivedfromTila (sesamum). 115-117
qcr}+qqr+ TWffi qTaqT:,
@ dgvfuq,Etr€n F6ftilE{r:, yg<-
Fqftmuurivfu rqr: rr* @ qrfoiri !-FFdqr6r
qrir{fi:I I lqqe| | Efr temrt: r
The oil, myosin(Vash),fat, marrow,andGhrtaobtainedfrom
animals,which live in villages(Gr?rmya), or frequentthe marshy
swamps(Anupa),or areaquatic(Audaka)in theirhabits,areheavy,
heat-makingin their potency,andsweetin taste.They subduethe
bodilyViyu, whilethoseobtainedfromJangala (suchasdeer,etc.)or
carnivorousanimals,or from thosepossessed of unbifurcatedhoofs,
arelight,coolin theirpotency,astringent in taste,andprovecurative
in casesof haemoptysis. The fat, marrow,etc. of animalsof the
PratudaandViskiraspecies(doves,pigeons,etc.)reducethe bodily
Kapha.Of clarified butter, oil, myosin (Vash),fat and marrow of
animalseachis heavierin digestion, andpossesses a greaterpowerof
suMuingthebodilyVayuthantheoneimmediately preceding it in the
orderof enumeration. llE
3T?r qgtrrt:-
qg g qg{ e,qrrTr3rrfaq{ rflfrTqFrfrri atrd vei q
E.€qrc*qt Aefqrffi rFqFi vilqi tErtri firR qqcrf
ysr*i -
@i ffi ffivrvrr+a I F( E !rgi{r{
trtntt', tF€Eqrrnwfq tnqr€nrcilEr qrdfutqr(t Rqq| |
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA

The Honey Group : Honeyis sweet,andleavesan astringent

after-taste.It is parchifying,cold, stomachic,cosmetic,tonic, light,
softening,palatable,liquefacient(Lekhana),and fermenting
(Sandhirna). It actsasa purifyingandhealingagentin respect ofulcers
and eyes,is aphrodisiac,astringent,and tendsto permeateall the
minutestchannelsand capillariesof the organism.It is antifatand
pacifiesthederangedPina andKaphaandproves curativeinhiccough,
Meha, dyspnoea,cough,dysentery,vomiting and thirst. It is a
vermifuge,antitoxicanddemulcent, andinfluencesthe subduingof
the three deranged humours. Owing to its lightnessit subduesthe
derangedKapha,andprovesa goodantidoteto thederangedVbyuand
Pittaowingto its sliminess, sweetness andastringent taste.119
qtFild qrrri qtti qrlq{ei Btrr+E ra I
snE{+qrc* gronnqeil rlgailir{T:nqRo| |
F{'frqr(dk{itgu,qft Ef rgfqtn-qqr(l
qrdrqqiFrtq.dF{ ffi Te;5:qg I lqRqI I
@gtfrcqr
trt F{iEr* iq rfrffif Hg irqquqR? |
TsrE'gilr $qr qrqT{i ydr{ Ha{r
srsrF<gq ++S s{r€i rq ffiwa: ntRt I
RTg-qrEi gF F6q fqFtri TffiFrflk(l
frr*ffi ffi gu}fi{uqRytl
srrd q€qFffiqef ffi vql
q,qF{ re qr* q Erc{ife*.rercq-{t ttR\ tl
sW rtffi r+d SwkxrrAlr
t5qrqurqF|.a finr{-d qqfo q,
srGttqqrrf qg €qT E#qqr tqRqtl
Ej6uftd qg rd qfiTvM €{qnq?e | |
fq3r!ftFrr6 trrF6 Snurqfrr&qt(r
M qtrerrrFilTrFi ffiwqq1tqRa tl
ir€ni @rr{tl
Tt=trfalrrfiTtfrrrEf r1{ Ilg I lqRq| |
"ffi6
 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

Metrical Texls : Eightdifferentkindsof honeyarecommonly

usedsuchas. the Pauttika,Bhramara,Ksaudra,Mxksika,Chitra,
Arghya,AuddZrlaka andDZrlal.Of thesethehoneyobtainedfrom the
hivesof bees,knownasthePauttika,is hotandparchifyingowingto
their habitof suckingthejuice or sapof flowersandplantswithout
eliminatingtherefromotherforeignor poisonous matter,that might
havebecomenaturallyor accidentallymixed with it. This kind of
honeyis intoxicatingandacidin its re-action,andtendsto aggravate
theViryu,bloodandPitta,It actsasa liquefacient or discutientagent.
Honey,knownas the Bhrhmara,is extremelyheavyowing to its
extremelysweettasteandslimycharacter, whiletheoneknownasthe
Kqaudra is extremelycool, light andliquefacient. Honeyknownas
theMakqika is lighter,dryerandmoreefficacious thanthehoneyof
theprecedingclassl(5audra,andprovesspeciallybeneficialin cases
of dyspnoea, etc.Honey,knownastheChatra,is sweetin digestion,
heavy,coolingandslimy.It actsas a vermifuge,provescurativein
haemoptysis, psoriasis andMeha,andis possessed of a highefficacy.
Honey known as the Arghya is possessed of propertieshighly
beneficialto theeye.It isa greatersubduer of PittaandKaphathanany
other kind of honey, is astringentin and
taste, pungentin digestion'It
is a bitter tonic and does not generate VZryu in the system.Honey
knownastheAudd-alakaimprovesthevoiceandrelishfor food.It is
antitoxic,and provescurativein cutaneous affections.It is heat-
1. (i) The kind of honey obtainedfrotn hives rtf large, yellow bees, is called the
Pauuika.
(ii'1 The kind ofhoney obtainedfrom hives of bees of the Bhramara species is
called Bhrdmara.
( iii) The kind of honey obtainedfrom hives of small, tawny brow'nbees is called
the K1audram.
(iv1 The kind of honey obtainedfrom the hives of large, brown beesof Ma@ika'
species is called MZtklikam.
(v) The kind of honey obtained frorn the umbrella shaped hives of bees of the
Chhatra species is called Chhtram.
(vi) The horrcy obtained from the hives of thin-mouthed bees of the Argha
species often found in ant-hills is called Arghyam'
(vii) The kind of honey obtained from the hives of small brown bees of the
Ildd:alaka species is called Auddilaknm.
(viii) The kind of honeyfound accumulated in leaves of honey-bearingplants is
called Dalam.
 Chap. XLV SI]TRASTHANA 431

making in its potency, and acid and astringentin taste.It generates

Pitta, and is pungent in digestion. Honey, known as the Dlla, is
parchifying and proves beneficial in casesof vomiting and Meha.
Fresh honey is conslructiveand aphrodisiac,acts as a mild laxative,
and to a small extent subduesthe derangedKapha. Old honey is
astringentand liquefacient,and reducesfat and obesity.Honey, that
has attaineda thickenedor condensedstatein courseof time (pakka
Madhu), tendsto subduethe threederangedhumours,while thin and
immaturedhoney (Ama Madhu) is possessed of contrary properties,
and tends to agitatethe three fundamentalhumours of the body. In
conjunction with many other drugs and medicinal remedies,honey
provescurative in variousdiseases,and partakesof the virtues of the
drugs or substanceswith which it is so used(yoga-Vahika). 120-l2g
F{E gqrsrri rTFdq-
illlo tl
Honeyis notcollecredfrom theflowersofanyparticularspecies.
On theotherhand,thehoney-makingbeescull it from thesapandjuice
of flowers and plants, which are incompatible with one another in
respectoftheir nature,taste,viftue,potencyandre-actionary(chemical)
effect.For thesereasons,andfurther from thefact of it beingprepared
by poisonousbees,honey becomespositively injurious after contact
with heat or fire, and accordingly the use of hot or boiled honey is
forbidden. 130
sufrFffi Fd t{qrdrfir qq{l
gqrrfgffiqlffiqmfue1nqlqtl
a-q E\Eqrzrf-'a Ha)q *sriF*qefuf r*rsrsFnErl
sufrFd€snE
ffi{er dpnFrfr*urq+{ qrfu r tqtR| |
Metrical rexts : on accountof itspoisonous
contactin itsorigin
honeyexertsa similarinjuriousvirtue.Usedin a boilingor heated
state,or in a hot country,or duringthehot season
of theyear,or in a
heatedstateof theh)dy,honeyissuretoprovefatallikepoison.Honey
is speciallvmadeinjuriousby hot contactowingto its placidityand
coolness, andfurtherfor thereasonof itsbeingcollectedfromthesap
of a varietyof flowersandplants.Atmosphericwater(rain-water),
432 SUSRUTASAMHITA

like heat,servesto impart an injurious characterto all kinds of honey

(except the one known as the Arghya Madhu) l3I'132
d{ qg ri5{i qqffidqt
3{qrc5,relqERc[|rtraffi( qf{(rlqRQ ll
Metrical Texts: Foremeticpurposeshoneymaybeadministered
with anyotherhotsubstance,inasmuch asit is.intendedin sucha case
thatthe imbidedhoney,instead of beingretained or digestedin the
stomach,shouldbe ejectedimmediatelyafterits use.t133
qqrqr( qrdKrrfff q-s T ffil
ffirrrerqil{Fd tfa rrenflqqqt lq?Y| |
E6 ngart:r
Undigestedhoneyis morepainful,or givesrise to a greater
discomfortthanall otherundigestedsubstances in thestomach,more
so because internal fermentationand use of hot water, which are
usuallyresortedto in a caseofderangeddigestion, notbeusedin
can
a caseof undigested honeyretainedin the stomach,owing to the
poisonousnature of the chemical change(Vipaka) it undergoes
in general.Hence,undigested
thereinin contactwith hot substances
honeyis as fatalasanypoison.134
er*qa,t:-
Ff+ qg{r qg{kqrfir gra: Tfiar' kfqr ErFnFr
*rfrr rli6fimqvrr{rt ffifr | lql\ | |
The Sugar-canegroup : Sugar-cane is sweetin tasteand
digestion,heavy,cool,demulcent, spermatopoietic,
strength-giving,
anddiuretic.It producesKaphain the body,andprovesremedialin
haemoptysis,andhelpsthegerminationof wormsin theintestines.135
* qrimFeqr:, E€[elr-
ffi $fr5-fifl*E dVm: Vffirq':r
6,r<r{tilrq$qg E'rdq: rlFcrrd,: I lqtq l I
1. Thoughtheuseofhoneywith hotsubstances is notforbiddenin suchcases,still
,rutnyun experienced physicianof theiyumedic school thinksil safeto refrain
from ils use,lest it might be retainedin thestomachfora considerabletime,or
find out a downwardoutletandpassoffwith the stool.
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA

ffi ffq*g ffiser at{r{'ql

F+dr Erir€t:Tr*€r{, lurqeqqrqd: qet tq?\e| |
gvfl* ngrt ftTrsfr {aur: vesre. rrt: I
affi gr-dq, @ nqletl
oTrlqrffi[uT: ffir{ €Frfr iivra} qa: r
dvr*qffirq fl*Egwr: € qrtrarI tq?q| |
6,r<rmrreraq evrfrr5guft qi*r
qdgurq a,r+q: €E E[fiffeF.fcfuf: I l?Yo | |
ffiffi ffi Ef€fcfTfr: I
?Tftrr: qtnftrtqr: RF-trTErI ffia, nqyq tl
vn* rmfirtelqrra: nqYRrl
sr#E q?rfr qsi qg{ qq Etl
3ffirg Rq gq{rri Frqufr rTI: iltxi rl
Metrical text : Therearemanyspeciesof sugar-cane suchas,
Btriruka,Vam3aka,
thePaun$raka, Swetaporaka,Kintara,Thpaseksu,
Khstheksu,Suci-patraka,Naiphla,Dirghapatraka,Nilapora, and
Ko3akna,Now we shall deal with the specificvirtuesof eachof
them.136-137
TheSugar-cane oftheI'aup{raka andBhlruka typesiscooling,
and
swee|demulcent constructive. It produces Kaphaandis laxative
withoutgiving rise to imperfectgastricdigestion.It is heavyand
spermatopoietic. TheSugar-cane of theVamSakaspecies ispossessed
of similarproperties asthetwoforegoingones,thougha little alkaline
in its constitution,
whilethatof theSwetaporaspeciesis a little more
heat-making thanthatof theprecedingclass,andis foundto suMue
the derangedVlyu. The Sugar-cane of the K-antaraand Tlpasa
species is possessedof thesamevirtuesasthatof theVam3aka class.
TheSugar-cane oftheKhq[hekqu,species is identicalin itsproperties
with thatof theaforesaidVamSaka class,thoughit tendsto agitatethe
bodily Vzryu. The Sugar-cane of the Srlcipatra,Nilapora,Naiphla
andDirghapatraspeciesproduces V6yuin thesystem,andsubdues
the KaphaandPitta.It is slightlyastringent in tasteandindigestible
(givesriseto acidityafterdigestion). TheSugar-cane of theKo3akira
Vol.I-28
434 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

ctxtlingandprovescurativein cases
speciesis heavy(in digestion),
ofhaemoptysisandwasting in general.
diseases Sugar-cane isextremely
sweetabouttheroots,sweetat the middle,and salineat thetopsand
joints.138-143
sffi q,cnq-fr enaftrtFrqrur:r
ryrc-r{+ qtd {nF{Efiigfr rrl: niYYtl
1tfffi fusssfr yi'a*Rla't
"nf-{*-q q,q-drr3EnqY\
rrd lfo: Trr: fur{: sfrqlr: tl
qlfud g5 qg{cFlqF< Ejaurrr.*efHeq.€, I tqYq| |
The juice of a sugar-canewhen eatenraw is not marked by any
acid reaction after digestion.It is spemratopoietic,increaseskapha
and subduesthe VZryuand the pitta, and is pleasantto the taste.The
juice of sugar-caneotherwisepressedoutis heavyin digestion,is long
retainedin the stontach,and is lbllowed by reactionaryacidity, and
arreststhe evacuationof stool and urine. thejuice of ripe sugar-cane
is heavy in digestion, possessedof laxative properties,keen, and
demulcent.It subduesthe Vhyu and Kapha.The inspissatedor half
boiled juice of sugar-canePhl4ita is sweetin tasteand heavy. It
increasesthe slimy secretionsof the organs,acts as a flesh-builder,
and is devoid of all spermatopoieticproperties.It brings about a
simultaneousderangementof the three bodily humours. 144-146
iT:m€il Trrfr,,Vffi qrfanrtfw<
ge: vgrwgfr =nfrVfi
qroEil tE:ffi E-d gcqgnqxetl
ffi qgt: {d ara*sgqlurelq: I
F STrur)sfuagvil $9: uezkpT: {rT: IRYZ ll
Commontreacleis foundto bechargedwith a little alkali.It is
sweetin tasteandnottoocooling.It actsasa demulcent andpurifier
of theblood,andurine.It subdues thederanged Vayuand,to a slight
extent,derangesthe Pitta as well. it increasesfat, Kapha,and
corpulency,andis possessed of tonicandspermatopoietic properties.
Whiteandpurified(Suddha) treacleis sweetin taste,andpurifiesthe
blood.It subdues thederanged Vhyaandpitta,andis oneof themost
wholesome dietsfor man.Itsefficacyincreases withitsyears.147-148
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA 435

@ fdrTiffiT ffi+Tf Vfrar: fFrrerr

I5Trr qgTil{r Eqr @ | tqYS| |
The different modification of treaclesuchas the Matsyandika,
Khanda and Sarkarl (sugar) which are progressivly more refined,
should be deemedas gaining more in their cooling, demulcentand
aphrodisiacproperties,and gettingheavierin digestionin eachofthe
successivestagesof refinement.Theyaresuccessivelymorefrigorific,
and beneficialin casesofhaemoptysis.149
q?rr qeH *rej itsn iTerrI
qTiErg dsn ?tgn I lq\o | |
zil"il@rEe}Wr:r
+{ t+{ i{W M IUr:nq\qtl
qnfumr gr{rmr fr:QTRrq qsrr qerTI
irsn iTen guTTfr Fcriqr vrdTT E$,ilq\R tl
Metrical Texts : To the propertiesconsideredas specially
belonging toeachofthese modificationsoftreacleshouldbeattributed
itspowerofproducingitsownrefinenlent andefficacy.Thevirtuesof
sugarzuchas,sweetness, demulcent quality,co0lness andlaxativeness,
etc.,shouldbe regardedasproportional to its refinement,Whatever
qualitiespossessed by Matsyandiktr khandaand Sarkarathe same
qualitiOsare indicatedin the drinks liquorsof abovementioned
substances. As the Sarkaribecomesmoreand morecleantogether
with successivedevoidness fromalkalinesaturation andincreasing
in
its essencethequalitiesof Sarkar?r
increases moreandmoreandthis
fac{fshouldbe knowby wisepersons.150-f52
qg{rdrr 5tYo+dtsr6t 5qn}q+ y61q-+qqrrTqgn
qg{F{qr6T qt qgrmqmr Ffiul3lrm fM
"rqn$vrdTr
v{r ifrt tq\t tl
Sugarpreparedfromconcentrated honey(Madhu Sarkari) is
parchifyingandliquefacient.It provesbeneficialin casesof vomiting
and dysentery,is pleasant,hasa sweetandastringenttaste,and is
sweetin digestion.Sugarpreparedfrom a decoctionof Yavhsa
Sarkarh(Dur?rlabha) hasa sweetandastringent taste,leavesa bitter
436 SUSRI.JTASAM}{ITA

andis possessed
after-taste, of laxativeproperties,
andsubduesthe
derangedKapha.153
?retet: Wdt, *ffirr rref Erdgsrwrqr:r
: ilt\Y tl
s'qr qT{.gdRr q,rfRi qrnfu'tr{-(l
swai qg{ qr* u'ql?i ErRirqsrur{tq\\ | |
5fiqari: r
All kindsof sugartendto assuageburningsensations in thebcxly,
andprovecurativein hoemoptysis, vonriting,epilepticfits,andthirst.
The sweetand concentrated extract(Phinita)of Madhukaflowers
shouldbe regardedas parchifying,it producesVhyu andPitta,and
subdues Kapha.It is sweet,astringent
in itsdigestivetransformation,
andderanges thefunctions ofurinerybladder.154-155
a
3{9f IT€IEI{:-

Fd ffi Faqrai qTrrqTt=r;I{l

*qi qqerauf Ea qffirt{nq\q tl
qr& q F*qrqgf furfrEqdiiqTtl
ffi {ufruT* rnl d{q Rsrtrr{rnq\etl
MadyaVarga(Winesandspirits): All species of wirleareacid
They generatePitta,and impart a greater
in taste,and appetising.
relishto one'sfood.Theyactasmildpurgatives, subduethederanged
Vlyu andKapha,andarepleasing,exhilarating anddiuretic.
TheyareIightin digestionandgiveriseto a kindof re-actionary
acidity,Theyarekeenandheat-making, stimulatethesenseorgans,
expandthejointsandincrease thedischarge of urineandstool.Now
properties
hearmespecificallydescribed of eachkindof wine.156-157

rtrFrtsfu Fdii g*+ yfdffi | tq\a I r

I{-lr dk E^qrs tfiqrdn-JId dg I
FgqTF$ F{ @uq\qtl
MetricalTexts: ThewineknownastheMhrdvika
andprepared
 Chap. XLV SOTRASl'HANA 437

from thejuice of suchfruitsasgrapesantlraisins,doesnot give rise

to anysortof reactionaryacidityafterits use,andaccordinglyis not
forbiddenby learnedphysicians evenin casesof haemoptysis. It has
a sweettaste,andleavesan astringent after-taste.
It is parchifying,
light andeasyofdigestion,actsasanaperient, andprovescurativein
chronicfevers,phthisisandotherwastingdieseases. lSg-l59
qrffiFnFr(qr{tqrc*}trt{l
dtq ffi riai q;'fiEi qvii agr
i5,,qTqqgr E€r grr;sfrffiTqntqo rr
The wine preparedfrom thejuice of rhe datepalm (Khhrjula)
possesses properties,which are slightly diffbrentfiom thoseof the
preceding kind. It tends to enragethe bfilily Vayu, is clear, and
impartsa relish to one'sfood, andreducesfat and Kapha.It is light has
a sweetandastringenttaste,is pleasingandaronraticandincreases the
agility of the limbs and organs.160

rtrerctnwqRilr g{r ffiuqqqtl

I
q'+dr
BTil tqq?tl
I
r€ETT @ilqqttl
fursrserq'qr E'qn ffit nqy | |
ffiffi V{r TqT yfr,u1-dT
E uqfua;rr
uqn arftffiq, qqr rn=rfrqrRil"1qail tqq\ tl
qH qeFtFSET:l
ITWril qrrcr: qrr tqrcq-*.m'{rfru.6(tRqq
||
EEr: FcrF6q,rAq-E{tqf{rry}qE{,
q*q.* E-dsrrar( Fd€xqt qrce*qr, r
tqrt vgfquqt ffisgrn gt.:uqestl
The wine known as the Surh (madeof rice-pasteand other
fermentingdrugs)provescurativein cough,piles,chronicindigestion
anddiarrhoea,andretentionofurine. It subdues thederangedvhyu
438 SUSRUTASAIi{HITA

and is tonic and appetising.It purifies the breastmilk of a woman and

proves beneficial in all types of diseasesof the blood, as well as in
wasting diseases.White Sura is used with benefit in all casesof
cough, piles, diarrhoea,dyspnoeaandcatarrh.it builds up new flesh
and tissues,and increasesthe quantityofblood. It is galactagoguicin
its effect, and increasesthe quantity of Kapha in the body. The wine
known asthe Prasanni (thecreamor thelimpid surfaceof Surb)nlay
be taken with advantagein voniiting, non-relishfor food, aching or
colic pain at the sides or atx)ut the cardiac region, constipation,
suppressionof stcnl and urine or flatus,as well as in all casesof
obstinateconstiptionand derangementof the bodily Vhyu. The wine
preparedfrom barley (Yava surl) generatesPitta and tendsto enrage
the bodily V-ayu.It is dry and slightly generatesKapha, The wine
prepared from Madhu-likh (a kind of small barley) is heavy and
generatesKapha in the body, It is long retainedin the stomach,and
arreststhe evacuationof stool and urine. fne Atqiti (wine prepared
fiom the bark of Bibhitaka trees etc.) is parchifying, digestant,and
slightly producesKapha,It is possessed of aphrodisiacproperties.The
wine known as the Kohala bringson the simultaneous derangement
of the three fundamentalbodily humours,is pleasantto the taste,acts
as a purgative (Bhedya)and is possessedof aphrodisiacproperties.
The wine known as the Jagala (the underlying drugs or residue of
wine) is astringentand heat-makingin its potency, and acts as a
digestant.It is parchifying,and provesbeneficialin coug4,thirst and
Oedema.It is pleasantto the taste,curesdiarrhoea,distertsionof the
stomach,piles and phthisis.It forms and subduesthe derangedVhyu
as well. The wine known as the Bakkasa continueslong undigested
in the stomach owing to the fact of it being pithless. It is a gcxrrC
appetiser and tends to enrage the derangedVhyu, and acts as a
purgative and diuretic tonic. (A.T.) It is heavy and slightly
intoxicating. 16l-1.67
qqreff €{T: r16rTfrrf;T:I
vrrq;rr qgn rr.€fi ekvilen:1?ez tl
qrfld Tgt: .rr+ til fu*srT: I
iltr{ q€(Fr:
Chap. XLV SUTRASTI{ANA 439

vfr,5,oilffiAgiluq: ffifriT: I
qVh, tffiq.: gqe{1r{rry: nleo tl

snF6F':qnrg+qE+ quq: Tffi dS: nq\eqtl

dTif€6TtF[: I lqgR tl
The wine known as the Guda Sidhu (preparedwith the boiled
juice of sugar-caneand Dhlrtaki flowers, etc.) has a sweet and
astringenttaste,and actsas an appetiserand rjigestant.Sugar wine
(Sarkarir Sidhu) is sweetin its taste,increasesone'srelish for food,
is appetisingand diuretic. It subduesthe rlerangedVtryu and is
exhilarating,sweetin digestion,and increases the action(lit : r:ouses
up) of the senseorgans.The wine krrorvnas the Pakva llasa Sidhu is
possessedof properties similar to the preceding kinds (Sarkarb
Sidhu).It improvesthe complexionand impartsstrengthto the system
and relish to one'sfryrd.It is pleasant,laxative,appetisingand proves
beneficialin casesof Kaphaandpilesandreducesswellings.The wine
known as the Sitir Rasika Sidhu (prepareclfrom rhe unboiledjuice of
Sugar-canein contradistinctionwith the preceding kinds prepared
from the boiled juice of sugar-cane),acts as an anti-epispastic,and a
digestantand vocal tonic, provescurative in oedemaand abdominal
dropsy,improvesthe cornplexion,removesthe suppressionofflatus,
urine and stool (Vibandha),and proves beneficial in casesof piles.
The wine known as the Aksika Sidhu (preparedfrom a decoctionof
Bibhitaka with treacleetc.and improvedwith the flowers of Dhitaki)
proves beneficial in casesof ulcer and jaundice. It is light and
astringent, and has a sweer and astringent taste. It subdues the
deranged Pitta and purifies the blood. The wine known as the
Jhmbava Sidhu (wine prepared from the expressedjuice of the
Jambalin fruit, a decoction of coriander seeds.treacle and Dhataki
flowers, etc.) is anuretic, reduces the quantity of urine, has an
astringenttaste,and tendsto enragethe bodily Vhyu. 1,6E-172
*qvr: V{Ts+ EEii {f,€: trrnaT?r3-(uq'e?
tl
Erq|lrq: fungd fuffisF*rmrrr, r
@rq6:uqextl
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

ftttn': q'qrq: viffiFr: Rrg{qrtr{-(l

*qvr' q,qr* @tlq\e\ll
f{frHsFcrdlt +S qgti l[F: I
EF€r: firf,d+ qrd fd+q-rsrse: I tteE tl
vfrgdrF'SrEfr€ft frqrgF=rcoqE:
r
€Q{: 6.tlTzT: 8156( fuqur:t
ffifulq.erqf E6-<Tdq'erFrerr{l lq\ee | |
T.i rr€rqF{@ T5 qmrF{Eitqrqr
qftq1Fu t*csreere ffi ?nq'ee I
gqfu Ari 6:s ffqs{ ffi{wqqt
FE-ffi !ffi ag qrcrfrqtrra{t tqei tl
The wine known as the Sur-asava(Asavadistilled with wine
insteadof with water)is keen,pleasant,and diuretic.It subduesthe
deranged Vlryu and Kapha, or the deranged Vayu alone, and is
palatable,and possessed of a more durableintoxicating power. The
wine known as the Madhvisava wine (Honeyasava)is light, tends
to disintegratethe knotty accumulationsor collections of phlegm
(Chhedi),andprovescurativein Meha (unhealthydischargesfrom the
urethra),cutaneous affections,andpoisoning(antitoxic).It hasa taste
blendedof the sweetand the astringent,is keenand anti-epispastic,
and doesnot generatean abnnormalquantityof Vayu in the system.
The wine known as the Maireya (prepared froni the Paistisurh,
treacle-made spiritandhoney)is keen,andhasa sweetandastringent
taste.It is intoxicating,andprovescurativein piles,KaphaandGulma
(abdominalglands).It is antifat and a vermifuge,and is heavy in
digestion,and subduesthe derangedVlryu. Wines preparedfrom the
juice of grapes or sugar-cane (Iksu or DraksZrsava) are tonic and
choleric. They subduethe deranged Pitta and serve to improve the
complexion. Sidhu (wine) preparedfrom the l\ladhuka flowers is
parchifying, takes a long time to be digested,and is followed by an
acid reaction.It improvesthe strengthanddigestivecapacity,and has
an astringenttaste. It subduesthe derangedKapha, and serves to
aggravatethe V-;ryuandPitta.Winespreparedfrom the distilled juice
of bulbs or roots should be deemed as possessedof properties
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA 441

pertainingto them individually accordingto their taste(Rasa).New

wine is heavy, bad smelling,insipid, unpleasant,unpalatable,and
tends to increasethe slimy secretionsof the organs.It enragesthe
derangedhumoursof the body, takesa long time to be digested,and
is followed by an acid re-action.Old Wine is sweet-smelling,actsas
an appetiser,and brings on a relish for l-ood.It is pleasantand a
vermifuge, and cleansesthe internal channelsof the organism. It is
light and subduesthe derangedVZryuand Kapha. 173-179
sTFd Fqd*q-dw,rr$r*i gd: r
fu vrq=et €: n?zotl
{r.t: 6'rFErritET: F{: firilffierr: t
y55rerT-ffi6-qn=ffi FrT: r tqet | |
ftrqe@ g.€-e'w,+rrfi: r{iT: I
tqffigt$ qqrtsR-qr rttranr qsr.E'rrq4R| |
e{figff{fre{{rTurqH,qtfurqrFq*qr
gqzruerret E.srfrfi{qqt tqzRtl
Thespecies of wineknownastheAriqta(fernentedliquor)is
highlyefficacious owingto theconcerted actionof a varietyof drugs
enteringintoits composition. It provescurativein a largenumberof
diseases, tendstclsuMuethederanged humoursof thebody,andis a
good.appetiser.It subdues theVayuandKaphaandislaxativeandnot
hostileto thePitta.It provesbeneficialin colicpain,distension of the
stomach,abdominaldropsy,fever,enlargedspleen,indigestionand
piles.Asavawineprepared fromthedrugsknownasthePippali,etc.
(PippalyadiAsava)provescurativein Gulma(abdominal glands)and
diseases dueto thederanged Kapha.TheAriqtasof othertherapeutic
virtueswill bespeciallydescribed lateronin chaptersonTherapeutics
(Cikitsita).An experienced physicianshouldprescribethe different
species of winesuchas,the Arista,Asava,Sidhu,etc.,in different
diseases in considerationof thetherapeutic propertiesof drugs,which
enterinto theircomposition, or with whichtheyhavebeenpurified,
andaccording aseachofthem wouldbeindicated inpractice.180-183
srq ffi gri" fu{e ffif gur
sr6€f ilt'ui frqryrggr ErffirdqtRey tl
442 SUSRUTASAMIIITA

3rflM q{ffi firfu'ss q{t

FF{ rrd'Ervei ffivg qq ur*qttle\ ll
Thefollowingkindsof wineshouldalwaysberejectedviz' such
as arethick,badsmelling,or insipidor full of worms,or heavyand
acidin digestion,un-pleasant,new,strongandheat-making in their
potency,or which havebeen preserved in an improper vessel,or
which havebeenpreparedwith a comparatively lessernumberof
ingredientsor havebeendecanted over-night, or areextremelyslimy
or transparent,as well asthedrugsof all kindsof wine.184'185
?rr r( dqrrEqR ?rsd fiTki I€ |
\^
?5rfi,lrnrtr drrEl ffiqa: rrqeqrl
fimnea1fu qwf +eprgssT ftr<rR ? r
3r6€i +ftd {Fd ffiFf ffiti 1tllqae ll
asn ffiwqnt
fur.rqnqzztl
Fqrfufti Erril{i {ri q.qerdFiil-(t
rF?i yt|=f r{€i H rr<rcr6{nqzqll
The wine preparedfrom a comparativelylessernumberof
ingredients,newor thatwhichis slimy,heavyandtakesa longtime
to be digested,shouldbe deemedasanagitatorof thebodilyKapha.
The wine which is profuselywatery is strong and hot, is only
imperfectlydigested andfollowedby a kindof acidre-action'It tends
to aggravate thePitta.Thewine,whichis frothyor putrified,heavyor
insipidor is markedby the germinationof wormsin its body,or is
decanted over-night,tendsto enrageor agitatethebodilyV-ayu'The
winewhichis associated causeprovocation
withall do;?rs of all bodily
doshs.The wine which is well-matured,and-possessed of its
characteristic taste,and the virtue of improving the appetite and
brinling on a relishfor foul, andwhichsubdues theViyu and Kapha,
andis mild,good,aromaticandexhilarating, shouldberegarded asthe
only winefit for use.f 86-189
^C

iTFTFFF!|tFr|FI rr€rFr Isl[€l?t: I

ft Fr*Erqrq fuerra t+*.rfuaa effn r I
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA

