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

Gautam rishi’s earlier name was Deerghatama. This name he got because he remained blind for long time (Deergha) blind (Tama) due to the curse given to him by his uncle and teacher of God Brihaspati. Later by observing the fine ‘Govrata’ (serving the cows), he got the name ‘Gautama’. He donated the sperm to the wife of famous demon king Bali due to infertility on the part of king Bali. That time it was a common method adopted to treat male infertility. Bali’s wife Sudeshna had five sons from the sperm donation by Deerghatama rishi. These five sons, created five states in ancient India and it were named after their names viz. 1] Anga (modern day Bhagalpur Area in Bihar), 2] Vanga (Modern Day Bengal), 3] Kalinga (Modern day Odisha), 4] Undra (Area in Modern Day Bengal) 5] Pundra (Area in Modern Day Bengal & Odisha). Sage Gautama was instrumental in bringing the river Godavari on the earth to get rid of the draught in the region. His famous cursed wife ‘Ahilya’ was extricated by lord Rama. Gautama’s grandson Krupacharya trained Kauravas and Pandavas in archery whereas his granddaughter Krupi was married to famous teacher Dronacharya. Sage Gautama was present in the ancient conclave of rishis held below mountain Himalaya to discuss the management of diseases occurred on account of consuming domestic food as mentioned in Charaka Samhita. All the rishis present there learnt Ayurveda from sage Bhardwaja. Hence, it can be concluded that sage Gautama may also have contributed in further development of Ayurveda. Keywords – Godavari, Ahilya, Deerghatama