An Introduction To Charak Samhitokta Rishi Agasti and Evaluation of His Contribution To Ayurveda

Abstract Sage Agasti is considered as one of the sapta Rishis (the seven great sages) mentioned in the Indian vedic and pauranic literature. He was famous for observing the hardest penance. He was son of Varun Bramha and mother Urvashi. Sage Vasishtha was his brother. He was instrumental in restoring the crown of Indra. He helped the cause of Gods by drying the ocean and bringing the demons into spotlight through the power of his penance. He loved to reside in the ancient city Kashi (Modern day Varanasi) but had to migrate to south India for the cause of Gods. He is mentioned in both great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Rishi Agasti was present in the conclave of rishis conducted beneath the mountains of Himalayas held some 5000 years ago to discuss the impact of diseases on human health. We find the reference of medicinal preparations made by sage Agasti in famous Ayurvedic book ‘Vangasen Samita’. Hence, it is necessary to explore the rishi Agasti and his contribution to Ayurveda. Exploration to Agasti in Indological literature reveals that sage Agasti was multitalented, highly knowledgeable and powerful scholar who had done extraordinary works for the cause of Gods through the power of his Tapa. He had also contributed richly in the Ayurvedic literature by giving the detail account of many medicinal preparations as mentioned in Vangasena Samhita. Keywords – Agasti, Lopamudra, Daityas, Agastya Haritaki Rasayan, Agastyavleha