J. Res. Educ. Indian Med.

, 2013; XIX (1-2) 29-36 ISSN 0970-7700

OVERVIEW ON AYURVEDA PRAKASHA - A TEXT OF INDIAN ALCHEMY

ROHIT SHARMA,1 VIRUPAKSHA GUPTA,2 PRASHANT BEDARKAR,3
GALIB R,4 BJ PATGIRI,5 AND PK PRAJAPATI6
Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishjaya Kalpna,1,3-6 IPGT & RA,
Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar -361008 Gujarat (India)

Abstract: Ayurveda Prakasha is one of the important ancient texts on ancient Indian Alchemy
written by Shrimad Madhava Upadhyaya in circa 16th-17th century AD. Three commentaries are
available on this text. It is a summarized book along with some of its own important contributions.
Subject matter of the text contains total 1693 verses which are divided into 6 chapters. There is
elaborate description of Dhatuvada (conversion of base metals into noble metals) and Dehavada
(therapeutic usage of metals and minerals) of Mercury (Parada), processing of mercury, its use in
along with description and processing, therapeutic aspects of Minerals, Metals and poisonous
herbs and their conversion into therapeutically useful forms.

Keywords: Ayurveda Prakasha, Indian Alchemy, Jarana, Parada, Rasa Shastra

Introduction superimposed to get a single picture wherein

Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda which mercury and its elixirs were used in the so called
holds the importance in Ayurvedic therapeutics. transmutation of the base metals into noble ones,
Ayurveda Prakasha ((AyP) is an important text as well as for internal administration for purifying
in this branch and there is dearth of the body, rejuvenating it and taking it to an
comprehensive review on this text. Hence an imperishable and immortal state.
attempt has been made to provide a brief but all Numerous alchemical texts were written
encompassing review. Texts written in earlier in different era on Indian Alchemy. Some texts
era of ancient Indian life sciences including ancient are such that the alchemical ideas form only a
Indian system of medicines, Ayurveda, Rasa part of them, while some other texts are wholly
Vidya etc, incorporated mineral origin drugs, devoted to alchemy. Many books were written
their processed bi products, medicinal in different era on Indian Alchemy. “Ayurveda
formulations mainly for therapeutic purpose. Prakasha” is one of the important texts among
They were extensively studied, evaluated, them.
practiced for Dhatuvada around 10th century
A.D.[1] Later era showed increased trend of use Prediction of period
of drugs of mineral origin in therapeutics and The book was written in the era when
was extensively used in Ayurvedic treatment. This Rasa Shastra had already experienced peak of
caused to touch height of excellence of Ayurvedic excellence of its golden era in terms of Dhatuvada
treatment during 13-14th century AD (Rasendra as well as Dehavada and when still Dehavada
Sara Samgraha, 1994). was practiced widely. Subject matter of the text
deals with mainly of Rasashastra but this is the
The Indian alchemy had two characteristic first text in which, the title instead of ‘Rasa’
streams; gold making and elixir synthesis. The prefix it starts with Ayurveda’. It indicates that
two faces of the alchemical practice, the this text is written in the time when Rasashastra
metallurgical and the physico-religious, were completely became a part of Ayurveda and
1. Ph.D. Scholar, 2. Ph.D. Scholar 3. Asst Professor, 4. Asst Professor, 5. Associate Professor, 6. Professor & Head,
30 Sharma et al.

Rasashastra descriptions are found in main stream through Chaukhambha Orientalia publications
Ayurveda literature. The name of the script Varanasi (Ayurveda Prakasha, 2007).
suffixed as Prakasha indicates that this book The pattern of classification of Mineral
belongs to the period of Bhava Prakasha, Arka drugs (Rasavarga dravya) is found unique in
Prakasha text. Description of Firanga which is nature.
included as separate chapter under disease
treatment in texts Bhava Prakasha, therefore Subject matter
their period may be considered as same (Ayurveda Subject matter of the text is divided into 6
Prakasha, 2007). chapters which contain total 1693 verses.

