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

Rishi Galava was one of the disciples of Kashi king Divodasa Dhanwantari along with Sushruta and other. Acharya Dalhana had mentioned him in his commentary ‘Nimandha Sangraha ‘on ‘Sushrut Samhita’. Rishi Galava was the son of illustrious Brmharishi Vishwamitra. He was the brother of famous surgeon Sushruta. His mother’s name was ‘Renu. His father wrote ‘Vishwamitra Samhita’ on Ayurveda. In the absence of sage Vishwamitra, his mother Renu had to bring up the son ‘Galava’ in a poor state. Mother Renu put the rope in the neck of Galava and was about to sell him in return of 100 cows out of poverty. Since this son of Vishwamitra was tied around the neck (Gala) with the rope, he got the name ‘Galava’. He took formal education at Gurukula (School) of Vishwamitra. Galava narrated the importance of Shaligram stone to Painjwana. Rishi Galava was truthful, noble, and very kind hearted person. He observed great penance at a place called ‘Fullagrama’ near south sea to get the boon from lord Vishnu. Maharishi Galava was present in the conclave of rishis conducted beneath the mountains of Himalayas, some 5000 years ago. This shows his interest in alleviating the sufferings of the mankind. Acharya Dalhana had mentioned about the ‘Galava Tantra’ a treatise on ancient surgical practices by rishi Galava. Hence, it becomes essential to explore the life of rishi Galava to know about his contribution to the Ayurveda. Keywords – Vishwamitra, Divodasa, Renu, Madhavi