CHARAKA SAMHITA

Classical Book Description

1Charaka Samhita

• To Under stand the Subject explained, Period

of this text. Authour, Chapter sequence , etc.

• To High light the Contributions of Charaka

Samhita to the Field of Ayurveda(Rasashastra

& B.K).

2Charaka Samhita

Introduction

• Charaka Samhita is an Authoritative text of

Ayurveda.

• Charaka ,Sushruta, Ashtanga hrudaya are

counted as Bruhat trayi- Three great classics

of Ayurveda & held in high esteem.

• Charaka Samhita stands as representative of

one branch of ayurveda – Kayachikitsa .

• Punarvasu Atreya being the first propounder

of Kayachikitsa sampradaya, Agnivesha tantra

was the first & foremost book of this branch.

• It is a Swatantra Grantha (Original text),

3Charaka Samhita

Charaka Samhita

• The (चरक सं�हि�ता) is an early Ayurvedic text on

internal medicine.

• It is believed to be the oldest of the three

ancient treatises of Ayurveda.

• It is central to the modern-day practice of

Ayurvedic medicine; and,

• It is identified as an important source of

medical understanding and practice in

antiquity.4Charaka Samhita

Reason for Writing Charaka Samhita?

• Agnivesha was a pupil of sage

Punarvasu Atreya,

• He committed the teachings of his

preceptor in writing in the form of book

– Agnivesha Tantra.

• In course of time it became mutilated &

not available in suitable condition to

study.

• Noticing this a scholar named Charaka

collected fragments of book,

Reducted( revised with necessary

changes)

5Charaka Samhita

• After this it became popular as Charaka

Samhita in the name of Reductor Charaka.

इत्यग्नि��वे�श क्रु� ता� तान्त्रे� चरक प्रहिता सं�स्क्रु� ता�अहि� प्रप्ता� द्रुडबल �!रिरता�

चिचहिकत्संस्था��------ �वेमो&अध्यय: !

• In couse of centuries even this also became

mutilated & some portion lost

• Noticing this another scholar Drudhabala

collected whatever available – Reducted

( Prati samskara) by adding new chapters

written by himself & made it in a complite

form, suitable for study.

• The present Charaka Samhita is this revised &

suplimented by Dradhbala.

6Charaka Samhita

About Author of Charaka Samhita.

• Punarvasu Atreya is one of the sages who assembled in the slopes of Himalaya to bring Ayurveda from heaven to earth

• Ayurved lernt by Bharadwaja from Indra Sages ( Punarvasu Atreya) – His 6 pupils( Agnivesha etc) - each of them written a book

• This book was Originally written by Sage Agnivesha

• 1st stage – Punarvasu Atreya expanding the science & Agnivesha preparing the book- Agnivesha Tantra- comprising of these teaching.

• 2nd stage –Charaka redacting Agnivesha text which became popular as Chraka Samhita.

• 3rd stage – Mutilated Charaka Samhita redacted & supplemented by Dradhabala.

7Charaka Samhita

Presentation – Seminar• This text is presented in the following

three different forms-– 1) As the record of proceedings of a

seminar or debate– 2) As a dialogue between the teacher & his

disciple– 3) As a narrative of instructions.

• There are 5 chapters in which procedings of Seminar recorded

• 33 chapters are written in the form of Question & Answer.

• Some chapters belong to both categories

• Like remaining 82 chapters contain statements narrating instructions on various aspects of the science.

8Charaka Samhita

Conclusion Regarding: Author: • Originally written by Sage Agnivesha • Pratisamskarana by – Charaka – Dradhabala.• 23 Sanskrit Commentories by diff authors• Translation in many languages in India &

Abroad. Period : • Indologists have assigned Punarvasu Atreya

& Agnivesha to about 1000 B.C

9Charaka Samhita

• Agnivesha ( 1000 B.C)– Son of Devadatta, a

greate sage – Author for two other books

- Anjana Nidhana, -Nadi Pariksha• Charaka – Only mentioned his name in the

colophon of every chapter. nothing else.

10Charaka Samhita

OTHER KRUTIS OF AUTHOR:

• Sage Agnivesha has written other two books -Anjana Nidhana, -Nadi Pariksha

11Charaka Samhita

Commentaries in Samskrta• Being a popular text on Kayachikitsa –it has

many commentaires from time to time – About 23 are known

• Out of which only three available in full & in print.