The author compiled the subject matter 1st Chapter : Suta Sadhanadhyaya
from various classical texts like Rasa Ratna This chapter is dedicated for Parada
samucchaya, Rasa Paddhati, Rasa Ratnakara, (Mercury). Dosha, samskara, drugs (individual
Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, Rasa Hrdaya Tantra, and group with description), used in Parada
Rasa Chintamani, Sharangdhara Samhita, samskara, formulations required for (Vida, Satva,
Rasaraja Lakshmi, Harita Samhita, Bhava Bija grasa, Druti etc), Parada bandha,
Prakasha, Raja Nighantu, Rasa Manjiri, murcchana, Bhasma etc., methods of
Laghuyoga Tarangini, Yoga Tarangini, consumption of Mercury and its formulations,
Bhalukitantra, Vishnu purana, some un named Anupana, Pathya-Apathya (wholesome and
texts and given opinion of Acharya Nagarjuna, unwholesome diet), Rasajirna lakshana and its
Shri Narayana, Garut, Gauri, Devendra giri and treatment, Rasajirna Lakshana (in Dehavada and
Guru sampradaya. According to some scholars in Dhatuvada), Hemavati vidya (fabrication of
(Bhanuprakash, 1997; Ayurvediya Rasashastra, artificial gold from various minerals and Mercury)
2005; Ayurveda ka Vaigyanika Itihas, 2009) are mentioned.

Ayurveda Prakasha belongs to 17th century. Two classifications (3 and 5 types in each)
Hence its period is considered as circa 16-17th of sagandha murcchna and 5 types of Dhatu
century AD. There is no mentioning of Ayurveda Pishti are mentioned. Features of acceptable
Prakasha by P.C.Roy in his text History of Hindu Mercury, Bandhana, mrita suta and short, easy
Chemistry (Virupaksha Gupta K.L. et al., methods of Parada samskara are mentioned.
2011) Property of Dantagre Kachakachabhava (lack
of metallic sensation in the teeth) for properly
Author details and commentaries prepared mruta suta is explained. Different types
Ayurveda Prakasha was written by of Kupi, method of plastering of Kupi, Yantra
Shrimad Acharya Madhava Upadhyaya of (Assemblies). Sahasra vedhi Parada, description,
Sarasvata kula, a resident of Saurashtra. The types, examples and uses of vida, features of
author of this work is different from the author Tapta khalva, uses of various types of Abhraka,
of Madhava Nidana and other 21 Authors with features of Garbha druti are mentioned. Different
similar name. Another text “Pakavali” written types of khota, various effects of sequential
by Madhavopadhyaya is also available. Original Grasana on Parada and 26 types of bandha are
text was published by Acharya Yadavji Trikamji quoted by Author. Author explains Samukha
through Ayurvediya Granthamala. Later on this Jarana, 2 Types of Abhraka Jarana-
was edited with Hindi commentary by Vaidya Patrabhraka Jarana, and Abhraka Satva Jarana,
Somadeva Sharma, the Arthavidyotini and Artha features of Garbha Druti and uses of various
Prakashini Samskrit & Hindi commentaries types of Abhraka in this chapter.
respectively by Shri Gularaja Sharma Mishra
 Ayurveda Prakasha - A Text of Indian Alchemy 31

