Deciphering Vaidyavara Śrī Kāḻidāsa Viracita Vaidya Manorama: A Kerala Ayurveda Literature

Book Title: Vaidya Manorama: Hindi translation. Author Names:Vaidyavara Śrī Kāḻidāsa. Publisher Name: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science Published Location: New Delhi Year of publication: 2005 Pages (page range): 1-135Introduction Vaidya Manorama is a therapeutic treatise considered precious in Kerala’s medical tradition. There were four interpretations available for Vaidya Manorama, namely Śrī Karuva M Kṛṣṇanāśān’s (1868–1936) commentary on Vaidya Manorama, Vaidyavacāspati T C Parameśvaran Mussatt’s commentary (1867–1938), Śrī Ceppāṭ Acyuta Vāryar’s (1891–1967) commentary “Vaidyamanorama Enna Cikitsākramaṃ,” and the book edited by Brahma Śrī T Nīlakaṇṭha Śarmma and Vaidya Jādavji Tṛkaṃji Ācārya in the year 1913, “Śrī Kāḻidāsa Viracita Vaidya Manorama.[1]” Although this book is a therapeutic treatise, its formulations are not included in the approved drug list of the Ayurveda Formulary of India (AFI)/National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine. Vaidya Manorama commentary written by Śrī Karuva M Kṛṣṇanāśān is believed to be the first commentary on Vaidya Manorama. Śrī Karuva M Kṛṣṇanāśān is the predecessor of Vaidyavacāspati T C Parameśvaran Mussatt and Śrī Ceppāṭ Acyuta Vāryar. Śrī Karuva M Kṛṣṇanāśān and Vaidyavacāspati T C Parameśvaran Mussatt used the same Mūlagrantha (original text) for lettering Vaidya Manorama commentary, and it is believed to consist of formulations used by Śrī Nārāyaṇa Guru (Indian spiritual leader and social reformer). However, the text sourced by Śrī Ceppāṭ Acyuta Vāryar, “Vaidyamanorama Enna Cikitsākramaṃ” is quite different and more extensive. This book is believed to have been edited by Vayaskara N S Mūss, an Aṣṭavaidya descendant, by gathering palm-leaf manuscripts from Śrī Ceppāṭ Acyuta Vāryar. It was initially published as an article in the magazine “Vaidya Sārathi,” and later published as a printed book in two volumes in June 1944 by Vaidya Sārathi Press (P) Ltd., Kottayam, Kerala. The revised third edition of this book was published by Uṇṇimūs Foundation, Thrissur, Kerala, in August 2020.[2-5] Translators and commentators of Vaidya Manorama The exact period of the author Vaidyavara Śrī Kāḻidāsa is unknown. It is believed that Śrī Kāḻidāsa gathered palm-leaf manuscripts from Vaikkatt Telakkāṭṭ Nīlakaṇṭhan Mūss (Śarmma), which was translated from Malayalam to Sanskrit with the help of Śrī Nīlakaṇṭhan Mūss (Śarmma), and Vaidya Jādavji Trikaṃji Ācārya translated it to Hindi and published it from Bombay. It is also known by the name Dhārakalpa. Considering the importance of the wide publicity of clinically effective formulations in Kerala, this book was published by CCRAS in 2005. Main corpus The chapters in this book are termed as Paṭala, and chapter titles end with the term Adhikāra (context). In total, there are 20 chapters, and it starts with the treatment of Jvara (SAT-C.7 – the most important among diseases). The description of the eight clinical branches of Ayurveda (Aṣṭāṅga of Āyurveda) has been available in this book. The first 12 chapters comprise Kāya Cikitsa (general medicine), including treatment for 34 diseases. Descriptions of similar diseases have been mentioned in a single chapter and include an abundance of formulations in the form of decoction, powder, oil, ghee, paste, incense, tablet, etc. Most