€tiq EEq grxzl sFr+s.edqrrkr{l

ffisnffifu *d F{qhsFq{Autqotl
fr}r61 ydffi gfu q.rr{fr qrqt rrq:I
3{fqrr{ Enftr& {€: tffi T'ffiE Eilq3q tl
ITfitr+ vnercfFuq-tfrrrermrffi{: r
riiarqql.rdrcTrrq-gr&qHr€r{-qE: lRiR ll
\A
TF{S E:toVffi Trsr6{r{l
E6-tr6 €E{*]TI EFfrFd q E : l l q q Rl l
I
arftqqrqrngrfr Eqfr€ E(: llRjY ll
Winesmaybedividedintoa varietyof species according to their
differenttastesandstrength. Thepotencyof a winepromotedby the
ktdily heat of a man coursesupwardthroughthe arteries,and
ultimatelyreaches theheart:andthence, throughitsownsubtilityand
expansiveness, permeates theentireorganismandgraduallyattacks
andoverwhelms theorgansof senseperception, dethrones the mind
fromherthroneof reason,usurpsthepermanent seatof intellect,and
thus brings on intoxication.tA man of phlegmatictemperament
(Kapha-Prakrti) cancarryhiswinewetrl, andsymptoms of intoxication
usuallyappearlater in him. A manof bilioustemparament (Pitta-
Prakrti),undersuchcircumstances, getseasilyintoxicated, whilethe
man whosetemperament is markedby a predominance of Vhyu is
oftenfoundto be tipsyafterhis first cup.A manof a Sattvikaframe
of mind exhibitsundertheinfluenceof wine,a decidedpredilection
for finedress,jollity, andactsof purityandcompassion. He sings,or
reads,or evincesa strongdesirefor femalecompany.A man of a
Rijasikaframeof mindbecomes extremely melancholy or pugnacious
in his cups,indulgesin despondent reveries,and evincessuicidal
tendencies;whilewinein a subjectof aTimasikacastof mindexhibits
the latentand innatevilenessof his soul.Sucha persongenerally
sleepswhenintoxicated,falselyboastsof his own excellence, and
evincesa desirefor womenwith whomconnectionis forbiddenby
bothsocialandcanonicallawsandspeaksa lie. 190-194
that the franers of ancient ,{yumeda were
ftrlly conversant with the circulation of the blood-Tr.
 SUSRUTASAMIIITA

Tnfirtrot {lnt SF( tffifuqrfi{l

M q{Ei veq-qrugGrnrar FTgI rqi\ | |
*quM IFei 6ei e,E6EiqzqrF€ qt
iltr{ irqrgtf rrd +qrg ffiqa: Iniq tl
rilsfT TgqinlF{ qgq.fiTf{ qrfr qt
qnqSerl
FermentedliquorsknownastheSukta(treacle, honey,fermented
rice gruel,andcurdcream kept in a newand clean vesselunderneath
a bushelofpaddy for threeconsecutive days)bring on an attackof
haemoptysis. Theydisintegrate the lumpsor knotsof accumulated
Kapha,aredigestant andprovecurativeinjaundiceanddiseases due
to thederangement of Kapha.Theyarelightandvermifugenous, and
strongand heatmakingin their potency.They act as diuretic,,are
pleasant,andpungent in digestion. Bulbsandrootspickledin Sukta
acquirethe propertiesof the latter. Of the Suktaspreparedwith
treacle,juiceofsugar-cane, or honey,eachpreceding oneshouldbe
deemedheavierandas givingrise to greatersecretions of internal
organsthan the one imniediatelyfollowing it in the order of
enumeration. 195-197
g{rq {'ri Es EEqrugfcfirftrgEl
.lF{ FYfu den I Rq4 | |
The differentkinds of fermentedrice gruel known as the
Tuqhmbuand Sauvi-raarepleasant andappetising They
beverages.
prove efficaciousin casesof jaundice,worms in the intestines,
dysentery, affectingtheheart.Theyarepnssessd
pilesandin diseases
of purgative(Bhedi)properties.
198
qr;qrlFi qrqdfinerq*Fi qrd{rvrql
FYtt-( qnr( E qfi-u,qTsrr6{ Ftg I tqi3 | |
fuuqr€ FrrfrErg qqi rTuqqqrrurr(r
grffi't'q-qqgilqffiqrr6{ 1 1 1 o ot l
frrf EKui *tF( Ff,drrrccnq\ q I
q{|-Ti Trr-€g-qt ilRoq t l
gFfirrerari:r
 Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA 445

ThefrmentedgruelknownastheDhhnyhmla is a goodappetiser
(tonic-D.R)owingto thefactof its beinga preparation of paddy.As
a plaster,it alleviates theburningsensation of theskin,andasa potion
it subdues the V6yuandKapha,andallaysthirst.Usedasa gargleit
forms one of the best remediesfor reducingKaphaowing to its
keenness. It is light of digestion,actsas a deodorant, removesthe
senseof exhaustion andbadtastefromthemouth,allaysthirst,actsas
a goodappetiser anddissolvent,is possessedofpurgativevirtues,and
isadvantageouslyusedas anenemata(esn6pana;. Itis verywholesome
to seafaringmen.199-200
wt q*rFur:-
{*tur @ *qunR qqg-
!qrF{ flilffrh eeq'rgsrF{ d{F{ vileFfi q,tfi;qffifr-
t=nft {iqinh
q EIrTr-kT:llRo? ll
The Urine Group : Theurineof cows,buffaloes, goats,sheep,
mules,horses,andcamelstarecommonlyhotandbitter,andleavea
salineafter-taste.
Theyarelightandareusedaspurifyingagents,and
will provecurativein diseases
dueto thederangementof thevhyu and
Kapha,as well as in wormsin the intestines, obesity,poisoning,
abdominalglands,piles,ascites, cutaneousaffections,
oedema,non-
relishfor food,andjaundice.In generaltheyactascardiacstimulants
Hrdyaandappetisers. 202
tmh qr*-
ild lrd re ffi w*wqqi qr
yilqi qq'erf,Ei ts.Frhnfd6nrd{nRot tl
vilm,,riq*-Trvrr{l
qrrffi .lR Ea {TfirqT{ilRoy tl
Authoritativeverseson the Subject: Theyare all pungent,
strong,hot, Iight and havea salineafter-taste.They act as blood_
I' The uine of a cow, she-buffalo, ewe and she-goat shourd be takcn and used,
while similer secretions of the male should be taken where man, camel and
elephant should be indicated.
 suSnurnsAMIrrA

agents,
purifiersor disinfecting reducecorpulency,actasvermi-fuges
andareanti-toxic.TheysuMuethederanged VdyuandKapha.They
provebeneficialin cases of piles,ascites,
abdominaltumours,oedema
andnon-relishfor food.Theyprovebeneficialinjaundice,andactas
cardiacstimulants,and are posseslleC of appetising,purgativeand
stomachicvinues. 203-204

mreffi€qrriEraqmcr{l
ffiri ied firflFi qt6.erdmqilRo\ rl
_fu{enrqmrF{g
Tfffig lrai Tf ydrcrlquRoq tl
The urine of cow is pungent,strongand hot, and does not
generate V6yuonaccountof itsbeingsaturated with alkali.lt is light,
stomachic,slightlygenerates the Pitta,and subduesthe V6yu and
Kapha.It provesbeneficialin casesof colic,abdominal glands,ascites
anddistension of theabdomen, andis usedfor thepurposes of purging
andenematas (Asthipana). In cases,whichproveamenable to theuse
of urine,the urine of a cow should be usedto the exclusion of thatof
anvotheranimal.evento thatof an ox. 2115'206

qrrgfrn q rnfaqqttRos||
Theurineof a (she)buffaloprovesbeneficialin piles,abdominal
affections,
dropsy,coliccutaneous Meha,imperfectactionof emetics
of purgatives,constipation,oedema,abdominalglands, and
jaundice.207
Er€gRTrT6 Yfu-u'rrrerrggnTsql
@nRoz,tl
qrffifl"sRr-Yilq-{€ilTt f6ql
Fqrrr nrtnq'5*gqt ermqrf{*'{nRoj ||
6ri wgfiq{rilsr qrn+frknrr3El
swd qln-6t '{* ffiftr{dg Yrst I rRqoI r
qFffii dEui *F{ Errauf fir:n+tqltr
*ePr qnt tffirn r4;Trriq1 ffi(tt?tq tl
Chap. XLV SUTRASTHANA 441

The urine of a (she)goat has a pungent,bitter taste.It slightly

agitates the bodily V6ryu and proves curative in cases of cough,
dyspnoea,consumption,jaundice and chlorosis.The urine of a ewe
containsalkali, and hasa bitterpungenttaste.It subduesthe deranged
Viyu, and is heat-makingin its potency.It provesbeneficialin cough,
enlargedspleen,abdominaldropsy, dyspnoea,consumptionand in
obstinateconstipationof the bowels.The urine of a horseis appetising
andpungentin taste,strongandheat-makingin its potency.It subdues
the derangedViryu and Kapha, and cures mental aberrations.It is
usuallyrecommendedin casesof ringwormandwormsin theintestines.
The urine of an elephanthas a bitter and saline taste.It is keen and
purgative,and suMuesthe Viyu andenragesthePitta.It is commonly
usedin the treatmentof (Kilisa) leucodermaand in the preparationof
alkalies. 208-211
rmtefufiREi frqur TraqnftEEl
{q=t tnicr qr mercqqrqtt t?tRtl
vfrunEffiqT+rmrdffi{Tvm{
3rsfu a,rrrr qr qrgv{ fqqFr6qlRq? tl
The urine of an ass tendsto neutralisethe effectsof poison
generated throughthechemicalactionof tu'odifferentsubstances in
the organismand suMuesthe ill effectof mentalaberration.It is
strongand provescurativein casesof chronicdysentery.It is a
vermifugeandsubdues theVdyuand Kapha,andis appetising. The
urine of a camel provesbeneficialin casesof oedema,leprosy,
abdominaldropsy,insanity,wormsin the intestines,piles and in
diseasesduetotheactionof thederangedV6yu.Humanurineis strong
anti-toxic.212-213
Ffeqrfur Fqffur qqFsr{afififfi gr
EFrd{evrfurrrr* 1uffi'$rfFdrtRqytl
I havenowbrieflydescribed thepropertiesof all kindsof liquid
An
foodor drink. experienced physician prescribe
shcluld themfor the
useof his kind accordingto thenatureof seasonandthecountryin
whichtheyareto be applied.2l4
gfr Vg-fiiffi rlren+ rq-rqFqHq qrrsrfwilsqe: lusll
Thus ends the forty-fifth Chapterof the Srltrasth6nain the Su6rutaSamhira
which treats of liquids.
 SUTNASTHANA
CHAPTEK XLVI

enrrfrsrrqmhFrqeqRi qr@lrFlrur:,
qsfrqrq r1rrd1=1
e1-qffi;1sq11
ontheChapter,whichtreatsof foodand
Nowwe shalldiscourse
drink (Annaphna-Vidhiadhyaya).I
er;*<FsFrqra€{ilrdrqvrqF+F*igrfu rti5.{ffi
qrfftrq{Trg r g w.€ 1fur+tr: I rRT: grf,anufour,,
@ ;aqrqgs tqruriqrersrrsgrkfu
=pfr6qqr6T{:ftrqffig:,@i
Efr{rrqrqtl@t aeqrffi-
tqrffierylTrd€q
Ycrq Y?r'( Frd,
;r6.€gqg*14 fi{qq: sr*crrfgFfl ffirflrg *d
gcef , I snE:r{rfif,rgl
wffi qgrq@
n wr;aF+qtr,:*erq $|f|urrtsF{afr; sTersg q*T Bgil ?
wllRll
to theholyDhanvantari,
Havingmadeobeisance said:
SuSruta
"You havestatedbeforethatfooddetermines theoriginof beingsand
forms,the chief sourceof theirbodily strengthandcomplexion,as
well as of the albuminous Food
(Ojas)principlein their organisms.
primarilydepends uponthesix differenttastes.Moreovertastesare
C h a p .X L V I S I - I T R A S T HA N A 4.19

inherent in substances. Again the substances, with tt'.rir specific

taSteS,virtues,potenciesandreactionary or Chemicitltransfbrnrations,
tendto diminishor increasethe derangeclhumours andthefundamental
principlesof the body, as also to bring about a normal equilibrium
in-,.,ngrtthem.Food is the primarycauseof the origin, continuance
anddissolutionevenof suchbeingsasthedivineBrahma,etc' Life is
impossiblewithout ftrod.Food is the sourceof the growth, strengttr,
and healthfulglow ol'organicbeings.It is food that impaftsstrenSth
tOthe organsof senseanclmakesthem Operativein their respective
fieldsof action.It is inegularity(Vaisamya)of dietwhichbringsabout
ill-health.Diet may be divided into four kinds such as, solid food,
(A6itha) drink, Lidha (food takenby licking), and the Khidita (food
that is chewn and assimilatedonly for the enioymentof a specific
taste).A varietyof substances entersinto thecompositionof our food,
which admit of being groupeil under various preparationsund
necessarilyinvolve the co-operationof a largenumberof dynamical
forces.I am eagerto learnofthe substances andtheirspecificinherent
properties,virtues,potenciesandtransformations (chemicalreactions)
which constitute the daily food of human beings, inasmuch as a
physician, who is ignorant of them, is quite helplessin checking or
iuring anydistemperandmaintaininghealthin individuals.And since
food (diet)determinesthe origin of all createdbeings,instructus, O
Lord, ontheproperregimenoffoodanddrink."Theholy Dhanvantari,
thus addressedby Susruta,replied as follows : "O child, hear me
discourseon the proper regulationof food and drink as requestedby
you. 2

3rerYnftTflt:-
iTI-

' $TeI{: l l? ll

SirtiRice Group : Thereareseveralspeciesof Setirice suchas,

the Lohitaka ji,ti, Kalama, Kardamaka, Pln{uka, Sugandhaka,
Sakun6hrra, Pusphndaka, Sita-Bhiruka,Rodhra-
Pundarika,Mahir^(l1i,
Puspaka, DirghaSulta,Klflcanaka, Mahisa, Mahasuka, Hiryanaka'
DuTaka,and Maha-DuTakaetc. 3
Vot. I-29
C h a p .X L V I SI I T R A S T HA N A 4,19

inherent in substances. Again the substances, with th"rir specific

taSteS,vinues,potenciesantlreactiOnary or cheniicaltranslbrmations,
tendtodiminishor increase thederangedhumours andthelund.irrnental
principlesof the body, as also to bring about normal equilibriunr
a
amongstthem.Food is the primarycauseof the origin, continuance
anddissolutionevenof suchbeingsasthedivineB rahnta,etc.Life is
impossiblewithout food, Ftnd is the sourceof the growth, strength,
and healthfulglow ol.organicbeings.It is food that impartsstrength
to the organsof senseand makesthem operativein their respective
fieldsof action.It is inegularity(Vaisamya)of dietwhichbringsabout
ill-health. Diet may be dividetl into tbur kinds such as, solid food,
(A3itha) drink, Lidha (food takenby iicking), and the Khldita (ftxrd
that is chewn and assimilatedonly for the enioymentof a specific
taste).A varietyof substances entersinto thecompositionof our food,
which admit of being grouped under various preparationsand
necessarilyinvolve tlteco-operationof a largenumberof dynamical
forces.I am eagerto learnof the substances andtheir specificinherent
properties,virtues,potenciesandtransformations (chemicalreactions)
which constitute the daily food of human beings, inasmuch as a
physician, who is ignorant of them, is quite helplessin checking or
curinganydistemperandmaintaininghealthin individuals.And since
food (dieOcletermines the origin of all createdbeings,instructus, O
Lord, on theproperregimenof food anddrink." The holy Dhanvantari,
thus addressedby SuSruta,replied as follows : "O child, hear me
discourseon the proper regulationof food and drink as requestedby
you. 2

srsTvnfu€ri:-
tm-

C-6tY[fi6tq'l ctr(ol chq 6 I (q ch v 1 n q : YITFlet:I l? ll

species
Si,tiRlc. Group : Thereareseveral of Satiricesuchas,
the Lohitaka Sirli, Kalama,Kardamaka,Pinduka, Sugandhaka,
Sakundhrta, Pusphndaka, Mahifeli,Sita-Bhiruka,
Pundarika, Roclhra-
Puspaka, Dirgha3ula, Mahisa,
Kirflcanaka, Mahasuka, Hiiyanaka,
DuTaka,andMaha-Drl;aka etc.3
Vol. I-29
 S U S R T " TSAA M H I T A

qg{T *dat Vfrcr €grrrfir Etetrardr:

I
firtrqrenkcqq'r: furm qqre{qd€: I ry | |
tr +Ff,fn.M Sva: @fftT:l
\CY
qqqf qcrltFtr{-{ l|\
H€TI E€I: 8I-QTQ-6: tt
9.r* varrarr+e qffeqrqa: I
dgrqRr;il{gun: F-El'{t: : I lQ ll
Metrical Texts : The severalspeciesc-,fSatl rice are sweet in
taste,cooling in potency,light in digestion,and impan strengthto
thosewho usethem.They subduethePitta andslightly generateV6yu
and Kapha.They are deniulcentand tendto constipatethe bowelsand
reducethequantityof fecalmatter.Of thes-e the red species(Lohitaka)
is the most efficacious,and subduesthe derangedhuniours.It is
diuretic, spermatopoietic,reliigerunt, eye-invigorating,cosmetic,
tonic and pleasant. It improves the voice. Its efficacy has been
witnessedin casesof fever and ulcer and in all otherdiseases.It is a
good disinfectantand anti-toxic.The other speciesdiffer a little in
their propertiesfiom the precedingone and are successivelyinferior
in quality in their order of enumeration.
4-6

$aftika Group : The severalspeciesof Sastika,KZrnguka,

Mukundaka,Pitaka,Pramodaka, Kakalaka,Asana-Puspaka,Mahl-
sastika,Curnaka,Kuravaka,andtheKedara,etc.8
Tt rTr+ E HrjRT: YFr;TTqrflfirir*: I
Wr<!€r {5an: qqq1sdr: nd tl
a\

YrIFTr;flEI
qk': rer{tr Frg: I
{g: funffiam: w}@r:n3tl
ffi qgfr Trfr ge* idtffifi+:r
qk'r: x'qghTfi, nqo tl
MetricalTexts: They(Sastikas) aresweetin tasteanddigestion,
andpacify the V6yu andthe Kapha.Theirpropertiesaresomewhat
identicalwith thoseof Shli rice ifiasmuchas they are constructive.
Chap. XLVI SfITRASTHANA
45r

tonic andsperniatopoietic,andincreasethe Kapha.The Sastikais pre-

eminentlythe mostetTicacious of all the otherspecies,and leavesan
astringentafter-tastein the mouth. It is light, niild, demulcentand
imparts strengthand firmnessto the body. It is astringentand sweet
in digestion,and exhibits properriessimilar to thoseof the red Sdli.
The remainingvarietiesare inferior in quality,eachsucceedingone
being inl'eriorto the one inimediatelyfollowing it, 8-10

fitrq: uqq| |
Vrihi Dhhnyas: Theseveral of Vrihisareknownasthe
species
Krisna-Vrihi,Satamutha,Jaruniukha,Nundinrukha, Lirviksaka,
Tvaritaka,Kukkutandaka,
Pirlvataka,andthePirtala,etc.ll
qqrqqgTT: qr$sqsflr *ddsFtqrr I
@: q H *q q d q :ntltl
q,sr*ffi re:l
irF[r<trtEr{gun, q'cvfr *6*sqt I tql | |
Metrical Texls : They have a sweetand astringent.taste, are
sweet of digestion and hot in their potencies.They tend to sliphtly
increasethe secretionsofthe internalorgansandbring on constipation
of the bowels.Their generalpropertiesare nearlyidenticalwith those
of the.aforesaidSastikas.The speciesKrsna-Vrihi is the bestof them
all. It is light, and leavesan astringentafter taste,the remaining
varieties gradually deterioratingin quality from the one under
discussion.12-13
EFEITqTT** ETiTT: VTRT* FrgqrFCT'"T:
I
i5qnn {€if{uq[rT nqn:vfrurnrqdrm:I tty | |
IPtFI'cft: E,qftfflqr;
S-ef€[t; EE fqqr: I
fuFtr( rfirnqgrT: rrflffiqeirT; I tt\ tl
*{rrr qgrr wr Er€T: firrFreCun:r
$qEerqtqr€Erdr grcr: Hqqsdr: r rle rl
Sali rice, grownon burntland,is light,of digestion,has an
astringenttaste,is parchifying,tendsto suppress
theemission
of urine
andtheevacuation of stool,andreducesthederangedKapha.Satirice
 152 S L I S R U T AS A M } J I I - A

grown in a Jingalacountryhasa tasteslightlyblendedof thepungent,

astringent,sweetand has a shadeof bitter. It subduesthe deranged
Pitta and Kapha,(generates Vlyu -D.lt.) and is a gooddigestantand
stomachic.Slli rice grown in a Kaidlra or marshycountryhasa sweet
tastewith a shadeof the astringent.It is tonic and spermatopoietic,
aphrcxlisiacandheavyofdigestion.It reducesthequantityof excrement,
subduesthe Pitta,and increasesthe Kapha.14-16
tffiqr d€[Gr:vfrgqrfir
3r{ifdFit A16{r Etrdn {rFf,q€fTr: I tte | |
vr1-6qp6;=r66r + €gnTt arqe*r: r
fo*qreqqr*r: q,q'rqET:I tqa| |
frmr: ET'erutr:

ildE EqrqgqfnE-qrqr{€ qq'qt I lqq | |

gfr vnfta-crt,
r
Rice of once trtns-plantedpaddy plants (Ropya) or of those
transplantedseveraltinies in succession(Atiropya) is light, easily
digestedandcomparativelymoreefficacious.It actsasa constructive
tonic and is not fbllowed by any reacrionaryacidity after digestion.It
destroysthe derangedhurnoursand is diuretic.Rice of paddyplants,
sproutingfron the stubblesof a previousharvesr,is parchlfying.It
suppresses the evacuations of stool,hasa bitter and astringqntmste,
subduesthePitta,is easilydigestibleandgeneratesKapha.I h{ve fully
describedthe good and bad speciesof grain belonging to the Sili
group. Similarly, I shall speakof Kudhlnyas, Mudgas and Mirsas,
etc. 17-19
eTerE?rrqflf:-

: EqreT-
fle*cr: nRotl
The Genus Kudh-anya: The severalvarietiesof Kudhinya are
known as the Koracllsaka, Syimlka, NivZrra, Santanu, Varaka,
Uddalaka,Priyangu,Madhuliki, Nindimukhi-,Kuruvinda,Gavedhuka,
Sara, Baruka, Todaparni, Mukundlka, and Venu-yava (lruit of
bamboo), etc.20
Chap. XLVI SI I T R A S T I I A N A

Sqfi: zF,tlfem;el{r FQT[: q

y'e6qE{r qqfrq<r qrdfufrrqirwm: nRqtl

qtcgg lr+e[rt: wrqrcng tspn<rJ:I IRR| |

qun {ffiTtt frara ffid frq$q, r
qe]}tr{ g€tFtT: T{r5'gr: 6c6Etr: grrT: uRl | |
qr{.6 qg{r vfrin flF'fi T+gd aen I
ffi rf,grRTd ErFs': rrgg-(a5: nRYtl
F'q{r ag?rdr irTr trvn: qzqrfr;:r' t
ct_€iTIT: 6'tFE{t: q-6lTzff trfirehtqlT: ttR\ tl
'fexts
Metrical : Ttrey gcncratc hcat and have a sweet and
astringenttaste. They are parchifying and pungent of digestion,
subdue the Kapha and tend to produce retention of the urine, and
enragethe bodily V6yu and the Pitta.Of thesethe speciesknown as
the Kodrava,Nivdra,SyaniakaandSirntanuhavea sweetanda-stringent
tasteand provecurativein Sitapitta (urticaria).The four (blac.k,red,
yellow and white) varietiesof Priyangusreduce the Kapha and
producea parchedcondition in thebody,eachprecedingspeciesbei ng
superioras regardsits virtuesto the one immediatelyfbllowing it in
the orderof enumeration. The speciesllladhulikhs aswell asthe one
knownasthe Nandlmukhi is sweer,cool anddemulcent.The species
Baruka and Mukundaka are largely poss^esSed of absorbingvirtues.
ThespeciesVenu-yava,is parchifying,andheat-making in itspotency
and is pungent ofdigestion,bringson retentionofthe urine,subdues
the derangedKapha,and tendsto enragethe bodily Y6yu.2l-25

PulseGroup : Theseveral ofpulse(Vaidala)

varieties conmonly
usedasfcndareknownastheMudga,Vana-Mudga,Kalirya,Makustha,
Mingalya(whiternasrlra),
Miu;ura, Canaka,Santina,
Triputak,Harenu,
andAdtrati, etc.26
qqrqqsJTT: vftrr:
EqFffi'r rf€G6-rT: I
qqT{|sfrs'rs futtdqewmen rrRetl
 454 S U S R L I T AS A M I ] I T A

qled Errffir*g 5-{n EEsrEqT: I

qernr Afurr+r* qeTrEErrgrrr:grrr: uRe| |
Metrical Texts : They are generally cool and pungent of
digestion,and have a sweetand astringenttaste.They generatethe
V6yu, anest the f1owof urine and the evacuationof stool,and subdue
the Pitta and Kapha. The speciesknown as the Mudga does,not
excessivelygenerateVlryu in the systembut tends to purity and
invigoratethe organof vision.The greenspeciesis the bestof all the
varietiesof Mudga pulse. The properriesof Vanya (Mudga) are
similar to thoseof the comnronvariety.27-28
ffi Ee{Tr: glTT qqFr qq.rd€: r
rr€EcF'r:6;foqrr: ffitreT: lETrfTf,r: I IRRI I
srrefr qqfuil* TrFffl"rFhtqufr | tQo| |
ETitFn': Ifrtrq$T: Ffi'ql{n fuoq+un: r
: gkil{r{rtr:lllqll
c
Eture, wfr'Trg frirTr EtAqEf€: I
Xt iflertFcnrttrr: r tlR | |
Thespecies of pulseknownasMasurais sweetof digestion anrJ
constipates the bowels.The speciesMakusthakais vern[igenous,
while the speciesKaliryagenerates Viyu copiously,Th{ species
Adhakisubdues thePittaandKapha,anddoesnotexcessive{y agitate
theVayuin theorganism. Thespecies knownastheCanakagenerates
V6yuandis coolingin its potency.It hasa sweetandastringent taste,
andproduces a parchedconditionofthebody.It subdues thePittaand
Kapha,correctsthederanged blood,andtendsto bringon a lossofthe
virile powers.Thespecies knownasSatinaandHarenuareastringent
in theirvirtuesandtendto constipate thebowels.All thevarietiesof
pulseexcepttheMudgaandtheMasuratendto producea distension
of theabdomen causedby gasor air in theorganism (Tympanitis or
Adhmzrna). 29-32
qrm 1-rFft:T5frqrp:
funfury* egfrsFrsq,r
*r<r,{ur:kFrdfi.fr frtisr{ E-crtr(:{s6u'r*ea I tl? | |
 S L - I T R A S T HA N A 455
Chap.XLVI

qqrqcTrqT=Tsfrqtiq1 { {rd ** q'tn'g qTt r

FrgFffi ugfrsffirq; s6fu1; TilrrsFqR2TI l?Y I t
qrer rrqt=i \5i{qrf,T$agffig q,rfiFrsq,cf as)q r
sTr{u€rqrEnIqa: qRqf F{t: E.AT€IT 9ffi6€ | 11\ | |
The pulseknown as the Mhqa hasa sweettaste,is heavy and
pleasant,laxative,diuretic, demulcent,heat, making, aphrodisiac'
ind specifically spermatopoietic,tonic and galact.gogue.It subdues
theViyu andincreases theKapha.ThespeciesknownastheAlaslndra
(R6jamira) does not produce Kapha and is neither laxative nor
diuretic on accountof its astringentnature.lt is sweetin tasteand of
d_igestion,pleasant,glactogogueand improvesa relish for food. The
propertiesof Atmagupta and K6kip{a seedsare similar to thoseof
the afcrresaidMZrsapuise.The speciesknown asthe Ara4ya-m65a is
astringentin taste,producesa conditionof parchedness in the System,
and is not followed by any reactionary ucidity affter being
digested.33-35
qil6qre,iru;f' I
wr: Emefr l€d: Qi6frz[:E--cFffi
+iqrf6a: ffiu?qlt
vilfinaFrtrta r
?5EFF[ Aar rqtrrq* ffi qeTtHior sfi': i l R s | |

$qqmqr* egt: sftrc': TiTrF6':firra-rwefrqr: I

ftfr ffi qgfr qfd6: frctrd qun&qqqE qQlr:i l ? a r l
MsFrrarI€Il
fttirg rrffia: gqr+ qezr:ftrfr atrcrruaen+ll?qll
ThepulseknownasKulatthahasanastringent taste,is pungent
of digestionand is possessed of properties.
astringent It proves
curativein casesof urinarycalculiarisingfromseminalderangement
(Sukr-a3mari),abdominalglands,catarrh,and cough.The species
known as the Vanya-Kulatthasubduesthe derangedKapha,and
provescurativein casesof Anfiha,obesity,piles, hic-coughand
dyspnoea.It may bring on an attackof hoemoptysis, and proves
beneficialindiseases affectingtheeyes.Tilahas a taste blendedof the
sweetandthebitterwith a shadeof theastringent. heat-
It is astrigent,
 S I J S R L I I ' AS A M I I I T A

ntaking,andproducesPitta.It is sweetof digestion,demulcent,tonic,

andcurativeasa plastertr.rrulcers.It is beneficial to theskinandteeth,
improvesthe intellectanddigestion, is unureticiindheavy,helps.the
growth rif hair, and subduesthe derangedVlyu. Of all the different
varietiesof sesanrum,the bltck speciesis the best in respectof
efllcacy.The white speciesocc:upies a middlepositionas regardsirs
vinues,while theremainingvarietiesshouldberegariledasof inferior
quulity.36-39
ftt: q..s'rd ugft Ena 6ffi q,qrflqirErfrl
q+g qeaktrtrEq fu yrqq.+ TildTiffqf:1xo tl
@sfqbo: rslf,frr&qerl
FFtr(T: ViltrranrrfrA I tyq | |
qFIfdffiE t*@mEq*rrfrstudr1ffi*, I ryR| |
Yava (Barley) is cooling, sweet and astringentin taste,and
pungentof digestion.It subduesthe deranged Pittaand Kapha.It is
anuretic, benelicialto ulcers;and likesesantuilt, increas^esthequantity
ol stool and the emissionof flatus,impafts^ llrmnessto the bcldyand
improvesthevoice,complexionanddiger^tion. It is slimyandproduces
a conditionof extremeparchedness in the systeni,removesobesity,
and subduesfat. It subduesthe derangedV6yu, is refrigerantand
soothes(purities)the blood and Pitra.The Atiyava.s(a speciesof
barley) is inf-eriorto the blrley s^pecies in respectof the preceding
qurlities.4(r-42
'ilr{c :rEfr rlg3} IE'€r qFT: furr: {drcfur{lr I
fiwfrfiryffisF+etfuearwqrr{E?+qfi.{: Frg I lyt | |
Godhu-ma(wheat)is sweet,heavy,tonic,rejuvicient,sperntatc)
poietic,andirnprovestherelishtbr food.It is demulcentandextremely
cooling,subclues the Viyu andPifia, and generates the Kapha.New
wheat is laxative and brings aboutthe adhesionof fracturedbonesor
helps ferurentation(Sandhinak(). 43
F-..{:tF.qF+ ffir
reFdqr+ qg{rg p;e: ffinyytl
Ttre Simbas (Beans)havean astringenttasteand producea
C h a p .X L V I ST T R A S l ' HA N A 457

condilionofparchedness in thesysteni,Theyareantitoxic,discutient,
and reduce the Kapha and the power of sight' They are imperfectly
digestedand acquirea pungenttastein digestion,thoughordinarily
sweetin taste.They causeevacuationof the bowelslnd emissionof
flatus.44
ffiar: drirfiTffiqqt srEFfrts+fihqrq frryqr: t
esilffi {ukf: g?rt=tTiqr: E-^esn vcqffidzr I tx\ | |
Thereare fbur varietiesof Simba suchas,the while, the black,
the yellow andthered,of whrcheachprecedingspeciesis superiorin
virtuesand qualitiesto the one immediatelylbllowing it in tlte order
The Simbasare heat-makingand pungentboth in
of enumeratir-rn.
tasteand digestion.45
u6r*{ Xcaqwafriwr: @ Ftqr: t
frn ffi qgrr tt -a E-ctr(t: n#wnanyqtl
The two varietiesof Sahl, aswell asthespeciesof beansknown
astheMtTlakaSimbi andtheKuSimbi,aresweet,in tasteanddigestion,
and strength-giving.They tend to subduethe actionof the deranged
Pitta.46
Frcrr** ,lvrg Fqn fq€ra *ffi+qrEngr
gildrTg R-eqfrr dqFE;IE Pler: llYe ll
Raw and unripe pulse beans(Vaidalika Simba) produce a
conditionof extremeparchedness in the system,are long retainedin
the stoniachand but iniperl'ectlydigested.They are relishingbut can
be digestedonly with the greatestdifficulty, causingthe stomachto
distendbeforebeingdigested.47
?5€e5: q'd ffiflrrqrQtr{a: $[[nrr:|
rnrrrcseqc+nnd sr(re*Tffitrdetl
-rre rt qrfu €: gfEs: fwareiqr virfrrraftrr*ffi r
frrgilsrnqr: I|.sqll
Kusumbhaseeds arepungent andreduce
in tasteanddigestion,
thederanged Kapha.Theyareextremely unwholesome, owing to the
factof theirbeingimperfectlydigested.Linseed(Atasi)hasa sweet
taste,is heat-makingin its potency,and pungentin digestion.It
 458 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