Distinctive features He opined that for Kshetrikarana snehana,

Author has given much importance on swedna, virechna and kitapatana should be done
Jarana and Bija Grasa in Parada for Dhatuvada in sequence and Rasa kalpa should be
as well as Dehavada, Kshetrikarana (pre- administered after consumption of Abhraka Satva
procedure of administration), Gandhaka Jarana, pradhana yoga for up to 6 months or 1 year and
and sequence of Jarana. Author quotes 2 after ensuring disease free for above stated
sequences of Jarana- for Dhatuvada- Author period. It is advised to consume Abhraka Bhasma
focused on compulsion of Gandhaka Jarana and for 1 month before kshetrikarana. Consumption
Abhraka Jarana. Four different types of Yantra of Hema Jirna Parada Bhasma in the dose of 1,
i.e. Valuka, Kacchapa, Kurma, Bhudhara Yantra 2, 3, 4 pala is said to increase the longevity of
etc are mentioned for Jarana. the author prohibits life respectively. He had focused on Yogavahi
the usage of mercury without processing with property of Parada. He mentioned Bida gutika
sulphur (Parada Gandhaka Jarana). He for Grasa and Jarana, Shambhavi Mudra for
permitted to use of mercury after eight samskara Rasa Marana and explained different benefits of
and murcchana with Gandhaka till disease cure formulations of Parada prepared with respective
(Short term use) only. For disease treatment proportions of Gandhaka for parad Jarana.
Author advised to use Shodhit, murcchit, Agnisthayeekarana of Parada is quoted as
Gandhajirna, Svarnadi Dhatujirna and mruta or necessary for jarana of Svarna and Rajata.
Amruta Parada (with double the quantity of He further opines that Antardhuma vipachit
Gandhaka). For Rasayana after Jarana with Parada if processed for Jarana, it becomes
Gandhaka it is advocated to subject Parada for Sahastravedhi and capable for Vedhana of Rajata,
Jarana along with Satva of Svarna, Abhraka etc Tamra and Abhraka. It is mentioned that after
Dhatu and then subject it to Marana. Nirgandha Murcchana samskara, Parada becomes devoid
Murcchana is said to cause complications. of 7 doshas. He has given optional methods of
processing and mentioned substitute drugs for
Duration of mercury administration is stated processing of mercury in their unavailability.
as 40 days, 6, 12, 36 months and for whole life Author has mentioned to wash Parada with Kanji
in the form of intermittent 40 days cycle. Suitable after each Samskara.
quantity of mercury for processing is explained.
three methods of Jarana is told. It is advised to It is mentioned that Bandhana process
take Gandhaka rather than Kajjali for Jarana. 3 increases threshold of Parada for heat. Grasana
types of Antardhuma method of Gandhaka of Rasavarga dravya in Parada is included under
Jarana are mentioned which are considered as Mardana samskara . Explanation of
Rasa Sindura. Author considered Jarana of Srushtyambuja is given and Laghuputa is also
Parada with Gandhaka (Antardhuma vipachana) mentioned for Bodhana samskara. While
as mandatory before using it in any formulation. mentioning features of acceptable Parada, it is
Murcchana and Jarana are said as synonymous. permitted to use Dhumra (Black along with Red)
Ariloha Marana for Grasa is accepted in and paripandura varni (Yellowish white) Parada
Lohavada. He accepted failure to prepare Druti rather than chitra or karbura varni (different
and difficulty in processes of Sarana, kramana, colours). Abhraka Satva Jarana is quoted as
and Jarana for preparation of kotivedhi Parada. best for pakshakartana of Parada.
Swedana in dolayantra is mentioned as a method
of Jarana. Author quoted 2 types of Parada It is emphasized to avoid Kachakitta for
Bhasma- Dhatuvada. It is mentioned that Druti of Bija in
(1) Urdhvaga- sindura, karpura Rasa Parada can be achieved easily with Amladrava,
(2) Tala Bhasma -6 different methods. tapya Satva and vyoma Satva.
32 Sharma et al.

