Prognostic significance of Doota Parikshana and Shakuna Varnana chapters of Harita Samhita – an exploratory review

Background: Harita Samhita is one of the ancient Ayurvedic classical texts composed by Sage Harita in the Sanskrit language around the 6th or 7th century AD. Harita Samhita is written in a conversational format, featuring dialogues between Sage Harita and his preceptor Punarvasu Atreya. Dwitiya Sthana is one among the 6 sections of Harita Samhita that consists of various prognostic concepts within 9 chapters. Doota Parikshana and Shakuna Varnana are the last two chapters (8th and 9th) of Dwitiya Sthana of Harita Samhita (DSHS). Aim: The aim of the present review is to explore the contents of the Doota Parikshana and Shakuna Varnana chapters of DSHS with special reference to their prognostic significance. Methods: An in-depth review has been carried out on the significance of caregiver (Doota) attributes and their impact on the caregiving process, omen and their impact on prognostic outcomes based on the contents of the Doota Parikshana and Shakuna Varnana chapters of DSHS by referring various Ayurvedic classical texts and published articles. Results: Arishta Lakshanas pertaining to Doota (caregiver/messenger) are described in Doota Pariskhana Adhyaya, and various good and bad omens with their prognostic outcomes are explained in the Shakuna Varnana Adhyaya of DSHS in a precise and unique way. Conclusion: Doota Parikshana Adhyaya contents could be explained with caregiver characteristics and their impact on prognostic outcomes in a scientific way. Various Shakunas mentioned in Shakuna Varnana Adhyaya may represent synchronicities, quantum entanglement, mindful states, precognition, random coincidences, retrocausality etc. The present review provides a foundation for future research.