generatesthe Pitta and subduesthe Viryu. White mustard (Sveta

Sarsapa)is pungentin tasteanddigestion,strongandheat-makingin
its potency.It gives rise to a condition of parchednessin the system,
anddiminishesthe Viryu andthe Kapha.An excessiveandcontinuous
use of white mustardmay bring on an attack ol haemoptysis.The
properties of red mustard seedsare similar to those of the white
species.4S-49
oirrffi aryrnrfiqrqf'q?rhq q I
snIF{Ef T{grfu n str=i 1ur-r{Wr{11qo tl
re errqqFrurft iag q4qgtifqf,{l
ffi T€' ffir fs6d EbqquTqrr\q rl
A crop of Dhirnya grown in an unnaturalseason,or in any way
diseasedor blighted,or gleanedbetbreit hasripened,as well as the
one raisedfrom a soil naturallyuncongenialto its growth,or recently
harvested,shouldbe deemedto be of inf-eriorquality. The useof new
(harvestedwithin a year)rice tendsto increasethe secrretions of the
internalorgans,while thatof a year'smaturityis light.t Rice thrashed
out of paddy,which hascornmenced sprouting,is heavy,antl is long
retainedin the stonach.It can be but imperfectlydigestedand tends
to affect the organof vision,50-51

vnrqG; qrfqp6s frtaer*qrg s{Trrvr:r

qrerfqrurdwrTqrrr, wRdHrn: I t\R | |
gft qur<+d: r
The maturity,preparations(Samskara),and nteasuresof corn
from sirli rice to mustardseedsdescribe<t in the presentchapter are
as fbllows : Rice of two years standingshould be regardedas well
maturedin time and excellentin quality.A thing, which is hard to
digestlike vrihi, is madelight by fiying. Measuresfbr useshouldvary
accordingto the keenness ofone's appetite.Thus endscerealsofthe
inferior group. 52
gT?r q,*.,:_
sra ssd citil*rrtjqatinc: I iraen- !ileTrqr srrTryr
1. Rice of more rhan two years stutrling becc'tnesdivested of ail its nutritive
eletnents.
Lhap. XLVI S T-ITRASTHANA 459

gTErr: S-qEq qq'vrc6'r Ens.ErrlFd qutrisqqf: $rqk I

1lMqFf'uTTg;aH gsrFkTrrr: rfr gqfihur!ilrffan s{q1{rvAfr|
Fr \ilrfl.trflils:sher: I iraen-EGil"Ir tqfuTr: lrgErll6rvrcr:
IrF6t: qd.q'n ffiVrEn lnEqrerifrl N wgrdFqfur+
gerrrild, -
iil-g.reTrFIr: q-qrcn qg{r TT{*
erdfrrrC{r€frryn Eenqkvfrsrter I r\l | |
The Meat Group : Now I shall describethe propertiesof the
different speciesof edible meats.The llesh of animalssuch as those
which are aquaticin their habits(Jaleslayir),
or frequentmarshylands
(AnUpa),or dwell in villages(Grinrya),or are carnivorousin their
habits (Kravyabhuja), or are possessedof unbifurcated hoofs
(Eka3apha),or dwell on high ground (lingaia), is generally used as
food.Of theseeachsucceeding kind is superiorto theoneimmediately
precedingit in the order of enumeration.
Again theseanimalsmay be roughly groupedundertwo broad
sub-heads suchasThe Jirngala(living in high groundand in a jungle)
and the Anfpa (living in marshyplaces,or near pools and water-
courses).The Jlngala group may be turtherdivided into eight sub-
species,suchasthe Jangala(Swift runners),the Viskira (Scatterers),
the Pratuda (Peckers),the GuhirSaya(Cave dewellers),the Prasaha
(Carnivorousbirds), the Parnamrga(Tree dwellers),The Bile3aya
(Holedwellers),andtheGrimya (Domestic).OfthesetheJanghlaand
the Viskira are the niostimportant.The tbllowing animalsbelongto
the Jangila (large-kneed)group-- viz. the Ena (black deer), the
Harina (red deer),the Ilksa lbiue deer),the Kuranga(antelope),the
Karirla(niuskdeer),the Krtamirla(thoseliving in groups),the Sarabha
(amythological type), the Svadamstrir(having fourteeth,known as
Karkatak),thePrsatatheCitrila (Sponeddeer),theC6ruskara@eautifuI
and small statured), the Mrga-mirtrkir (small animal with large
abdomen,a shedeerknownasBhedali,a kindofredcolouredharelike
deer),etc.Thesespeciesofvenisonhavea sweetandastringenttaste,
are light, keen, pleasant(palatable),laxative,and diuretic in their
effect. They subduethe V6yu and the Pitta. 53
460 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

q,qr* q-ft Efl: furrqrqlffirnftrarr

ffi rH r€*6n*qil E{t{6: u\y tl
€{T: qr* ffisr*frcr=r: r
"Tfr
yffi qqFduqx; grrRr€ffi n\\ tl
e:
(ur: E-sr*dffi aRlrwrs sq+l
a quil T \a Hrg€I!ffi: *sfuenrrhu\q tl
v@ Rqr rTrrrftttrr I
I l\\s ll
Metrical Text : The venisonof the Ena speciesis sweetand
astringentin taste,andpalatable,andprovescurativein diseases due
to thederangedconditionof thePitta,bloodandKapha.lt is astringent
in its effect,impansstrengthto thesysten,improvesa relishtbr food
andis a febrifuge.The venisonof the Harina (red)speciesis sweerin
tasteand digestion,appetising,aromatic,cool, light, and suppresses
the dischargeof stool and urine and plcifies the derangedhumours.
Deer which are black are calledEna while thosewhich are red are
called Harina.Those,that are neitherred nor black, are designatedas
Kuranga. The venisonof the Mrga-metrika speciesis cooling and
proves curative in casesof haemoptysis,Sannipatadiseases(due to
the concertedaction of the three derangedhumours),consumption,
dyspnoea,cough, and hiccoughand createsa relish fbr food. 54-57

W frfuq;, FrEtrr:
*ertrrrrrg nqz r l
BirdssuchastheLiva (perdix),
Tittiri@lackpartridge),Kapifrjala
(whitepartridge),Vartira(gharghari,a typeof Quail),Vartikd(atype
of Quail),Vartaka(atypeof Quail),Naptrki(a typeof bird),Vzrrtika
(atypeof Quail),Cakora(theGreekpartridge), Kalavinka(asparrow),
Mayu-ra(peacock),Krakara(kaya,a type of heron),Upacakra( a
varietyof krakara),Kukkuta(cock),Sirranga(Crane),Sata-patra,
Kutittiri,Kuruvihakaand Yavalakabelongto the Viskiraspecies.
Theyare so calledfrom lhe factof theirpickingup their food after
 C h a p .X L V I SO T R A S T H
ANA 461

scatteringit first,wirh their bills andclaws(Skr.kira, to scatter)..

The
tleshof a bird of this groupis light, cooling,sweetanclastringentin
tasteand tendsto pacily the derangedhumoursof the body. 58
rfrrfr ffiq u,.nqq5fr e; I
€rq: EfqqrfiSr Hffi q aFwa:n\q tl
c\
Fr{gswrcg{r q$r ieffi:t
ftFrR: vdq}w+ Tnfr qutnrrfl: tl
ffi'qr<rn*nn: leo tl
Ttn'ftriltr{: yfre qg-rfi[ afu16;1
w.thi-"ig q irtE q<*+ q yrst I tqq| |
qrdnr€{r wr }erfrsrcqfqr;1
FrEr=T:FrF',TT€srRQrr +*qq*qr: uQ? | |
E'trTEt:ErgflqurF;+r *Q+ Ifi{grE: I
rr![t: ET]enFq-@ttql||
p:
ftrafrurftsFrerar
.Wr: q-€A {qtr{qqF* TIEI q: r r
@: nqxtl
The 1'leshof the Llva is light, hasa sweetanclastringenttaste,
is pungentof digestion,and possessetl of astringentand appetising
properties.It is highly efticaciclusin diseasesdue to the concertetl
humoursof the body.The fleshof the Tittiri is slightlyheavy,heat-
making and sweet in taste.It is spermatopoietic, appetisingand
astringent.It improvesthe intellect and coniplexion,and subduesthe
three derangedhumours. The flesh of the yellow (Gaura) Tittiri
provescurativein hic-coughanddyspnoea,andsubduesthe deranged
Viryu. The f'leshof the Kapifrjala is light and cooling, and proves
curative in casesof haen-roptysis, and is recommendedin diseases
brought about through the derangedcondition of the Kapha or V6yu
(Manda-v6ta).The fleshof the Krakara or of the Upacakrais lighr,
pleasant(palatable),spermatopoietic,and appetising.It subduesthe
V6yu andPittaandimprovestheintellect.The fleshof theMayu.a is
astringentand saline in taste,and is beneficialto the skin, helps the
growth of hair, improvesthe voice,intellect,appetiteand relish for
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

food, and imparts strength and vigour to the organs of sight and
hearing,
The llesh of a wild cock is dentulcent,heat-making,and
spermatopoietic.It actsasa diaphoretic,impartstone to the voice and
the organism, subduesthe deangedVlyu, and is useful as a good
constructive tonic. The flesh of a domesticatedcock or fowl is
possessed of propertiessimilarto thoseof its wild prototypewith the
exception that it is heavy, and proves curative in rheumatism,
consumption,vomitingand chronic(Visama-Jvara) fever.64

: f(f(t: l lq\ l l
Birds suchasthe dove,pigeon,Bhrngarirja,cuckoo, Koyastika,
Kulihga, Goksha{aka, Dindimhnaka,
Tulinga, the domestic
Satapatraka,Mltrnindaka, BhedirSi,Suka, Sirrik6,Valguli, GiriSa,
Hirrita,Dirtyuha,etc.belong
Latva,Annatlusaka,Sugrhi,I(hanjariqaku,
to the group known as the Pratuda.65
EqrqqsJTr F(ITT: tFiTrET{r rfft6-tT: I
firilg+qd{r: vfrar : r rqqrl
*rffi W rr€r{Stn:r
ffirqtqTrf{uil l[6': q,Nrr.F,+ffi: ltq\e tl
rtrfiftrqvrffi: q,trrd ffisfr q t
ffi qgrlrrfr T€: qr{TEriT:giT:1tqz tl
ffiT$r: fu:
Tr6fr1-65:ft @:ltqjtl
Metrical Texts : Thepratudas live on fruit, andtheirfleshhas
a sweetandastringent taste.It generates V6yuandproduces a parched
conditionin theorganism. It is coolingin itspotencyandreducesthe
PittaandKapha.It suppresses thedischarge of urineandreducesthe
quantityof stool.Of thesethefl eshof theBhed6r3itends to vitiatethe
humoursandto derangethethreeexcrements of thebody.The flesh
of the K6r.raKapota(wild dove)is heavyandhasa palatable, saline
and astringenttaste. It proves beneficialin haemoptysis andis sweet
C h a p .X L V I SOTRASTHANA

of digestion.The flesh of the Kuliilga is sweet, demulcent,and

spermatopoietic,and increasesthe bodily Kapha.The flesh of the
domesticated Kulinga is highlyspermatopoietic,
andprovescurative
in casesof haemoptysis. 66-69
gar-
l l\9oll
P'|€IT:
Animalssuchas the lion, tiger,wolf, hyena,bear,arboreal
leopard(Vrksadivipil,wild cat,jackalandMrgervhruka( a jackal-
shaped,deer-eatingspeciesof tiger) belongto the group of the
Guhi6ayas (cave-dwellingmammals)7A
qg-{r kalr ErdEn ET5?t=tr{t-;tT:
I
!{4:
ssrtr Fdr Frd t*gErffidTR-uTr{ttsq tl
Metrical Texts : The llesh of animalsbelongingto this family
is sweet,heavy,demulcentandstrength-giving.It subdues
thederanged
V6yu. It is heat-making in its potency, and proves beneficial in
diseasesaffectingthe eyesand anus.71

E€l-6t:lleRll
'Ihe
PrasahaGroup : Birds suchas,the Kdka,Kanka,Kurara,
Cirsa,Bhirsa,Sa3aghiti,Ulula (owl),Cilli, Syena,Grdhra,etc.belong
to the fanily of Prasahas(Carnivorousbirds that suddenlydart on
their prey). 72

G ffiFn: grt rsErnr ETersKcr:I

ffiffi ffiil:u,sltl
Metrical Text : The fleshof birdsbelongingto this groupis
identicalin its virtues,potency,tasteand digestivetransformation
with thoseof theaforesaidcarnivorous mammals,suchas the lion,
etc.,andis speciallybeneficialin casesof consumption andkindred
wastingdiseases. 73
3qufqql; ll\eY t l
The Parna-MfgaGroup : Animalssuchas the Madgu,the
arborealMuTika,the Vrksa-S6yika,
Avaku3a,Puti-gh6saand the
 S U S R U ' f AS A M H I T A

Virnara,etc. belongto the family of Parna-Mrgas(lit : tree-dwelling

arborealanintals).74
qr$r gtd gqr$qqr: yilfufr fren,1
a

w*rgfl'sr€r 4'I-$I{I:TIIRFTISI=TI: I t\e\ | |

Metrical Texts : The f'leshof aninialsof this group is sweet,
spermatopoieticand heavy of digestion.It is invigoratingto the
eyesightand beneficialin casesof consumption.lt is laxative and
diureticand curescough,pile and dyspnoea.75

Rvrcnt neq tl
The lliles:ayaGroup : Animals suchas, the Sv6vit, Salyaka,
Godhir,Sa3a,Vrsadam3a,Lopirka,Lona3a-Karna,Kadali, Mfga-
Pryaka,Ajagara,Sarpa,Mflsika,NakulaandMahi-Babhrubelongto
the group of BileSaya(hole-dwellers)76

fr rffi E.ft* *S *GIrn' {-dT{ r=ngclffir:I

qrdEg: rirqFrtqq{, ftru-r. @ | re\s| |
Metrical Texts : The generalpropertiesof the flesh of animals
belongingto this speciesare to increasethe consistencyofstool and
urine. They are heat-makingin potency,sweetin digestionasthoseof
the precedinggroup.They subduethe Vdyu andgeneratethe Pitta and
Kapha. They are deniulcentand beneflcial in cough, dyspnoeaand
cachexia,77
Yrsr: firraqrqE:: r
ffi+dr-{ qmgrqruil Eit: I rez I r
rilen ffi rlgrT w q T q f r r l
qmFmwrrr+ ffi Ercrfrd+rteqtl
Y-fFl?6',: ag: vffi fuqrr6: t
ffi !n5t q?dsqr1-56qfu FiT:1ao tl
Thefleshof theSa"iais sweetandastringent in taste.it reduces
thePittaandKaphaandneither producesnorsubdues theViryuowing
to itsmoderatelycoolingpotency.Thefleshof theGodhi is sweetof
digestionandhasa pungent,astringent It istonicandconstructive
taste.
Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA 465

andpacifiesthe VtryuandPitta.The fleshof the Salyakais tasteful,

light of digestion,coolingin its potencyandanti-toxic,and suMues
thederanged Pitta.Thefleshof theMlga-ftyaka provesa wholesome
d.ietin diseasesdueto the actionof thederangedV6yu (V6yu-Roga),
while that of the Ajagara is beneficialin piles.78-t0
fifi1qfrfuwrr6r:r
qqqr qll{r: qqt tqrnq+g.r: neq| |
qfia-{r {rfirs t gu,: q€qrfuT: I
gEeFduq1qrcf,r:
naR tl
The flesh of a Sarpa(Serpent)(a speciesother than those
specificallydescribed)is curativein piles and derangements of the
V6yu. It is a vermifugeand anti-toxic(a neutraliserof chemicalor
resultingpoisons).[t invigoratestheeye-sight,is appetisingandsweet
andimprovestheintellect.Of thesethefleshof theDarvikara @aving
hood)andDipaka @avingstripes)serpentareappetising,pungentin
digestion,sweetin taste,andextremelyefficaciousin eyediseases. It
is laxativeanddiuretic, and zubduesthe deranged Vbyu. 81-t2

@ lF{t:llalll
Domestic Animal Group : Animals such as ASva (horses),
A6vatara(mules),Go (cows),Ktrara(asses),ustra(camels);Basta
(goats),Urabhra (sheep),and Medapuchhaka(fat tailed or Turkish
sheep)etc.,belongto the groupof domesticanimals(Gr6rnyas).t3
urElt lTRrEfi: rT* T6un: 6qfra613 I
qgTr TgtrTisrqf {T{r qwedTr: il4Y | |
qefffrfrgt':ffiq*rmn:gn:1
oqa+q<nrer€ tr ft+crrvm! | ta\ tl
q1ari qisftu ftnwffi lFl
t<,5atgi Ec{*anrfrr 1ff: r lzqll
Metrical Texts : Thefleshof domesticanimalsis possessed of
constructive,tonic and appetising properties,is sweet in taste and
digestion.It destroysthe Ceranged V6ryuandproducesthe Kaphaand
Pitta. Of these the flesh of the goat is moderately cooling in its
Vol. l-3t)
466 S U S R U T AS A M I I I ' T A

p,otency, of the internalorgans,is

doesnot increasethe secretions
heavy and demulcent, subduesthe Pitta and tire Kapha,and is
beneficial Thefleshofsheep(mutton)
in nasalcatarrh. isconstructive,
tonicandheavy,andgenerates thePittaandKapha'The fleshof the
Medapuccha is and
aphrodis-iac hasproperties similarto thoseof
nutton. 84-86

$1g1rsFqki rrai qmcrraquze tl

s*arr{ vf,qrri rnsF4;frr*{l
e{FqrF{6{q-d a.il vrg.a: I{g{iT: | 144| |
d' !ilTFflfuqr d' qr*crrilqn: t
i g'na t{€H.Tgtsgfi{erF<+ {iTI: nzq tl
srffiqr: rrffiqmriqn:t
i Tms f*egra rran@qq ftl1qotl
Beef is holy and refrigerant,provescurative in dyspnoea,
catarrh,cough,chronicfeverandin casesof a morbidcravingfor food
(Atyagni),anddestroysthederangedViyu. The fleshof an animal
with unbifurcated hoofs(EkaSapha) suchas,thehorsea\ndthe mule
etc.),hasa slightlysalinetaste,andis possessed of propepties similar
to thoseof mutton.The fleshof an animalbelongingto fie Jlfrgala
groupis saidto increase,the of theinternalorgans.Theflesh
secretions
of beastsor birds dwellingremotefrom a villageor pool tendsto
slightlyincrease thesecretions of theinternalorgans,whilethe flesh
of ananimal living in a villageornear water,excessiveiy
a reserv<.rirof
increases tlat secretion. 87'90
3,n-IT{+c qgfuel: I ir€len-qfr{r:, rffilT:, *q{Qn:
rnR+, rnqqrvAficnqq
||
The Anupa Group : Animals,whicharegenerallyfoundto
frequentmarshyplaces(Anupas)may be dividedinto five groups,
the shoresof poolsand lakes),
suchas the Kulacaras(frequenting
Plavas(diversor swimmers), (conchiferous
Ko$astha aquaticanimals
andthe(piscatory),
suchas,themolluscsetc.)thePadinas Matsya.91
Chap.XLVI s OTRASTI{ANA 467

: $TEI{[: rlfl-ef: ilq? tl

Of these,the Gaja (elephant),the Gavaya(a speciesof ox),
Mahisa(buffalo),Ruru(ananimalof thedeerspecieswhichcastsits
antlersandwandersroamingaboutin theforestsin autumn)Camara,
Srmara(an aninialof theZebraspecieswith greenandred stripes),
Rohita (red deer),Varaha(boar),Khldgi (rhinocerus),Gokarna,
Kdlapucchaka, udra(watercast),togetherwiththeNyanku(aspecies
of antlered
deer)andtheAranyagavya (wildcow),etc.,frequentby
dwellingthecoolshoresof swampsandlakes,andareaccordingly
includedwithin thegroupof Kflacaras(shore-dwellers). 92
Enakild{r Eqr qgrr rrTqr;s-d:I
vfrrdr qfur: furfi Trmr qaaq*n: nq? tl
The Metrical Texts : The fleshof an animalof this groupis
spermatopoieticand destroysthe derangedV6yu and Kapha.It is
sweetin tasteanddigestion,cooling,tonic,demulcentanddiuretic,
andincreases thequantityofKapha.93
f{senufr *@er ffurr: fufirq{ur:I
rgrdrggqrrnfu rrq: V&|frCrqA: iljX tl
rtEr.rFTE rnrf R kaf rTgTfrRTfuql
ffi qg.rsrfr etqr€rer E qdTqni\ tl
fiF{afrwrngfrgsm qfffiRr$ril Ts.r
@ uqqtl
Efrqfi €qg{ qqrzrr$rt TFTqI
emnnfrqvnri U€ {-orrrE*r{uqe tl
The fleshof the Elephanttendsto producea stateof extreme
parchedness in thesystem,andis liquefacient
andheat-making in its
potency. It vitiatesthePjttaandhasa palatable
acidandsalinetaste,
and destroyesthe Viyu and Kapha,The flesh of the Gavaya is
demulcentandsweetin taste,andprovesbeneficialin coughandis
sweetof digestion.It tendsto increasesexualcapacity.The fleshof
the Buffalo is demulcent,heat-making(in its potency),sweet,
spermatopoietic, pleasantandheavyof digestion.
It increases
strength
and virility andimpaff firmnessto thetissues,andis hypnoticand
 S U S R U T AS A M T I I T A

galactagoguic.Thefleshof thelturu is slightlysweetandleavesan

and pacifiesthe
astringentafter taste.It is heavy,spermatopoietic
ViryuandKapha.94'97
den qq{Eriff{ ftTr?i qgTfiRTFw(l
ffi rTg{qrfr emnmgsrrYm{ttqall
vrftq E r{rwl ryI|€ ITd{l
qraFr*csrrt g€ luffiqil3qrl
*dri tlaui g*f vnfti dftf I€|
ffiffi qrTr6 TffidT{llioo ll
6u.trf ufgtm.t q'srr+qFrflrraqt
furi qtfiqTgqf qqp t+sqrur{t lqoqll
rffili ugr finai q€ qtl'rcra{l
ffi qs$gTfu rmnrtfflvrtqlltoR tt
Similarly,thefleshof theCamarais demulcent, curesanattack
of cough,is sweetin tasteancldigestion andsubdues thederanged
v6yu The
andPitta. fl eshoftheslmara isheavy andspermatopoietic,
leavesan astringentafter-taste in the mouthandtendsto subduethe
deranged vlyu andPitta.Thelleshof theboar(variha) or common
pigisconstructive,tonic,spermatopoietic andimparts
anddiaphoretic,
a greaterstrengthto the system. It is heavy (asregards digestion),
demulcent, andpleasant,
cooling,refrigerant, thederanged
anddestroys
V6yu.The fleshof the rhinoceroshasan astringent taste,and is
pleasingto one'sdeparted manesin theshapeof anoblation(Pitrya).
imparts
It issacred, longevity,tendstosuppress thedischargeof urine,
produces a conditionof parchedness in theorganism, anddestroys the
deranged V6yu antl Kapha, The flesh of the Gokarqa is sweet,
demulcent, mild(soft),sweetindigestion andprovescurativein cases
of haemoptysis. andgenerates Kaphain thesystem.98-102

EtrF6rFTrrsr vrafrgwr{sq- F{.rq*{r-6rqrqT-

vtffi{uTgslffi: wEIT: wge-r*nur: llto? ll

C h a p .X L V I SUTRASTHANA

The Plava Group : Birds suchasthe Hansa,S6rasa,Krauflca,

Cakravdka, Kurara @elongalso to the Prasahagroup) Kadmba,
Kaiandava,JivanJivaka,Baka (a type of crane),Bahka (a type of
Nandimukha,Madgu-,
crane),PundarikaPlava Sar6ri-muktr,a, Utlaoda'
K6chkga, Mallikbkga, Sukl'akga, PuqkaraSlay1k6, Kon'alaka,
Ambukukkutikl, MeghartrvaandSvetacarana etc.belongto thePlava
family. Thesebirds are foundto moveaboutin large flocks. 103
ffiFffi6{r: vfrar: futar gwr q5fiq6, 1
qgTr TWrI-t5-*: llqoY ll
T€Wf{. fura:
If;lrst: Ftt{tr[6l-F[9l-{: l
TETqqtqf,rE:
{aur: q.*.dRqi €d qrdfucrr5-(ttto\ | |
Metrical Text : The fleshof any oneof this family is cooling,
demulcent,and spermatopoietic anddestroysthe derangedVdyu. It
provesbenefibialin casesof haemoptysis, is sweetin tasteand of
digestion,and is possessed of laxativeand diuretic properties.The
flesh of the Hairsa is heavy(of digestion),heat-making,sweetand
demulcent.It tendsto improvethevoiceandcomplexion,andimparts
tissue-building
strengthto thesystem.It is spermatopoietic, andtonic,
andprovescurativein nervousdiseases(V6ta-Vikira). 104-105
: *vrcsfi: l noq l l
.TheConchiferous(Ko3astha)Species: Animalszuchas,the
(a speciesof smallbivalve molluscs),Sukti,
Satrkhanakna
Sairtcha,
Sambukaand Bhallula, etc.,belongto the Ko3astha (conchiferous)
group.106
: qtRt: l ltoe l l
The Fadina Species: Animalssuchas,the Ku-rma(tortoise)'
Kumbhira(alligator), Karka{aka(crab),K1q4aKarkatakOlack crab),
Sifumara(porpoise),etc.,belongto this species.107
YrgqqtEq: Izrg(€qli6',r q51f{: I
vflm: fiqrfFdr: ft+rrCgr: Mtr: I Ro4 | |
{cut: ffiSrmq6: t
q!4Ff: qqFr{,-( @lRoStt
47O SUSRUTASAMHITA

Metrical Texts : The flesh of animals of the Sairkha and

Kurma ordersis sweetin tasteanddigestion,coolingin its potency,
demulcent, and beneficial to stool and the Pitta. It destroys the
derangedVlyu andproducesKapha.Of these,the speciesof black
crab is strength-givingand heat-makingin its potency,and tendsto
destroythederangedViyu. Thewhitespeciesis laxativeanddiuretic
in its effect, and tendsto bring aboutan adhesionof fracturedbones
(or producesfermentation).It destroysthe Vdyu and Pitta. 108-10!)
rterqBfrqrqTkn trr${B rir* fu
artgT:llltoll
The Piscatory Order : The piscatorygroup may be roughly
dividedintotwo broadsub-clivisions,
suchastheMarineandtheRiver
(fresh water) fish. The speciessuch as the Rohita Falhina, Patflla,
R6jiva,Varmi, Gomatsya,K64a-Matsya,V6guflj6ra,Murala,Saha.sra-
damstra,etc.,belongto the freshwaterfamily. 110
ql+qr r{gTr q€r nf{* qrtiilrqEr: I
TfiFrr€TrgilsnEqr: Mg: I tttt | |
vq*qrarftrt: t
tH rTl1ril6fr =Trdqd ftrr+tq't: I RqR| |
qrd=t:rAqFfr EFdtfrarq: frRrcrn=r:t
E6*ri E'*Fn*t I
gc€il S Eq: qt;q: y&tmrrcrrnt Rq?| |
g({ilsrlrqlrxilr. frren: trliir€rr{ilT: I
wt€tgqfu{: *dsqscrr: gfir: I Rqrr| |
Metrical Texts : Thefreshwater(N6deya),fish (river fish) are
sweetiw{Aste,heavyof digeSion,bring on haemoptysis anddesfoy
the derangedV6yu. They are heat-makingin their potencies,
spermatopoieticand demulcentand tend to reduce the quantity of
stool. Of these,the Rohita fish leavesan astringentafter-taste,and
destroysthe derangedV6yu.This specieslives on zuchaquaticplants
and herbs as grow in fresh-waterpools and do not inordinately
generatePitta.TheP6r{hinasproduceKaphaandarespermatopoietic.
Theyare carnivorousandsomnolentin their habits,tendto vitiate the
Chap.XLVI SOTRASTHANA 471

blood and the Pitta, and originate dermal affections.The speciesof

fishknown astheMurala is constructive,tonic,spermatopoietic and
galactagoguic.Fish bred in tanksor pondsare palatableto the taste
and demulcentin their effect, while thoserearedin large lakes are
uzuallyfoundto gainin strengthandsize,while the speciesrearedin
shallowwateris weakand stunted.111-114

@:tqr!f(t:tnq\ll
The S-amudra(Marine) Species : The Timi, Timingila (a
speciesof large whales),Kuli3a, P6ka-matsya,Nir6laka,_Nandi-
Veralaka,Makara,Gargaraka, Candraka,Mahlmina,andRljiva etc.,
constitutethe family of marinefish. 115
IT|gil ![a: futar qg{r =nftFrtrc{r:I
:fitrrrqrd[rr$rq*rm: yfrtgq4[=n:I RtQ| |
Metricat Texls : Seafish areheavy,demulcent,andsweet,and
do not inordinately producesPina. They are heat-making(in their
potency),andspermatopoietic andbeneficialto thestool,anddestroy
V6yr and generateKapha.116
q?rr.|'6rffitur qftrrFrsrq TqrdiEft:
I
vnf{frnri qti;ur FtrTar{ XuFarr: I Rqe| |
nuiltr{tr
gufrrr:tntatl
qtf1rnnf{+ qgi qsr(garerqrRrl: I
rr{KsFrdr{r{ ffi}qr ffi Frgtntq | |
qqFrlErr qsr( ?reqrg*Eqr;rcr: I
eqfg{wr FlrfrW nrqql frlq1otl
qqkTtqr* iqr qsr: *rqfuqr: qfir: I
vfrnr*1urr(N y$r$ qI Srqt RRr| |
Fsrafr q6rFrqP<{is.FrT EFIIFIRT:
I ttt? | |
Sea fish are extremelystrength-givingin their effect owing to
the fact of their living on animalfood. Freshwater fish are possessed
of greatertiszue-buildingpropertiesthantheir marinekindred, while
^11
S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

thosewhicharefoundin wellsandCu4{isaresaidtobepossessedof
greatercanninative(V6taghna)virtuesthanthetwo precedingorders.
Fish rearedin tanks (Vipi) aresuperiorto thetwo precedingspecies
owingto their greaterdemulcentandpalatableproperties.River fish
areheavyat themiddle,owingto thefact of their movingapoutwith
thehelpof their headandtail, while thosewhichareculturedin tanks
andponds(SarahandTad6ga)are speciallylight abouttheir heads.
Fish,whicharefoundin hill streamsor fountains,areextremelyheavy
aboutthe partsa little belowthe regionof their head,on accountof
their beingconfinedwithin narrowlimits andtheconsequent absence
of any lengthysweep.Fish rearedin largetanks(Sarasi)are lighter
in theforepartsof theirbodyandheavyin theirlowerparts,astheyput
their entirepressureupontheirbreastat thetime of swimming.Thus,
I have finished describingthe specific propertiesof the flesh of
animalsthatfrequentlyswampsor marshygroundsandwhich increase
the secretionsof the internal organs of a person using them for
tcnd..tt7-122
i|T
qrM q rrigrqrrqqrfur, qsr( furrqrqqrqtm-
$rqh, $Efts+qrgqn+f
rrffiFdtRRt tl
Dried or putrid flesh, as well as the flesh of a diseased,old,
emaciated,poisoned,or snake-bitten animals,or of oneof extremely
tenderyearsor stmckwith a poisoneddartor weapon,or of that which
hasfed on unnaturalfood, shouldbe carefully avoidedinasmuchas
dried or putrid meatis shortof all its potency.The flesh of a diseased
or snake-bittenanimalwould befoundto bepoisonedor vitiated in its
properties;that of a woundedanimalis affected,that of anold animal
is enfeebledin its potency,andthat of an extremelyyounganimalis
immaturein its virtue andhencewouldprovepositivelyinjuriousto
the system.123
sriats lrFd{qrd UF {qi yatRtilql
lMqtd F{ qTFiEGE rffiqrn?ytl
e,rssrrot T€ ffr+{ rqrfu(funql
Ftr{gqFforqq{ qvt urcmteurqt RR\| |
 Chap.XLVI SDTRASTHANA 473

