Astanga Hrdayam in english
“Astanga Hrdayam” is a famous text of Ayurveda, which is believed to be written by Maharishi Vagbhata. This text summarizes the eight limbs (ashtanga) of Ayurveda and is written in Samhita-style. It is one of the three great texts (Brihattrayee) of Ayurveda, the other two being – Charakasamhita and Sushrutasamhita. Maharishi Vagbhata was a famous acharya of Ayurveda, who presented the medical science in a systematic and comprehensive form. He was the founder of the Vagbhata sect and was influenced by Buddhist philosophy. Their period is considered to be around 6th-7th century AD.
This book has been written in a short, simple and pithy style. It includes all the eight parts of Ayurveda-
1) Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
2) Pediatrics (Kumarbhritya)
3) Bhutvidya (Treatment of Tantra and Mental Diseases)
4) Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
5) Shalakya Tantra (Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Treatment)
6) Agada Tantra (Poison Treatment)
7) Rasayana Tantra (Rejuvenation and Longevity)
8) Vajikarana Tantra (Knowledge of Increasing Fertility)
Features of Ashtangahridayam:
It is written in a mixed style of prose and poetry, which makes it easy to remember. In this, the basic principles of Ayurveda have been presented from a scientific and practical point of view. Various aspects of medicine have been explained in a formulaic way. This book is not limited to the concept of medicine only, but also explains diet, daily routine, seasonal routine, pulse test, identification of diseases and use of medicines.
Read here in one click ~ Dhanurveda Samhita in English
Astanga Hrdayam is written in a very concise, lucid and pithy style. It is a mixture of prose and poetry, which makes it easy to remember and understand. Its shlokas are simple and rhythmic, which makes its study easy. Vagbhata has presented the basic principles of medical science in the form of formulas. Due to which it is not only useful for scholars and doctors, but even a common man can benefit from it.
Astanga Hrdayam is a priceless Ayurvedic text, which is not limited to medicine only, but also serves as a complete guide for a healthy life. Its features make it useful not only for Ayurveda scholars, but even common people can make their lives healthy and balanced with it. This Ayurvedic heritage given by Maharishi Vagbhata proves to be very relevant and effective even today.
Importance of Astanga Hrdayam:
All the important principles of Ayurveda have been presented in Astanga Hrdayam in a concise and understandable language. It describes the structure of the body, the balance of doshas-dhatu-mal, the causes of diseases, their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods. This text is more systematic and easy to understand than Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. It has a detailed study of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), which helps in understanding the root causes of diseases.
Although this text was written in ancient times, its treatment methods still play a fundamental role in Ayurvedic medicine. The basis of medicinal plants, herbs, and Panchakarma therapy used in Ayurveda medicine at present is found in Astanga Hrdayam. The principles mentioned in this text are also used in modern herbal medicine, naturopathy, and holistic healthcare.
Astanga Hrdayam is an invaluable Ayurvedic text that is still relevant today. Its importance is not limited to medicine, but it also guides towards a healthy lifestyle, mental peace, disease prevention, and overall health. Its role in Ayurveda is extremely important, and it continues to be a guiding text for Ayurveda students, practitioners, and the general public even today.
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