A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF SARPA VIJNANA AS DESCRIBED IN VISHA VAIDYA VIJNANA

Background: Sarpa Vijnana is an important aspect of Agada Tantra, dealing with the classification and characteristics of snakes and various features related to snakebite. The availability of classical literature exclusively for Agada Tantra is limited and Visha Vaidya Vijnana, a tulu translated book provides a comprehensive account of these aspects. Hence a conceptual review of this work was undertaken to highlight its contribution to the existing knowledge of Ayurvedic toxicology. Aim: To review the concepts of Sarpa Vijnana described in Visha Vaidya Vijnana. Materials and Methods: Relevant information regarding the classification of Vamshastha, Naage, Kadambale and Kandhodi Sarpa, along with their varieties, types of fang, reproductive characteristics, movement, age determination, prognosis of bite and snakebite wounds, was collected and analysed. Conclusion: Visha Vaidya Vijnana provides a valuable classical knowledge on Sarpa Vijnana. A review of these concepts may help to explore their relevance in relation to contemporary science.