Metrical rexts i Dry n,'eatis heavy,bring on catarrhanda non-

relish for food. The fleshof an animalkilled by poisonis fatal. The
fl eshofananimaloftendetyearsrnayptc,(ucersnniting.Thet\es\rsi
an old animal producescoughanddyspnoea,while the useof that of
a diseasedanimalmaybeattendedwith a simultaneous derangement
of the three fundamentalhumoursof the body.putrid meatproduces
nausea,whiletheuseofthatof anenfeebled or emaciated animaltends
to aggravatethe Vtryu.lU-l2S
qtqisiqrgqTtdqi{rfrft rFqgqrtg, gri{il fudtg,
ffi:, srtwr€f'g v5vr+rr: yqr;tirqr:,
TdrvFnhq:Evrvrftrr:lErFtiTsn:
nt?e | |
Meat falling undera categoryotherthanthosedescribedabove
shouldbe deemedas good and wholesome.The flesh of a female
quadruped,or of a malebird, or of a small-bodiedcreature'ofa large-
sizedgenus,and vice versa,is principallyrecommended to be used
amongstquadrupeds,birds, and animals.Similarly the flesh of a
small-sizedcreatureamongstlarge-bodiedonesof the samespecies
shouldbe preferredas food. 126
errflF{€if qitng g€arqqgqtsFrq: I IGrgtT-TilTF(g
\g.fi r+gqrgqfrnilrr:gf€inrkrenlrfeqsmq*tgF{rr:vq-
lR?s ll
Now we shalldiscourseon theheavyor light characterof flesh
obtainedfrom differentpartsof thebodyof ananimal.of thedifferent
fundamentalprinciplesof thebodyfrom theblood to the semen,each
zucceeding oneis heavierthantheoneimmediatelyprecedingit in the
orderof ennumeration. similarly, (of thedifferentlimbsororgansof
a quarteredanimal zuchas), the thighs,the shoulders,the lions, the
head,the legs,the fore-extremities,the waist,the back, the skin, the
kidneys,theliver andtheintestines,eachzucceeding oneis respectively
heavierthan the one immediatelyprecedingit in ttre order. 122
Rrr: w:{EA TdqFeq+qriqqqrfr: I
IfFTd ffiqR srm{ql qrrtnrqt R?atl
qds vrffi fA qql f6€,(r6il: I
q{r+rril gr' @rqrrng *fuartrqRq | |
 SUSRUTASAMTIITA

sfrfd ft{fS-rrr ffiA'ur g€' qdql

qqk$qrqrT+ @raurrq qfrwnqt ltlo | |
Metrical Texts : The headis heavierthan the shoulders;the
shoulders,thanthewaist;andthe waist,thantheback.Similarly, the
upperpartsof theSakthi(thighs)areheavierthantheirlower ends.Of
the sevenfundamentalprinciplesof theorganism(suchasthelymph
chyle,blood,flesh,fat, bone,marrow,and semen)eachsucceeding
oneis heavierthantheprincipleimmediatelyprecedingitinthe order
of enumeration. The trunksof all animalsareheavy.The lower part
of a femaleframeandtheupperoneof a malearerespectivelyheavier
[thantheir upper (fore) and lower (tund) parts.]The headand breast
of a bird areheavierthanits otherlimbs. The trunk or the middle part
of abird is so equipoisedasto facilifatethemovementsof its pinions
in flight. 128-130
srda €sf qirg ltr6gltf qqTFrrr{l
tr qiilrrad urmi firffirqr{tl
rrgrffiffiqrtref qrqqfisnqt RQq| |
\rtrdrT{qr lfrEff: s-qrei6vF6,Rqrl
y€6r fucqrqrg i q qgrrffirarrlRRRll
rgEr ffiq d€rq: qffiirrqt
srcenfuGqFq-trfu qrn*ftrd}rdnnln?? | |
The flesh of a fruit-eatingbird producesa stateof extreme
parchedness in theorganism(of a personusingit asfood,)while that
ofa carnivorousoneactsasa goodconstructivetonic. The fleshofa
bird, whichlivesonfish,producesPitta,while thatof one,whichlives
on paddy(Dh6urya), suMuestheVlyu. Of theanimals,thatlive in dry
land or frequent marshy places, as well as of those which are
domesticated,or are carnivorousin their habits,or are possessedof
unbifurcatedhoofs,or live by dartingon their preys,or dwell in hol es,
or arepossessed oflong legs,or eatby pricking,or arein thehabit of
first scatteringtheir foodwith theirclaws,thefleshof eachpreceding
one is lighter and tendsto give rise to a lessersecretionfrom tthe
internal organsthan the one immediatelyfollowing it in the order of
enumeration.B1-133
r

Chap. XLvl SOTRASTHANA

yqnrneetrq Fqrfr ?rersm rr4rfimi

Ur€t
rr{mfittft t YermnqrFaF<Tffil
qqnrmr+qqre.r6@f ,Tffifr | RRy| |
of animalsbelongingto thesamegenus,thefleshof one,which
attainsto an abnormallylargesize,shouldbe rejectedas inferior in
pith or zubstance,andheavyasregardsdigestion.Thefleshaboutthe
regionof the liver of all animals,shouldberegardedasthe very best
in respectof its dietic properties,in absencewhereof the flesirof a
younganimalnotat all usedup,or afflictedwith anyd"isease andjust
quarteredthat day, shouldbe regardedas comingnext best.134

$rqPfr qEr-
qrT: ffir) VrfrTrqq{r: Fnrr* fiiri{: B-qr: r
kS o*rt ffi qm qrftrt qfrgrm:tRtq tr
Fffr qnrcrt: I
Authoritative verseon the subject: theagebody,deveropment
of limbs, temperament, nafure,sex,constitution,sizeandhabii of an
animalshouldbetakenintoconsideration beforedeterminingwhether
its fleshis wholesomeor not.Themeasurein which it maybe usedas
foodwith decidedadvantage totheorganismandtowhatextentitwill
purify or improveits virhres,shouldalsobeconsidered. Thusendsthe
meatgroup.135

enT qE6Ft:-
grfrsdqffirt3qtgrq! til€Mr- qrBqrTfi66q({-

@tnrqtl
The Fruit Group @hala-varga) : Now we shalld.iscourse(on
the specificvirtues)of fruils, zuchastheDirdima,Amaraka,Badara,
Sauvira,Sifrcitik6phatalkpinha, Metuluigu, Ar*,
f;ota, frfldnu,
Amr6faka,Ifuramarda,priy6,l4Lakuca,Bhavy4 Far6vata,VJtraphala,
Prdcinimalaka, Tintidika, Nipa, Ko6amra,Rmika, N6ranga, and
Jambira,etc. 136
476 suSnuraSAMHITA

srerfr TTrir:qr* TsqgsnFt *dar I

ffi Erthtdvrqlrfur qrR?e | |
i6,qrqrsfif itrf qrFssf qrRfirf,Frtl
{rrtr u,ffi Es rdkeerqfn?/ff
fff r( E ffi qgrsrwae ql
Eii|qqg qq.r&rFi Eil?G5t6rcr6llt lq?q I I
#:- H # ---
q€E- g€q-Ei l3.13o | |
=qqTq-5*1sq\t

EFa qrd Tffiiilq firfi

- >r> --)-tt)-,p l>.-p
=€= sr+ -::ra ftr*
c,qi wfq'qrqerqqdnxitsqfeng rE I lqxq | |
the generalproperties
MetricalTexts : flile maydescribe of
fruitsbysayingthat)theyareacidintasteandheavyofdigestion, heat-
makingintheh potencies,(expectorant)of Kapha),generatePitta and
zubduethe V6yu. Of the fruits enumemtedin the above list the
D6r{ima leavesan astringentafter-tasteand doesnot generatethe
Pitta to an inordinatedegree.rIt actsasan appetiser,bringson flesh
and a relish for food, is palatableto the taste,andtendsto constipate
the bowels by (imparting a greaterconsistencyto the fecal maner).
Didimas maybeclassifiedintotwodistinctspecies accordingasthey
are sweetor acid to the taste.The sweetspeciessubduesthe three
derangedbodily humours,while,theacid one zuMuesthe V6yu and
I&pha. The fruit known as the Amalaki has a taste blendedof the
sweet,pungentand asfingent oneswith a shadeof the bitter. It is
laxative, spennatopoieticand beneficial to the eye-sight,and is
capableof zubduingall the three derangedhumours.The Vtrt6ghna
virnre of this fruit shouldbe ascribedto its aeid taste; its power of
zubduingthe Pitta, to its sweetnessand coolness;and its efficacy in
zuMuing the Kapha, to its affecting the tongueas a dry astringent
substance.This fruit is by far the bestknown furit aspossessinghigh
therapeuticproperties.131-l4l

1. Caralu and Bhattfuaka Harii;candraexcludeDhlima (pomegranate)frott thc

list ofPinalura agents,whileJejjadbcaryaisofopinionthat it neithergencrates
nor subduesthe Pitta.
476 S U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

srRrF{ TI{ir: qr* TFqEnF{ *{a: I

nmarqFreqrft q,q.td{rnTTer ql RQel I
u,qrqrSci tr qTBrf qftftraaqt
ffid Eftr6{ Ea w*q=ry*ql RRa| |
Fffr(e R{ ql
Frdqwg qg{qei qrffitrTr€:ql n?i | |
srsci rrqgf fd-*i q,qtd q-Eei Ftnl
gd'tqtd gqrnffidq-f,qllqxoll
EFil qrii TEffiEr( Fr* qrg{vtsa: r
qqi rmrqqraartqfonftsqfsrog ir(l RYq| |
Metrical Texts : (we may describethe generalpropertiesof
fmits by sayingthat)theyareacidintasteandheavyof digestion,heat-
mating inttreirpotencies,(expectorant) of Kapha),generatePittaand
zubduJ the V6yu. Of the fruits enumeratedin the above list the
Dir{ima leaves an astringentafter-tasteand does not generatethe
Pitta to an inordinatedegree.rIt actsasan appetiser,bringson flesh
and a relish for fbod, is palatableto the taste,andtendsto constipate
the bowelsby (imparting a greaterconsistencyto the fecal maner).
Dadimasmaybeclassifiedintotwod.istinctspeciesaccordingasthey
are sweetor acid to the taste.The sweetspecieszubduesthe three
derangedbodily humours,whilettre acid one zubduesthe vtryu and
Kapha The fruit known as the Amahki has a taste blendedof the
sweet,pungentand astringentoneswith a shadeof the bitter. It is
laxative, spermatopoieticand beneficial to the eye-sight,and is
capableof zuMuing all the three derangedhumours.The vltaghna
virtue of this fruit shouldbe ascribedto its aeid taste; its power of
zuMuing the Pitta, to its sweetnessand coolness;and its efficacy in
suMuing the Kapha, to its affecting the tongueas a dry astringent
substanCe. This fruit is by far the bestknown fruit aspossessinghigh
therapeuticproPerties.137'l4l

l. caralu ard Bhattfuala Hari1candraexcludeDhdima (pomegranate)frutt tlu

of opinionthatit neitherSenerates
tistof Pittakua agents,whileleiiadbc?vyais
nor subduesthe Pitta.
Chap. XLVI sUrnesrHANe

fimqq,+aqr
rr*i fir_rfiff,.ar
Ir*i fir'=ffi ffi rrqgr rKqtRxR| |
g{rd{ EqflFf erqEi frFi dgl
*fri q<r firyd qg{ erf,nrqmqr RYt | |
a.qFi erg fiG vftf frrffi*.rq-sqt
qrrf qfuerqg{ q.q,Ei UG crcqtRyytl
qwFrerer v*f qg{rreilrf n€l
ffi EqnEf q,u-sV*r*qt Ryq | |
qqqci {rf Es rtqlql5flfqT€tql
sq ftmir E-STIrs qraFfirqq,qar tRyq tl
erg yfti g€'ffi qri qrcaFrqFwqt
tai tRrrstl
{wi vg rirG x-eqnrilrc *wtqt
v5rduffrs*S r<r-ft qrurnqtrr
sst-* q ffitqr rffitnYatl
Fmrffi qrei firtri rrq*vrtt
Es qufifit ulzf TtrlrfTffdrlK{rRYq | |
ffiffti €rg qrpf T6uf I€l
qqqqrf V*ffitqlq\o ||
The Karkandhu, like the Kola or the Badara, generatesthe
Ikpha and Pina in its unripe or immaturestage,while in its ripe or
maturedstageit is sweet,demulcent,purgativeandzuMuestheV6yu
and Pitta. The fruit known asthe Sauvira is possessed of properties
similar to thoseof the Badara;moreoverit is sweet,demulcent,and
zuMuestheV6yuandPitta.fne Sincifika-fruit is cooling,astringent
and palatableandhasan astringenttaste.The Kapittha in its unripe
stageproduceshoarseness. It is astringentandzuMuesthe Kaphaand
increasesthe V6yu, while in its ripe stageit zubduesthe Vtryu and
Kapha,is heavy,andhasa sweetandaciduste. Thefruit knownasthe
lWahrluigais light,acid,appetising, andpleasant.It provesbeneficial
in cough and asthma,brings on a relish for food, allays thirst and
cleansesthetlroat. Therind of a M6hrluirga is a bitter vermifugeand
478 S U S R U T AS A M T I I T A

is difficult to diges| it subdues theV6yuandKapha.Thelayerof skin

(it. flesh), immediatelyunderlyingthe rind of the Mdtulunga,is
palatable,coolingin its potency,demulcentandheavyof digestion,
and also zuMues the Vlyu and Pitta. The membranousor cellular
covering,whichenvelopsits seeds,is light,stomachic,astringentand
palatable.It ProducesKaphaandprovescurativein casesofpiles,
aMominalglands(Gulma)andvomiting.Theexpressed juice of the
M6rtulungais recommended to a person zuffering from colic pain
(gastralgia), indigestion,constipation ofthebowels,impaireddigestion
aswell asfrom disordersbroughtaboutthroughthederangedcondition
oftheV6yuandKapha,andmoresoincaseswherethepatienthaslost
all relish for food. An unripe Amra (mango),in its first stageof
development,tendsto generatethe Vdyu and Pitta, while ole with
closedpollen(Baddha-kesara type)generates thePitta.Ripe Amra is
pleasant,cosmetic,relishingandtonic, helpsthe formationof fresh
blood,andleavesan astringentafter-taste. It is sweetandheavy,is a
tissue-builderand tends to increasethe formation of semenandalso
suMuesthe V6yu andPitta. 142-150
Yd"r qg{ qF{ g€ frsq *dfrr
snqmq,wi E*i rr*6 ffiTqtn\t||
ffiqtnrc{ ref 15i6ir{rrql
srFi lrsnr€ Imj ftil{* o.{.'dqql*\? ||
qrdFrild{ g*f firqri T€ vfrraqt
€ erg q'qrqrFi $rrErTrTffiqrqt Rql | |
Ttre Amr[taka (Hog-apple)is spermatopoietic,is zurcharged
with a kind of oily matter and tends to increasethe Kapha in the
system.The Lakuca tendsto desroy the semen,long retainedin the
stolnachandservesto derangethe threefundamentalhumoursof the
body.The Karamardaka is relishingandacidin its taste,allaysthirst,
andgeneratesthePitta.ThePriyila is heavy,cooling,spermatopoietic
and zuMues Vayu and Pitta. The Bhavya is pleasant, tasteful,
astringent,and acid in taste.It cleansesthe mouth and zubduesthe
Pitta and IQpha. It is astringent,heavy,cooling and is long retained
in the stomach.151-153
Chap. XLVI S[JTRASTHANA

firrYM yG T5',F.rEfrr vflroqr

qrtrqii Hqgr $-qlrilFTqrirjEt tt\Y tl
Irffu tr yr+nrffii ?wnl
qrf,Frd frFr*uqrq I n\\ tl
urqEf *q=i tai var*{ Enqlgl
Tsr{firdTgur *{nlrr6nfd{i|R\q ||
sr+{irqr:qeiqereira(*Fqg*rcqr
sr<i €qgt Es ffi qrn-Ffiqt tt\\e | |
qrnei gfi tr ilrg-s wi ntr
In\all
ercfffi*wf \ilcfr{ Xt' ftmrq-qr
trrqif r<vranl"i vilftrrdFril{.(t tt\q ll
The fruit known as the Phrfuvatais sweetand relishing, and it
destroysthe V6yu and a voraciousappetite.The Nipa, like the old
Amalakafruits, tendsto neutralisethe effectsof poisonscriginated
throughthe chemicalcombinationof incompatiblesubstances in the
organism.UnripeTinti{ika (tamarind)subdues the V6yu,andtends
to generatethePittaandKaphain theorganism,while in its ripe state
it is astringent,heat-makingandstomachic.It destroysthe V6yu and
Kapha and restoresa relish for food. The Ko3imra is possessedof
propertiesnearlyidenticalwiththoseofthe Tamarind.Theproperties
of a ripe Amlii<a fruit are the sameas thoseof the latter with the
exceptionthat it further actsasa purgative.The Nirahga hasa sweet
and acid taste,is pleasantandrefreshing,and gives a relish to food.
It is heavy, difficult to digest and zuMuesthe Viyu. The Jambira
tendsto allay thirst and curescolic pain, waterbrash,vomiting and
asthma; it zuMues the action of the derangedV6yu and Kapha,
removesconstipationof the bowels, and helps to create a healthy
secretion of the Pitta. The Airavata and DantaSa(ha (different
varieties of Jarnbira) are acid and tend to bring on an affack of
haemoptysis.15&159

tReotl
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qflrffi vffi irq'futrF{rfrr ql

riqr6firFr G'sptfura;urarg{TfrI ql Rql l I
Thefruit (of zuchtreesastheA3vatha,thePlak$atheAudumbura,
etc.,whichpassby thegeneralname)of l$ira-Vlkqasaswell asthose
which are known as the Jimbu, Rijidana, Todana, Sitaphala,
Tinduka, Bakula, Dhanvana, A3mantaka, A3vakar4a, Phalgu,
ParuJaka, Giigeruki-, Puqkara,Varti, Bilva and Bimbl etc. are
cooling, and astringent in their effect. They zubduethe Pitta and
Kapha,tendto producea conditionof parchedness in the system,and
havea sweetandastringenttaste.16t0-161
qfrr€SuciN nu ffir vfrcsqt
u,qrd qgr qrwi ilnrqrsilalrrqr RqR| |
sr€d qrffii TrF qrqd qqftrakqr
ffi Frg Etn{ng rrqqttuei lFtRqttl
6qr{ qg{ 5'{ fu Ew,qrdFr(l
grdgf dg {lrfr ffi frrnTF,qqf{qI RqY| |
sn{ qtnd ffi Frg{i qrr+tqtqr
ffi nu^wred ug{ q,q,Frnk(rRq\ | |
lilgrg i5,tr{nd ffi TiITfr qr€ilql
ftsrfrq,,s qarqf frvtii qftrgqtrnqqrl
F6qrd fed urg qrtri qqcrakqt
re<rf.ttt' M iatnq\etl
Of thesethe fruit of trees which belong to the genus K$if i'
Vgkqas is heavy and cooling, and is long retainedin the stomachin
an undigestedstate.It hasa sweet,acid andastringenttasteand does
not inordinately derangethe Vtryu.The fruit known asthe Jimbava
generatesthe V6yu. It is astringent,andzuMuesthe Pitta and Kapha,
while the Rirjidana is demulcent,sweet,astringentand heavy' The
Todana is acid,astringent,andsweetin its tasteandis parchifyingand
suMuesthe Pitta and Vtryu. It is (heat-making)in its potency,easily
digestible Qight of digestion),astringent,demulcentand appetising
andfurther generatesthePitta.UnripeTinduka futit is astringent,and
heavyin digestionandproducesVtryuin theorganism,while in its ripe
Chap. XLVI SUl'RASTHANA 48t

or fully maturedstageit is sweet,andsuMuestheKaphaandPilta.The

Bakula fruit has a sweet and astringenttaste is demulcentand
tothe teeth,and
astringentinitsproperties,impartsa greaterfirmness
removesthe viscid condition of the membranes.The fruit of the
Dhanvanahasan astringenttaste,and is coolingand palatableand
subduesthe V6yu and Kapha.The fruit of the G-airgerukaand
A3mantaka is possessedof similar propertiesas the preceding
ones.L62-167
ffir qgt fu rn.Fjci miur !q r
qrqrqrsTtr !{g lRqa ll
qrflEi frtrtr{firi F{sr{ qsqertl
atq q*i qg{ qafrrrft{€ur{ltqq3ll
ffi qg{ Yfti vmforrcrel-qt
rM rqrg F{efrr qef qq,q,T T€'l Reo | |
qqlFffifi *sgi ffi fiG {qrqt
reftffimqrfu iilFi nrqg{r6-irqtReq ll
dtq fusr( rrrq*i tgtr$rtf {t l
ffi fqtanrqt ttrqE-( {FdqrcilqlRsR ll
ffiwiqrroufwqq-(qtnffiq(t
l l q e Ql l
ThePhalgufruit is longretainedin thestomachin anundigested
state,has a sweettaste,and is heavyof digestion,refreshingand
demulcentin its effect.Rawor unripeParriqakafmit is extremlyacid
in tastewith a shadeOfthe sweet,leavesan astringentafter-taste,is
light of digestion,generates thePitta,andsuMuesthe Kapha;while
in its ripe stateit is sweetin taste,suMuestheVtryuandPitta,is sweet
in digestionandcoolingin its potencyandprovescurativein casesof
haemoptysis. The Puqkarafruit is sweet,and is long retainedin the
stomachin anundigested state.It producestheKaphaandis tonic,and
heavyof digestion@ardto diges).RawandtenderBilva fruit suMues
theVdyu andKapha.It is keen,demulcentastringent,andappetising,
has a pungent,bitter and astringenttaste,and is heat-makingin its
potency,while in its ripe stateit leavesa sweetafter-taste.Furtherit
is heavyof digestion,canbe but incompletelydigested,and is long
V r l .I - 3 1
 SUSRU'I'ASAMHITA

retainedin the stomach,causingit thusto distendandproducingthe

emissionof a fetid-smellingflatus.The Bimbi fmit, as well as that
knownastheA3vakarqa,is galactagoguic. Theydestroythepitta and
Kapln andprovebeneficialin casesof thirst,burningsensation of the
skin,fever,haemoptysis, cough,asthmaandconsumption. l6E-173
nteY ll
ql
qFrr{rh furqfi t'aunF{ ffi ?lne\ tl
u-Fi rqrgwi fu drf,d gr frtrkqr
rfrd F{qqr6s {mf qrdfudFq(lR\eqtl
ilfi*i gr fu frilEf erg vftamtr
rrfrqf{Tgq Ea T6rf qRdvilTqnlere | |
'ffi{
wfilnr€ fiqr{ Fr$rtf nFl
ril=f Rrgrd *tri q,,qrd rTFdyfrild{l
Ttrfutr6t gerf 5,d YM l5'tqeetl
The fruits such as, the Ti.'la, Nirikela, panasa and Moca
(banana),etc.aresweetin tasteandof drgestion,andsubduethoV6yu
andPitta.Theyarecoolingin theirpotencies,andact asconstructive
tonics. of thesettre fruit of a Tila is sweetin tasteand heaivyof
digestion.It subduesthe derangedPitta. The pulp found insibe its
seeds.issweetof digestionanddiuretic,andit subduesthe Vlyu and
Pitta. The Nirikela fruit is heavyof digestion,demulcent,sweet,
cooling in its potency,tonic, tissue-building,pleasant,laxativeand
diuretic.It zubduesthe Pitra.The Panasais sweetandastringentin
taste,demulcentandheavyof digestion.The Moca hasa sweetand
astringenttaste,notcoolingin its potency,provescurativein casesof
haemoptysis,acts as a spermatopoieticand improvesthe relish for
food. It generatesthe Kaphaandis heavyof digestion.174-l7g

qrReSrl
tt*r Erqr RTr€qt qg{r ffitreil
l l q e ol l
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 483

Es firtfrgrq6{rvrql{t
*vrj Tsrri igi q,rYT{ q-mg.qtnqattl
{dafqrrd Eq vfrfti dfu !€l
T* qr* \a qgr rgr{i ffinrrfwqnte? tl
t'tuftq€€ q{*5.$f I€l
eraFr*q{rwi wi ffir RZ?rI
The fruits such as the Drikqis, Kl3maryas, Madhulas,
Kharjuras, etc.,havea sweettaste,areheavyof digestionandprove
curative in casesof haemoptysis.Of theseGrapes are laxative,
beneficialtothevoice,sweet,demulcent, andcoolingintheirpotency.
Theyprovebeneficialin casesof haemoptysis, fever,asthma,thirst,
burningsensation of theskinandconsumption. Thefruit knownasthe
K66marya Phala is pleasantand diuretic. It purifies the blood,
improvesme intellectand growth of hair, and is rejuvenescent and
.subduesfheY hyundPitta. Xharjtras are possessed of the virtue of
arresting all bodily wastes.They prove beneficial in Uraksata,are
pleasant,cooling in their fntency, refreshing,heavy of digestion,
sweetin taste,andprovecurativein casesof haemoptysis. Thefl owers
of Madhfka trees are tissue-building,unpleasantand heavy of
digestion,while their fruit subduesthe V6yu andPitta. 179-1E3
tRaYtl
fiIrilTeqt{rqqr€: ffisnR gsfur v r
{6urrqFrdEdrfr qqrft qg{rer qtRe\ | |
Fruits suchasthe Vit6ma, Akqo{a, Abhiquka, Nicula, Picu,
Nikocaka, and Urum6[a, etc. are demulcent,heat-makingin their
potency,heavyof digestion,constructive,tonic, and sweetin taste.
They suMuethe V6yu, Pitta andKapha.184-185
t5,qr{ Eqfriruf ffici Ffulr<1l
Es grrFsT frvki tr+frq,agarfrtn4qtl
qfu yfr?rqFsg rrroqrftsr{ql
ffir g-dunqf yfrtri qrffitrr{l
ffi qgcgrfr lnnfirtrsre(-tqt Restl
 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

The fruit knownastheLavdiis astringentandslightlybitter in

taste, improves a relish for food, and is pleasant,aromatic and
refreshingto the whole system.It suMuesthe KaphaandPitta. The
fruits suchas theVasira, andthe Sitapirkya,aswell asthe stemsof
Bhall6taka trees,are hard to digestand are long retainedin the
stomachin an undigestedcondition.Theytendto producea stateof
drynessin the organismderangethe Vlyul are cooling in their
potency, sweet of digestion,and prove curative in casesof
haemoptysis.185-187
t{tqif Eavrdrrwi vilfirrdFrq(nqaa tl
Yftf e,qRf qg{ ES rnd;Tfi !Ti|
nqrfu frtnqgt qrflM{..<(tReqtl
rrfrwti T€'rang ssilqi *'vr<wmqr
g€ veqaqqei PAqqrtqqotl
The fruits knownasthe Airivata andthe Danta3athahavean
extremelyacidtasteandtendto bringonanattackof haemoptysis. The
fruit knownasthe faika @luekapitha)is coolingin its potency,has
a sweetandastringenttaste,is heavyandgenerates 'Ihe
theV6yu. fruit
knownasthelirgudiis demulcent,andheat-making in its potency,,has_
a sweetandbittertaste,andzuMuesthe Viyu andKapha.TheSami
fruit is heavy,sweetandheat-making, producesa stateof parchedness
in theorganism,andhelpsthefallingoffof hair.TtreSleqmitakafruit
is heavyof digesion, generates the Kapha,andis sweetin tasteand
cooling in its potency.188-190

Euwfqtfi,.frIFt ql
ttr,qeraEtftr qtRqq | |
fffiffitr€t Eil
ffi €d rtsg F+d q''qrdFqEt RqR| |
srr6q-t fu qrGndEqTfu ql
ssi ffiqrr*ra-Mqwrtqt Rqt | |
Esg-t'ffid q.gqTFd a*q ql
@f v{e+fs(rRsYrl
Chap.XLVI S{JTRASTHANA

Fdsi q.qi qr* Hg qftF5,t5Tq6ltl

ftrc'ffirti H qkrvrrqilqq\ ll
qqgwfstiaifrqefYilqqq5ql
q,qr{ *qJrgrsei qqqgT$rqrt5,iltlR3q ||
tr*IFsNMffiqrvmqr
raqEf rnrgvr€rqf e,qFf e,m,mql Rsell
Fruits suchthe Kari-ra, Akqika, Pilu and Tpa3rlnya have a
sweet,bitter andpungenttaste,andareheat-makingin their potency.
TheysuMuethe Vdyuand Kapha.Of thesethePiTuhasa bitterand
astringenttaste.It generates thePitta,actsaspurgative,is pungentin
digestion,keen,heat-making andoily. It subdues theViyu andKapha.
The.Arugkara and Tauvaraka fruits havean asffingenttaste,are
pungentindigestion,heat-making in theirpotencyandprovecurative
in casesof wormsin the intestines,fever,consipationof the bowels
(Anana)Mehaandudlvarta (V?rasreversedmovement).Fruits zuch
as, the Karafrja, Kiir3uka, and AriE{aphala (Nimba) are
vermifugenous andpungentin digestion,andprovecurativein cases
ofleprosy, Gulma(internaltumour),Ascites,PilesandPrameha. The
Vi{airga fruit produces a stateof dryness in the body, is heat-making
in its potency,light, andpungentin digestion,subduesthe V6yu and
Kaphaandisslightlybitter,vermifugenous anti-toxicimproveintellect.
The Abhayi (Chebulic Myrobalans)proves curative in casesof
ulcers, is heat-making(in its potency),and acts as a purgative'
improves intellect, tends to reduce corpulency and subduesthe
derangedhumours.tt is appetisingandinvigoratingto the eye-sight,
has an acid and astringenttaste,andprovescurative in oedemaand
cutaneousaffections.The Akqa fruit is possessedof purgative
properties,is light (of digestion),andproduces a stateof drynessin the
organism. It is heat-making in its potency, produceshoarseness
(Aphonia), is a vermifuge and is beneficial to the sight, has an
astringenttaste, is sweet in digestionand zuMues the Pitta and
Kapha. l9l-197
q,q,Frir6{ 6S Ttrdfi€nrd{l
Ecnqffi Fdfu.( qrrwf stnlnsall
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

\ilrfrq+vftsqq{r qrfrfrEqrfr: rftql

qmtwei F{trs frri q qq'rq6{l
dg Ttrrrra @tn3qtl
qfrt': grfi+: rftn: e'trt eg *qt: t
Ewnqr Eqpiri q *t*qft 1frar 111oo tl
mrr*qtrfiT irtr-Sdr ffi r t?ot | |
fucremqr t{gfr p: frrrFrrraa: uRoR
tl
&fu) F{aFT: q;t51n€Tqrv'=':nRo? rl
q'qr+.Tgn qiqr fu frtrTryFT:I
@ ila@rrrerfiF{ qnRoyn
En.tYttT{FsIcT:I
@3fi6fa6q6':n?o\tl
qFr q-d*6 *{ sqpo qr{vr{l
"rrr
irs rdE *{'rr rrqrrqfq Ffi*qu?oq tl
rFeS qfu T{ Turfl( FgEr6-dr(l
fuerefr* R{'ff{ ffiA Wilrrtr
Trquf {Fi dk q,,rrFfq€ Frfiq,{uRoe tl
qrkf q,frrEcrg qreil*ilrdrsnqr
rrdft rn,Fi ffiq qlRoetl
Fft qqcrt: r
The Puga fruit zubduesthepitta andKapha,producesa stateof
drynessin the organism,cleansesthe mouth of all secretionsand
impurities,hasa slightly sweetandastringenttaste,andis possessed
of laxativeproperties.ThefruitsandvegetableszuchastheJitikosa,
theJ6fi Phala,the Ka{uka Phalathe Kakkolaka, Lavaiga andthe
Karpu-raetc.havea bitterpungenttaste,suMuethirstandKapha,are
light in digestion,andremovebadodoursfrom themouthandileanse
itof all impurities.TheKarpu-rahasaslightlybittertaste,is aromatic,
cooling in its potency,and light in digestion.It is possessedof
liquefacientpropertiesand is speciallyrecommenderJ in drynessof
themouthandfetid breath.TheLatl-Kashraiki is sim,ilarin its virnre
to the Karprrra andis cooling andbothlaxativeandd.iuretic.Ttrepith
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA

of the Priyala fruit hasa sweettaste,is spermatopoietic andsubdues

the VtryuandPitta.Thepith (thekernelfoundinsidetheseeds)of the
Baibhitaki-ftuit is intoxicatingandsubduesthe derangedV6yu and
Kapha.Thepith or the kernelof theKola fruif hasanastringentsweet
taste,subduesthe V6yu andPitta allaysthirst andalleviatesnausea
and vomiting.Thekernelof the seedof the Amalaka resemblesthe
last namedptth in its properties.The kernelsof suchfiuits as the
Bijapu-raka,Samy6kaandKo36mraaresweetin digestion,appetising
demulcent,and suMue the Vlyu and Pitta. Thesekernelsof seeds
shouldbe regardedaspossessing ideirticalpropertiesasthe pulpsof
the fruits from which they had beenextracted.All fruits with the
exceptionof Bilva areefficaciousin theirripe andmaturedcondition.
Thelatter@ilvas)havebeenenjoinedto theeatenunripe formedicinal
purposesaswell aswith a view to derivea greaterefficacyfrom their
use.UnripeBilvas areastringentandappetisingin their effect,heat-
makingin their potency,andhaveanastringent-pungent-bitter taste.
Fruit, which is blightedor that affectedby anyotherdiseaseor
that which hasgrownin an improperseason,or raw or over-ripe,or
worm-eaten,shouldbe rejectedasunfit for use.Herethedescription
of the fruit-groupis ended.198-208
3Tg[Yrc5trt:-
vmFreftr ud qqqrq: I
a:r n?o3 t l
ffii !6{Rrn rr<qrmrfr qr
q'; lQ{o | |
ffi tS Wqrwi qFfi qd irq'rqfltl
{-fti dqyi qqrn {ri qRqillfrrrqt tRqq| |
FdM Es qinf ffiffisnqr
E,rftTq q,q'ilaqE-(ilRqR| |
sriTr{FftrF{qm.rg t.qn T#dqfrftnl
fmrcrgrear E qrfi{+ qrdfuf,Fq(nRq?| |
The group of Potherbs: Now we shalldealwiththe properties
of potherbs.Thefruitsof zuchcreepersasthePuqpaphali,At6bu and
488 S I , I S R U T AS A M H I T A