• 1) Charaka Nyasa by Bhattara Haricandra – 4th Century A.D- available

upto 3 chapters of Sutra only.• 2) Charaka Panjika by Swami kumara – After

4th Century A.D- not extent• 3) Parihara Vatika by Asadha Varma- 9th

Cent A.D –not extent• 4) Charaka Vartika by Ksiraswamidatta – 9th

Cent A.D –not extent.• 5) Nirantara Pada Vyakya by Jajjata -9th

Cent A.D- incompletely available. • 6) Sudhira – 9th Cent A.D –Commentary not

known & not available.

12Charaka Samhita

• 7) Amitaprabha – 9th Cent A.D - Commentary not known & not available.

• 8) Swamy dasa – 9th Cent A.D - Commentary not known & not available.

• 9) Bhasadatta – 10th Cent A.D- Commentary not known & not available.

• 10) Brahmadeva -10th Cent A.D - Commentary not known , not available.

• 11) Isvarasen – 10th Cent A.D- Commentary not known & not available.

• 12) Candrika by Gayadasa – 11th Cent A.D - not available.

• 13) Ayurveda Dipika or Charaka tatparaya tika by Cakrapani datta -11th Cent A.D – available in full & in print- this is very popular- it earned for its author the title `Charaka caturanana` he writen a commentary on Susruta Samhita as Bhanumati.

• 14) Vrnda tippana by Vrnda kunda- 12th Cent A.D – not extant

13Charaka Samhita

15) Vapyacandra ( Baspacandra) – 11th Cent A.D - Commentary not known & not available.

16) Isanadeva -12th Cent A.D - Commentary not known & not extant.

17) Gunakara – 12th Cent A.D- Commentary not known & not extant.

18) Bhavyadatta- 12th Cent A.D- Commentary not known & not extant.

19) Bakulakara - 12th Cent A.D- Commentary not known & not extant.

20) Charaka tatva pradipika by Sivadasasena – 15th Cent .A.D-available only up 26 Chapter of Sutrasthana.

21) Jalpakalpataru by Gangadhara Roy- 1799 to 1855 A.D – Available in full & in print

22) Charakopaskara by Yogindranatha sen – 1871 to 1981 – is incomplete & published.

23) Charaka Pradipika by Jyotiscandra Sarasvati – 19 to 20th Cent A.D- Is available in print only Sutrasthana.

14Charaka Samhita

Need of Writting Commentary in Hindhi

• As the original Sanskrit text is not

available

• For easy understanding of concepts

• Collected the mula grantha & written

Commentary in Hindhi – Published,

15Charaka Samhita

Translations in diff languagaes . • As its greateness spread to many countries

it has been translated into many Indian & foreign languages. Its English translations are by.

1) Avinasha candra kaviratna- Incompletely published in 1891

2) Mahendra lal sarkar 1890 incomplète3) P.M.Metha et al -1949 Shri Gulab Kunaverba

Ayurvedic society Jamanagar complete with historical introduction & appendises- also translated in Hindhi & Gujarati.

4) Ramakarana sharma & Bhagawan das- 1976- translation of text & critical exposition of Cakrapanidatta commentary.-7 volumes

5) P.V.Sharma -1981- complete in 5 volumes.6) K.R.Srikantha Murthy-2004 – verbatim

translation of text & commentary cakrapanidatta – its first volume published.

16Charaka Samhita

Charaka Samhita Prakarana Vibhaga• Charaka samhita contains 120 chapters.

as the two among the Great Trio also contain 120 chapters ( Sushruta, Kashyapa, Bhela samhita.)

• These chapters forms part of – Eight Sthanas or Sections

• Classified into 08 Sthana : 01: Sutra Sthana : 30 Chapters 02: Nidana Sthana : 08 Chapters 03: Vimana Sthana : 08 Chapters 04: Sarira Sthana : 08 Chapters 05: Indriya Sthana : 12 Chapters

17Charaka Samhita

06: Chikitsa Sthana : 30 Chapters 07: Kalpa Sthana : 12 Chapters 08: Siddhi Sthana : 12 Chapters• The Sutra sthana is again sub- devided into

seven Catuskas(quadrates)• Each consisting of four chapters dealing with

identical topics, these chatuskas are as follows.

