CRITICAL AND ANATOMICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONCEPT NASA HI SHIRASO DWARAM

“Nasa hi Shiraso dwaram” signifies importance of Nasa as route to Shiras which is uttamangiya sharira. Reckoning back, Garuda Purana also states different characteristic features pertaining to the organ Nasa. It is one of the important Gnyanendriya among five, for the sensation of smell which is landmark of ‘odour of sanctity’ and is cosmetologically important. In the classical literature of Sushruta Samhita, the remedial procedure has been stated which helps the organ to acquire desired shape and reposition it for normal functioning in case of fracture or deviation known as Sandhana karma. As an organ of respiration, it extends its support for survival of human beings right from birth to last breath. Being located in Shiro bhaga it extends its connection to other sense organs and the higher centre i.e. brain. As one of the Bahirmukha Srotas it serves as route of spread of infection and also to expel the Nasa mala. The modern texts equally emphasise this fundamental fact and the virus of poliomyelitis enter through this route to cause the infection in central nervous system leading to fatal conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis etc. The other important aspect as a gate way to Shiras is explained in Ayurvedic classics through the concept of Nasya (Shirovirechana karma) in which the medicine is administered through Nasa reaches the Sringataka Sira marma (Cavernous sinus) through nasal mucosa and nasal veins, and clarifies the doshas. Hence this article aims at understanding the concept by being the gateway to Shiras.