RASAMRITAM
The Rasamritam text has been published in 20th century, late Acharya Yadavaji Trikamji has edited this text. Motilal Banarasi Das from Kashi published this text from Nirnayasagar press Mumbai. Yadavaji has written this book in the light of modern scientific knowledge and made it useful as a text and reference book for students, vaidya & modern scholars.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Author can be called as modern Rasacharya in true terms. He has edited many classical texts like Charak samhita, Sushrut samhita but his devotion to Rasashastra is unique. He was not only physician but good researcher also. He has not only prepared all aushadhi yoga but proved them clinically. He inspired many students & turned their lives. He has prepared all aushadhi yogas mentioned in Rasamritam not only once but several times and overcome difficulties during actual preparations and added his experience. He tested drugs on Ayurvedic as well as modern parameters. He has studied all Rasagranthas thoroughly, added comment on them and written book which is essence i.e. Rasamritam.
ABOUT TEXT
Yadavaji has written Rasamritam in light of modern scientific knowledge and made it most useful as a text for students, vaidyas, and modern scholars. Specialty of this book is Unani drugs which are mentioned with similar Ayurvedic drugs. Chemical formulae of most of drugs are mentioned. Author has tried to avoid the description of drugs and processes about which any confusion or controversy present. In many places where subject material is not clear he tried to explain it either on the basis of descriptions of other contemporary texts or on the basis of modern knowledge. While classifying the drugs of mineral origin found described in Rasashastra he has followed
his own pattern. The purification and incineration processes (shodhana and marana) mentioned in Rasamritam are popular in vaidya, easy to prepare, self tested and no one have objection on it. The opinions of Dr.D.A.Kulkarni and Dr.V.G.desai are quoted wherever necessary.
Vd Damodar joshi has translated text in English language for sake of students who are not aware with hindi and for foreign students. He has added X Appendix which contains information regarding Puta, Musha, and Yantra. In 1998 it was published by Chaukhamba series Varanasi.
CHAPTER SEQUENCE IN THIS TEXT
1 Rasavijnyaniyam 2 Gandhakvijnyaniyam 3 Lohavijnyaniyam 4 Mallavijnyaniyam 5 Sudhavinyaniyam 6 Sikthavijnyaniyam 7 Lavan-Ksharvijnyaniyam 8 Ratnavijnyaniyam 9 Rasa yoga vijnyaniyam
1. Parada is main drug in Rasashastra so it has been described in first chapter named Rasavijnyaniyam.
2. After Parada, Gandhak is the most important hence it has been described in second chapter named Gandhak vijnyaniyam.
3. Loha Vijnyaniyam has third place. All minerals in Rasashastra are classified in Maharasa, Uparas. This classification changes according to author’s perception. In this chapter all minerals found collectively. Minerals either contain particular metal or these are prepared with that metal. From these minerals respective metal can be extracted as Satva hence minerals are described along with respective metals in this chapter.
4. The fourth chapter s known as Malla Vijnyaniam. In this chapter arsenic (malla) and arsenic containing minerals like Haratal and manahshila are described.
5. Fifth chapter is known as Sudha Vijnyaniyam. In this chapter Sudha (lime) and calcium containing minerals like Khatika, Godanti Sapheda Surama are described as these are calcium compounds.
6. Siktha Vijnyaniyam is sixth chapter. In this silica and silica containing substances e.g. Dugdh pashana etc are described.
7. Seventh chapter is Lavan-Kshar Vijnyaniyam. Here popularly used Lavan and Kshar are mentioned.
8. Eigth chapter is Ratna Vijnyaniyam. In this Ratna.Upratna and some Unani drugs like Sanga Yasav, Akik, Kaharuba are described.
9. Rasayoga Vijnyaniyam is ninth chapter. Here sixty six popularly used medicinal compounds are given in sequence.
At the end nine appendices are added.
In first appendix important information for preparing Bhasmas and applying putas have been collected and described.