1) Bheseja chatuska or the quadrate on drugs ( from 1st to 4th chapters)

2) Svastha Chatuska or the quadrate on regimens for the maintenance of health ( from 5th to 8th chapter)

3) Nirdesha Chatuska or the quadrate on (various) instructions ( from 9th to 12th chapter)

4) Kalpana Chatuska or the quadrate on description of diseases ( from 13th to 16th chapter).

18Charaka Samhita

5) Roga Chatuska or the quadrate on description of diseases ( from 17th to

20th chapter) 6) Yojana Chatuska or the quadrate on

administration of various therapies ( from 21st to 24th chapter)

7) Annapana Chatuska or the quadrate on diet and drinks ( from 25th to 28th chapters)

8) Added to this are two seperate chapters (29th & 30th) – such division into quadrates are not found in other sections of this work.

Chakrapani has classified Sutra into four categories

9) Guru sutra or statement mad by Teacher.10)Sisya sutra or statement mad by Disciple11)Prati samskarta sutra or statement of

Radactor.12)Ekiya sutra or statement mad by indivisual

scholars.

19Charaka Samhita

Base for division of Charaka Samhita into 8 sections

• The devision of C.S is based on the distribution of topics dealing with specific aspects of the fundamental principles & the applied therapeutics.

• Contents of each section are :1) Sutra sthana deals with the origin &

propogation of Ayurveda ( Panchamahabhuta, Dhatus etc)-2) Nidana sthana deals with diagnosis of

few diseases which are predominant during Charakas period, in

some case the line of treatement also furnished.3) Vimana sthana deals with fundamental

principles governing the administration of drugs and diet, etiology of epidemics, guide- lines for entering into debate on aspects of the science of life .

4) Sarira sthana deals with principle of creation of Universe & Human body

20Charaka Samhita

Embryoloical developments & description of organs & parts of the body.

5) Indriya sthana deals with the bad- pognostic signs and the fundamental principles governing them.

6) Chikitsa sthana deals with management of healthy persons as well as treatement of diseases – prescription deal more with applied rather than therotical aspects.

7) Kalpa sthana deals exclusively with Pharmaceutical aspects of certain medicinal preparations & their utilisation.

8) Siddhi sthana deals exclusively with various aspects of classical form of Ayurvedic treatement popularly known as Panchakarma.

• Thus all the 8 branches of Ayurveda are dealt with in this work, even though it is mainly related with Kayachikitsa.

• Kayachikitsa in Sutra sthana, Nidana, Chikitsa, Kalpa, Siddhi sthana.

21Charaka Samhita

• Shalakya tantra in 26th chapter of Chikitsa sthana.

• Shalya tantra in 25th chapter of Chikitsa sthana.

• Different types of poisons in 23rd chapter of Chikitsa sthana,

• Bhuta vidya in 9th & 10th chapter of Chikitsa Sthana & 7th -8th of Nidana

• Pediatrics in 8th chapter of Sarira sthana• Geriatrics in 1st chapter of Chikitsa sthana• The last branch Aphrodisiacs in 2nd chapter of

Chikitsa sthana • Charaka Samhita contains 12,000 verses/

prose paragraphs. • 2000 verses/ prose paragraphs were lost of

us.• In C.S chapters are described in order of i) Uddesya( state ment in brief) ii) Nirdesa

or detailed explination of brief statement iii) Laxana – definition is also followed.

22Charaka Samhita

The Layout Plan Of Sections And Chapters Of Charaka Samhita:• The Eight Sections Of Charaka Samhita And

120 Chapters• Sutra Section: Fundamental things • Nidana Section: The Section Of Diagnostics

And Pathology• Vimana Section : Fundamental principles

governing the administration of drugs and diet, etiology of epidemics,

• Sharira Section: The Section Of Anatomy And Physiology

• Indriya Section: The Section Of Complications Of Disorders

• Chikitsa Section: The Section Of Ayurveda's Holistic Medicine

• Kalpa Section: The Section Of Panchakarma Formulations

• Sidhi Section: The Conclusive Section Of Panchakarma Therapy

23Charaka Samhita

Charaka Samhita: Text with English Translation & Critical exposition based on Cakrapani dattas Ayurveda dipikaAuthor : Ram Karan.Sharma – Ex vice chancellor-Bihar& Vidya Bhagwan Dash – Ex deputy Adviser in Ayurveda. New DelhiVolume I TO VIIPublisher : Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series Office -VaranasiPublished - Reprint - 2011 Rs – 450 =00Medal of the :Awarded by the scientific committeSenate of the : President.