Kllindak destroythe Pitta,generatethe V6yu,andslightlyproduce

the Kapha.Theytendto increasethedischargeof thestoolandurine,
andaresweetin tasteanddigestion.Of thesethetenderKuqm64{ak
are light in digestion,heat-makingin their potency,and containa
greaterproportionof alkalinematter.They are appetising,diuretic
andpleasantin their effect,andtendto subduetheactionofall kinds
of derangedhumours,and prove wholesomein casesof mental
aberration,suchas,insanity,etc.The Klilindak tendsto reducethd
quantityof semenandimpairsthe eyesight.It generutes both Vtryu
and Kapha,while an Allhu is a purgative,producesa conditionof
parchednessin the system,is heavy in digestionand extremely
cooling in its potency.The species,known as the bitter Alibu, is
unpalatableandhasan emeticproperty,and subduesthe Viyu and
Pitta.209-213
il?qY t l
qtF'qRrfiTrftrr ql
{s{.{sffir qilRt\ tl
qr"i g.fti Tgd N fqrrt Er{r
il(qrug i6.qEE-$trqFf qrilfiqTtrf{t tRqq| |
qqfiFei F*ffifu srttFT tnqqrcr{-{l
TTqrri qg{ 5,d fu qrFdfrrildrttRqetl
s{ri qgr*{ vftffi t5q,q€Al
r}q{ {'q-f @uRqall
The fruits suchas the Trapusa, Erviruka, Karkirruka, and
Sirpa-Vpta areheavyin digestionandlongretainedin the stomach
in an undigestedstate.Theyare palatable,coolingin their potency,
generateKapha,tend to facilitatethe dischargeof stool and urine,
containa little alkalinematter,and are sweetin taste.A greenand
tendercucumber suMuesthe Pitta, while one which is of a pale
yellow colouractsasa stomachic.A ripe andyellow Trapusa tends
to suMue the Pitta only in the eventof its possessing
an acid taste.
Similarly, ripe Ervirukas andKarkirukas generatethe Vtryu and
Kapha,havea sweettaste,andarefoundto be chargedwith alkaline
matter.Theyareappetising, relishinganddonotinordinatelygenerate
the Pitta. A Sir4a-V1nta (water melon) containsa little alkaline
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 489

theKapha,is pleasingand
matter,is sweet,andpurgative.It generates
appetisingin its property,andprovescurativein casesof Andihaand
estnita. 214-218
FrErfr;qR'q-
13r{gq-
frrg-qgprg-
qntqr- tRtjtl
, The spicesand herbsincludethe Pippali, Marica, Srngavera,
Ardraka, Hingu, Jiraka, Kustumburu,Jambiraka,Sumukha(wild
barbarik?r),Surasl (tulasi), Arjaka, Bhflstgra(rohisa),Sugandhaka
(gandhatrna),K6samaradaka, Kilamlla @arbarik?r), Kutheraka(a
variety of barbarikh),Ksavaka, Kharapuspa, Sigru, Madhu-Sigru,
Phafijjhakd, Sarqapa,Rajika, Kulhhala (mu{tdidka),Avaguttha,
Gandira,titapamiki (coraka),Van?rbhrl@unarnavb), Citraka,MUlaka-
Potikl, La6una,Pall4{u and Kallya (varietyof triputaka),etc.2l9
6-^gErnh Falrfr qraV*trrtfrfrr qr
tiw.rmfqfqenlllQo tl
N IEt Tqrq{frdrfiTq€ct ifirrr€ratl
gwrt5,urFrcrefr
rngrfir*rffiffi | lRRt| |
.Metrical Texts : Potherbshavea pungenttaste,are relishing,
andheat-makingin their potency,and subduethe V6ryuand Kaphe.
Theyarevariouslyusedfor seasoning food.Ofthe abovesaidspices
andherbs,theunripeor immaturePippaliis heavyin digestion,sweet
in taste, cooling in potency and dry Pippaf is spermatopoietic
zuMues Kaphaand Vhta, not anti to Pitta as well. 220-229
Filgqr€rffitrf T€ IMFA ql
6-s^Ef Eg T€tqqTG{ q,'5.qrdFr(l1RRRll
qrqgf =rrFdvnrrs
{dfr qfuf fsaqr
qqqg ftr*rqa: tR?t | |
rrrr{ qrf,'emtET ffi qg{ rel
qpfu +{i Es s*6 ag *TqtRRltl
e,w,rF{Fr6{ s{ fq*qmrarvgr3.(t
q.{Ef rtq{ 6A ffia; rFir{tRR\tl
 S U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

qsi qr*f fdg {q=i Eq-{rdFwql

re ffi Fr *EFf ytdFtrFffqg(nRRq tl
*EeMu-gaiqr+ErrififfiT{l
a ffi rFqrfii +cq.dqqnRRetl
q,rc+ q.{* rgi-q Rqr *qtkq'rt
fq|M'dntRRatl
srrd'qgqqfr Euf qerg*'Fs{6rdt'{t
qr{q'rqg{Trrr*firyErT{qrrfl 'Yr+l
ffiaarffisEftrt.rffinRRsll
Greenor immaturedMarica is sweetof digestion,heavy and
ptrlegmagogenic in its effect.Dry Maricahasapungenttaste,is light
of d.igestionandheat-making in its potency.It is anti-spermatopoietic,
destroystheVlyu andKapha.ThewhiteMarica is neithertoocooling
nor too heat-makingin its potency,is moreefficaciousthanthe two
precedingvarietiesandis speciallyinvigoratingto ttreeye-sight'The
Nigara destroysthe V6yu and Kapha,has a pungenttaste,and is
sweet of digestion. It is heat-makingin its potency, acts as a
spennatopoietic and aphrodisiac,is pleasantand impartsa relish to
food. It is appetising,light of digestion,and chargedwith an oily
zubstance.The Ardraka has a pungenttaste,is heat-makingin its
potency,actsas a pleasantspermatopoietic, subduesthe V6yu and
Kapha,provesbeneficialto the voice, and relievescolic pain and
suppression of the stoolanddistensionof the stomach.The Hiitgu is
light of digestion,heat-makingrnits potency,actsasa digestant,;nd
is appetising.It zuMuesthe V6yu andKapha,hasa pungenttaste,is
demulcent,laxativeandsharp,andrelievescolicpain,indigestionand
zuppression of stool.The Jiraka (whetherwhite or yellow) is sharp
and heat-makingin its potency,pungentin digestionand impartsa
relish to food. It has a pungenttaste,is appetisingand aromatic,
increasesthe Pitta, and destroysthe Viyu and Kapha.The species,
knownasKiravland Karavi-,like theUpakufrcik6r, arepossessed
of
propertiessimilar to thoseof the aforesaidJiraka,and are variously_
usedin seasoning dishesandcondiments. RaworundriedKustumbari
(corianderseeds)is sweet,aromaticandpleasant,while in its dried
stateit is sweetin digestion,actsas a demulcent,allaysthirst, and
 Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 491

alleviatestheburningsensation of theskin.It hasa slighflybitter and

pungenttaste,tendsto suMuethederangedhumours
ortne uooyano
purifiesits internalchannels.222-2Zg
tru*t: q-*+t*Vr: ffiertrfiqnqr€:3 | tRlo tl
rr* 3q*vrsrfilni: I
q.q,rffie{rq-q.r',q+ftq{rvn:
nRlq | |
firrr{E qrrdqtra: grur: wIfErErT:
I
€q g ggd il ffiqr(,rc{rvm: nR?R
||
tfi,qqrqq*Wffiurn:ffia1,1
i5,'Elrr6,Tqrv+q grqr$o,r[qun: lRlt tl
H!f{r Erf'eI|'itET: !TEI{: t$u6:tiqrT: I
Hqr, frrar: qfun: ir6rrr*qi: 1R?ytl
Q: €€[r{tl{!r frrgFm+ser
firra:r
rgfrg: lrrfun: ffi ttFt, ifiE: uR?\ tl
ffi t'S *epMe E,
Hid Erd{ vn*i TFr*i &,qllq iErtRlq tr
ffionfi'q q,q,vH Fr€[l
qqfT: qrrerdE+ R-drV@t
R?et l
e,gfrffirtTr Esr ffi rrffir
qddqau HEfr Ef,Trr=rn
Arq,**qltR?a | |
qE-qT(V€ffi16ep,4F**q5-qr
atE ffir-d€ furg( 6.Ftrilfu{'p??j | |
ffiqvrFf ga$ fqs+qr6t Eg-l
furtftr qrtrd yrr*i gwrqs
XFrq,r(tRXoI r
- __Jambiia is digestant,sharpandactsasa vermifuge.It suMues
the Vdyu andKapha,andis aromatic,appetisingandple,Lant.
It tends
to removethe badtastein themouth,andalleviatescough,
dyspnoea
anddiseasesdueto theactionof thederangedviyu
unai<^uptu i. ou,
to poison.Thesurasi generates ttrepina, rerievesthe colic andpain
at the sides,while the sumukha is saidto be possessed
of the s'ame
propertieswith theexceptionthatit neutraliseJ*re
effectsof poisons
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

brought about through the chemical combination(of several

incompatiblesubstances in the organism).The herbsknown as the
Surash, Arjaka and BhuTtqqa destroy the Kapha, are light of
digestion,andtendtoproducea stateof parchedness inthe organism.
They aredemulcent,generatethePitta,andareheat-makingin their
potency and pungentin taste and digestion.The herb called the
Kisamardaka hasa bitter andsweettaste.It zuMuesthe Viyu and
Kapha,is a digestant,cleansesthe throatand speciallysuMuesthe
Pitta. The Sigru hasa pungent,alkaline,sweetandbitter tasteand
generates thePitta,while theMadhu-Sigru varietyis laxative,hasa
bitter and pungenttaste; is appetisingand removesoedematous
swellingof the body.The Sirqapa herbs,aswell asthoseknown as
Gandira and Vega, can be but imperfectlydigested'They tend to
suppressthe dischargeofstool andurine,producea stateofdryness
in theorganism,aresharpandheat-making in theirpotency,andserve
to derangethe three fundamentalhumoursof the body. The herbs
calledCitraka andTilapar4iare light (of digestion),andsuMuethe
Kapha and oedema.The herb known as the Varqibhu- zubduesthe
Vtryuand Kapha.It provesbeneficialin casesof oedemaabdominal
dropsyandpiles.TheMu-laka-Potikhhasa pungentbitter taste.It is
pleasant,appetising,light and throat-cleansing, tendsto impart a
greaterrelishto food,andsubdues the action ofall kindsofderanged
humours.Rawor immatureMulaka of thelargerspeciesis heavyin
digestionandlongretainedin thestomachin anundigestedstate'It is
irritating andtendsto producea derangement of the threehumoursof
the body, while boiled with oil or butterit actsas a demulcentand
subduestheV6yu,PittaandKapha.DriedMulaka suMuestheaction
of thethreederanged humours.It is anti-toxicandlight (of digesion).
All dried herbswith the exceptionof the precedingone generatethe
V6yu andtake a long time to be digested.230'240
ys{e qsrswdd*{ qeffi t qqq: 6gra:)frqr: r
tqr{ g'Ef q,qFff6'T Ed Fr6qr( qlm,qr€* qtRtttl

Thepropertiesdescribedin connectionwiththe Mflakabulb in

its different stagesof growh andconditionscanalsobe attributedto
its flowers,leavesandfruitsrespectively.Mulaka flowerssuMuethe
Pitta and Kapha,while their fmit zuMuesthe V6yu and Kapha.Zl'
 Chap.XLvl SUTRASTHANA

ffier:qfrfu€gc: rrr: ErgrgErer: I

W €* r$q: tmntl
I
@-€firurtrreqrqfs Akrmetl
qrqqrr*{ilsFrir-dr
res ftefr Wqfftramrr+agr
qFn€r6
: ffi ssrr*b-q rurrgrnra r*od+a IRf,6||
Rasona is demulcent,heat_making, sharp,pungent,slimy,
heavyandraxative.Ithasapalatabretasteunoir toorc,speriratopoietic,
andtendsto improvethevoice,intellectandcomprexionandio
bring
about an adhesionof fracturedbones.It aleviates heart-disease,
indigestion,fever, vibandha,Kuksi-suia,Gulma,a non-relish
for
f,9od,c.ouen,asthma,piles, Kugtra, dulnessof appetite,
swelling
(Sopha),wormsanddiseases dueto theV6yuandKapha.palaB{u is
not excessivelyheat-makingin its potency,has a pungent
taste,is
heavy,tonicandappetising.It srightlygenerates ttrepitta anoKaptra.
It suMuesthe Viyu. U2-2U
ftr'* u,Fq{q:ftwarga,lf qe}srr nqrflrSfu€ r
errgft': ftmqrm: sfrfura: ftqqr€F": It?r\ ||
itr,-crqvrr*ifu if,,t6,Eiarrei nrr
frqF* qgrg ir(t Ryq tl
The species,known as the K$ra_ pal64{u, is demulcent,
900ling in its potency,and rerishing,imparts a steadinessto the
fundamentalprincipresof the body,ii tonii, promotesthe growth
of
flesh,improvesthe inteilectandincreases ne rapna. tt is iatataute,
heavy, slimy and proves beneficialin casesoihaemoptysis.
The
potherbscalledKar6yasuMuethepitta andKapha,grnu.ut,
Viyu,
are heavyandsweetin digestion,andreavean a.stringent
after-taste
in the mouth.US-ZK

gtfdfrt tlx\e | |
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

TtrFma{rfrr ql
qqqrrqfui t{, riqrfrfr qfr qnRY/rl
The leavesof plantsand treesknown as the Cuccrl,Y[Urika,
Taru4r-, Jivantl Bimbitikl, Nandi-,Bhallltaka,Cagal6ntri,Vfkfadani,
Phafljl Sarnatl Selu,Vanaspatl-prasava fleavesof vanaspatigroup
ofplants), Sana,Karbudira and Kovidira etc., have an astringent,
sweetandbittertaste,andprovecurativein haemoptysis. TheysuMue
the Kapha,generatethe Viyu andare astringentin their actionand
light of digestion(easilydigestible).U7-24t
FTE:trr*ra\nTlET:ftrffiqffiFfi: I
q,qrqqgfr YG g.6{tr firitrerllRxi ll
q€qr wdffi ffi {g<|-6nrl
gsrr(fr rrFrflr I6,.s Frf,rqFil qmnR\o rl
lf,'ET{T: {FI€tt: 1Tflr: I
vftar:rirrEuT:vrwr w,FmrftwR'un{rrR\t | |
Of these,theCuccrlis light of digestion,andactsasa vermifuge.
It is slimy,provesbeneficialto ulcers,is sweetandastringentin taste
andaction.It tendsto zubduetheactionof thethreederangedhumours
(TUdoqa).fire Jivandherb is beneficialto the eyesand zuMuesall
kindsof derangedhumours.Theleavesof theYgkqidaniQatex-tree
leaves)plant zuMuethe Vtryu.Phaffjileavesare slightly tonic. The
leavesof treesorplantsbelongingto theKqira-Vqkqaor to theUtpala
grouparecooling in their potency,astringentin their tasteandaction,
and prove beneficial in dysentery,(intestinalhaemorrhage)and
haemoptysis. 249-2Sl
t
sEnR vrgfrrfirR qrag{rrrrR ranrR\Rrl
fuffivrrei@ rR\?rl
The leavesof the Punarnava,Varuqla,Tarktrri, Urutu1<a(white
castor), Vatstrdani,and Bilva Szrkaetc., are heat-makingin their
potency,and have a sweetand bitter tasteand pacify the deranged
V6yu.Ofthese,thePunarnav|arespeciallypossessedof thevirtueof
removingoedema(Sopha).252-253
 Chap. XI.VI SUTRASTHANA

IR\YII
q*gmr vwrcrg{rfur q,
q-<qrffirFrqq Tffi qt t?\\ | |
The potherbs,zuchas the Tan{uliyaka,Upodik6,
cilll Paranky',andv'stulaetc.,areiu*uiiu, ASvabati,
anddiuretic,andhave
asweetandalkarinetaste.Th^ey
slightrygenerate
thevayuanoxafna,
andcurehaemoptysi s. 254-2SS
qgfr TqqFsrErf Tftfriqqrqa: r
# vftftrril RcrqE:,I R\q tl
qrqrfiqr Eqr enfuirqrTdrr
v*RF,l F{r ftiln Erenv*'ry6fr f6qrI
q.gHqr* FsfutT Rqe| |
@,r
TT€f,fr:Fdffi qrqq+
r.rrq:nl +qfit
(tr{trr T|-{:
FT: llR\2, ||
ffi ar*E*.*$<rqr6g-qrdrgFft Tu-{l
qtil{R q€F{uq{r FWr furfi,t
Fmr
vrrfi,qleqfi 5'q{ T€EuT{qr€.ilqt R\i | |
Metrical Text : Of these,thespeciesknown
astheTa4{uliyaka
is sweet in taste and d.igestion,-d proves
curative in casesof
haemoptysisand somnorence (rrueto the effectsof poison,
vitiatedblood).It is antitox'candextremely wine or
coolingin it, potun.y,unO
producesa stateof parchedness in the ,yrtrr. fn, UpoAif.arp".iu,
is sweetin tasteand digestion.It is
anti-narcotic,
cooling,laxative,demulcentand tonic. "p.r*utopoietic,
It generatesthe Kapha,and
pitta in the system.
*-M"gr the v6yu and The speciescalredthe
v6rsfu1a is a pungent(in digestion),
vermiftrge,and is tonic. It
improvesthe intelrectand digesrion'and
is alkarine,laxative and
relishing,andtendsto suMuea'kinds
of derangedhumoursof the
body.ThespeciesCilti resembles theVdstukain i" pr"p;;;
thoseof the p6tairky6 is identicarwith iufrif,
ttroseot the Tar.r{uriya.It
generates theV6yu,producesa stateofparchedness
in tf* s'ieo,, unO
tendsto suppress thedischargeof stooiandurine.rt p.ouu,
to th.: gerangedl*pha and-pitra.Thepotherbs ,r*uoa
AS""'U"1"prJuJ* u
condition of dryness in the organism
and tends ,o *ppirs nu
dischargeof stool and urine anOVayu (emission
of flatus). 256_259
496 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

@g.{ddrlragq*erfturfr
qil-.r- -t$aFltF'{Kltt-
lpqo t l
ql
qnRqq t l

ThepotherbsQeaves of edibleplants)suchastheMal{ulapaqu'
Saptal6,Suniqannaka, Suvarcal6, Brahma-suvarcal6' Pippali'Guduci'
Goiinva, K6kam6rci,Prapunnida,Avalguja, Satina' Brhati-Phala'
ialtaktrika-phala, Pa{oli, Vartaku,Klravellaka,Ka(ukik6'Kevuka'
Vetra'
Urubdta, Parpalaka,Kirltatikta, Karkotaka,Atista' Kosataki'
arelight andpalatabl
e' andprove
Karira,Ataru-sata,Arkapuqpi,etc',
Meha,fever, dyspnoea' cough and
curativein haemoptysis,-Kuitha,
createa relish for food. 260'261
6.5nqr E fcdr firt egqT6Tqr Ecrt
Ed qr{*,qqft iI rr{mFqEqT qiTTI lRqR| |
3ffifr+eq:ffi
ef,qfT: €: qr* ftrt': firrqqTra: IIRQQll
ffi ffitrgi Yrrqi 4 Ffr{qql
qrqsrvfti qEdEii5,rfiqrqr€ aPaerqt RqY| |
@ errar6{rfrr:al
wfirfr T6fr{r€ a,,$mqA qlRq\ll
ffi qrgrgsr firtqqrtrfftt
rr&i u.gd qr* E*f ffiqqrlRqqll
Metrical Texts : TheMa .r{ukapar4iandtheGojihvik6 species
cial
arealikein theirproperties,rheformerbeing astringentandbenefi
to the Pitta,sweetin tasteandd.igestion, coolingin its potencyandof
is
easydigestion.The suniqa4qaka speciesis easilydigestedand
unattendedwith any acid reaction.it is astringent in its action and-
tendsto zubduethethreederangedbodily humours,andit alsoarrests
is
the evacuationsof the bowels.The Avalguja has a bitter taste,
pungentindigestionandzuMuesthederangedPittaandKapha.The
potrtetusatilra is slightly bitter and astringentin tasteand tendsto
 Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA

subduethethreederangedhumoursof thebody.TheKikamiciherb
is neithertoocoolingnor tooheat-makingin its potencyandremoves
cutaneousaffections.It subdues
thederangedhumoursasthepreceding
species.The fruit of (the two speciesofl Bgati plants has an
astringentandbittertaste,andis light of digestion.It is vermicidaland
provescurativein casesofitch andcutaneous diseases (Kus{ha),and
suMues the derangedv6yu and Kapha.The leavesand fruit of the
Pa{ola creeperhave a bitter taste.They are beneficial to ulcers,
pungentin digestion,heat-making,spermatopoietic, relishing and
appetising. They zuMue the derangedpitta and Kapha without
producingthe Vlyu. 262-26
funi **f E.Ei FTgl
qrflftsfuff*''flTsrrrFffifiqt
afq E6+tcqi tr qrr*nq,,te iiltRqe tl
sr6n,rfi+{rl-U{*F{wtn{-cr: I
ffi: firaqqrrar: nRQdtl
6t5,rlr6 qruErgTrsfr: I
YnE g-s^
vqr Eg :t Vfttrlr fuqurtt tRqq| |
{'ri
<|t|T q'rfrvrql Ir{EttrE{
rr|*tr6t E6gl
qt$$i qgr lr$gui fu trllnReotl
qrirf qrFrfrTvneifond qg{ia r(l
ytrwcvilfuq'rwfr TnFr qrffi,* Fecrr
sqrr i6,qrqqgrrerF.fr ffiqrttRettl
The Virtlka subduesthe Vtryu and Kapha.It hasa bitter and
pungenttaste,is light, relishing andappetising.MaturedVirt6ka is
alkaline (in its taste)andgeneratesthe pitta. The Karkotaka andthe
Kiravetlaka are possessed of propertiessimilar to those of the
preceding speciesryartaka). The herbs and creeperssuch as the
A{arfiqaka, Kir6tatikta, Parpa{akaand Gu{u-citogetherwith the
tender shootsof the vetra and the Nimba have a bitter taste and
zubduethePitlaandKapha.Theleavesofthevaru4a andprapunni{a
destroythe derangedKaphaandgive rise to a conditionof drynessin
the system.Theyarelight of digestion,coolingin their potency,and
Vol.I-32
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

tend to enrageor agitatethe bodily vlyu and Pitta. The potherbs

known as Kirlasika are appetisingandpungentin tasteandtend to
neutralisetheeffectsof poisonoriginatedtlnoughthechemicalaction
of two incornpatiblesubstances in the organism.The speciescalled
Kausumbha hasa sweet and
taste, producesa conditionof dryness
in theorganism.It is heat-making in its potencyandlight of digestion,
andsubdues thederangedKapha.ThespeciescalledNilikh-36ka has
a sweettaste.It generatestheV6ryuandsubdues thePitta.Thespecies
called the Cairgeri has an acid, astringent and sweettaste.It is
appetisingandheat-makingin its potency,provesbeneficialin cases
of derangedv6yu and Kaphaand curative in casesof desenteric
disorders(Grahaai)andpiles. 267-271

ErgqrfiTqr: Yfrm:?[qErTqIfrF|ir€TI: I
Eqffgr 5'e[r: Tr{|-tr =fld?tt: IT{T:llRel ll
rargFffi r q.f,fr {o'r rrfr qrqr E{Fr-*l I
ffi vnr€rfr Eg Aqrqa dqrl
TrqqTf,.fivtlt51l vravrmS atrqqt lR\eY| |
rnrgqrfir{i vrrei 5St ARmerqqt
+qi qgr 5:qr qarcrqFcfff,qlR\e\ ll
sivi EEi qT* dg q66qsalqt
q* qRra,csq{tReq ll
f,rq€q* *egM re fiffir*lqorrqt
grtFq F{vRi ftrt. H{ qmortTraqlRss ll
€wi q.gFi qr+ q,qrd effirtqt
T{qr{ffi*q-@ lRezll
gft vrrerqrt: t
The leavesof the Loliktr, J6tuka,Tpar.nik6,Pattilra,Jivaka,
Suvarcali,DuQurak(dodi),Kurubaka,Kuthifljara,Kuntaliki, Kura$ik6
etc.,aresweetin tasteanddigestionandcoolingin theirpotency'They
suMue the Kaphaand do not inoJdinatelygeneratethe Pitta. They
Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA

leave a salineafter-tastein the mouth and producea condition of

drynessin theOrganism.Theyarealkalineandlaxative,andgenerate
the V6yu. ThepotherbsknownasKu4@liki havea sweetandbitter
taste.The speciesKura.4[iki hasan astringenttaste,The species
calledthe Rijakqavak-Sirka,aswell astheonecalledSaf-SAka,is
astringentin its property,coolingin its potency,easilydigestibleand
is not hostileto (doesnot emageor aggravate),(subduesD.R.) the
humours.The species knownastheHarimanthajais sweetin taste
anddigestionbut is difficult to digest.Thespeciesknownas Kaliya
(eavesof theMatarapulse)ispurgativeandsweetin taste.It produces
a stateof drynessin theorganismandextremelygenerates the V6yu.
It tendsto dislodgethe derangedhumoursfrom their locationsin the
upper part of the body (Sramsana).The Pu-tikaraffjasare heat-
makingin theirpotencyandalleviate,oedemaandanasarca. Theyare
pungentin digestion,easilydigestibleandsuMue the V6yu andthe
Kapha.The leavesof the Tlmbufa are sharp,heat-making(in their
potency)and bitter, astringentand pungentin taste.They tend to
aggravatethe Pitta, arearomatic,provebeneficiaito the voice, and
removeviscidnessinthe organism.Theypacifythe KaphaandV6yu
in thesystem,areappetising,pungentin digestionanddeodorant,and
tendto removethefetidsmellin themouth,cleanseit of all.impurities
andalleviateall itchingsensations experiencedinsideits cavity.This
endsthe descriptionof potherbs.272-27E
e[cr gqflt:-
qgTrfrr q$Fqr*lR
Tffifutrf{Ifrr vt Erryp6sfr: guffi1 frffilfr 4Eqr=FrF{
s{rfir€rrdrfr qr tR\eq
tl
erFr€FfTTFdyn*qi TfiTrqrtf yvr€{t I tRao| |
The Flower Group : Theflowersof zuchtreesastheKovidira,
Sa{ra,andSilmaliare sweetin tase anddigestionandprovecurative
in casesof haemoptysis.The flowersof the Vgqaand Agastyahave
a bitter taste,arepungentin digestionandalleviatea wastingcough
(Phthisis).279
TheAgastyaflower is neithertoocoolingnorinordinatelyheat-
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

makingin itspotencyandprovesspeciallybeneficialincasesof night-

blindness(Nyctalopia).2E0
@6ffiaFr5nfrg*gffiI
qilRaq r l
The flowers of the Madhu-Sigru and Karilra are pungentin
digestion.TheydestroytheVdyu andincreasethe dischargeof stobl
andurine.2E1
rfi?srq f{Ks Eqqrfit€{s ql
Erq,Fr€t qtRaRll
Sq Eqgf Eqs
The flowers of the Rakta-V1kqa,Nimba, Muqkaka, Arka,
Asana and Ku(aja trees subduethe Pina and Kapha,and prove
curativein skin diseases(Kuqtha).2E2
qffi l{qs Yftf q{i fimq,q,rqaqt
qqf fttudffiEGAtF<vfrrwtr
furq qffitRa?tl
fcqgrt fffitri (O firqkqrvrqqr
qrerffi fttt *aqr( ftrf,{rvr+ | RaY| |
grfiq F{vtti Ett' qr€e qr*rlfr Erl
yffiffi{ qrri aq*a E$rqrRa\tf
rarq{i ttftrrui vntfrsi msqrvFrs(l
ftigai elafuilEi T6t{ E€'rrfi:qt Raq| |
ThePadmahasa bitterandsweettaste,is coolingin its potency,
andzuMuesthederangedPitta andKapha,TheKumudahas a sweet
taste,andis slimy,demulcent, andcoolingin its potency.The
pleasing
two varieties of the samespeciesknown as the Kuvalaya and the
Utpala, slightly differ from theprecedingvarietiesin their properties.
TheSindhuvira isrenownedfor its virtueof destroyingthePitta.The
Ma[ikA and M6rlatiflowershavea bitter tasteandsubduethe Pitta
owingto their sweetscent.TheBakulas,like theP6{albflowers,are
sweetsmellingandpleasant,their pleasingandodoriferousproperty
instantaneously permeates thewholesystem.TheNiga (flower),like
the Kumkuma, is antitoxic and zubduesthe Pitta and Kapha. The
Campaka is curativein casesof haemoptysis. It is both coolingand
 Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA 501

!9at-yaking in its porencyand subduesthe derangedKapha. The

Kim3uka, like theKuraq{aka, subduestheKaphaanOpitta.Zm-ZeO
qqr1qffuqr+q'q W Eufrfudwrl
qgRrg q.ffir q-grfo{E{rftT qtRaetl
A fl owershouldbeunderstoodaspossessed of thesameproperties
which are naturalto the treeor plant on which it grows.The (tender
stem) of the Madhu-.Sigru is pungentin taste and suMues the
derangedKapha.2E7
qae'q*afe)ldyr6,frrnffi q'oafi nnVqTrSffi r
qil?eatl
The Ikavaka (Chatraka),theKulecara,andthetendersproutsof
Vam3a,etc., zubduethe derangedKapha,and tend to increasethe
dischargeofstool andurine.288
Fq* Efuf tg F$Trqi qfrF€irql
F{EqF<qrfti qrFa-ffiur*,rs irEnRaq| |
ffi: q-frrr: q!F|t rrgrr rtfq|ifi?: I
ffi ?RFf,-{T:wrrrr€tt k€qqun:nRjo | |
Metrical Texts : The Kqavaka helps ttre geiminnation of
worms in the intestines.It is slimy and sweetin taste,and tendsto
increasethe secretionsof theinternalorgans.It geneftesthe vtryu and
doesnot inordinately increasethe pitta and Kaphain the body. The
tendersproutsof ve8u generateKaphaand are sweetin tasteand
digestion.Theycanbebutimperfectlydigestedandproducetheviyu
in the organism.They have a slightly astringenttasteand tend to
producea stateof extremeparchedness in the system. 299-290
skqrfr @t n:r rflaqrif
rg{Fqrqi Esf *qrvr*rst yqEfeg3 e.qrcTrSrtf q.d
Vfrrdrs I Taedtri mff qqr{ erc*}wrs rigvnf Hcn{
trrretqrst {ttti !5' arftqrdeir1Frgrsrgr{T:I njt | |
The Udbhida Group : Mushroomsaregenerallyfoundto grow
on stacksof straw @alala),or are seenvegetatingon the stemsof
bamboo(velu) or zugar-cane(Iksu),or assproutingup from beneath
5O2 SUSRUTASAMHITA

of
the surface of the ground (Udbhida),or growing on a heap
decomposed cow dung'(Karisa)' Of these,those whichgrow on stacks
of (decomposed) straw (Pal6la)are sweetin tasteand digestionand
the
tendto producea stateof drynessin the organism.They subdue
three derangedhumoursof the body. Those which vegetate on the
stemsofsugar-canes(Iksuja)haveasweetpungenttaste.Theyl
anastringentafter-tastein themouthandarecoolingin_theirpotency.
Musroomsgrowing on decomposedcow-dung(Ikriqa) shouldbe
regardedaspossessed of propertiessimilarto thoseof the preceding
class'TheyaggravatetheViyu,areheat-makingintheirpotency,an
have an astringenttaste. Those which vegetateon the stems of
bamboos(Ver.ruja)have an astringenttaste and tend to enrageor
aggravatethe bodily V6yu. Mushroomswhich grow on the ground
generatethe
@trumija)areheavyof digestionanddo notinordinately
Vtryu,their tastesvaryingaccordingto the soil they grow on' 291
v&iWlRqRll
Pi4y?rkaGroup : The Pinyaka(evigated powderor cake of
pressedin anoil-mill), theTilakalka(thelevigated
linseedor nnustard
powderof sesamumfrom which the oil hasbeensimilarly pressed
out),andthe Sthrlnika-suqta-sartaQeavesandstemsof plantspasted
andmadeintopills or balls)tendto enrageall thebodilyhu{rours.292
qrir*qqtr I
ffim: Sttt: gtqr*,,
fr{rtrS qldctt srqt ffillRql lI
f{E+R I€ Eq{5sr* f{qFr gdr{l
rr6'qr{Fa F{ F6 €rg urfigEr6fiql RiY t I
Metrical Texts : Sthuuikh balls are long retained in the
stomachin anundigestedState,thusgivingriseto a distensionof that
organ, and tend to enrageor aggravatethe bodily Vlyu' Moist
Siid6fis arethe fleavesandstemsof theMulaka,etc.slightlyboiled
andpastedwithpungentandalomaticspicesandthenmadein
balls.)Therearetwo kindsof sindarkisttredry andthe moist.They
generatethe Viyu and are appetising'andtend to impart a gteater
ielish to food. All sweetor palatablepotherbsarepurgativeandheavy
of digestion,producea stateof drynessin theorganism,aregenerally
indigestibleandlong retainedin the stomachin an undigestedstate'
C h a p .X L V I SUTRASTHANA