In second and third appendix additional information regarding Chapal and Shilajita has been described.
In fourth appendix special comment on Vimal and Makshik is added.
In fifth appendix various opinions regarding Rasanjana and also authors view has been given.
In sixth appendix due to unpurified and improper incineration of metals, which harmful effects can occour has been collected.
In seventh appendix the methods for Satva patana of different minerals are described. Though at present this Satva patina process is not in common practice among vaidyas. However considering its importance in parada Sanskaras and in therapeutics have been collected.
In appendix eight purification methods of Visha Upavisha group have been colleted and described.
References of rasa drugs found in charak and sushrut are collected in sequence considering their historical and other therapeutic importance.
RASA VIJNYANYAM
Its tradition, beginning of good thing is done after praying god. Lord Shiva is godfather in Rasashastra.
lÉqÉxM×üirÉ ÍzÉuÉÇ pÉYiÄrÉÉ UxÉÉaÉqÉ qÉWûÉåSkÉÏqÉç| ÌlÉqÉÏïrÉiÉå ÌuÉÌlÉÍqÉïirÉ rÉÉSuÉålÉ UxÉÉqÉ×iÉqÉç|| 1/1
After bowing Lord Shiva with devotion and after churning the ocean of Rasa literature the classic Rasamritam is being composed by author.
Here, Rasamritam word contains two parts. Rasa-parada
Amrita-the substance makes man immortal. i.e. parada is like Amrita with use of this man can be immortal.
This chapter can be studied in three steps.
1. Parada- Names, properties(guna), impurities(dosha) 2. Ashtsamsakaras-
3. Rasapradhan yogas-drugs containing parada.
Parada is one of few drugs which possess all six Rasas, it pacifies tridosha. As parada found in nature combined or in free form it carries many impurities, for their removal eight mercurial processes (ashtasanskaras) have been described. Only after that mercury is used in medicinal compounds. Samanya Shodhan of parada is not mentioned here means author believes only ashtasamskarit parada in medicine.
The eight samskaras are as follows 1 Swedana(boiling) 2 Mardana (grinding)
3 Murchhana(swooning) 4 Uthapana(regaining)
6Bodhana (potentiation)
7 Niyamana 8 Dipana (appetization)
These processes are comparatively easy commonly used and useful also. Most of the references are from RasahridayTantra (available most ancient rasagrantha), Rasendra Chudamani and Rasayan sara sangraha.
Next, procedure of Hinguloth parada (mercury gained by hingula ) is given. Here author modifies Tiryak patana yantra for maximum yield and minimum loss of parada.
Opinion of Dr.Kartik Basu (Bha. Bh. R.) have been quoted that Hingula or mercury should be mixed with lime in equal quantity and grounded well. Mixture should be filled into Tiryak patana yantra upto one third part and remaining part with lime powder and be heated. In absence of eight processed mercury this parada gained by Hingula is considered as pure and can be used in medicine. Few mercurial processes like Kajjali, Rasa parapati, Rasa sindoor , Rasakarpoor are given and added tips.
Two minerals of mercury Hingula and Girisindoor are given. Name, properties purification process of Hingula is given and one preparation of Hingula- Daradvati is described.
Author has quoted opinion of Dr. D.A. Kulkarni about Girisindoor. According to that Girisindoor is compound of mercury and oxygen. To differentiate Girisindoor from red lead (Nag sindoor) ancient scholars of rasashastra might have added the adjective Giri to it
Contents of Parada vidnyaniyam are shown here in picture.
Hingultha Parada
RASADHATU
KAJJALI PARPATI RASASINDUR RASAKARKURA PARADA
GUNA
DOSHA
ASHTASAMSKARA
GANDHAK VIJNYANIYAM Synonyms –Lelitaka, Balivasa etc.