Quantity for Grasa, different effects of 3 gunja respectively. The text describes benefits
sequential administration of Grasa on Parada, of consumption of Hema, Rajataa, Shulva,
importance of Abhraka, Loha, Tamra Jarana Tikshna Jarit Parada in increasing doses for
for Dhatuvada, different effects after Jarana of longevity. Features of Rasa Jirna, Rasa Ajirna
various Rasavarga dravya, importance of Tikshna and its treatment are mentioned. It is mentioned
Loha Jarana for preparation of Swarna, Four that Parada consumed by wrapping in betel leaf
types of Swarna Grasa as per quantity of grasa doesn’t causes Vidabandha which is treated with
are mentioned for preparation of Shatavedhi Kana and Amruta.
Parada and it is stated as an essential stage
before Sarana samskara. It is mentioned that ChurnaRatna churna yoga by Putapaka
Chatuha shashti Jirna Parada with Swarna method is distinct entity mentioned in the text.
becomes Dhumavedhi, Sparshavedhi, Chumbaka Loha is said to be useful for Parada
Avlokavedhi and Shabdavedhi. samajirna- karma.
Shatavedhi, dwiguna jirna- Sahastravedhi,
Ayutvedhi, Lakshavedhi and Kotivedhi 2nd Chapter : Gandhakadi Uparasa
respectively. Nyunajirna parada is used for sadhanadhyaya
patralepana (Dhatuvada). Author quoted different Detailed description of 20 Uparasa,
types of khota as per different classics, Bahya mishraka gana, Amla varga, Dravana varga,
Druti, Sarana and reference of Jarana for seven sneha varga, panchamrta, yantra, Bhavana, Puta,
times for preparation of kotivedhi Parada. Bhasma Pariksha are given. Six drugs under
Simultaneously the author accepted difficulty in Sadharana Rasa, 9 under Dhatu and 7 under
preparation of Sarana and Jarana too. Upadhatu explained in Rasa Dravya classification.
Fourteen formulations of sulphur are mentioned.
Different methods of preparation of Uses of Shukti as per its type, definition of Dhatu,
Jarana, Vedhana, Ranjan through Khota Bandha, description, vida dravya explained in detail.
definition of Bandha, and 26 types of bandha
are mentioned. Kshetrikarana and complications Distinctive features
of consumption of Parada (failure of deha Highest numbers of drugs among then
kramana) without preceding Kshetrikarana are available texts i.e. 20 are included under Uparasa.
mentioned. After Kshetrikarana it is mentioned Chumbaka is mentioned under Uparasa by this
to consume Parada which is Jarita with 1/4th author only. Gandhaka is considered as
part of Abhraka Satva, ½ part of kanta Loha Satvasvarupa and Sutendra viryaprada, Sutajita.
Bhasma and equal parts of Tikshna Loha Bhasma Kurmaputa vidhi is mentioned for Gandhaka
and then use Arota (shuddha Parada). For Shodhana (with ghrita, kanji as liquids for
Kshetrikarana it is stated to follow snehana (3 Dhalana apart from commonly used Godugdha).
days), Swedana, virechana and kitapatana in Bhrungaraja shodhita Gandhaka is said to be
sequence or to undergo at least virechana. comparatively much safer. Visha hara property
Agnisthayee Parada is mentioned as capable for and Gandhanashana vidhi of Gandhaka are
converting lower metals into Swarna and Rajata. mentioned. Duration of consumption Gandhaka
is mentioned as from 1 month - 6 month.
Mentioned method of consumption of Marana of Hingula is mentioned.
Parada kalpa, doses of Parada as 1 valla (2 or Total dose of Abhraka is mentioned as
3 ratti), animal dose- 12 masha and doses of 100 Pala. Marana of Abhraka with only one
Jirna Parada as per other texts as 1 gunja to 1 Puta and use of only Tankana for marana,
masha, and dose of Hema jirna, Rajata Jirna making Abhraka devoid of lustre by Dhalana
and Tamra Jirna Parada is quoted as 1, 2 and and peshana processes, criteria for selection of
 Ayurveda Prakasha - A Text of Indian Alchemy 33