Theyaremarkedwitha shade
causingit to distend. of theastringent
in theirtaste.293-294
q"i qlrf tF'<Ed l[Gr: l5rr{lR3\
5ur rlr ll
6# qFSsfE Efqg€qtuql
Ert}q q-dvrreiil( qqu,rfiF{+f6 qnRiqtl
Of flowers,leaves, fruits,stemsandbulbs,eachsucceedingone
is heavier(of digestion)thanthe oneimmediatelyprecedingit in the
orderof enumeration. Potherbsandleavesof edibleplantswhich are
foundtoberoughor putrifiedonworm-eaten, aswell asthosegrowing
on an improperor incongenialsoil,or makingtheir appearance in an
unnaturalseasonofthe year,shouldbe rejectedasunfit for use.This
0ndsthe descriptionof the Puqpa-36kas.295-296
edsl i[-<flt:-
ffiqrr{ sd eegrq:-

l R s el l
The Bulb Group : Now we shall discourseon the virtuesof
edible bulbousplants or herbs(Kandas).The bulbs of plants and
creeperszuchasthe Vid6ri-kanda,Sat6vari,Bi:a (bulbsof the lotus
plant),Mrndla(theupperstemofthelotusplant),Sr,ng?rtaka,
Ka3emka,
Pindiluka, Madhviluka, Hasty6rluka,Kiglh?rluka, Sankh6luka,
Rakt6luka,IndivaraandUtpalakanda,etc.297
Tf,tFffd{Frqrg: Vffi qg{rFr :tl
gser Er€{.*,rer wqEkfinFr qrRq/tl
are cooling in their potency,sweetin
Alleviate haemoptysis,
their tasteandheavyof digestion.Theytendto increasethe semenin
large quantitiesand augmentthe quantityof milk in the breastof a
humanmother.29t
@ F: rfra: KdsFdTrcT:l
"$fr
ffi r.Erql fuffirildrq rt:nR3itl
qrdFrilf{r Eqr Eqfrfir vrfrr+frl
rr6-fr +q Esr q ffip?ootl
504 SUSRUTASAMHITA

yauqvilkdrr€fr Eqr {nar rsFr+l

ffi(ar{.a: SiTr:nlotrl
ThebulbknownastheVidiri-Kanda hasa sweettaste.andacts
as a constructivetonic and is spennatopoietic.It is cooling in its
potency,beneficialto thevoice,andimpartsstrengthto thesystem.It
is extremelydiureticandsubduesthe V6yu andPitta. The Sativari
hasa sweetandbittertasteandis spermatopoietic.It subdues theV6yu
andPitta,theonebelongingto thelarge-sizedspeciesbeing palatable
andappetisingandtonic.Thelatterimprovesthe intellectandproves
curativein casesof mesentericdiarrhoea(Grahani-) andpiles,andis
spermatopoietic,rejuvenating,restorative,andcoolingin its potency.
TheUnder-sprouts of thiscreeper(large-sizedSat6vari)haveabitter
tasteand suMue the Pitta and Kapha.2W-301
3ffi kr{ tr rfrrFnrsqqr{l
ffir ESt uqr F{rri qmar+a{n?o?n
gu^ ffirynd q Tg.Rr6q'*5qtl
fiTrsrgqi 6,q'fi.t g€ qrdq*qqr{n?ol ||
tF<n-q: {ffiffiEFmq,ql
ffi: q.frTr grcr: q,q,qrrilfrlq{r: uQoYtl
The Bisal provescurativein casesof haemoptysis, and is long
retainedin thestomachin anundigested state,thoughit fallsunderthe
categoryof zubstanceswhich can be but partially digested.It is
or insipid,generates
tasteless theV6yu,andishardtodigest,producing
a condition of drynessin the organism.The bulbs known as ilre
Sfrgh[aka and the Ka3eruka are heavy of digestion,are long
retainedin thestomachin anundigested stateandarecoolingin their
potency.The Pi4{6rlukagenerates the Kapha,is heavyof digestion,
andtendsto enrageor agitatethebodily V6yu.TheSurendrakanda
is pungentin digestion,generatesthe Pitta and zubduesthe Kapha.
Thesproutsof theVe4u areheavyof digestion,andtendto enragethe
Kaphaand V6yu. 302-304

1. Bulbs of lotus plnnts+houghcertainauthoities aver that the inner lining or

membranous fibers of a lotus-stemare calkd Visa, the outer coveringbeing
laown as the Mryhla.
Chap.XLVI SUTRAS'IHANA 505

W!i5<T
ffiri T'GT:tf,'tntniTelrrfrrArrg I tQoq1I
The bulbs(Kanda) knownasSthrila-Kanda,S[ra4a-Kanda,
andMarcka, etc.havea slightlyastringentandpungenttaste,andtend
to producea stateof drynessin*l1e organism.They are heavy of
digestionincreaseKapha& V?ltaandsubduettrePitta, andare long
retainedin the stomachin an undigestedcondition.305
qnrrEiErg ?frr€ XF'qrfr Y*1Rfd{l
Tclirq<E {Q[ur: q{qil TE*{6r I lloQ | |
Metricat Texts : The speciesknownasthe Mir4aka is sweet,
andcoolingin its potencyandheavyof digestion,while theonecalled
theSthrila Kanda is notinordinatelyheat-makingin its potency.The
speciesSrlra4a is usuallyfoundto be curativein casesof piles and
rectalpolypi andcondylomata.306
Efi-qr qr566)raqr;1
6rrr{r: frnrwrfl fdqFat qgrr ftqr: I r?oe| |
lrr(FGE-(: YeqEA' qE* lTrqFF?T: I
fE€sFffi qd g"fr {Ttl-dl=t:
llQozll
The bulbs of zuchaquaticplants as the Kumuda, Utpala and
Padmahaveanastringenttasteandaresweetin digestion.They are
cooling in their potencyand tendto enragethe V6yu and pacify or
suMue the derangedPitta.The bulb knownas the Vhrahakanda is
pungentin tasteanddigestion,andis possessed of spermatopoietic,
tonic, rejuvenatingand restorativeproperties.It subduesthe Kapha
andprovesefficaciousin casesof Meha,skindiseases(Kustha),and
in ailmentsdueto thepresenceof parasitesin theintestines.307-30t
@ rr€rfiTwn=T:|t?o3||
F{rgqrqrq|"Tr( ltrfrf,a{ftiln1
Eq,TFqq-{Tqfrrrlto | |
qri U{rdti ff Enkf ffitrftfcqr
q-< ffi+(rr{ * qr rrrzrffq rtaPfi| trqq| |
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

The top-pithsof suchtrees,as the Tirla, Nhrikela, Kharju-ra

etc.,aresweetin tasteanddigestion.They'provecurativein casesof
haemoptysis,and are spennatopoietic. They subduethe V6yu and
generatethe Kaphain the body. Edible bulbs, which are extremely
tenderor immature,diseased,decomposed or sproutingin animproper
sei$onof the year,or areworm-eaten,shouldbe rejectedasunfit for
use.This finishesthe descriptonof the bulb group.309-311
3lel Hqu[qf:-
FqqnFrqfur-
gsnh qmt{rfrr Ew,Fmonfurqqrq* ffi Er{fr
gsqfdgffir ihttrqt tt
The SaltGroup (LavanaVarga): Thedifferentvarietiesof salt
zuchastheSaindhava salt),theVida, the
(rocksalt),theStrmudra(sea
Sauvarcala,the Romakaandthe Audbirida (preparedfrom vegetable
alkali), etc., shouldbe successivelydeemedas more heat, V6yu,
Kapha,and Pitta making, and more demulcent,sweeterand more
purgative and diuretic, consideredin the inverse order of
enumeration.312
aqEf +qd Esf EEd HEqf{frtrql
ffi qqg{ qEd yfti +wag-nqql?qe | |
rrrg{ rrgr qr* rr a ql
+ei fs.qfrqq vfd{Ei<rRnrrcqr rtqt | |
qqrt {rf E'{ v5rcfrrr{rvmtl
ff *sergsrq F*i arcE*rqr rtq\ | |
!€ ffii qr* ffi firvG rer
wrvrcra+wt Ea gTFr +{qnQqq tl
Saindhava salt is beneficialto the eyes,palatable,relishing,
light, appetising, demulcent, slightly sweet in digestion,
spermatopoieticandcoolingin its potency.It is oneof themostpotent
auxiliaries in combatingthe action of the derangedhumoursof the
body.ThevarietycalledtheSlmudra (sea-brine) is sweetin digestion,
andnot inordinatelyheat-makingin its potency.It is not indigestible,
but purgative,slightly demulcent,anddoesnot in-ordinatelygenerate
Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA

thepitta, andis good,in at0ackof colic pain(Su1a).Thevariety known

asvi{a salt is a litfle alkaline(in its taste)andis appetising.It tends
to produce a condition of dryness in the organism,and proves
Uenenciatin casesof colic (Srita)andin diseases affectingtheheart.
It impartsa relish to food,is sharpandheat-makingin its potency,and
restoresthe derangedbodily vlyu to its normal state (restoring or
setting aflow the nerve-currentby removing any obstruction).
Sauvarcalasaltis light of digestion,heat-makingin its potency,and
pungentin taste.It is appetising, hasanagreeable aroma,removesany
viscidnessfrom the internalorganism, andproves curativein casesof
aMominal glands, colic pain and incarcerationof scybala in the
bowels.313-316
fu *rerrrgsi qqrfq Eqfu q,
qrdEi q ffi qg{ fuq$tF{ Xrdltl lQqe| |
ag*egilwrgdEqnercrg*Tqr
qfufii re qqnt @lllqall
qqrErdFcfirf{ tq{ finn+tqqtt
{q=i qr*i .}F{ F{qi gkrdqqllaqi ||
qqq:i qrg.ei ftaqrrmteaqt
Fqui q-gqf ttF( frffi q.a *qtlRRoll
. Romaka salt is sharpand intenselyheat-making.Its action
permeates thewholesy$emimmediatelyafterits use,andis pungent
ano tigtrt of digestion. It subduesthe vtryu, tends to increasethe
secretionoftheinternalorgans,entersintothe minutestcapillaries of
thebody,andis purgativeanddiuretic.Audbhida saltis light, sharp,
and heat-makingin its potency.It actsas a moistenerto the internal
organs,hasa pungentbitter taste,andis chargedwith a smallquantity
of alkali. It permeatestheminutestcapillaries,andtendsto restorethe
derangedV6yu to its normal condition. GutikA salt destroysthe
derangedV6yu and Kapha,and is vermifugal, appetising,digestant
and purgative.It tendsto aggravatethe Pitta and acts as an internal
liquefacient or antifat. The salt quarriedfrom a salt mine situatedat
the foot of a hill (sailmulaja),or from a sandy(Balukela)or alkaline
soil (JSakqara),has a pungenttaste,and helps the disintegrationof
Kapha,etc. (Chedi).It is alsocalledpungent(Katu) salt.317'320
 508 SUSRUTA
SAMHITA

ll??t tl
:l
ffirql w?rrT:rr{ rrfrirqrr: F{r:QilT:) iltRl r r
The group of Alkalis : The different varietiesof alkali (Kqara)
zuchas the Yavaks?ra(Carbonateof potash),the Svarjikirkstrra,the
Usaks:ra,the Ptrkimaandthe Tarlkanacureabdominalglands,piles,
mesentericdiarrhoea,and gravel and stonein the bladder.All these
varieties of alkali should be regardedas possessedof digestantor
stomachicproperties.Their abuseis known to have brought about
casesof haemoptysis.321-322
i=il qffi qnt eFdq,,r*rcrvgedr
ll?Rt I I
ssftsF+oearFfrqlffi ETFnr6:I
ft*qr qrFfiq: qrfr Tffiqt:uRRytl
Acefothsknqr: Viqq: firtqryur: r
@: ff{vq}tp?\tl
Of these, the varieties known as the yavakgirra and
Svarjikirkqira arc inflammatoryas fire, and they tend to reduce
Kapha, remove Vibandha(suppressionof stool etc.), piles, and
aMominal glandsand prove curativein casesof enlargedspleen.
Theyardanti-spermatopoietic. Thealkali knownasuq-akqira is heat-
making in its potency,and suMuesthe derangedV6yu. It tends to
increasetheslimy (mucous)secretionsin theorgansandis detrimental
to the shengthof thebody.Thevarietycalledpikima tendsto reduce
obesity, causesa free and increaseddischargeof urine, thus fully
relieving the bladderof all its contentsOit : bladder-cleanser).The
alkali known as the Taika4akqira (borax) tends to pnrduce a
conditionof drynessin theorganism,generatesthe Vtryu,zuMuesthe
Kapha,andis appetisingin its property.It is moreoverknownto bring
abouta derangementof thePitta, andis sharpin its potency.323-325
glf Erg Esie ffi{ rmrrfltl
t'rf.Ttt' vfrGa qqtEf frTlIi{{nQRqtl
 Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 509

Fqqs?i Ff vftf sd6 firrerrgEr

Ert' e,qni qgr *q{ vffi v(qt RR\e| |
H*qquaqgef qqeraRrqr
arrq+fti dd gqrrmr*.cnspsqt
tRRa
||
u,gffit F{u} Tgtrt ffisrir
iltR3 r l
qqqr r{ulct: Vfrdrtwn ferq5r. r
qk{r qrtuftqrg qrqrlrasrffirrdr: I tQlo| |
qfr waunffi: r
The Metal group': Gold (Suvarna)hasa sweetandagreeable
taste,actsasa tonic or restorativeelixir, impartsrotundityto thebody,
andsuMuesthe actionof all the threederangedhumours of the body.
It is cooling andantitoxic in its potencyandinvigoratesthe eyesigtrt.
silver (nrpya) has an acid taste, is laxative and cooling (in its
qotency),presentsa glossyor oily aspect,and destroysthe pitta and
v6yu. copper (tamra)hasa sweetandastringenttaste,and actsasa
Iiquefacientand corrosiveagent.It is laxative and cooling in its
potency.Indian bell-metal (IGmsya)hasbitter taste,and actsas a
liquefacientagent.It zuMuesthe Kaphaandvtryu, andis beneficial
to the eyesight.Iron 0oha)generates vtryu, is coolingin its potency,
allaysthirst andzubduesthederangedpitta andKapha.Zinc ind lead
(sisa)arevermifugal,aswell asliquefacientandcorrosive.Theyhave
a salinetaste.Pearls(mukti), corals(vidruma),diamonds(vajrendra),
sapphires,vaidrrrya Qapislazuli), crystals,etc. are beneficial to the
sight, and cooling in their potency. They are antitoxic and act as
Iiquefacient or corrosive agents.They are possessedof sacred
prophylacticvirtues,andbring goodluck to menwho wearthem,and
cleansetheir wearersfrom all impurities.Thusthe descriptionof the
salt group is ended.32643A
qF+gqftg lFeSfr vn+Svr3ilFrars*€nqI
3nqd Trgdrrqrsr@ | tt?q| |
qfu:t'r varil{qr dff6 i q Vrrrrq:r
nKrTriltqq{rg qF}s y6rr. Sar: I t?RR| |
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

ErqFdFrTRqrq-
rrffis *Er qffikenttttl
<Fsqrgr{i Eterr qff qqsqqqr
rmrfi qrgq.g Erffiil yvrstu?RY | |
rrffi :r
quqrquft ffi vffi{,T yyrstr r?R\| |
rrat qfrf Ed *Ei +qd rreftg :ilr
an* q1ffig fiTor* atrrf q;dtttRqtl
ftr+ rrffi qgt Tqrq+l
q*{, WrweiN a,qrn {qs,v€qnt?s rl
P.r*qUffi"S rn+ qeagqt i1errl
ffi qraf rrr{ qqn{ qqtnQ?a rl
qql[t|aql
O^
vqiT qEr.Tr {Iqq|
Ed rr{rq?i TFqi Tqqt t?tj | |
Metrical texts : Theintelligentshalldeterminethepropertiesof
cereals,fl esh,fruits,potherbs,etc.,(otherthanthosedescribedunder
their respectiveheadsin the presentchapter),which should be
determinedwith thehelpof theirrespectivetastes,aswell asfrom the
natureof the predominantmaterialprincipleswhich enterinto their
composition.The $aq1ik?r, barley,wheat,Ratta-Sati,and the pulses
zuchasthe Mudga,the A4haki, andthe Masilrashouldberegardedas
ttre bestandby far the most nutritiousof the cerealswhich fall under
the respectiveheadsof thePaddyGroup@hi,nyavarga).The flesh of
thetiva, Tittiri, SdrangaKuranga,Ep, Kapif,jala,Mayu-ra(peacock),
Varmi andKu-rma(tortoise)shouldberegardedasthebestof thoseof
all other animalsrespectivelybelongingto their own species.Of
fruits, thosecalled Dadima,Amalaka,Dri'ksa,Kharjrlra,Paru-saka,
Rirjtrdanaand Mtrtuluiga should be consideredas the most
commendable andefficacious.Of potherbsthoseknownastheSatina,
V6stuka,Cuccuka,Cilli, Mflaka-Potika,Ma+{Ukapaqr- and Jivanti
shouldberegardedaspossessed of themostcommendable properties.
Cow s milk is the bestof milks, and similarly,clarifiedbuttermade
from themilk of a cow shouldbeconsideredaspre-eminentlythe best
and the most efficaciousof clarified butters.
Chap.XLVI SOTRASTHANA

Saindhavasalt is the bestof all othersalts.Dhdtriand Dtrdima

fruit are the best of all the acid kinds; Pippali and Nlgara of all
pungent,and Patolaand Virtaka of all bitter vegetablesubstances.
Honeyand clarifiedbutteroccupythe highestplacein the list of all
sweetarticles.PulaphalaandParusakaarethe bestof all astringent
fruit. Sugaris pre-eminentlythe bestof all the modificationsof the
sugar-cane juice, whileMhrdvikaandAsava(grape-juice) arethebest
of all cordials.Similarly,thecornQit : paddy)of a year s standingor
maturedfor a yearafterbeingharvested, is themostefficacious.The
fleshofayounganimal,aswell aswell-cookedriceprepared, thatday,
fully ripe fruit, andfreshandtenderpotherbsshouldbedeemedasthe
bestof ttreir respectivekinds.331-339
em QarE|'lrf;-
okf: vr yeTsFnftqrdr*gqTF{Kqt tlyo r r
drqt{u* fqg.€rrr Y{iq: qrErrftrt: I
qrdrfftr+ dET: tq*rrnrgf: n?yt | |
ffirw+ FrE* ffi qfurvilr+l
qIlrarslriffirdfr +qr qrdr3-dlsfttRYRtl
ftr&fr dffi taT Trffi e-trd+l
qctrIrRrgTqr HEfr qtsfr qilqrrdrtRYRtl
Esr Filffi Eqr t$rfr qtrqRd+l
Vncrqffit{ffir ffitzrqr q EdrrtRyytl
The Krtlrnna Varga : Now we shall fully deal with the
propertiesof cookedandpreparedfood (Kr-tannas). A gruel (Manda)
of fried paddyseasoned with powderedPippaliandNdgaraprovesa
wholesornediet to a patientafter the exhibitionof purgativesand
emetics,inasmuchas it is digestant,appetisingand agreeable,and
tends to restore the bodiiy V6yu to its norrnal condition. peyi is
diaphoretic,appetising,light of digestion,diuretic Qit : bladder-
cleanser).It allaysthirstandhunger,andtendsto removethe senseof
fatigue andexhaustion.It servesto rekindlean impairedappetiteand
restoreflit : soothesdown)thederangedv6yu to its normalcondition.
vilepiacts asan emulcentfoodandsoothestheentireorganism.It is
tonic, and imparts strengthand rotundity to the frame. It is light,
5t2 SUSRUTASAMHITA

quenches
agreeable,
astringent,appetising, thirstandsatisfieshunger'
The Vilepi when cookedwith meat, potherbs and fruit, is hard to
digest.It is otherwiseagreeable,soothing,spermatopoietic, tissue-
building,andtonic. 340-34
firql)Fdrffi rilr€: tcr firqg{rqfudr t
Rfr {6Rr*n sr( qqFfdfir*qrtnY\tl
frer$ qmql rr€l tE,qqqt S5: I
q,qFrrqt qiwTr qYrasereffir+ | RYq| |
Ma4{a is preparedby carefully excludingall the residuary
shredsof its componentsubstances, whilePeyi is cookedwithoutany
suchexclusion.A gruel, which aboundswith suchseedyshreds,is
calledVilepi, while the variety,whichis slighflyfluid andextremely
seedyin its consistency, is namedYavtrgu-.Thepreparationknownas
the Piyasa (a sort of ponidgecookedby boiling rice with milk and
sugar)is long retainedin the stomachin an undigestedstateand is
heavyof digestion,thoughit tendsto impartstrengthto thebody,and
generatesfat and Kaphain the organism.The dish called Kg3arh (a
gruel cookedby boiling rice with fleshandsesamum)generatesthe
Kapha and Piffia, imparts srength to the body, and zubduesthe
V6ryu. 345-36
*rdq flErrfi' g.d r+*: gtff+: rrrT:I
fu*: ffiFtg:n?)t\stl
e{qHsrE.frsR'ffir;yfriwr*(+ g5':I
eg: grFa: E't6€r ffi Trdrgd; lllYd ll
fr$qfQ; qt, q*twrfu d!fm:r
Tc* ri6srTqer t q qftffifrr: lQYi | |
A meal con-sistingof white coloured, well thrashed,sweet
smelling rice, which hasbeenwashedwith careandproperly boiled,
andwell snainedafterwards,is digestedwith easeandin the shortest
spaceof time, in the eventof it being eatenhot or warm. On the
contrary,amealconsistingof uncleansedandunwashedrice improperly
boiled and takencold without having been properly strainedtakesa
longer time to be digested.Fried rice is light and aromatic,and
generatesthe Kapha.Rice boiled andcookedwith clarified butter or
 Chap.XLVI S'TRASTHANA 5r3

anysuchfatty substance, aswell aswith meat,acidfruits,or with any

kind of pulse,formsa rich andheavyfoodwhichhelpsto buildup new
tissues,and imparts strengthand rotundity to the body. Rice boiled
and cooked with milk (in a mannerother than that of preparingthe
Ptryasa)acquires properties similar to those of the preceding
one. 347-349
gfrT* Frq* T€ Er(rlm ag€a' nt\o n
frTdf{ufrEdvnEikisr(r+6{iqaqt
sfkf ffin?\qtl
A soupmadeof anysortof fried pulse(zuchastheMudga,etc.)
withoutits husksis light andwholesome.similarly, potherbs(Sakas)
well boiledandwell squeezed andsubsquentlycookedwith oil or any
other lardaceouszubstanceare wholesome,while those which are
cookedin a differentmannershouldbe consideredas possessed of
contraryvirtues.350-351
q16 gtrrrtr Eei r+rf qrft**rtl
: H6l
f+rq qf{i ffi Fd +Ti f Tq,trrqrtr
Meat is naturallyspermatopoietic
andimpartsglossandsrength
to the system.Moreover,that which hasbeencookedand prepared
with clarified butter,curd, sourgruel (IGnjika), acid fruits (as the
pomegranate etc.)pungentandsomearomaticcondiment,(asblack
pepper,etc.)shouldbeconsideredasa very wholesomediet, though
heavyof digestion.It is lbssessedof relishing,strength-givingand
tiszue-buildingproperties.352
R+q rfrarr<rf gffirrq{+'qql
fts'q ffiiFo qdqrsfiffidT{t t?\r | |
qftqqi ftqf F€re Erffi frwf gu-r
H qeMq+ri*r:{I*-{dT{r Rw | |
The condensedsoupor extractof the aforesaidmeat,thickened
with milk curd and clarified butter, and seasonedand cooked with
zucharomaticcondiments(asblackpepper,asafoetida, etc.),tendsto
aggravatethePitta andKapha,andactsasanappetising,constructive
Vol.I-33
514 S U S R U TS
AA M H I T A

tonic. The meat,which hasbeenseveraltimes fried with clarified

butterandthenboiledin warmwaterandafterwardsprepareddry with
such condimentsas Jiraka,etc. (so as to have all the butter and
seasoningsfully absorbedin its body-Pari3uska'M6nsa) shouldbe
consideredas a tootlt-some,exhilarating,emulcentfood, though
heavyof digestion.It impartsfirmnessto the limbs and increadesa
relish for food, improvesthe appetiteand intellect'.builds up fresh
tissues,gives rotundity to the frame, and producesan increased
quantityof semenand(ojas)albumenin the organism'353-354
ET€ltFt: l
.rs T€Irfr FfgilQ\\ tl
dtE qFsrfuf,{l
tr T{til{ ftFFg( Yffi lfsttltriT: llt\q ll
The meatcookedandpreparedin the foregoingmanner,when
mincedandmadeintocakes,iscalledllllupta-Mi'tsa,whichresembles
the above-saidPariSuEka-Miursa in its properties,thoughit is ligirter
than the latter owing to the fact of its having been cooked over a
charcoalfire. The samemeat,cookedon an iron rod over a charcoal
fire, becomesa little heavier as far as digestion is {oncerned,
inasmuchas it is roastedwith clarifiedbutter,etc.355-356
s€qqf $rFddfirq lrfrqd c€qrF{ilql
qR'Sqi yfflTs vg=i rqtqdlgvr{nt\e tl
qn{ zrqiqRrd€ ffi ftrrEqgr,r
qtqffiq{ Es 15af
slTE+{ ftrilEi Tfti EtrslkilItr rt\e rl
Thevarietiesof cookedmeatsuchas,theLJllupta(mincedmeat),
the Bharjita (fried), the Pista(madeinto balls or cakes),the Pratapta
(roastedwith clarified butter over a charcoalfire), the Kanduptrcita
(dippedin mustardoil andpowderedaromaticcondimentsandroasted
anddoneto a honeycolourovera charcoalfire),thePari3uqka andthe
Pradigdhago by the generalnameof Sulya(cabob).Of the varieties
of Suly6,thosewhichareboiledwith oil shouldbeconsideredasheat-
making in their potency,heavy of digestion and as generatingthe
Pitta,while those,whichhavebeenfried with clarifiedbutter,should
 Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 515

beregardedaslight, appetising,agreeable,
relishing,beneficialto the
eyes,andcoolingin theirpotency.TheyalsosuMuethepitta andare
pleasantto the taste.l36l-362
fiora: gTsrcFt=t:YqFHc6rg$qrq€:: I
qrdfirflerr€+ Ed qf{r€: {iT: pi\j tl
Iqdv:wrfu Ersfruref*{srql
rrr{Fqf@*+rf q.grrtrrdqf-dqr{t tlEo | |
qTEEnq;T:ria+r:
vfitrl qF|tlfi: I
q ElTBrtldl p: Sq* +s{rflT. I trqq| |
A thin meat soup is a pleasanttonic and provesbeneficialin
casesof dyspnoea,cough,andconsumption. It suMuesthepitta and
Vata,destroysthetiredness,andhasanagreeable taste.It is wholesome
to personsof weakmemoryandreducedsemen,as well as to those
zuffering from cachexia peculiar to chronic fever, from general
emaciationof the body, from ulcerative endocarditis(Uraksata),or
from diseasesaffectingthevoiceor thealbumen(ojas).It is knownto
bring about an adhesionand reduction of fractured and dislocated
bones,and increasesthe quantityof semenand ojas (albumen)in
zubjects found wanting in those two important principles of life.
Meat-soup,preparedwiththejuiceof theDddima,etc.,andseasoned
with pungentcondiments,increases the quantityof semenandtends
to zuMue the action of all the three derangedhumours of the
body.359-361
fiurr.fu@r
qTgnqfi: *er, drrq: grgvilr.T: nleR tl
T{is5€trrtf q il( gkffi€ql
fr'EaFr Eff Eqr fu qrtdw6{tRq? tl
1. Additiorul tefr : In the dish lopwn as the pratofrq the meat is firstfried with
clarifiedbutter,thenpastedandflavouredwiththe addirtonofcwd,pottagrande-
juice etc. and is again cookedwith clarified butter,Ajaji, and sattrudrasah over
a charcoalfire, eachofthe precedingsubstancesbeingaddcdto it in succession
during cookingovera gidiron. Meat lutedwith sesantmtpasteand cooled with
the addition offlavowing condimentsto a honeycolour is cailcd Ka4{npkk4
whik the onesoakcdin asafoetidaand waterand cookedovera gridiron over a
smolelessfirebysprinklingwateroveritwiththeadditionofpomegranatejuice,
etc, is called Sttrya.
516 s u S R U T A' o " " ' ' E

ffiti€(trrs4: utAw,qqt5'I l?qY| |

TheSaurtrva(clearportionofm?rnsarasasituatedonthetopof
thepameisnourishingtotheallelementaltimeofthebodyspecially
it allays hunger
; ail personszuffering from emaciationof mouth,
andthirst, it issweet in tasteandcool in potency'
previously
The use of meatfrom which the essencehasbeen
ofthe organism,
extractedfails to contributeto thegrowthandstrength
in the stomach andimpairs
andis long retainedin anundigestedstate
Oig."io".-f,isinsipid,g.n.tutettheV6yuintheorganism'andtends
dish known asthe
["p-du., a stateorp"rrrrrooess in the body. The
of
Krrd*qka Mffisa (anho or driedmeat)is very hardto digest@eavy
men of strongdigestive
digestion;and proveswholesomeonly to
powers. 362'364
.nt Fr<Rq gR@f SdqFq qet-cqt
@:sqFcrnq I
nF,a qrq+( sErt a'sEr{ Eflaqc' l llq\ ll
gt,: fiRtd {d qrtTFIFTE: lllqqll
ffi
ThecookedmeatcalledtheVesavira(bonelessboiledmea
buttet' black
zubsequentlypastedand cookedwith treacle,clarified
etc.)is heavv,of
;;tn"t, Pi6;i, andSunthi, Te:$"19:mlulcent'
due to the action of the
strength-giving,and alleviatesdiseases
provokedV6rYu.365'365
e,w,* ffi 5a: {mrti qfitmqfrr
iq: wrfrgrft $(trr[tr: Qr[Qa: I lRqe| |
q il <rffim-gm': I
rsrqrrFTrliEr:
EFad Hgqr€ tqrunqRrfrsrq.-{lRq4l I
MudgasoupzuMuestheKapha,andis appetisingandagreelble'
It formsthI most-wholesome diet to personswhosesystemshavebeen
as well asto
cleansedwith the aid of purgativeandemeticremedies,
R6ga-$6{ava
those zuffering from utiers The soup known as the
(which is anothernamefor Mudga soup preparedwith grap-esand
expressedpomegranate.juice)islight,lndimpartsarelishtofoodl
(slightly zubdues
is notnostiieto thederangedhumoursof thebodybut
their action).367'36t
Cnap.XLVI SOTRASTHANA 517

qqfirarRefr q$st I l?qi | |

{dnrrqrFstftr, q qffisFrcrffit t
ffi ffi d 1lgqr*gqffinteotl
The soupof the Masura,orof theMudga,or of the Godhumaor
of the Kulattha pulse,preparedwith salt is inhostile to the Pitta and
Kapha, and is speciallyrecommendedin nervousdiseases(Yath-
Vyldhi). The soup of the Manlra etc., cooked and preparedwith
raisins andpomegranate-juiceis beneficialto patientszufferingftom
Vata-Vy?tdhi.It is relishing, appetising,agreeable,and light (of
digestion). 369-370
qMwEft g qqiffiffir
firrd ffi Ed Efrr€wtrqttrl?eqll