In nature native sulpher is available in small quantity. It is generally found in mineral form compounded with iron, copper, lead. There are four varieties of Gandhak but among them yellow is recommended for medicinal purpose. Gandhak is rasayana and yogavahi. Purification of Gandhak is actually mentioned in context of Rasaparpati, either in cows milk or in bhringraj swaras (juice of Eclipta Alba)
Gandhak Rasayana is very important preparation of Gandhak in which only single Gandhak is used and triturated with twelve herbs. This reference is from Ayurved Prakash. Author remarks that it should be used in 4-8ratti (480-960mg) with different anupana i.e. with honey, milk etc.
GANDHAK A DOSHA SUDDHI GUNA GANDHAKA RASAYANA
LOHA VINJYANIYAM
Loha Luha- To attract or to extract.
At present the term Dathu is being used for gold, silver, copper etc metals but in rasa texts the term Loha was being used for these metals since ancient times and the term Ayas for iron, while the term Dhatu was being used for Hingula, Makshik, Gairik etc minerals which contain mercury, copper iron etc metals respectively. In this chapter all minerals occoured in earth are collected, here Maharasa,Uparasa,like classification is not done. Thirty two minerals have been explained.
Gold,silver like suddha loha , Nag vang yasad like putiloha Kansya pittal are alloy and
Gile Armani Jangar this Unani drug all are explained in one chapter neatly. Which common metal is extracted from minerals are described along with metal. While describing drug various names of drug in different languages Sanskrit, English Tamil which helps proper identification of drug. It has been followed by brief description of drug along with properties, physical properties as described in physics and chemistry, Unani opinion on that drug, Rasashastriya important purification and incineration processes.
Suvarna
While in context of Suvarna he has quoted a special reference of Ra Pra Su Gold is mixed with silver copper metals then it becomes asuddha hence such gold should be purified before use but pure gold does not require any purification however the other metals certainly require purification. In last page (suddhi patra) additional sutra has been given regarding suvarna properties.
Purification mentioned in Rasataangini where sulphuric acid and nitric acid is used is also described here. This reference is different from ancient rasa granta. Though according to some texts chemically pure gold does not require any purification. However in some texts suvarna shodana methods are mentioned to improve its colour.
Tamra
Next in context of Tamra a simple method of extraction of copper from Tutha has described. Pittal and Kansya are copper containing alloy are explained. Though bhasmas of pittal and kansya are not used separately in practice but used in medicinal compounds e.g. Pittal Rasayana.
Makshik also contains copper .There are two types of Makshik i.e.Hema makshik and Raupya makshik. Few scholars mentioned its third type i.e.Kansya Makshik.For Suvarna Makshik it is said that,
Author remark on this, now a day purity of gold is measured in terms of carats. In Europe 24 carat gold is supposed to be pure, while in India also hundred tanch was purity parameter. Same like that ancient time 16 varna was supposed to be pure .The colour less than this is impure the gradation depends upon number.
Tutha
Tutha is also principle ore of copper. Now a day it is prepared chemically. Nilkantha rasa, Tutha malahara and tutha drava these yoga are given along with tutha which are used internally and externally.
Jangar
Acidic liquid kept in copper vessel and mixed with saindhav lavana (rock salt) or milk and kept for three days in covered state change into Tutha like
blue material known as Nilakantha rasa (Jangar) according to unani it is of two types one is natural and another is artificial. Natural is Dahane phirang it may be taken as sasyak of rasashastra Jewelers consider Dahane phirang as semiprecious stone.
Vanga
Description of vanga along with suvarnavanga is given. Nag
Metal nag (lead) its properties,purification process, incineration process are given.
Minerals of nag are given 1. Sindoor
2. Mriddarsring 3. Sapheda
4. Saurviranjana are described. Sindoor /Nagsindoor (red lead)
When lead melts in iron crucible in hot air the surface layer reacts with oxygen in air and forms red coloured powder i.e. Nagsindoor. It is used externally only.
Mriddarsringam
It is scaly and yellow in appeareance and it is produced in Gujarat near Abu Mountain. It is compound of lead and oxygen called Litharge available in market artificially prepared. Unani physician use purified Mriddarshring (in Saindhav lavan for week)for purgation and removing worms.