of the formulations incorporate drugs seen abundantly in Kerala. Apart from medicinal formulations, quick and easily administrable therapeutic procedures and Adravya Bhūta (treatment using formless subjects) have also been described. Other than Kāya Cikitsa, it is given special emphasis to Garbhiṇi Cikitsa (treatment of pregnant women), Bālacikitsā (pediatrics), Śālākyatantra (branch of Ayurveda dealt with disease occurring in the head and neck region), and Viṣacikitsā (toxicology). The book concludes with the description of Rasāyana Cikitsa (rejuvenation and revitalization therapy) and Vājikaraṇa Cikitsa (aphrodisiac or virility treatment). Paṭala 1. Jvara Cikitsa Adhikāra (treatment of Pyrexia) The book begins with the treatment of Jvara. Before proceeding to the treatment part, Śrī Kāḻidāsa invokes Lord Gaṇeśa and cites the significance of this Vaidya Manorama, stating that the physician who cures the patients with this book’s simple and easy formulations will gain fame. The author says that although many formulations for all the diseases are demonstrated in Saṃhitas, this book explicitly describes the thriving formulations to cure all types of diseases of humans, just like nectar from fruits, and are simple and easy to understand. In all the chapters of Vaidya Manorama, a direct description of treatment is available except in the chapter on Jvara Cikitsa. In Saṃhitas, the treatment of Jvara often begins with the importance of Laṅghana. However, in Vaidya Manorama, the chapter begins by showing the situations in which Laṅghana is not recommended and milk is recommended. After Laṅghana, considering the strength of the patient, Peya, Kvātha, Māṃsarasa, Anna, etc., are advised. This chapter gives a detailed description of Ṣaḍaṃga Pānīya and its method of administration and a sequential description of Jvara Cikitsa starting from Dīpāna and Pācana. The chapter concludes with the description of Jvara Mukta Lakṣaṇaṃ. Eighteen formulations/prayogas are described in this chapter, which include Nāgarādi Pācana Kaṣāyaṃ, Pāṭhādi Yogaṃ, Nāgarādi Yoga, Nārīkṣīraprayoga, Haridra Yoga, Tuṃgadrumādi Yoga, Pāṭhādikṣīra Kaṣāya, Laśunakṣīra, use of Cūrṇas of Bandhaka (parasite plant) which is grown over Vilva, Jīvantimūlakādi Yoga, Kūṣmāṇḍādi Svarasa Nasya for treating unconsciousness, Adravya Cikitsa by tying Sahadevi and Śveta Guḍūci over right hand with the help of a young girl, and three Tailayogas using Kaṭurohiṇi, Guḍūci, and Sahadevi are advised. Paṭala 2. Raktapitta, Asṛgdhara, Asthisrāva, and SomarogaAdhikār (treatment of bleeding disorders, irregular or excessive menstruation, and leukorrhoea) In this chapter, a total of 10 formulations/prayogas for treating Raktapitta, Asṛgdhara, Asthisrāva, and Somaroga are explained. Besides two Kaṣāya for Raktapitta, Vāśa (Justicia adhatoda) Prayoga is specifically mentioned. Ikṣudārvyādi Ghṛta is advised to be used as Pāna, Nasya, and Lepa in acute Raktapitta, Asthisrāva in females, Tṛṣṇa, and Dāha. Snuffling of Śuṣka Gomayādi Yoga/sandalwood/Utpala and Nasya using Ḍāḍima Puṣpa Svarasa/Stanya/mango flower/Durvva Svarasa are advised for treating epistaxis. Three Dhātri Yoga, Bhasma Yoga, and Jīrṇṇa Cela Prayoga (use of ashes of old silk or woolen cloths) in water are given for treating Asṛgdhara. Utpala Patraprayoga, Taila Śāṣkuli Prayoga using Anantamūla or cottonseed, and Ciñcāsthi Prayoga are advised in Asthisrāva