Abhraka i.e. from depth of 1 purusha below the Distinctive features

earth surface, satvaprada character of Abhraka Type of Svarna derived by contact with
are contributions of the text. susukshmavta is Divyaaushadhi, Mani etc is found to be quoted.
specifically mentioned as examination criteria for It is mentioned that with the help of Gandhaka
Abharaka Bhasma. Haratala is mentioned as (etc Uparasa) usually Marana of all Dhatu
Rasayana, Stripushpaharaka and Visha hara. (Upadhatu) can be done. Three type of Rajata
Nirdhuma pariksha for Haratala Bhasma is are quoted. Mentioned different colour of Tamra
mentioned first time. Bhasma and accepted exception to the rule of
It is mentioned to consume Haratala in nischandratva in case of Parada marit Tamra
repeated cyclical manner. Author has mentioned Bhasma. Somamrut Loha Bhasma and suryatapi
Godanti type of haratala and order of bitterness LohaBhasma (Without direct incineration) are
of types of Haratala as quoted. Author mentioned doses of various Loha
Pinda>tabaki>Godanti>bugadadi Haratala (Dhatu, Upadhatu) along with common dose of
which are different from common trend in other Lauha. General rules for Putana (type of Puta),
texts. He had further quoted reference of Haratala methods of Marana of different Dhatu Upadhatu
Bhasma prepared from 441 Bhavana with varga dravya are stated together and common
different drugs as per Siddha tradition which process of Dhatu marana is mentioned. Author
has broad spectrum of applicability. has mentioned seven Loha dosha and collected
various common methods of Loha Shodhana.
“Surama” is named as synonym of Common sequence of Nirvapana in liquids for
Srotonjana. Common method of Shodhana and Shodhana is noted to be changed. Common
Satvapatana of Anjana are quoted. Four types method of nirutthikarana of Loha is mentioned.
of Bodarshrungam (Murdarshringi) with its
source as Gurjar mandala, is given and 4th chapter- Upadhatu Nirupanadhyayah
considered it as Satva of Sisaka. Four different Detail description of Svarnamakshika,
types of Chumbaka or Kanta Loha are mentioned. Simalamakshika, Tuttha, Bhunaga, Kamsya,
Vahnijara is termed as variety of Kshara and Pittala, Bharta loha (pancha Loha), Shilajita
said to be useful for Parada Jarana. Common and Chapala is given.
dose of various Dhatu, method of Somamruta
(Loha Bhasma) is mentioned. Distinctive features
Sisaka and Nagagarbha are termed by
Author elaborated controversy regarding author as synonyms of Sindura. Characteristics
Kankushtha and mentioned it as plant origin from of acceptable form of sindura and description of
Himachal pradesh and mentioned its two types Bharta (pancha Loha) are mentioned. Different
as Nalika and Renuka. Author quoted reference variety of Shilajatu produced naturally in Kshara
for importance of Agnisthayee Rasaka in bhumi are mentioned, it is included under
Dehavada and Dhatuvada. Oil is used for the Upadhatu and said to have characteristics of
Swedana for Manahshila Shodhana. Rasa, Uparasa, Ratna and Loha. It is advocated
to take Shilajatu having Lohaja Lakshana
3rd Chapter- Suvarnadi Dhatu Upadhatunam (Characteristics like Loha/Dhatu). Method of
utpatti nama lakshana Guna Shodhana Satvapatana and Marana of Shilajatu are
Marana pratipadanatmakam Adhyaya mentioned. Author appreciates use of vessels of
Dhatu Upadhatu utpatti, nama, lakshana, bronge (Kamsya) for meal and cooking whereas
guna, Shodhana, Marana is mentioned in this cooking of Ghrita in it is prohibited. Color of
chapter. svarnamakshika is said as Pancha varna, it is
said to use as substitute if Swarna and had almost
34 Sharma et al.

similar properties (in lesser potency) as that of administration, therapeutically useful in