Saphed a (white lead)
It is white soft heavy powder used for wound healing and drying It is lead corbonate available in market artificially prepared and not recommended for internal use.
Souviranjan
Authors opinion is Sauviranjan is Nilanjan, a lead compound blackish blue in colour .After studying Carak Susrut and Rasarnava statements of Sauviranjan he cocluded that at present we may take Sauviranjan as antimony sulphide, Strotonjan as Surama Isphahani and Nilanjan as lead sulphide or Galeana
Yashada
It is not found described in ancient rasa literature. it is described as Rasak satva.The earliest description of Yasad is found in Bhavprakash followed by Ayurved prakash.
Rasaka
Now a days 3 types of Rasaka are available in market 1 Sanga Basar- Banaras, Iran
2 oval , red coloured 3 Palatantu- south India Loha-
Types of Loha are given here Munda – Samanya Loha - iron pan Tikshna – polada –sword
Kanta – chumbaka- rar
Substances containing iron are mentioned together which are Ayaskriti, Mandur, Vimal, Kasis, gairik, gile Armani,
4 MALLA VIDNYANIYA
The substance possessing Arsenic as a main active ingredients are collected under this heading, these are
Haratala – (orpiment)
Types of Haratala, i.e.Pinda and Patri are given out f which Patri HAratala is used in medicines and yields more extract. Two formulations first is Talasindur from Siddhabheshaja Manimala and Rasamanikya from Rasatarangini is given.
Manahshila
Purification is mentioned along with Silasindur formulation. Gouripashana
Formulations – Malla vati, fenashma drava
5 SUDHA VIDNYANIYAMA.
Sudha- means lime. Lime stone is heated in furnace and lime is obtained. In this chapter Sudha, khatika and Godanti
Khatika-
Churnodaka mentioned in Rasatarangini is refered here with its therapeutic effects.
Sudha parpati- Sudha – 1 part Gandhaka _ 2 parts
A parpati prepared by this is used for external application in Acne, boils etc. Lekahana mrittika
This is a white coloured type of sand used after purification also known as Khatika.
It is also called as Godanti Haratala it is purified with only washing. Surma E Sapheda
This is a drug used in Unani medicine, white in colour acts as Godanti
6 SIKATA VIDNYANIYAMA
In this chapter sikata and sikata containing medicines are collected which have silica as main component. These drugs are not found in any ancient rasa texts these are included in later period. The author has studied them and put them here.
Sikata
It is mentioned in earlier texts like Bhava prakash, Dhanvantari nidhantu and also found in Gadanigraha in Kasadhikara.
Dugdha pashana
It is silicate of Magnesium used in excessive bleeding to stop bleeding and used in dental caries.
Kausheyama- asbestos
It is a soft stone and it contracts on pressure it is good conductor of heat. It is used in tooth powder in south India.
7 LAVANA –KSHARA VIDNYANIYAM
Salt is inevitable substance in daily food. It changes from place to place. Following chart shows lavana mentioned in text along with origin, physical and therapeutic properties.
Name Source Physical property Therapeutic properties saidhava Mines in Panjab White, reddish
white
Good for eyes, aphrodisiac
Samudra Sea water White Bhedhan,
antispasmodic Romaka Sambhara lake White Pittal, vidbhedi Bida lavana Navasagar
From waste of animals
White Vatanuloman,
tikshna
sourvachala Kangada district Blakish Taste inproving, Audbhida Ushara bhumi Blakish white utkledi
Following chart shows kshara mentioned in text along with origin, physical and therapeutic properties.
Name Source Therapeutic effects
Yavakshara
Mixture of potassium salts
Ash from dried Yava plant
Ashmari, hritpandu nashana
Sarjikshara Panjab, kshara vanspati Kledi, Tankana
borax
Nepal, tibbat,near salty lake
Mudhagarbhapravarataka
Spatika Alum
Sourashtra Vrana ropana, shvritrapaha
Papadakshaa Sourkshara Potassium nitrate
Mutrakriccha
8 RATNA VIDYANIYAM
Ratnas are termed as precious stone in English , javahara in Arabi.
