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

Sage Chyawana is considered as one of the famous Rishi in the tradition of rishis of ancient India. The famous rejuvenating medicinal preparation called ‘Chyawanprasha’ is after his name. This medicinal preparation is household name in India. He belonged to legendary Bhrigu lineage. His father was famous rishi ‘Bhrigu’. His mother’s name was ‘Paulomi’ who was daughter of famous demon king Hiranykashyapu. His brother was famous rishi ‘Richika’ and step brother was famous demon teacher ‘Shukracharya’. Bhrigukula (lineage of Bhrigu) was famous for observing the penance. Chyawana had migrated to Anarta Desha (Modern day Gujrat state of India) to observe the penance. There he accidently met a girl called ‘Sukanya’ who was the daughter of ruling king ‘Sharyati’. King Sharyati married his daughter Sukanya with Maharshi Chawana as atonement for damaging the eyes of Chyawana by his daughter. The blind and old sage Chyawana got youngness by the mercy of God physicians ‘Ashwinikumaras’. Having indebted by Ashwinikumaras, sage Chyawana made Ashwinikumaras as the authority to drink high class beverage ‘Soma’. Chyawana ahd two famous sons viz. 1. Dadhichi, 2. Uddalaka Varuni, 3. Piplad from Dadhich. His son Dadhichi’s bones were used by God King Indra to make the weapon ‘Vajra’. Chyawana had famous grandsons like Kamatha from son Harita, Shwetaketu from son Uddalaka. Chyawana done many pilgrimages. He also met Shatrughna and lord Rama at Ayodhya. Sage Chyawana 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 knowledge of Ayurveda from sage Bhardwaja. Hence, it can be concluded that sage Chyawana also may have contributed in further development of Ayurveda. Since sage Chyawana got youth ness after consuming the paste of medicine prepared by God physicians, it is likely that he must have also propagated the same among the masses to make it popular brand. Hence, it is essential to explore the life of sage Chaywana.