24Charaka Samhita

Importance of this text Related to R.S & B.K:

Medicines:• 30 some compound preparations provided

with names.• Acc to the method addopted these names can

be classified as following categories.1) Based on the names of the person who

discovered the formula e.g Cyavanaprasha ( Chikitsa 1:1:62-74)

2) Based on the name of the imp drug used e.g Amalaki Ghrita ( Chikitsa 1:2:4-6)

3) Based on the first drug of the formula e.g Haritaki yoga ( Chikitsa 1:1-76)

4) Based on the therapeutic effect of formula e.g Brmhani- gutika(chikitsa 2:1:24-32)

25Charaka Samhita

5) Based on the dose of formula e.g Tikta shatpalaka ghrita( chikitsa 7:140-143)

6) Based on the attributes of the drugs used in the formula (cf.above)

7) Based on number &/ or quantity of drugs used Kamsa- haritaki (Chikitsa 12:50-52)

8) Based on physical quality of the product e.g – Pinda Taila (Chikitsa 29:123), Pitaka curna (Chikitsa 26:196-197),9) Based on the similes on the effect of the

drug e.g Gandhahasti- namagada ( Chikitsa 23:95-104)10)Based on the method of preparation e.g

Ksaragada (chikitsa 23:95-104) Sahasrapaka bala taila ( Chikitsa 29:119-120)11)Based on the time of collection of the

ingredients e.g Pusyanuga curna ( Chikitsa 30:90-95)

26Charaka Samhita

History of Rasashatra 27

CHARAKA SAMHITA CONTRIBUTION TO RASASHASTRA

• Here the dravyas are classified into three groups viz.

• 1) Parthiva - Product pertaining to earth, 2) Jangama - animal

products, and 3) Audbhida - Herbal product

• He included Dhatus & Sudha, Manashila, Haratala, Lavana,

Gairika, Anjana etc.

• In Cha.Chi. 16/17 he explained the method of admn of dhatus

internally in the form of churna (told in Navayas churana,

Rajasa word is used for Churna or Bhasma)

• Method of preparation of Ayaskruti ( Rajas) explained.

• Explained the Shodhana process of dhatus in taila, takra,

chela, kacha etc.

History of Rasashatra 28

Contd…

• Several minerals like Manshila, Haratal, Tuttha,

Kaseesa etc. prescribed for treating twacha

vikaras (Kushta)

• For Punsavana Sanskar, purusha akruti prepared

by Swarana/Rajat, are heated to red hot - dipped

in godugdha – this dugdha is given to drink

• Hemachurna prayoga for vishanashartha

• Explanation of Shilajatu and its type is given

• For Rasayana purpose advised to use Shilajatu,

Svarna, Tamra, Mukta, Vaidurya

• Explained to use Muktadhi Churna in Hikka,

Svasa, Kasa

• Ratna & Dhatus used with Ekshu rasa to cure

Raktapitta.

• Knowledge regarding toxicity of metals.

• Parada word not mentioned in Charaka Samhita.

History of Rasashatra 29

• Gandhaka – Cha.su.3/10 bahya prayoga, cha.chi 18/125 bakshanartha.