The author has mastery in the study of Ratna. He has prepared many Ratna Pishti and bhasma. He has described, Ratna, its source, active principle, chemical formula purification menthods, physical properties external appearance and acceptable and rejectable criterias of ratnas.Uparatnas are also described.
List of Ratna and Uparatnas mentioned in the text are as follows.
Ratna Uparatna
Manikya – ruby RAjavarta- Lapis luzali Nilama – sapphire Sangeyashaba Jade Pushparaja –topaz Akika –Agate
Gomeda –hesserite Chandrakant – moon’s stone Vaidurya- cat’s eye Suryakanta- sun’s stone Tarkshya – emerald Vaikrant – fluor spar
Vajra- diamond Kaharuba – Amber
Some Ratna and Uparnas are described below Vaikrant- fluorspar
Author has quoted opinions of Dr. D. A. kulkarni that fluorspar can be confirmed as Vaikrant. According to author Vaikrant included in Maharasa is Manganese while Vaikrant as Uparatne is Fluorspar.
Kaharuba -Amber Thia is a fossil resin.
Kaha- meand hay ruba – to attract
This generates heat when it is rubbed on cloth and attract the hay. This is used as grahi.
Author has mentioned a process for Ratna bhasma
A piece of Ratna is heated over coal to become red hot and qeunche din Amalaki swaras. This procedure is repeated for 50 – 60 times. Them it is powdered and incinerated. This is done for 30 times it improves colour of bhasma.
9 RASA YOGA VIDNYANIYAMA
This chapter contains different formulations alphabetically. Total 66 formulations are given from some other texts and some are altered. All types of formulations are mentioned as Asava, Khalviya Rasa, Parpati, Pottali. The important peculiar part of the text is nine appendices. The very important basic principles of Rasashstra are discussed here, discussion about ambiguous drugs and expert opinion of author is mentioned.
I appendix
Incineration is an important procedure in the Rasashastra. Agnivid is a degree given to that person who has good judgment of heat. Some tips related to incineration given by author are below
1 bhasma becomes fine and faster when it is triturated well. 2 Chakrikas should be properly dried so colour of bhasma will be fair and chakrikas will be soft.
3 weights of the chakrikas should be 10 -20 gms and flat in shape. 4 Shape of Sharav should be shallow like pan.
5 For Abraka bhasma initially bigger Putas are required and then smaller Puta are required. Exactly apposite condition about metals like Gold and silver that is it requires small puta initially and big later on.
II Appendix
The detail description of Chapala is given as these drugs are not mentioned in the text earlier. According to Dr. V. G. Desai and D.A. Kulkarni Chapal is considered as Bismuth. Author remarks that it should be use in practice after shodhana and Marana process. According to Narendranath selenium is Chapala.
III Appendix
The detail description of Chapala is given as these drugs are not mentioned in the text earlier. References of Shilajatu from Charaka and Sushruta are mentioned. Its source, tests for genuinity and possible adulterations are given. According to modern therapeutics it is pain killer and contracts arterioles.
IV Appendix
The detail description of Suvarna makshika is given. The similarities and differences between Makshik and Vimal are explained.
V Appendix
There are different opinions regarding Rasanjana. All opinions are mentioned here with reference. According to author Rasanjana refered in Samhita is Ghanakriya while Rasanjana mentioned in Rasa text is Yellow oxide of mercury.
VI Appendix
Ill effects caused by consumption of properly not processed bhasma are listed.
VII Appendix
Satvapatana procedures of different minerals are listed. VIII Appendix
Purification processes of herbal drugs used in Rasashastra are mentioned collectively.
IX Appendix
References of important Rasashastriya drugs present in Charaka samhita and sushruta samhita