and Somaroga. Paṭala 3. Kāsa Śvāsa Hikka Adhikār (Treatment of cough, dyspnea, and hiccup) This chapter describes 24 formulations for treating Śvāsa, Kāsa, and Hikka. The chapter starts with three days’ use of Marica (black pepper) with Indrapallava (tender leaves of Kuṭaja) or Nakuli Mūla (root of Īśvari) in treating Kāsa. Different Cūrṇas are described for treating Kāsa and Śvāsa. Dhūmapāna using Viṭulidaḻādi Guḍika, Ciñcādi Vartti, and Śilādi Vartti are described. Kathaḻi Phalaprayoga—consuming banana fruit by boiling it in cow urine or roasting it on embers or cooking it on embers helps relieve difficulties due to Śvāsaroga. This is a unique piece of advice from this chapter. Internal use of various Taila is given for Śvāsa. The chapter concludes with Hikkā Cikitsa, including Mayūrappicca Bhasma, Kapitthapatra Yoga, Gugguludhūmaprayoga, and Śītaḻajalaseka in Ativṛddhahikka. Paṭala 4. Arocaka Śūla Charddi Tṛṣṇa Adhikār (Treatment of tastelessness, pain, vomiting, and thirst) This chapter describes 17 formulations/prayogas for treating Arocaka Śūla Charddi and Tṛṣṇa. It begins with Ajamāṃsa Rasa Prayogain Śoṣa Roga, followed by Abhyaṃga using Aśvagandhādi and Lākṣādi Taila for Śoṣa. Aśvagandha Cūrṇṇa and Guḍa or Ghee or milk are explained as Rasāyana in Śastra-Kṣatakṣīṇa. Arocaka Śūla Charddi Tṛṣṇa Cikitsa includes the use of Guḍapippalyādi Yoga, Prākbaktaprayoga of Pathyā, Niṃba, Kusuma, Paṭolapatra, Droṇyādi Cūrṇṇa, Kuberakṣādhiprayoga (Latākarañca), Bhraṣṭamṛttikaprayoga, etc. Mudgaprayoga with coconut milk, Elādi Cūrṇa, and Varaṭika Prayoga are described explicitly for Charddi. Saindava Taila is indicated for Hṛdroga. This chapter gives remedies for intoxication due to raw betel nut, using its bark. Management of hoarseness of voice due to Tāṃbūla Bhakṣaṇa is mentioned. Saktuprayoga, along with coconut water, is advised for Paittika Hṛdroga, Tṛṣṇa, Mūrcca, and Tīvra Bhrama. Paṭala 5. Arśa – Udāvartta Adhikār (Treatment of hemorrhoids, obstipation) Nine formulations for treating Arśa and Udāvartta are explained in this chapter. It includes Sitādi Cūrṇa Prayoga in Śleṣmaja Arśa, Śūraṇa Prayoga, external application of Snuhi Patra Svarasa, Kiṃśukabījāsti Poṭṭali Svedana, Kāḻaśākhādi Bhojanaṃ, along with other Cūrṇa and Kvāta Yogas. Paṭala 6. Atisāra Grahaṇi Viṣūcika Adhikār (Treatment of diarrhea, disorders of lower gastrointestinal tract, indigestion) Thirty-four formulations are explained in this chapter for treating Atisāra Grahaṇi and Viṣūcika. Doṣa-specific formulations are given for each category of Atisāra, which includes Kvāta, use of Pallava, Kuberakṣa, etc. Jalataila Prayoga advised for chronic Raktakaphānvita Pravāhaṇaṃ is a unique one. Takrāriṣṭa Prayoga, measures for making Nava Śāli Laghu in the absence of Purāṇaṃ Śāli, Mūṣikataila in Gudabhraṃśa, Sarppagandhi Prayoga, specific use of roasted black pepper before eating cooked food in large quantities for eliminating the difficulty in digestion, and Nābhi Lepanaṃ in Viṣūcika are described along with other Kvāta, Ghṛta, and Cūrṇayogas. The chapter concludes with Agnimāndya Cikitsa and a specific Annaprayoga in Atyagni that is, Lakṣmirasa Siddha Anna Prayoga and Tuḻasi Rasa Siddhamannaṃ. Paṭala 7. Mūtrakṛcchra, Prameha, and Somaroga Adhikār (Treatment of dysurea, diabetes, and leucorrhoea) Thirty-two formulations for treating Mūtrakṛcchra, Śarkkara, Dāha, Tṛṣṇa, Uṣṇavāta, Prameha, and Somaroga are