• Cha chi 8/80 –Tapya-tapija- svarna makshika shodhana• Cha.chi 18/63- Haritala-aala- for dhumapana. 26/196-

in kantaroga mukadharanartha• Cha.chi 18/145 – Manashila – Abhyantara prayago.• Cha.chi 4/79- Gairika – bakshanartha- two types

pashana & svarna gairika.• Cha.chi 21/126 – Kaseesa – bahya prayogartha • Cha.Su 3/10 –Tutha bhakshanartha• Cha.Chi 20/29- Srothonjana- Bhakshanartha• Cha.Su 5/15- Souveeranjana – Anjanartha• Cha.Su 26/250- Pushpanjana- Anjanartha• Cha.chi 1/3 – Shilajitu, Cha.Chi 7//14 –Sourashtri,

Cha.chi 7/72- Vajra• Cha.chi 17/125- Mukta, Pravala, Vidruma, Vaidurya –

Bhakshanartha• Cha.chi23/252 – Marakata, Cha.Su 23/15- Gomedha,

Cha.chi 1/23-24 – svarna,rajata,loha, teekshna loha,krushna loha.

• Cha.chi 16/74 –Mandura, Lohamala, Cha.Su 5/74- Tamra, Trapu. Cha.Su -38/62- Seesa,Riti. Cha.chi 1/25 - Visha

• Charaka Samhita – Devided into Two

parts

Purvardha - Sutra , Nidana,

Vimana, Sarira, Indriya Sthana.

Uttarardha – Chikitsa Sthana,

Kalpa Sthana, Siddhi Stana

30Charaka Samhita

• Vol. I. Sutra Sthana: Contents:• Introduction/Alex Wayman• Foreword/Pandit Shiv Sharma• Preface.• Quest for longevity (Dirghanjivitiya)• Dehusked seeds of Achyranthes Aspera Linn.

(Apamargatanduliya)• Cassia Fistula Linn. (Aragvadhiya)• Six hundred purgatives (Sadvirecanasatasritiya)• Quantitative dietetics (Matrasitiya)• Qualitative dietetics (Tasyasitiya)• Non-suppression of natural urges (Navegandharaniya)• Description of sense organs (Indriyopakramaniya)• Brief chapter on the quadruple of therapeutics

(Khuddakacatuspada)• Det ailed chapter on the quadruple of therapeutics

(Mahacatuspada)• Three basic desires of life (Tisraisaniya)

31Charaka Samhita

• Merits and demerits of Vata (Vatakalakaliya)• Oleation therapy (Sneha)• Fomentation therapy (Sveda)• Requirements of a physician (Upakalpaniya)• Duties of a qualified physician (Cikitsaprabhrtiya)• Enumeration of diseases relating to head (Kiyantah

sirasiya)• Three types of swelling (Trishothiya)• Eight abdominal diseases (Astodariya)• Major chapter on diseases (Maharogadhyaya)• Eight types of undesirable constitution

(Astauninditiya)• Reducing and nourishing therapies

(Langhanabrmhaniya)• Refreshing regimen (Santarpaniya)• Blood formation and the regimen therefor

(Vidhisonitiya)• Origin of man and his diseases (Jajjahpurusiya)

32Charaka Samhita

• Discourse among Atreya, Bhadrakapya etc., (Atreyabhadrakapiya)

• Properties of diet and drinks (Annapanavidhi)• Various types of food and drinks (Vividhasitapitiya)• Ten resorts of life (Dasapranayataniya)• Ten vessels having their roots in the heart

(Arthedasamahamuliya)

33Charaka Samhita

• Whats the time difference between Charaka

and Sushruta Samhitas?

• 1 Charaka Samhita - Teachings of Athreya,

written by Agnivesa 600 BC, revised/improved

by Charaka and by Dredabala of Kashmir. This

work on general medicine has 120 chapters in

eight sections.

• 2. The effect of cultural environment is easily

seen in the surgical text as it gradually

disappears from the field. 34Charaka Samhita

Summary

• It is a Swatantra Grantha (Original text)

- 8 Sthanas

• Charaka Samhita is an Authoritative text

of Ayurveda.

• Charaka ,Sushruta, Ashtanga hrudaya

are counted as Bruhat trayi- Three great

classics of Ayurveda & held in high

esteem.

• Charaka Samhita stands as

representative of one branch of

ayurveda – Kayachikitsa .

• Period: 500 B.C

35Charaka Samhita

Conclusion :

• One of the Oldest & best book Of

Ayurveda – Very famous

• Is famous as one of the remarkable

accomplishments of ancient Indian

Science.

• Related to Ashtangas of Ayurveda –

Mainly Related to Kayachikitsa. 36Charaka Samhita

THANK U

37Charaka Samhita