Efr rlrq-{Ir€ q,q,Rr|drTqrtlll\e?ll

Soupsof Mudga,etc.,preparedwith Palolaor Nimba tend to
reducethequantityof fat andKaphain theorganism,zuMuethePitta,
are appetisingand agreeable,and prove curative in casesof Kuq.tha
(cutaneousaffections)and diseasesof parasiticorigin' Mudga soup
prepared with Mulaka removesdyspnoea,cough, catarrh, water-
brash,fever and non relish for food. It tendsto reducefat and lGpha
in the organism, and proves curative in diseasesaffecting the
throat. 371-372
q1gfragilYr{3 I
@-ffi"qrYrt: ttteQll
qTffi{fr do: ffi !{g:lneYll
yrgnffiqpt-tita: Frtrqrnk(l
Igrnffi6qf€ rr& ftrrrfi+ ffiT: tttet{ | |
?r€rtf,tfr€Fr€I|lTfqr:cudsF|FtFrE:l
Vrweafu,l lleq ll
qrqrqffi td aqr qrmt+ ffirReell
The soupof the Kulatthapulsecuresdiseasesdueto the action
 518 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

of thederangedv6yu, aswell asasthma,catarrh,andru-ni,pratitu-ni,

cough,piles,abdominalglands(Gulma)andudivarta. preparedwith
theexpressedjuice of theDddimaorAmalakait acquiresanagreeable
taste, pacifies the derangedhumours,and is light, appetisingand
strength-givingin its virtues. It proves curative in epilepsy and
obesity, and suMues the derangedV6yu and pitta. Mudga soup
cookedwittr Amatatasacquiresan astringentproperty,and proves
beneficialin derangements of the Kaphaandpitta. The soupsof the
Yava,Kola andKulatthapulsesdestroythe vtryu andarebineficial
to tle larynx.Similarly,soupsof all thepulses,whichgoby thename
of Sami-Dhinyas,increasesthe strengthand rotundityof the body.
KhalaandKimbalika soupsarerespectivelyagreeable andsubduethe
Viyu andPitra.373-377
EGr: q,wF*ilfaqtffifirqlqq: ntee tl
qqF: uqqEqFt. ffiqrf,Cfrn6, r
iGFlFr: Fnr€q *$t t*rrt,rgor: nteq tl
All soupscookedand preparedwith the expressedjuice of
pomegranateshould be known as strength-givingand digestive
stimulant. They suMue the V6yu and Kapha. Soups,made and
flavouredacid by the mixtureof curd,producethe Kapha,strength
giving,demulucent, heavyto digestionandsuMuevarta.soupsmade
andfl avouredacidby themixtureof wheyproducepittaandaggravates
the effectof imbibedpoisoncircr:latingin the system.llg-ilg
€lll: gg{qlr€f ETBETT:qt=r*rR qt
q{qrd'R qrqtfr ffi *fqrtrd: ttlao tl
tutu
fEtd vqunfu-6g*: E.fritt t?et I I
Thesoupsandgruelsrespectively knownastheKhadayu-sa,r the
Khada-Yav6grr,'the Sbdava3and the piuraka (drinks) shourdbe
preparedwith the advice, and accordingto the instructionsof a
,r -appte,Amrul (oxalis corniculata), cwtin
seeds,black pepper and the roots of Citrak (ptwtbaso Zeylanica).
2. Gruelpreparedin the mannerof Khada-ytBSa.
3. M udga soup in the composirtonof which t hings of sweet, saline, astin ge nt,acid
and pungent tasteslargety enter.
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 519

physician.Thesoup,whichiscookedor prepared withouttheadmixture

of any salt,condiments(blackpepper,pungentspices)or any oily or
lardaceoussubstance,is called the Akfta-Yfsa (unseasoned soup)'
whereasthe one which is cooked and seasoned with the foregoing
spicesandsubstances oil, clarifiedbutter,etc.),is calleda seasoned
soup(K46-Yuqa).380-381
3[Qr q(l
qsH qg faf riq.ilrtiq,if lq{ll?eR ll
Of the soupsand extractsof meat respectivelycooked and
preparedwith the modificationsof cow-milk (curd, whey, etc'),
ranlim andacid fruits (pomegranate, etc.)eachsucceedingvariety
shouldbedeemedlighterandmorewholesome thantheoneimmediately
preceding it in the orderof 382
enumeration.
qr: 6E{kfi': Sil:1
nr@t {GqvrrEifrs-cqqr ttae| |
ft{rtrS q lsfrr Q: Eir5fi6re;sft1q,
r€€ T-firqrffih nrFfur€il?avtt
The soupcookedwith the creamof thecurd andthe expressed
juice of the D64ima is called Kambalikasoup. Articles of food
preparedwith sesamumand its levigated cake, or those in the
iompositionof which driedpot herbs,rice thrashedout of sprouting
paddy or Sigd6ki (a speciesof potherbsdescribedbefore) enter,
shouldbe consideredas heavyof digestion.They increasethe Pitta
andKapha.The vatakasresemblethesindakisin their properties,but
are heavy of digestionand admit of being incompletelydigested,
giving rise to a kind of acidre-action.383-3E4
Fq* EEqn Fr Esr +trrfrtr;il: I
EGUnq15ftTFEG-srffirrFTqTseil: tRa\ll
wtcr {6uft qqr furqr Fr q *€r+ | |
ff 1s.{igqf Ea qEqFrinq6(tRaq| |
The varietiesof soupsknown asthe R6garand$6davaarelight'
' tanarind, Sariik1bra, Parfi11atwand the
erpressed juice of lonbuline fruits; while the $b(ava soup is preparedwith salt
and acid and sweetfruits.
 520 SUSRLITASAMHITA

tissue-building,spermatopoietic,agreeable, relishing,andappetising
in their properties.They alleviatethirst, epilepticfits, vertigo and
vomiting,andremovethe senseof fatigueor exhaustion. The variety
of food known as the Rasdllt is constmctive,tonic, demulcent,
spermatopoietic andrelishing.Curdsweetend withtreacleis agreeable.
It suMuesthe Vdyu in the system,and tendsto increasethe oily
principlein the organism.385-386
ltlt6Et: ffitqrrqtT:
TrFr{qr rrft€rqr Fsr F€qMn?z,etl
fi1qrfiryrr{ryr{; I
-q-ffi'-{rvl=T: lleaatl
frtrfuacgqr
i65+qF;cr€ur: I
:il143tl
Powderedbarley soakedin clarified butter and made into a
dough with water, which is neither too thick nor too thin in its
consistency,is calledMantha,which actsasa tonic immediatelyon
it beingpartakenof. It allaysthirstandremovsthesenseof fatigueand
exhaustion.The Mantha,treatedwith treacleand clarified butter,
provescurativein casesof difficult urinationandobstinateudlvarta.
A Manthapreparedwith sugar,raisins.(Drtrkstr) and the expressed
juice of zugar-cane, removesdiseases dueto the derangement of the
Pitta. Mantha, containingraisins and Madhukafruit, zuccessfully
combatsdiseasesbrought aboutthrough the action of the deranged
Kapha.A Manthasaturatedwith the tlnee aforesaidsubstances(acid
and lardaceous,sugarand raisins)tendsto restorethe stool to its
normalcondition.3t7-3E9
rffi Er q|"rd T.6' Trf,qill30tl
Etq @f gr:l
qrFi g.eeerrFE{ rrrrqi rqrHrsq1utqq tl
qrdailg €rr{r {ryrqrqlqrq6{l
v6,trsruri q,tfirri Esfrqfuqrr6{r t?jR| |
I. A sweet aromatic prepuation consisting of acid bufato-curd, refined sugar,
milN powderedcardanom, catnphorand black pepper.
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 52r

Eqri+rrcisrt Frar qr*Twr rr{a: r

qsntr Tsilrtr€tqrR(t t?jt | |
EFtaar*art: r
The Pinakas : Well dilutedtreacle(Ptrnaka),nomaffer whether
it hasbeenrenderedacid or not with the admixtureof Amla (lemon
juice), is diureticandheavyin respectof digestion.Water saturated
with treacle,Iftti$da (unrefinedsugar),zugaror grapes,and made
acid with the admixtureof any acid substance,and scentedwith
camphor,shouldbe deemedthebestof refreshingbeverages. Water
saturatedwith the (expressed juice of; grapesremovesthe senseof
fatigue,allaysthirst,andalleviatesepilepticfits,andburningsensation
of thebody.Waterpotionflavouredwith the(expressed juice ofl Kola
or Parrlgakais agreeableand long retained in the stomach in an
undigestedstate.The lightnessor heavinessof a potion (P6naka)
should be determinedaccordingto the quantities,propertiesand
preparationsof the articles and substancesthat enter into its
composition.Here endsthe descriptionof the specificpropertiesof
varietiesof preparedfood, etc.(Krtinna). 390-393
elq qqrrflt:-
Hqe[rrRT: qr lTFrt rF*{kqrfiil: I lljY lI
Now we shalldescribethevirtuesof thearticlesofconfectionary
accordingto their tastes,potencies,anddigestivereactions.394
TsFI: qfrqdrrrqr FrE€n: gqFsrrT: I
sr<rF{: I|fufi.{r {rrr: firil{VrrT: I tQqqtl
N yrur;rrr €sr TdTm; epfi'ftrf,r;1
qrdPqffi{r Fr g{* Tifirlfsar: I t?qqtl
Confectionary: Suchasis madewith themodificationsof milk,
is calledthe Kqira Bhakqyas(flourdissolvedandstirredin milk with
sugar, etc.) It is tonic, spermatopoietic,agreeable,appetisingand
aromatic, and tendsto impart rotundity to the frame. It zubduesthe
Pitta and doesnot belongto the groupof inconpletelydigestibles.Of
these,the variety knownastheGhgtapfras articlesof food (prepared
by puttingclarifiedbutterin doughsof corn-flour)is strength-giving
andagreeable.It suMuesthe V6yu andPina, is spermatopoietic,and
522 SUSRUTASAMHITA

heavyofdigestion,andtendsto createnewfleshandblood.395-396
E6un .ilFsd,r lTFr ldsFrFnvr{r: I
3r<IF{: firrarr: $frFtr: q,q'ed={r:llQie | |
Thearticlesof foodknownastheGau{ik6s (preparedby putting
treacleinto doughsof corn-flour)areflesh-making,spermatopoietic,
TheysuMuetheV6yuandPittaand
andheavyin respectof d.igestion.
generate theKaphaanddonotgiveriseto anyreactionaryacidityafter
digestion.397
qgtrffitiqtqr: {tTr At fufrqit: I
g{+ l@e iT{.r{g ggd'Tr:llRiall
ffi {qq: q{r firf,q3 !fftttfff;l
Tq,@{ FgEF: Yrwqdq: llQiq ll
5a: grfiw{gr' fq; q,wq.fr X5: I
ffiTqEqFil*-fr qF+ k<r:{fi: tlloo ll
Thearticlesof foodbelongingto thegroupsof Madhumastakas,
Samybvas,andPflpas,areheavyin respectofdigestionbut are flesh
building in their properties.Modakas are extremelyindigestible.
Sattakas (curd creamsaturatedwith unrefinedsugarand powdered
Trikatus,andthenfilteredthroughapieceofcleanlinen,andseasoned
with camphor and pomegranateseeds)impart a relish to the food.
They are appetising,beneficialto the voice, heavy in respectof
digestion,extremelypalatableandstrength-giving" They zuMuethe
V6tyuand Pitta(Kaphaaccordingto Viqyandanar
others). is agreeable,
aromatic,sweetanddemulcent.It destroysthe V6yu, and generates
the Kaphaandis heavy,andstrength-giving. 39t-4m
qflTrql Flftrirr I
{6un artFrtun qsgT
(EIt: FtEIcT: tHiFr+T: ltxot t I
V<rfqM qnf' teteF.rrl xitr: I
iVrqrtr qfrRriT: qgTnt {firiwn: I rro?rr
Articles of food of confectionary made of powdered wheat

I. Powderedwheattreated with millc clarified butter and geacle, and madeinto a

paste neither too thick not too thin in its consistencyis called ViSyandana'
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA

(S6mita)actasconstructivetonics,andsubduetheV6yuandPitta.Of
these,the varietyknown asthe Phenaka(Kh6jdof our present-day
confectioners)is agreeable,extremelywholesomeandlight. Cakes
stuffedwith Mudga-Vesavirasarelongretainedin thestomachin an
undigestedstate,while thosecontainingmincedand pastedmeat
(Ve3av6ras)areheavyandfleshbuildingin theirproperties.40l-40l2
sle|e[f:Veqff{r: vrqiFzr:q,tffirtrfrr:I tyoe| |
*rilwn: tFzm, qFrr rwsfrrfiydqgtrrI
ffi arfrTfir Tr€ ffiqa:txoYtl
Confectionaryknown as the Pilalas (a preparationof treacle,
pastedsesamumand corn flour) generatesthe Kapha; while the
SaqkulisOuchis andKachurisof our modernconfectioners)tendto
increasethePittaandKaphain theorganism.Cakesmadeofpowdered
rice (Piq(akas)areheat-making in theirpotencyandtendto enrageor
aggravatethe KaphaandPitta.Theyfurthergiveriseto a reactionary
acidityafterdigestion,andarespeciallyheavyin respectof digestion,
q3-404
and are slightly sffength-imparting.
*ffir HTq) rregr: trqrcr yqrtR5iTr:I
ffirr, ftrrgqr: p+qqrffmr*d€; ttxo\ tl
rq'iFurgqrq !'r.* friqr rTrcnnfudr:nyoE | |
Confectionarymadeof Vaidalas(suchastheMudgapulseetc.)
has an astringenttaste,is light in respectof digestion,subduesthe
V6yu and Kapha,is purgative,and tendsto restorethe Pifta to its
normal state, though apt to be long retained in the stomachin an
undigestedstate.Cakesmadeof M6qapulsearetonic,spermatopoietic
andheavyofdigestion.405-406
qF+{r f{qiilr qegr T{+ aftfuffir: ndoetl
ftsrffiq.dr rregr TTqlsFrf,frirfrr:I
fu<nffivtrr{r Farr trfur{qqn: I txoZ| |
Esr: grfiT+ gwr ard TfrqTfuilr:I
ErrdFrilfir Eretr qut{fugrqTr: | |
ftr<TR-{*vr{ar grcr: q'€qrfuq. ttxoSI r
524 SUSRUTA SAMHITA

Similarly,ttrosethat aremadeof Ku-rcikaareheavyin respect

of digestion and do not inordinately generatethe Pitta. Articles of
confectionarymadeof sproutingMudgas, etc.,areheavyof digestion,
generatethe Vtryu and Pitta, give rise to a reactionaryacidity after
digestion, and tend to bring on nauseaand waterbrash(utklehsa),
besidesproducing a parchedcondition in the organism, and also
affecting the eye-sight.confectionary fried in clarified butter hasan
agreeabletaste and aroma, is light, sprematopoietic,and tonic,
zuMuesthe V6ryuandPitta, andtendsto improvethe complexionand
invigoratetheeyesight.similarly, thatwhichis fried in oil is heavyas
regardsdigestion,pungentin its digestivereaction,andheat-making
in potency.It destroystheV6ryuandthePitta,tendsto affectthe sight
and producescutaneousaffections.407'409
sEnurtrgkt:fimargQr{run: IlYto | |

rFr qsrq! gd {6qn EqqnFr:l|Ytq ll

?fi,qrfrrs.rtq€rql r{Td qrc*trrr, I
gq€rtr{elrfr qFTqf q{* TilT:I lYt? t I
r{Fr Tftr: tfirfiq*qr: I
Ewrqr qIdFTr5,sgrgr* ftnxqcs: llYtl ll
'Confectionarymadeof fruit, meat,modificationsof sugar-cane
juice (treacle,sugar,etc.),sesamum andlvttrqapulseis tonic,heavyof
digestion,tiszue-buildingandpalatable'It is heatin potency,zubdues
Vbta and deshoys vision, increasesPina and producescutaneous
disorders.Articles offood fried in brokenvesselsofbaked clay, or
cookedover a charcoalfire shouldbe consideredaslight in respectof
digestionand as possessed of the virtue of aggravatingthe bodily
Vtryu,while thosethat areprepared with lumpsof curdledmilk should
be consideredas heavy (of digestion)and increasingthe Kapha'
Kulm6gas(half boiled Car.rakas or gram)generatethe Vtryu,produce
loosestool,and are heavy ofdigestion, andtendtoproducea condition
of parchedness in the organism.410-413
vqrf,ffi ttrrtt: c,rgfr{qte1ql
EErIT: qqiffiqun: I txqY| |
Chap. XLVI SIJTRASTHANA

Articles of food madeof fried barley (V6tya) prove curative in

casesof Udevarta,cough,catarrhandMeha.Dhana(friedbarley)and
Ulumba(Mudgapulseetc.,boiledover a fire) arelight of digestion
and absorbthe excessquantity of fat and Kaphain the body. 414
Yrt6*E!6qn@:l
{ar: g*criffiTr r}Rl: rrcFTrr6t:tuq\ | |
n.{fiTrSq{rrnddteMqr(t
vrqilqf{I *+T Tg.GrrqileRd,il|Ytq tl
Barley powder(dissolvedin waterso as to form a sort of thin,
pastypotion) is flesh-buildingand spennatopoietic. It allays thirst,
actsasaninstantaneous tonic, zubduesthePitta, KaphaandV6yu, and
is possessed of purgativeproperties.Made into thin pastyballs or
lumps they becomeheavy as regardsdigestion,while transforrqed
into a thin potion with theadditionof a copiousquantityof watertliey
areknown to acquirea contraryvirtue Qight).Barley powderusedas
lambativeis easilyand speedilydigesed owing to the softnessof its
consistency.415-416
qrq[VEdFdgrt€{r {rr<r: Ertnqrvrqlr:I
rfFlt: E'qrqq$r Rq{qoq€rt|.6r: I |YtB ll
TflT: l
ru,FTf,g'{rvfu Er6q{F{TrYr{T:I h'ta tl
WI6T gra: furur {aon: infirrdqr: I
lrFn: qsficnqr(g rrrilqr I txqS| |
Fried paddy alleviates vomiting and dystentery,and has an
astringentsweettaste.It is appetising,tonic, and light of digestion,
allays thirst, desfoys the wasteproductsof the body and tends to
restorethe derangedIfupha to its normalcondition. Pulverisedfried
paddyalleviatesthirst, vomiting, anda, burningsensationof the skin,
iurestsperspiration,andprovescurativein casesof haemoptysisand
Diftajvara (a tlpe of bilious fever characterisedby unquenchable
thirst andhyperpraxra).lrtluka (thrashedor pastedpaddy) is heavy
of digestion,demulcentandflesh-building,andincreasesthe Kapha
in the system.Taken with milk it acts as a tonic and is laxative and
destroysthe Vtryu. 417-419
526 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

Fqrr{d fqEilr{ drgef qFTtFgEl

ggft: Rrgrd t'orlwrg* Tet:nYRo| |
: $tturkrlitr: I{tr: l|YRqll
Immatureof newly-harvested pastedrice hasa sweettaste,is
hardto digestandactsas a tissue-builder.Old or well maturedrice
bringsaboutthe adhesionof fracturedbonesandprovescurativein
casesof Meha.420-421
Fqfut5,r{-fufir{q €qesF gl
qsn q,rtsrqrqra $ilE1rrteEd:sfr qn
@ftfrGtqrlxRerl
VFtrrgrcrt:r
As a largevarietyof substancesentersthe composition(of our
daily food),aphysicianshouldprescribeacourseof dietfor hispatient
after carefully consideringthe natureof the food sfuffs and the
propertiestheyacquirethroughcombinationandseasoning, aswell as
the naturallongingsof a personfor a certainkind of food duringthe
preponderanceof certainderangedhumoursof thebodyaccordingto
theadviceofthe Ayurvedadiscipline.Thusendstheeatblegroup. 422
3{?f: lr d?tll
'3T*{ *FqEfrailr w3qr qrgftt yur*rrqk r
dqrsq*+ qg?rurEtilrtr qH T{qf{ qrzrqtftronl
Anuplnam of After-Potions : Now we shall discourseon
drinks andpotionswhich are foundto be beneficialwhentakenafter
a certain kind of food (Anup6nas).
Certain peopleoppressedwith an acid tastenaturally long for
sweets,while othersin full satietyof sweetarticleshavea relish for
acidthings.Hencesomethingacidis goodfor theeaterof sweets,and
sweetsaregoodfor menwho havepartakenof an acid food. 423-4U
I
qsEqrfiI trd q*qr( TC ytd far qr*qr il(rrn<rr
qrfug qrfis furlq dtffir $frqft rildrfr ilft |
waF{vrl5 qr TqFfr iaf T{Err: {fuqrqfir5{t6tRtl
 Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA

q;rgrlFd wttf *qrirfir. FdTsrg ger: I

FAq @.rrr ffisffitr+etl
Cold waterandwarmwater,Asava(wine),Madya(spirits),the
soupof Mudgapulseetc.,thejuice of acid fruits, sourpaddygruel,
milk andessence of meataregenerallyusedasdrinksaftera full meal.
Of these,that alonewhichwouldprovebeneficialto 4 personshould
be given him in an adequatequantity.The intellingentphysician
shoulddeterminethekind of after-drink(potion)requiredin eachcase
aftertakinginto considerationthenatureofthe diseaseundertreafinent,
the seasonof the year, and the propertiesof the solid or liquid
substances that enterthecompositionof thediet. of all kindsof after-
potions,clear heavenly(atmospheric)water,kept in a pure vessel,
shouldbe deemedthe best,inasmuchas suchwater ccntributesiil
every way to the welfare(is conductiveto the bodily growth),of a
personthroughouthis life, ancall thesix differenttastesareinherent
in that heavenlyfluid. Briefly we havestatedtherureto be observed
in respectof after-potions,now we shall dilate upontheir specific
properties.425-427
Frdr{rqiT vnge r
T+ q@rf,o,d6Er+dlr(dqcflq ilsn I lxRe| |
srsq'=f E{i* ** qqruilflf+l
yfidKd qrftrfiR firsrxs ? Ftfr: ttY?qtl
@ a*q ql
*fu( frwrwrgt3vr=f Edffi{pytorr
Hot watershouldbetakenafteranyoily or lardaceouszubstance
other tJnn those known as the oils of Bhanehka the Tauvaraka.
certain authoritieshold that the soupof Mudga pulse and sour rice
gruel (I6frjika) shouldbe respectivelytaken(in summerand winter)
after havingtakena largequantityof oil in the courseof a meal.cold
water shouldbe taken after cakesand honey, as well as after curd,
Pdyasaporndge,andalsoin casesofpoisoningandderangements due
to the effectsof wine. Accordingto severalauthoritiestepid water
should be taken after any kind of cake (preparationof rice paste
etc.). 428-430
528 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

qqfqicr+qrfr@t
gqrearfiqf<rq-frq€r.qr€'iEtllYQlll
qrqdr5qmd qrqrei trqq qtl
{sf qdF{drrr{ wfu'tg afucqtxlRll
gl€qtrrtl({i wfirFt qr wrq}l
ftc ltY??ll
grr q,vnqt rffifqt=i qe6*ql
Fnrqqmi furd gffiqd YdF.tcqt rslY | |
ftryfuqrt+qd6+veffit
srsqr=f fffiE fir+ rqfrfrfidqlruQ\ ll
ffi : S<frqrw<trrl
ffi+gtlv?qrl
Milk or meatessenceshouldbe prescribedasan after-potbn to
personshabituated to mealsof Shali-riceor Mudgapulse,or whohave
becomefatiguedwith the laboursof a battle or of a long journey' or
who areoppressedwiththeheatof thesunorof ablazingfrte,aswell
as to thosewho would be found to be overcomefrom the effects of
poisonor wine. Sourrice gnrel,or creamof curd shouldbedrunkafter
havingtakenMtrqapulse, etc.Wine (Madya)is theproperafter-drink
for personsaddictedto which is also recommendedafter a meat
it,
diet. cold wateror acid fruit juice (suchasthat of the pomegranate,
etc.) forms the best after-drink for thosewho are not in the habit of
taking wine. Milk is ambrosiato personsenfeebledwith arduous
study, or excessivesexual intercoursgiand to every one after an
exposureto the sunafter a long troubledjourney. Wine (Surfl) is the
afterdrink for enfeebledzubjects,andwater saturatedwith honeyis
the potion for corpulentpersons.Healthy personsmay usea variety
of dessertsand beveragesduring and after meals.Things which are
demulcentin their virtuesandheat-makingin their potencyshouldbe
consideredasa wholesomedietindiseases dueto thederanged Vfryu.
Substances,which are heat-makingin their potency and tend to
producea condition of parchedness (Rrilqa) in the organism,should
be prescribedasa wholesome diet in diseasesbroughtaboutthrough
the action of the derangedKapha.Similarly, thosewhich are sweet
Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA

andcoolingin their potency,provewholesomein Pittajhdistempers'

Milk andthe expressed juice of sugar-cane arebeneficialto persons
sufferingfrom haemoptysis. The Asavas(wines)of the Arka, Selu'
and Sir-iqaare beneficial to those suffering from the eft-ectsof any
poison. 431-436
aif: vql wrtsTrrsqr=fEcrq. $rq1
rrffi{ n *IuYtetl
r* q*yr€Erqrfu Tfl -qq | *<dnt errqrwrqI q$rmmi
stEtqT"ngfwftqrge: r Fqffi frttrF{trffi: t y$fii
qftTqsfrr{: | ffi[ €d5rrfi*qrrre: r ]r€16r;TrrT{-
rp$tfi$f€t;r qutF{rFrrf E"sFrqrs{: t fu wIGIrITTTGT;,
qd5,vfqr;rTfi'qq1sa: I sffi @{rFE: I qrqrruri
qfvrqrfuqr qrFqqr€ akt
wemfrq.rqrgq: | ileiTrti TdFqr{iEurrfirF{: t v(t{ruri
qriKlsrrffi:l rsd|=Tr
3TFfl=Tf :t qqrerurf
<ffi*rge: tqg{rqri
qnqrFrqr €fir{f fiTqsrtr<t
: r EqTrerffi
ffi Fdrr166r:t Etlr+rgrrotg q gal

+qqrffi grrrrE srrfittfwn *{i qr vd}fr1lvQa ll

Now we shall separatelydescribethe after-drinksto be taken
after having usedthe articlesof foorCdealt with underthe several
groupsdiscussedbefore. The acid soup of Indian Jujubes(Kola)
shouldbetakenafteramealconsistingof anyofthe afore-saidcereals
suchas,the Suladh?rnya, Kudhlmya,etc. Sourgruel shouldbe used
aftera mealof Mudga pulse, or of anysimilargrain.TheAsava(wine
of thePippalishouldbeusedafteramealof thelongthighedvenisons,
or of thefleshof thoseof theDhanvajafamily. KolaandBadarawines
shouldbe usedafterhavingtakenthecookedfleshof thefowls of the
Viskira species.Thewineof K.;ira-V$qashouldbeusedaftera meal
consistingofthe fleshofthe Pratudaspecies.Coconutanddatepalm
Vol.I-34
 S U S R U l ' AS A M H I T A

winesshouldbeusedafterhavingeatenthefleshof thecave-dwelling
(guh6-3aya) species.KrsnaGandhawineshouldbeusedaftertheflesh
of the Parna-Mrga(arboreous)family. ASvagandh6 wine shouldbe
takenafterthe fleshof thePrasahaspecies.Phalaslrawine shouldbe
takenafter the fleshof any of the hole-dwelling(Bile3aya)animals.
Triphall wine should be taken after the flesh of an animal with
unbifurcatedhoops@kaSapha). Khadira wine shouldbe taken after
the fleshof an animalwith bifurcatedhoofs.
TheAsava(wineof SrngatakaorKa6erukashouldbetakenafter
havingeatenttrefleshof an animalof the Kulecara(frequentingthe
shoresof lakesetc.)species.The samewinesshouldbe regardedas
properafter-potionsaftera mealconsistingof molluscs(Ko3astha), or
of the fleshof an animalof the Pldi Qizaro family. Asava of sugar-
cane (vinegar)shouldbe taken after having eatenthe flesh of an
animalofthePlava(diving)family.Mrnhlawinesbouldbetakenafter
anyNtrdeyafish (whosehabitatis the river). M6tulungawine should
betakenafterthefleshof anyof theseafish (S6mudra). PadmaQotus
bulb), wine shouldbe takenafteracid fruits. Pomegranate, or Vetra
wines should be taken after astringentfruits. The Asava of kanda
KtraNa-D. R..treatedwith the three pungentdrugsknown as the
Trikatusshouldbe takenaftersweetfruits. Sourandfermentedrice
gruelshouldbetakenafterTlla fruits, etc.The wine of Drtvl, Nala,
or of Vetra should be taken after pungentfruits. The Asava of
Svada4q$a or of VasukashouldbetakenafterPippalis,etc.D6rvi, or
Karira wines shouldbe takenafter Kusmdndas,etc. The Asava of
Lodhrashouldbetakenaftertaking theCuccu,potherbsetc.Triphali
wineshouldbetakenaftertheJivanti, potherbs,etc.,andthesamerule
shouldbe observedin respectof Kuzumbhapotherbs.
TtreAsava(wine) of the drugsknownas the Mah6Pafrcamrlla
shouldbetakenafterzuchpotherbsastheMandula-parni,etc.Wines
of acid fruit shouldbe takenafterthepith of marrowof suchtreesas
the Date-palm,Tila, etc. The wine known as the Sur6sava,or
fermentedricegruelshouldbetakenafteranexcessof Saindhavasalt,
etc. Water may be takenin absenceof the properafter-drinkin all
cases.437-438
Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA

trck qEr-
qreqd?ryytrr(l
srd qr qFr qd.ftf il(ild Ec5q} | xt3 | |
ssi qrl q,* +d ft+ T+ q yfrffi{tnr6o tl
Authoritative verses on the subject : Atmosphericor rain
wateris thebestof all drinksandcordials.Thatkind of wateris whole-
someto a personto whichhe is habituatedfrom his birth. Hot water
is beneficialin derangements of theV6yuandKapha,andcold water
is goodin diseases whichhavetheirorigin in thevitiatedblood,or in
the derangedPitta. 439-U0
+qr{ TF' qr tfiqfrqrdqinfr qrl
qsR{r3ql+{ VqFi yfr{Fdt|Yxqtl
**i tr Ef Aqg€rd*<trtl
dtr qrffi gcrll |rd? tl
fu +*r*{ trqrcrr+(i rrtrll
.6{ quH qqrrgEn=i F&fT|.dY?||
An excessivelyheavymeal,as well as the one which usually
tendsto derangethefundamental humoursof thebody,maybe easily
andspeedilydigestedwith thehelpof a zuitableafter-drink.A proper
after-potion taken after a meal brings on a fresh relish for food,
increasesthe bulk of the body, actsas a spermatopoieticbeverage,
disintegrates thecombinationor accumulation of thederangedbodily
humours,soothesthe organism,increasesthe softnessof the body,
removesthe senseof fatigueand exhaustion,bringson pleasurable
sensations in its train,stimulatestheappetite,suMuesorpacifiesthe
derangedbodilyhumours,allaysthethirst,improvesthecomplexion,
and impartstoneandvigourto the system.Ul-U3
ftr+ qd+Eftf @frrcqr
sr(ftf ffi ilrsr{*sF y+qAqt r&ry| |
n{rrdi @l
i ct(l| | ct t..{ q1'r+t3q I n+l(1 : Frlqr rrs\ | |
:t ffr*q*rrqrqril in qrrqafrcfnr
{*aFn': rr+qfr q qtzT qTrr6il: IFrr: rrr6q | |
532 SUSRIJTASAMHITA