described in this chapter. It includes Paṅka Lepa, Hima Sikata Lepa, formulations using coconut water, Dhānyamḻa seka below Nābhi—Mūtrakṛcchra, Caṃmpaka Mūla Kvāta—in Śayyāmūtra, various Kvāta, Cūrṇa, Apūpa, Taila, Pṛthukaprayoga for Prameha, Kṛṣṇa Raṃbhādi Yoga (black banana) in Somaroga and Pittaja Mūtrakṛcchra. Paṭala 8. Viddhṛti Vṛddhi Śūla Adhikār (Treatment of abscess, enlargement of body parts, and pain) Formulations for treating Viddhṛti, Vṛddhi, and Śūla are explained in this chapter, and it includes a total of 22 Yogas. The use of Karañca, Karṇṇa Vedhanavidhi for treating Āndhravṛddhi, Doṣa-specific Gulma Cikitsa, and Maricādi Nasya is worth mentioning in this chapter. Paṭala 9. Udara Roga, Pāṇḍu Cikitsa Adhikār (treatment of abdominal enlargement, pallor) Six formulations for treating Udara and Pāṇḍu Roga are explained in this chapter. It includes Snukkṣīra Takraprayoga, Snukkṣīra Ghṛtaprayogaṃ, and Kṣīraharitaki in Udara. Lohādi Yoga, Navāyasa Guḍa, and Maṇḍūrādi Yoga in Pāṇḍu. Paṭala 10. Kāmala Adhikār (treatment of jaundice) This chapter describes about 10 formulations to use in Kāmala management. It includes the use of Śaṃkha, Maṇḍūkaparṇi Svarasa, Uccaṭa Kalka, Vanatuḻasi, Suvahapatra Svarasa, Vyoṣādi Yoga Triphalādi Kaṣāya, and Maṇibandha Dāha using gold, silver, or Tāmra. Paṭala 11. Śopha, Visarppa, Śvitra, and Kuṣṭha Adhikār (Treatment of swelling, erysipelas, and various skin diseases) Seventy-four preparations for Śopha, Visarppa, Masūrika, Śvitra Śītapitta, and Kuṣṭha are included in this chapter. It includes 13 Yogas for Śopha Cikitsa, Nīlyāditaila and Ghṛta, Nīli Cūrṇaprayoga, Śatadauta Ghṛtaṃ, Karaka Mṛttikaprayoga—applying soil from land where hail has just fallen along with Dhānyāmḻa—Durvvādi Yoga, Vaṭādikṣīrivṛkṣa Siddha Taila, and Yamaka in Visarppa. Jaṃbīrarasayukta Guḍa, Rudrākṣa Godugdaprayoga, Śobhājñanasarja Yoga Lepa in Masūrika Śuṇḍyādicūrṇṇalepa or Candana in Guḍūjisvarasalepa in Śītapitta, Devadārvyādhi Taila in Śītapitta for Lepa and Abhyaṃga, and Uśīralepana Snāna or Candana Lepa or Snāna or Mandamāruta in Śvetajamasūrika are noteworthy. Among Kuṣṭha Cikitsa, specific Yogas are mentioned for Vipādika, Kiṭiba, Sidma, etc. Snuhyādiudvarddhana and various Lepayoga are highlights. The chapter concludes with the management of Kṛmi. Paṭala 12. Vātaśoṇita, Vātavryādhi, and Sthūla-Kṛśa Adhikār (treatment of rheumatism, neuro-muscular and musculoskeletal disorders, obesity, and emaciation) Thirty-one formulations and clinical applications for treating Vātaśoṇita, Vātavyādhi, Sthūla, and Kṛśa are described in this chapter. The chapter begins with formulations for external application in Vātavyādhi, including Lepa and Taila Prayogas. The importance of Abhyaṃga and Svedana in Vātavyādhi is described in this chapter. Poṭṭāli Svedana using Taṇḍulasakala is indicated for Vātavyādhi. Specific Svedana Cikitsa using Vrīhibāṣpa is described for Pṛṣṭhavāta. Tāṭanaprayoga for Kroṣṭhuka Śīrṣa is explained. Dhattūralepa is described for Kroṣṭhuka Śīrṣa. Kārpāsabījādilepa, Pariṇata Keri Taila, Līkujātitaila, and Śuṇḍyādilepa are indicated for Apabāhuka. To manage Pādasupti due to prolonged sitting, rubbing the ear on the opposite side is advised. For managing leg pain due to prolonged walking, oil massage, Uṣṇajala Seka, and placing a pillow below her legs while sleeping are recommended. To manage the sudden onset of continuous sneezing, pronouncing the phrases “oṃ” and “Āyuṣmān Bhava” is mentioned. For yawning, finger-snapping is suggested as management. Besides this, Lepa, Kvāta, and Sveda Prayoga for Vātaroga are given. Treatment of Jānu Vāta is mentioned separately using Haridra Tailaṃ and Dhattūra Saindava Prayoga. Kāraskara Taila, Kānñcikādi Taila, and Karañcādi Ullekhana are described for Vātaśoṇita. The chapter ends with remedies for the management of Sthūla and Kṛśa. Paṭala 13. Garbhiṇi Cikitsa Adhikār (Treatment of diseases during pregnancy) This chapter has 45 formulations and other regimes for Garbhiṇi and Bāla Paricarya. It begins with measures for Garbhāśaya Śodhana using Daśamūlādi Yoga. KaṭuTumpi Taila is advised for Abhyaṃga to remove Yonidoṣa. Puṃsavana Yoga is also mentioned. Different formulations are available under Yoni Udvāratana Yoga, Garbhapradayoga, Garbha Dāraka Yoga, Garbha Srāvahara Yoga, Śūlahara Yoga, Sukhaprasavakara Yoga, and Jalapānaprayoga. For achieving Sukhaprasava, Sukhaprasavakara, Mūḍhagarbhahara Yoga, Aparapātana Yoga, Yoniśūlahara Yoga, Krūśotharahara Yoga, Raktasrāvakara Yoga, Sothahara Yoga, Stanyavṛddhikara Yoga, Stanyadoṣahara Yoga, etc., are mentioned. Child care is also mentioned in this chapter. Child baths are advised on the 11th day in the morning, using warm and cold water. On the 12th day in an auspicious time, a thread with Śaṃkha has to be tied on the neck of the child, and Añjana has to be applied. Feeding birds is advised to make the child disease-free. Muṇṭanāḍi Karmma should not be done before Annaprāśan Karmma, and mustard and ash are advised to be placed on the head of the child. Paṭala 14. Bāla Cikitsa Adhikār (treatment of diseases of children) This chapter includes 26 various Prayogas and formulations in Bāla Cikitsa. It begins with measures to remove the fatigue in newborns by fanning using betel leaves soaked in cold water. Rakṣa Vidhāna of a newborn is advised on the 5th day. Navacidrakaran Vidhāna, salt, and neem application are mentioned to protect from external obstruction. Other than this Dṛṣṭidoṣahara Prayoga, Grahabādhahara Yoga, Dugdavamana Hara Yoga, Agnidagda Kriya, Śayyāmūtra Hara Yoga, etc., are described in this chapter. The other highlights are caring for children and managing diseases like Atisāra, Hikka, Dhūmaprayoga, and Grahapīṭhaharayogas. Paṭala 15. Bhūta Graha Adhikār (treatment of mental disorders) In chapter 15, internal and external applications for the management of Unmāda and Apasmāra are explained. For Unmāda Cikitsa Māṃsaprayoga, Nasya using Ārāgvadhapuṣpa, Madvādi Kalka, and Drākṣādi Yoga are mentioned. Kuṣmāṇḍādi Ghṛta and Dhātri Svarasa Yoga are given for Unmāda and Apasmāra Cikitsa. Brahmīghṛta and Dhūpa Prayoga are mentioned for Apasmāra. The contraindications of Dhūpana are explained in this chapter. Use of Kṣīra in mentally challenged persons is explained. The chapter ends with Balādi Ghṛta and Kvātha Prayoga. Paṭala 16. Akṣī, Karṇṇa, Vraṇa, and Granthi Cikitsa Adhikār (treatment of eye, ear, ulcer, and nodular growth) Diseases of Jatrūrdva (Śālākyatantra), Vraṇacikitsa, and Granthi Cikitsa (Śalyatantra) are included in the 16th chapter and describe about 133 formulations and therapeutic procedures. The chapter begins with Netraroga Cikitsa and contains medications, Netra Kriyākrama, and Śastra Karmma. Use of Tuttha, Dāha Karmma using etc., is noteworthy. all formulations for Netraroga Cikitsa are unique