Anybeverageresortedto at thecommencement of a mealtends

to producea gradualemaciationof theframe; the one taken duringthe
courseof a meal guardsagainstboth its thinning and corpulency'
while the onedrunkat thecloseof a mealservesto greatlyaddto its
growth and rotundity. Hence,drinking at meals should be most
judiciously determinedandtakenwith the greatestforethoughtand
discretion.Thefoodcarrieddownintothestomachof a personunused
to suchliquidslongretainsundigestedandresists beingconvertedinto
chymeorbeingrJ.igested, andbecomes apositivesourceofdiscomfort.
Hence,the use of an after-potionis imperativelyobligatoryon all
humanbeings,exceptthosesufferingfromdyspnoea, cough,ulcerative
endocarditis(Urahksata),ptyalism, aphonia,and from diseases
affectingthe part of the body situatedabovethe clavicles.444'446
qtanqrrrqrq+q-tqtqqta3 vffiq t rr'd\e| |
lr{qFTrYFdak ns q,rffi ftrcqt
@q{+(qfltrgYall
After the use of an after-potion, a long walk, a lengthy
conversation, singing,sleepingandreadingshouldberefrainedfrom,
in order that the imbibed potion may not affect the stomaqh,and
(aggravatethe bodily humours) which taking lodgment abqut the
regionsof thethroatandchestmaygiveriseto a Secletionof mlrsous,
impair the appetite,developsuchdistressingsymptomsas votniting
etc.,andproducemanyotherdistempersas well. 447'4/,8
€rrrf Tfirqdfrl
dsn rr+urrqgrfl-6r6ffif,{{t trrsq| |
The lightnessor heavinessof a food shrff doesnot go conmry
to nature.rThesepropertiesdependmoreuponthe modeof cooking
orpreparingthemthanuponthenatureof thesubstances themselves;2
moreuponthe quantityin which they aretaken than the mode of their
cookingor preparation;3andmoreuponthefoodQit'boiledrice) itself
L lf it beaslrzd wlrythefu sh of an animal of theJangalafamily is li ght? Theanswer
wouldbe becauseit is natwelly so.
2. Asforexample,vrihicomisnarurallyheavyofdigestion,butfriedvrihiseedsa
light.
j. Asforin*ance,aheavyfoodshouldbetalcentilltheappetiteisbuthalfsatisfie
whih an anicle which is liSht with regardto digestionmoy be eatento satiety.
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 533

than upon the quantityof its use,t and more upon the time (of its
maturity) than uponthe food.?449
q<fiffirqr: E€qrrf Edfudr: I
vtr* n E N fr ffi qR.qffitl lYqo| |
r{fu{: Erfi[Fr t t q {tqF=r+ TtT: I
EdFftqrs i N rrdvrf qfieH'* | tY\q | |
Efr sqfttrr*qtft r
Thequestionof lightnessor heaviness of a foodstuff affectsthe
idle,theunhealthy,theluxurious,andmenof delicateconstitutionand
impairedappetite,andsuchnicediscernmentof the propertiesof an
articleof food is not imperativelyobligatoryon strong,healthymen
of activehabitsandgoodhealthydigestion,whoarehabituatedto hard
and solid fares,andwho cantolerablyafford to dispensewith such
thoughtsaltogether.Hereendsthe descriptionof the groupof after-
potions.450-451
3relr6r{FqfuqFr ffii .{[rJll
{fu m.r{ rT6rfirqtu\R rl
e11tn1ft1-6qggfrof
?rTr*turcrsfr:f "rqq Ei'Aaql
FTqqrrs\? ll
lu* t* g{i5Ff v5q{ET.'rar(
ffi: rgg iftFrf ENr*q+: I
FtrddddaH frr€q=i Frndqtrd\Y tl
Hearme, O my child, discourseon the rulesto be observedin
connectionwith eating.Thekitchenshouldbemadespaciousandkept
clean and pure, and nonebut the trustedonesshouldhave access
thereto. The physicianshould get the food or diet preparedby
experiencedcooks(so as to impart to it the tasteand the colour he
desires),andhaveit keptat a cleanandpurespot,concealedfrom the
view of the public. After that,the foodhavingbeenmadeinnocuous
by theadrnixtureof anti-toxicmedicines,andfreedfrom all poisonby
reciting (an Arthavan)mantraover it, andhavingbeenbesprinkled
Asforinstance,ofthevarietiesoffoodsuchastheMa4la, Peya,Vilepi'Bhalaaand
Pi6taka,eachsucceeding oneis heavierthantheonc itunediatelyprecedingit.
Asfor exatnple,newlyhanestedrtceis heevierthanthc oneof ayear's standing.
 534 SUSRUTA
SAMHITA

with the water of mystic incantation,should be served (to the

kng). 452-454
qqqFqil:q{@l

Fdf u.rurH tq +qr tqr g rrqtt*\\tl

q,,drh \r&nFis yqsr{ * q&g qr
urRqwvffi \ffiS y*q*qrx\E,tl
yCFnFr rsd{ rr:aiqry5rt*(;
c.-,*trfrr ssir+E Hqhdl&5 Efq}qtnr\e tl
Esr( ilFq+ vr} Ernt glii va: r
qrfrd qnqi rra 5+tg yq1q\t6\etl
qrqw;F*. qr+g vffig {tS qr
Trrrqrs{sfiqilY\i tl
gr€TrE ffi q6 gENtr q*rir
{E: qfr*i Elur( y* gdqtqnyeo tr
q.rTrfr Trdrngfg qR'gqlFr qrR rar
arh *funrv{ g g.sr+ffiqt 116qq
tl
ydf{rfur rsiv+q qrft qrrq. qq: r
qsq{qfs W wd qnr* g-<rq\t114q?tl
Fqh 1fu1 lTr1qrg.{Fgq'rtl
Wnrqprrq\qr$ EFffi qqakr: trxq?tl
Servingof aMeal : NowI shalldescribethemodeof servingout
the differentdishes.clarified buttershouldbe servedout in a vessel
of steel(K6nta-Loha);Pey6,inasilverblow; andallkindsof fruitand
confectionary(zuchastheLaddukas),on leaves.Thepreparations of
meatknownasthePariSuska andPradigdhaM6nsashouldbe served
on goldenplatesifluid ediblesand meat essences in silver bowls:
Katvarasand Kharasin stoneutensils;andcool boiled milk (payatr)
in coppervessels.Otherdrinks,winesandcordialsshouldbegivenin
earthenpots; andR6ga-s6davas andSattakas,
incool pureglassbowls,
or in vesselsmadeof crystaland Vaiduryagems.The cook should
place the bowls containingpreparationsof pulse, boiled rice and
lambativeson clean, spacioustrays of fanciful design,and spread
Chap. XLVI SOTRASTHANA 535

confectionaryand
themoutinfront (of theking).All kindsof desserts,
dry viandsshouldbe servedon his right, while all soupsetc.,meat-
essences,drinks, cordials,milk, Ktra{a-Yuqa,and Peyl shouldbe
placedon his left. Bowls containingpreparationsof treacle,Rlga-
S6dava,andSattakashouldoccupya placemidwaybetweenthetwo
setsofbowls describedabove.455'463
F fufrq qFilqq Efuw+eilrro,qqrq t
rffi ffi.4 Pa.scrr*gt {.*t
rTt idscr rMErnqxu
Fqffiq{i{alt: rrgtR€ {rilRfir: I
riH {Fq {rq;stf YqrJqfl=i faerqt6q\ ll
Ttre intelligent physician,well conversantwith the rules of
servingdishesasabovelaid down,shouldattenduponthekind at his
table,andspreadouton thepurifiedlevelfloor of a solitary,beautiful,
spacious,blissful,perfumedandflower-decorated chamber,andthe
krndshould partaKe ofthose sacredandpleasant
dishes, servedneither
hot nor cold, and cookedand seasoned the in desired mode, and
possessed of their specifictastes.4&'465
dr
qsr-*qr1rsqffi tihrffiqluqqll
srr+ rrdTR t!f*d fffr gkqql
ir?r:ffi silqrtqefM'wa: rnqt rrqe | |
rf q* qry+qr{ *f,q<rgfutrqt
sTtqrte ril rrs+ q $i-..:ilftq g Yrsf I
Frriq{ M q,dqrrrqi Tunqr|tqa rl
ql

€ Mt ffrqqr r E !F tnq:FtttvqSll
The physician in attendanceshould see that the king first
partakesof the sweetdishes,thenof the acid and saline,and of the
t
qr"grl andothrt o"ts uttttt ttote of themeal. Firstor attheforepart
L Thetasteof s,weetviandseatenat the outsetwoul-dnatwally go to subduethe
Viryulocatedin thestomach:acid or salinetastepanakcnaf at themiddleof a
mealwouldrouseup thefire of digestionlocatedin thepanueas (Agnyahaya)'
while rhepungenttosteenioyedat its closewouldtendto subduethe Kapha.
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

of a meal,suchfruit asthe pomegranate, etc.,shouldbe eaten,after

that,Pey6sandboiledriceandprepared dishes,aswellasconfectionary.
Certainauthoritiesmaintainthatsolidor thick viandsshouldbeeaten
at the outset,while othersadvisethatthecontraryshouldbe the rule.
Of fruits,theAmalakahasthegreatesthumour-destroying properties,
and is the most harmlessof them all. Amalaka(fruit) is therefore
recommendedat the outset,middle and the closeof a meal. Such
thingsas the MrndLla(the stemof a lotus plant),the Bisa (the lotus
bulb),S6lu1a,Kaida andsugar-caoe shouldbeeatenat thebeginning
of a meal,andneverat its close.466-469
gqg=A: IrrTrSq' €rr{6lsflir{rr: t
a,r+ qrnf Eg ftild Q+qgwrF+ff{ r
@ FqFe6rtrq:tu\sotl
A man,whois well-readin theScience of medicine(Ayurveda),
shouldsit duringhismealin aneasypostureonahighseatandpartake,
at the right time, with his body erectandhis wholemind engagedin
theact of eatinglight, wholesomeemollientandwarm viands,which
are congenialto his temperament andaboundin fluid preparations,
with anadequate quantityof boiledrice, neithertoo hurriedlynor too
slowly,evenwhenfeelingthepinchof akeenandpiercinghunger. 470
a,re 5.fri ffi Hrsq=i q qrq+r
eg vfrq Edqqrd firyEilEf qcrqF{{r |Y\eq| |
ftrs g-$ rr{ rrrqi qrirtr Ee}trql
gd ifrdFd qTlrT*€rgsrEiq.*fr qnysR rl
Food eatenwith a goo<lappetitetastespleasantand relishing.
Thefoodwhichis congenialtoone stemperamentbegets nodiscomfort
aftertheeating.Light foodis soondigested.Emollientfoodgivestone
and vigour to the system.Warrn food improvesthe appetite.Food
eatenneightertoo slowly nor too huniedly is uniformly digested.
Foodaboundingin fluid components is not imperfectlydigested,nor
is attendedby anyacidreaction.Moderationin foodleadsto a happy
andperfectdigestionandtendsto maintainthefundamental principles
of the bodv in their normal state.47l-472
Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA

erifrqrffiq|-ITr€ qrqr qqs! $tTr: I

tg tstr*{raii 5trd grata gnYettl
tg qrh q*gtr F{flTr rlyrrne&n:I
ig yYrFTttnnsY
tl
Ts* ffiq+gqrfrrrrrt: HITI:I
Edr +g t*d riqrqtnt\et{ ll
Duringthecold months,whenthenightsarelonger,substances,
whichtendto suMuethebodilyhumourswhicharenaturallyderanged
duringthat season,shouldbe eatenin the morning,while duringthe
seasons,when the days are inordinatelylong, things which are
congenialinthoseseasons shouldbeeatenin theafternoon.(In spring
andautumn)whendaysandnightareequal,tlte mealshouldbetaken
just at the middlepart of the day andnight.' 473-475
Trgrqr#ffiri qr ffi qrt
srgrwfire gsFT: uiit Wrqt =n: r
rrierrtqrffita qrui qr ffi | rgeq| |
sr#ffir& ggt+ ergffis{et
q-qrqlM 5ni ffi*s a ur5fr | rd\se| |
ffiq q.n'Fd q qfrqr{rlll
5.sisk€{rrsez rl
€t-{rg
Fsr{ grfqtf gt6'ur d{t*Fffiaqt
Eilqrqr
Fql[={ qnFdqr-trt qriTfuq+rft | |.dei| |
A mealshouldnotbeeatenbeforetheappointedtime,norbefore
the appetitehas fully come.Similarly, over or insufficient eating
shouldbe equallyrefrainedfrorn. Eating at an impropertime and
beforethe systemfeelslight and free bringson a large numberof
1. Thisrule holdsgoodin thecaseof persons,whoeata singlemealin the course
of a doyandnight. Those,whoarein thehabitof edtingtwomeak a day,shouU
eat a light half meal at one and qtuner Prahara in the morning and another
betweenthe third and the fourth Praharas in tht afiemoon (Panjikhkbra).
According to .Iejjada, the mcals shaull be betweenthe third and the fourth
Prahara both in thc doy and night.
538 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

diseases, andmay ultimatelyleadto death.A meal eatenat an hour

long after the appointedtime tendsto aggravatethe bodily V6yu,
whicheffectsthe digestivefire, andoffersseriousobstacles in theway
of its digestion.The foodthusdigestedwith difficulty in the stomach
createsdiscomfortsand destroysall desire for a second meal.
Insufficient diet gives but in adequatesatisfaction,and tends to
weakenthebody.Overeating,on thecontrary,is attendedwith such
distressing symptorns, aslanguor,heaviness
ofthebody,disinclination
for movements,and distensionof the stomach,accompaniedby
rumblingin theintestines,etc.Henceit behovesa manto takeonly as
muchfood ashe caneasilydigest,which shouldbe well cookedand
madeto possess all thecommendabl e (adequatel
y nutritive)properties.
Moderationin dietis thegoldenrule,besidestakingintoconsideration
the demeritsof a particularfood beforepartakingthereof and the
natureof the time (dayor night)it is eaten.476-479
sr*qf gtegfu tnqrvrEurdwql
F €Frilrtarg qFdq'=i ffitqrxdotl
ffi g'r:r
ftart vfrcgxgwfrqE?i
3t{rrfrIlq?fen$ nqr F{rg tT lTegtt1xaqtl
Boiledrice food(Anna)whichis impureanddirty, infestedwith
poison,or out of which anotherhas eatena portion as well as that
which.isfull of weeds,pebbles,dustetc., whichthemindinstinctively
repels,or cookedonthepreviousdayor whichhasbeenkeptstanding
over-night,as well as that which is insipid or emits a fetid smell,
shouldbe similarly rejected.Also food whichhasbeencookedlong
ago,or hasbecomecold andhard,andhasbeenrewarmedor which
hasbeenimperfectlystrained,or is burntandinsipid shouldalsonot
be servedas food 480-4tl
q€r( Ergirr Ttr{ fuqElrgil{rir{qt|Yeltl
Y{r-d+qfffrtzf g,grrrr{q 3.gf€' r
Fqqa Ts+ ilC ffisilqT4{(nYr?rl
€rg{r irFt Trrf gsr+{tfr dtrql
T iTsnTqr<aT€ritrcTr{ysrr€Tlt;irtr||.tex
||
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA

fu rqFi 5fl€Il€r6 Efu vqqr

F{rg Fsfirer.rlr€rg q frtrdqqilYa\ rl
T.ffirsfu T(yreiqt ql€nil{lgrg cilw{qr ry4q | |
'
More andmorepalatabledishesshouldbe successively takenin
the courseof a meal.Duringthe courseof a meal,the mouthshould
befrequentlyrinsedor gargledinasmuchasthepalatethusconstantly
beingcleansedbecomesmore$sceptibleto taste,andanythingeaten
thereafteris relishedthe betterand givesall the pleasuresof a first
morsel.The palateaffectedwith a sweettasteat the outsetfails to
appreciatethe tastesof the successivedishes.Hence,the mouth
shouldbe washedat intervalsduringthemeal.Sweetfor:deatenwith
a relishpleasurablyaffectsthemind,bringsjoy, energy,strength,and
happinessin its train, and contributesto the growth of the body;
whereasthe one of a contrarycharacteris anendedwith opposite
effects.The food, which doesnot satiatea man evenafter repeated
eating,shouldbe consideredas agreeable(Sv6du)to him. 482-4K
srFrd{Ei gtrqr tgrgrfr{r fir}qrrrae | |
piler+{r€ig+: I
fu dk lrqsrF{erFq-dr{t|Y/z| |
After finishinga mealwatershouldbedrunkin a quantitywhich
would be beneficial.Foodparticlesadheringto the teethshouldbe
gentlydrawnoutbymeansofatooth,pick,inasmuchas if notremoved
a kind of fetor is produced
in the mouth.487-488
\frut$+ Fdt qrgffi firir+q El
r:|t-qr} ffirft ilsr{g-+ *q6qq I ."aq | |
E*qt
I lX3o ll
e,gFfinro,qrtr Iq*yraqnr+ |
fuewr: nyqqtl
The V6yu is increasedafter the completionof digestion,the
Pitta, during the continuanceof the process,while the Kapha is
increasedimmediatelyaftertheact of eating.Hence,the Kaphais to
be zuMuedafterthe closeof a meal,andthe intelligenteatershould
 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

attain that end by partakingfruit of an astringent,pungent,or bitter

taste,or by chewinga betel leaf preparedwith broken arecanut,
camphor,nutmeg,clove,etc.,orby smoking,orbymeansof anything
thatinstantaneously removestheviscidityin thecavityof themouth,
andpermeatesit witli its own essence.489'491
Tffir TtErq{drfrd qrqE r€Fr* ftT: I
mT: rr(flii rr€r qllfqrvt g ffiql|Y3R ll
wsvrlgq+s:frqrtl
s5ffiTq+*e ffi Frg ftTuafrrxqQll
vrqwRq{qpt-arqr5rfr EgFw?n:I
3rsq5i iln qrq*qr|YsYll
Seecrrw
Then the eatershouldtake rest, like a king, till the senseof
drowsinessincidentalto eatingis removed.After this he shouldwalk
a hundredplacesandlie downin a bedon his left side.After eating,
a man shoultl enjoy soft sounds,pleasantsightsand tastes,sweet
perfumes,soft andvelvetytouch,in shortanythingthat ravishesthe
ioul andenwrapsthemindwith rapturesofjoy, sincesuchpleasurable
sensationsgreatlyhelp the processof digestion.Sounds,which are
harshandgrating,sights,whichareabominabl e,touches,thatarehard
andunpleasant, smells,whicharefetidanddisagreeable, encountered
after a meal,or the eatingof impureand execrableboiled rice, or a
loudside-splittinglaughaftera mealis followedby vomiting.492-494
Yrrrsrff{ qrfr B{ qrfr qettrrqr
q rtrE{ q rryi qrfr qrrrqt |Y3\rl
q +fiTs+qrqi qg+d E-<lEl"Tl
rT qsrr*Et|Y3q | |
g*avr: wr€Trtqr qTE{r+qr{sqsEr I r4\e | |
Theafter-mealsiestashouldnotbelongandcontinuous; basking
beforea fire, exposureto the 2n, travelling,driving in a carriage,
swimming,bathingetc.,shouldbeavoidedjust afterthecloseof a full
and heartymeat.A diet which aboundsin fluid coursesshouldbe
refrainedfrom. only a singletasteshouldnotbeenjoyedin thecourse
of a meal. Cookedpotherbs,boiled rice of inferior quality, and a
Chap.XLVI SUTRASTHANA 541

courseof diet aboundingin acidtasteshouldbe avoided.Articles of

onetasteshouldnotbe eatenin largequantitiesat a time, nor articles
of varioustastesshouldbe constantlyindulgedin. 495-497
!rr{f+ rqFEF+tsr*Ff{=fT sqFakt1a3atl
A*g.+@s+ggl* ak qr*qqt
qt"TS€ ffi (qel T: llY33ll
tn?:r=ifu V*o qEr.nqr Egfttrtr:I
flrgursfrraE*d Eq rrq{rfr{Fdn\oo | |
Wgr€rrrFrqri gF frrsr( qrftnrqn\oq tl
i aTn EFdR.qtttqoRll
A secondmealshouldnotbe eatenon thesamedayin the event
of the appetitehavingbecomedulledby a previousmeal.Eatingwith
a previousmealonlypartiallydigestedseriouslyimpairsthedigestive
functions.A man of dull or impairedappetiteshouldrefrain from
eating heavy articles of food, as well as from partakingof large
quantitiesof light substances. Cakesshouldneverbe eaten,and a
doublequantityof watershouldbetakenif theyareeatenat all out of
hunger,by which their safedigestionwould be ensured.Of drinks,
lambativesand confectionary(solid food), eachsucceedingone is
heavier than the one immediatelyprecedingit in the order of
enumeration. Heavyarticlesof foodshouldbetakenin half measures
only, while the lighter enesmay be eatentill satiety.498-502
Fftrn rl-qrfr q w*rgsffir
reraqqfr {uql sqt*trqgrtt t\o?| |
Fqs'ffiT*EFtr{€f T qr?S qrg rraerfrr
kqr€:gtrrraFdttqoxtl
fuf Tfrt qr qFT ftefrr
ffi Tt Fq-(En irgncr=f @rr
qu$ ffi ffir ErFdqrqEqrqaEt|\o\tl
Liquid f-ood,or that whichaboundsin liquid substances should
notbetakeninlargequantities. Dryarticlesoffoodtakenin combination
with a largenumberof othersubs."ances fail to do any injury to the
stomach.Dry food(Anna)takenalonecannotbecompletelydigested.
 SUSRUTASAMHITA

lt is transformedintolumpsin thestomach,is irregularlychymed,and

producesdeficientgastricdigestionfollowedby areactionaryacidity.
The injestedfood,whetherof a characterthat stampsit asbelonging
to theVidahi groupor not,is but incompletelydigestedandgivesrise
to a reactionaryacidity in the eventof thePina beingconfinedin the
stomach,or inthe intestines. Dry food(cakes,etc.),incompatiblefood
combinations (milk with fish andso on), andthose,which are long
retainedin the stomachin an undigestedstate,tend to impair the
digestivetunctions(Agni). 503-505
sn{ @ frs6d ifiqfirilrF{rilfuF{: I
srtr +f,effi qgd rq*ftT:rlqoqtl
The Kapha,Pitta, and V6yu respectivelyproducethe typesof
mucous indigestionof chyme (Amljirna), acid indigestion
(VidagdhajirAa),and indigestiondue to incarceratedfecal matter
(Viqtabdhajirya).
Certainauthoritiesaverthatthereis a fourthclassof
indigestion,known asthe indigestionof unassimilated chyle (Rasa-
Sesa).506

q,r&sF, iqre ErstWg ti{oe tl

rrrefagrilrfr Tm-q=f
rqit'
ffi g.6*{ vti
FiFqffifeiTt
qiqg*{ Er '}qrll=nt=f rr rTqq qFsnqfFcrltoarl
Drinking of an abnormalquantity of water, irregular eating,
voluntaryzuppression of anynaturalurgingof the body,sleepin the
day,keepingof latehoursin thenight,arethefactorswhichinterfere
with theproperdigestionof foodanddevelopsymptomsof indigestion
even individual takeslight and advantagesdiet at proper time. The
food takenby a personunderthe influenceofenvy, fassion, greed,or
anger,,etc., or by a man zuffering from a chronic distemper,is not
properlydigested.507-508
qrgdrd rrdqrmfi ffi rnrrrrentraql
ffig.(ffiTsrfr4rFi@n\oqn
s(rrrf{r€|qfr $rfit6rfilr T qrq+ E{Far q qrT I
Tqg*hrr g qrfrqi Tgeftsr( lT{trSofqt rqqo| |
 Chap. XLVI SOTRASTHANA

fst Fnm trrr{: q*fr': vEi rlq: r

sTfrEr T{dt rtTur5lrt4*ufn: t1qg t I
Types of Indigestion : A caseof indigestionin whcih the
undigestedfood matteracquiresa sweettasteis calledchymous(or
mucous)indigestion(Amajfup), that in which the und,igested food
acquiresan acid tastein the stomachis calledvidagdhaindigestion.
The form in whichthe fcod matterbroughtdowninto the stomachis
partiallyor irregularlydigested(oneportionbeingdigested,theother
beingnot)followedby a prickingor piercingpainin thestomachand
entiresuppression of the flatus,is calledvistaMha indigestion.The
typeknownasindigestionof unassimilated chyleis characterisedby
the absenceof any acid or soureructations,but the patientfeelsno
inclinationfor foodinspiteof thenormalcharacterof theeructafions,
if any.Thetypeis furthercharacterised by painabouttheregionof the
heart,and water-brash.The unfavourablesymptomsof indigestion
are suddenloss of consciousness, delirium, vomiting, water-brash,
Ianguorwith a gone-feeling in thelimbs,andvertigo,utc.,,uhich,nuy
endin death.509-511
r*rn lrf.r u,r{ @ qwi flaoqr
Fqce6*fu *a aqgr* vr+d qrrqq?| |
qrq+qrq ii ilsrg+{ dEurrr1lnrl
Erfuffi dr+{qr*r lARf Eriql\qQ tr
u,rfurrfr
ITgEr5qt{l
qrersry{fficrr gr(*qil: yrn|?rktgrTI |\qy | |
Fastingis beneficialin a caseorAmaiirnaind.igestion. Ejection
of the contentsof the stomachgives relief in a cise of vidagdha
indigestion.Fomentationwill alleviateacaseof vistabdtraindigeJion,
while in an indigestionof unassimilated chyle,the patientsh-ouldbe
confinedto bedandfomentations, anddigestivemedicinesshouldbe
administeredas well. In a caseof vidagdhaindigestionthe patient
shouldbe madeto vomit the contentsof his stomachwith ttreirelp of
warmwatersatumtedwith salt,whilein a caseof chymousindigestion
the patient should forego all food till he is restoredto his natural
condition.A patient zufferingfrom indigestionwhosesystemhas
beencleansedandlightenedwith theabovesaid appliancesshould go
544 SUSRUTASAMHITA

fastingtill heis restoredtohisnaturalconditionasregardsthestrength

andhumoursof the bodY'512-51'l
€qvT=i w(rql
{g ffi fuid Aqrrrsmqttql\ ll
srtr sFir T( g rEq{r{gq}l
*qanetarg vgan*1q-+fr qrll\qq lt
q=iffi YfrqYfrdrq.{r*qRrurrqtfrt
r6qs*&F€f<fi rtqnAFqrrrqrar{rf, q€Tr(lrrq\ell
Theeatingtogetherofbothwholesomeandunwholesome
articlesof food is calledpromiscuouseating(Samsanam). Over or
insufficienteatingat intervalsand at improper seasonsgoes by the
denominationof irregular eating (visam6.3ana). Eating before a
formermealis thorougtrlydigestedinthestomachiscalledAdhyasana.
Thesethreekindsof eatingareinjurious,andspeedilygive rise to a
variety of diseases,or may be ultimately attended with fatal
es.Thedrinkingof coldwaterhelpsthespeedydigestion
of a partially digestedfood,whichhasalreadybeenattendedwith a
"o*rqu.n
,ru.iionu.y acid.ity,inasmuchas the coldnessof the imbibedwater
tendsto subduethederangedPitta, andthefoodthusmoistenedbythe
waternaturallygravitatesinto the intestines.515'517
ffi qs g E.{tqli cec t(.+is{t€ rr€rl
qrffrrqi qrtffi,crygfir *€nwi qr € gq mt( | n{ta| |
rffi fi ve vrgtfurrra wffis*or& t
vm; rrgtrdurrvrrvrgfrtfid qrrrvq fri ffi | rl?3| |
wd qqr ffiqqqr{ *{ q te:qrrqr{ctrfrl
Erqs$dsfr T<r€Tqnsr w<Ek ffilqQoll
The man,who complainsof a burningsensationin the stomach
ttfoat or heart,shallfind relief by licking a pastemadeof honeyand
powderedHaritaki,or of puiverisedHaritakiandDr6kq6.The man,
who, thoughstrongandeffirlgentwith the glow of health,apprehends
an attack of indigestion in the morning, may safely partake of a
wholesomemid-day meal after having takenpowdetedAbhaytrand
Sunthi.Appetitemay be experienced evenin a stateof indigestion,
 Chap.XLVI SIJTRASTHANA

when the chyle or food matter, accumulatedin the stomach and

presseduponby thederangedhumours,is confinedto a cornerof the
viscus without obstructingthe passageof heatof the local fire. This
vicariousappetitekills its dupedvictims with the swiftnessof a
poison.51t-520
etr sEf yq?grfr gurm q{fusrqr
q,{Fr€S*q* {rrrfqprqr Wn: I tqRt| |
specific properties of matter : Now we shal deal with the
actions of severalpropertiesof matter, and from them should be
inferred the nature of the propertieswhich are inherent in various
kindsof matter.52l

EiT€: IRfGtt=t; Yffi

vcr15fu1fr6t grq qrtr€ fa*rra: I |q?R| |
ffi' WrqutcsTwrnl
t.g<FCiqrftc:rFn( ffiqq rkr!Ir{: Err: I t\?? | |
ftFtrilffiEr6T: Fs1"r:f-fu€ill5: I
frt'r+ fdrqffisgra *qrqqqrfrqur: th?v | |
Eir4ntH?{tl
g5Gr'{ur-q?vr:I
srffi Tlro*,*thtqtl
(YTIET: ffi ffiqot:r
qvtqTqrq yqFrFd EerfiKq F{cilsrt rrqtg r I
coldness: is pleasurabre,exercisesstyptic virtues,alleviates
epileptic fits, thirst and a burning sensationof the body, and arrests
perspiration.Heatis the reversein its actionto coldness. greafly
It
helps to set in the processof suppurationin boils and abslesses.
oleaginousness impartsa grossor oiliness,andactsas an emollient
tonic,andcosmetic.Parchedness is theoppositeof oleaginousness; it
produces stypsis and makes a thing rough to tactuai perception.
sliminessis vitalising,tonic,heavyasrega.osdigestion,anotends
to
producelfupha,andbringsabouttheadhesionof fractured
bones.The
qualityof absorption(visad) is theoppositeof sliminess.It
absorbsor
soaksup all mucoussecretions andherpstheprocessof hearinga sore
Vol.I-35
546 SUSRUTASAMHITA

or ulcer. Keennessor sharpnessbegetsburningandzuppuration'and

arrestssecretions.Mildnessor softnessis the oppositeof sharpness'
Heavinessproduceslanguor, increasesexsrements,and is tonic'
pleasingandflesh-building.Lightnessis theoppositeof heaviness. It
urt" ^ u liquefacientand healing agent. The ten virtues with their
actionshavenow beendescribed.522'527
Eqr yq*E{' qrq: rsKir:tn(Erqisrcn: l
y?tEFT:nffiq, qdvilftrvr&r{sr I lqRa| |
gqr$ff* r[ru grFqi H Ei: l
gft* :ll\?ill
s+r$rrr ffi sd qrxran, qa: I
=red qrFffii t6 erra q|?Fr'TE6?qf 1q1o I I
ffiffidqtlsqqffiqt
sng*,rfr @ ftqrqtktqll
rilsgr(Wfr5 *t:$$nr $n: l
qF€ -fifvfdfi*ei
qqr*( qffiRfur: l]\?Rll
nun
Nowhearmedescribetheothertenpropertiesofmatterwith
their specificactiors.Fluidity is moistening.compactnessisthickening
like
and obstructive. evennessis like sliminess.Roughnessis
nonsliminess.Odoriferousnessis pleasurable,subtle' mild and
relishing. Fetidnessis the oppositeof odoriferousness, produces
the
nausea,andbringson a non-relishfor food. Laxativenessrestores
the condition of
normalconditionof thehumours.Narcotismchanges
(ike thatof wine)is theproperty in virtue of
vitality. Expansiveness
whictr a drug or a zubstanceinstantaneouslypermeatesthe whole
Evolution or Emanativeness
-somewhatir zubsequentlydigested.
organism
is "no identical in its virtue with expansivenesswith the
and
exceptiontllat it permeatesthe organismin its undigestedstate,
tendsto disintegratetherootprinciplesof thebody' Instantaneousness'
like the e*punsionof a drop of oil castinto a bowl of water,helpsto
permeatetire whole organismsimultaneouslywith the useofa drug.
Subtility is thequalityinvirtue of whichathingcanpenerateintothe
smallestcapillariesandchanne.ls of the body. Thesetwenty qualities
or virnreshavebeendescribedas they are' 52E 532
Chap. XLVI SUTRASTHANA

rrqr[drtr+ i* 3rr6f{: qrEnftfu.5':| |

frqm: q:gErTlrqt( $t|Tt Eqffr{dt(t |\?R | |
Now we shalldescrihethetransformatonswhich the food stuffs
undergoin theorganism.Theanimatedorganismis composedof the
five fundamentalmaterialprinciples,andthe foodof a living organic
beingnecesarily partakesofthe characterofitscorporealcomponents.
The food, which consistsof five fundamentalmaterial principles
(elements),is digested,in its turn, by the five elementalheat or fire,
andeachof its constituentprinciplesgoesto augmentits own kindred
in the humanorganism.533
erfurya: 6qi ffi ftrqpq: vai gt: t
rrqrf ftrqd ft:Ert on-6r(:qRif6+qt i{Ry | |
Augrarrm: TtR: vltftR.fr rr[: I
lrgrqT+{firftgnrrfrqrq1ra{*qrrrR\ ||
Thefood, which is tbllowed by a sweet,digestivereaction,goes
to increasethe quantity of Pitta, while the one, which is completely
digested,contributestowardsthe augmentationof the bodily V6yu
(nerveforce). The stool andthe urine arethe excretedportion ofthe
welldigested food, the lymph chyle is the zubstancedrawn from the
well-matured chyle, (as has been describedin the chapter on the
descriptionof Blood, Chap.XIV. of the presentwork). The lymph
chyle carried away by the vital V6yu known as Vylma tends to
strengthenall the fundamentalprinciplesof the body. 534-535
q,q: ffiwa: dgr*q: sr*qtrrqr
}lRrqa€q** qr6rr,qyilqfiTf nr{tq | |
IGpha is theexcretedportionof thelymph chyle,thePitta is ttnt
of theblood,the waxy impuritiesfoundin thetympanum,etc.,arethe
excretedportionsof flesh. Perspirationis the excretedmatterof fat.
Nails and hair are the excretedportions of the bones. The waxy
depositsfoundin thecornersof theeyes,andtheoily secretionswhich
sometimesmark the skin are the excretedportionsof manow. 536
548 S U S R U T AS A M H I T A

f€ kgd 6S vrrc: gtrsfrqtr(t

@ffifrFwrq?erl
EFEs&frffi rn*t vgtils fr*trfi: I
@qFifrrrtqRatl
With the dawn of day a man wakesfrom sleep,and his heart
unfolds like a lotus flower, and so remainstill sleepfolds up his
eyelids.Hence,the root principlesof the body continuenon-humid
duringthestateofwaking.Accordingly,a manmaypartakeof ameal
at night,evenif thefoodeatenin thedaycontinuestill thenundigested,
without the fear of committingthe physicalsin of Adhyaiana(zuper-
eating).But thereverseis the casein respectof a similar conductin
the night when man has recourseto sleep and his heart remains
constrictedin a stateofunconsciousness, andtherootprinciplesofhis
bodybecomelooseandchargedwith humidity.Hence,it is beneficial
to fast on the following day in the eventof the food takenovernight
beingfoundto be not properlydigested.537-53t

Fi frFei*t5qif rt'rg*fqtrgqs qlF€ kkT: I

rr $lF{qrfrrqfrqrgfu€ffirg {PdqRrnrq: I tqtq | |
He, who carefullyperusesthesemlesregardingtheregimenof
diet as approvedof by the holy sageDhanvantari,the greateit of all
the Rajaqis (royalhermits),becomesgreatin wisdom,andis sureto
be glorifiedwith theprouddistinctionof beingthemedicaladviserof
his king or his nobles.539
En Uqilnrdrqiqr{entt{cnfrHc c€aftYilsqrq: I
in the Su3rutaSamhit6
Thusendsthe forty-sixthChapterof theStftrasth-ana
which treatsof Foodand Drink.
Here ends the Sftrasthina.
+++