and not available in total of are described for Netraroga Cikitsa. Karṇṇa Roga, and including Vraṇa, Viddhṛti, and Cikitsa, are explained in this chapter. Paṭala Cikitsa Adhikār (treatment of of the neck and This chapter contains for the treatment of and etc., is advised for and Cikitsa, followed by and for Lepa using Yoga, measures to a Cikitsa, Cikitsa, Yoga, method for and Hara Yoga are detailed in this chapter. Paṭala Cikitsa Adhikār (treatment of diseases) Cikitsa, including Cikitsa, is described in this chapter, including a total of 17 The use of is mentioned in Yoni Roga Cikitsa. and are specifically mentioned. Cūrṇṇa is described. Yoga and Yogas are the other highlights of this chapter. Paṭala Cikitsa Adhikār (treatment of of management of and various Adravya Cikitsa, Cikitsa, Cikitsa, etc., are mentioned in in this chapter. Paṭala Adhikār (rejuvenation and therapy) In this chapter, the importance of measures to be for Prayoga, Prayoga, using water during morning, Yoga, the importance of sleeping in the and various Yogas are described in The book concludes by stating that Lord has written this book for the treatment of diseases. The Ayurveda be in the book Vaidya Manorama. This book the of and Most of the formulations are simple and This book starts with the where Laṅghana is not and the of milk Peya, Kvātha, Māṃsarasa, Anna, etc., is given with this, a are also advised in the emphasis is given to Cikitsa, and the procedures not to be advised are in Netraroga Cikitsa and Vātavyādhi Cikitsa. Nasya is advised in Raktapitta, Vṛddhi, and Bhūta Graha Cikitsa. using water is mentioned in the of Rasāyana Poṭṭali Svedana using Kiṃśukabījāsti in and Taṇḍulasakala in Vātavyādhi is advised. Abhyaṃga has been mentioned in Vātavyādhi Cikitsa, and Śoṣa. Sahadevi and Śveta Guḍūci, birds to make the child pronouncing the phrases “oṃ” and “Āyuṣmān Bhava” to continuous sneezing, finger-snapping to yawning, rubbing the ear on the opposite side to manage etc., mentioned as Adravya Cikitsa in this are noteworthy. Three Dhātri Yoga, Bhasma Yoga, and Jīrṇṇa Cela Prayoga, Kathaḻi Kāḻaśākhādi Bhojanaṃ, Jalataila Prayoga, Paṅka Lepa, Hima Sikata Lepa, formulations using coconut water, Caṃmpaka Mūla Kvāta – in Śayyāmūtra, Karaka Sarppagandhi Prayoga, etc., like unique be seen in this Vaidya Manorama. In Netraroga Cikitsa, a measures are also mentioned. The medicinal formulations are simple and easily are believed to be and the in Netraroga Cikitsa, more and of the drugs and formulations has to be done as the Ayurveda of India and Vaidya Manorama from other Ayurveda like due to its simple formulations and for management of like yawning, Pādasupti due to prolonged sitting, etc., and gives emphasis to of unique formulations in “Vaidyamanorama Enna Cikitsākramaṃ” highlights the clinically formulations that are easily and for the importance of in this on “Vaidyamanorama Enna Cikitsākramaṃ” also highlights the as simple and effective formulations by available The formulations in Vaidya Manorama on many clinically of Kerala. unique formulations are from that are available and in are for clinically effective The the of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic New and the and Ayurveda Research for Thrissur, Kerala, for and for this The also the of Ayurveda and for and during the of this The also for and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic of of of There are of