Swarna along with other properties too due to Rasayanvada, Dhatuvada and Vishvada, in
various compositions. Variety of Shilajatu as diseases like- vatarakta, tridosha, unmada,
Soraka is quoted from Rasa Paddhati. After apsmara, sannipata, kushtha & moha and the
shodhana it is advocated to do dhupana of later one is stated as fatal on contact or even
shilajatu and it is said to be compatible with all with inhalation and not used as medicine or for
Anupana in all disease conditions. Rasayana treatment.
Use of Visha in Dhatuvada, Putana and
5th Chapter- Ratnopa Ratnanam Marana vidhi of Visha are contributions of the
Sadhanadhyaya text. In case of overdose of Visha and in Visha
Detail description of 9 Ratna (precious vega administration of borax (Tankana) with
stones) and 17 type of Uparatna (semi precious plenty of ghee (Ghrita) is mentioned.
stones) are found. Detail descriptions of It is written that if Parada is triturated
Hiraka(diamond) are found. along with upvisha it becomes chhinnapaksha
(reduced motility) and becomes mukhkara (i.e.
Distinctive features accepts Grasa of Dhatu very quickly) too.
New terminology in metrology i.e. Purusha, Taila patana vidhi of Visha with similar
kalanja and others for weighing Hiraka e.g. process as that of Satvapatana with kaancha
panasika, tandula, pinda etc, difference in yantra is contribution of the text which is said
between Mani and Ratna and definition of Ratna as useful in making Parada kshutkari and
is contribution of the text. Usefulness of Mani Mahaan by trituration along with. General anti-
(Ratna) in Bandhana of Parada and 8 different dotal formulations like- Visha vajrapata Rasa
sources of Mukta (pearls) are explained. and Lavanbhedi sudhanidhi Rasa are mentioned.
Comparatively elaborative description of Hiraka Kshara in powder form is indicated by
is found only in this text. Hiraka is said to be author for Pratisarana.
shadrasa and mrutyunjaya (overcomes death).
Different methods of examination of Hiraka, Discussion
Mukta are found in this text only. Reference of Author cursed to the hackers of intellectual
6 varieties of Shukti is contribution of the text. property which reflects probable efforts taken
5 types of Ratna, 8 types of Mani, 8 types of by him in verification of experimental outcomes.
pukharaja, saurashtrari satva and sasyak satva Author pledges and stresses that all experiments
are mentioned by author. written in the script are practically done by him;
the subject matter of the text himself listened
6th chapter-- Vishopa Visha Lakshana Jati from the teachers and purposefully excluded the
Guna seva pariharadhyayam failed, less useful, difficult experiments.
Pharmacognostical features of various Mentioned various easy methods of Swarna
Visha, their Place of collection, guna of Visha, Nirmana (Hemavati Vidya) too which are still
samanya and vishesh Visha Shodhana vidhi, not famous in the society. Some references
Pharmacotherapeutic dose and contraindications, quoted from other texts on prima facia looks like
method of preparation of Kshara are explained. hyperbolae which limits the above cited
declaration of the author.
Distinctive features
There are 18 types of Kanda Visha Although the book is in summarized form
mentioned in the text which are classified as per still there is more specificity in the processes
intensity into -Soumya Visha (8) and Ugra Visha and other subject matter and gathered text matter
(10), the prior one is stated as fatal after oral which is important for aspect of experimentation
 Ayurveda Prakasha - A Text of Indian Alchemy 35

and practical utility from other texts e.g. quoted Author had adopted easy, practically
Suddha Suta Lakshana as reduction to 1/8th after applicable methods only e.g. he suggests using
samskara, acquisition of semisolid nature of Loha churna in place of Patra for processing
Parada after Swedana Samskara, and opines to collect it with the help of chumbaka.
Dvandvamelaka Aushadhi, physical effects of As the author accepts scarcity of Kanta therefore
sequential increment in quantity of Grasa in he had mentioned Chumbaka in Uparasa
Parada, use of Kashaya of drugs mentioned for separately inspite of mentioning the prior one
mardana samskara of parada for Kanchuka under Dhatu varga. Alternative methods for
harana and Shodhana of Shilajatu with water, Parada Shodhana are found as Svedana,
detailed description of process of Shilajatu Mardana, urdhvapatana and patasarana or
Shodhana etc. washing with sour gruel or urdhvapatana if one
fails to do Ashta samskara, quoted Utthapana of
Author had given details of some Parada by washing with hot water too. Author
Alchemical processes and explored hidden rules had purposefully avoided Marana of precious
in ancient Indian Alchemy, pharmaceutics, Ratna and permitted to use their small pieces,
pharmacokinetics, toxicology and pharmaco particles generated during their shaping.
therapeutics. It contains important subject matter Mentioned method of Drutikarana of Loha,
of pharmaceutical technology engineering, Svarna, Rajata etc.
instrumentation, mineralogy, metallurgy useful in
Alchemy and therapeutics. There are 11 different types of Yantra
along with their subtypes explained in the text.
At the start of each chapter the reason for Author had discussed and cleared some
its order is quoted. Author had quoted various controversies in the subject and given explanations
Rasavarga by their popular names in society. too e.g. For removal of physical impurities in
shilajatu apply method of washing with water,
Parada Jarana and Samskara are explained then use common method of shodhana and for
in detail with practically applicable easy and gunotkarsha as per indication use of Bhavana
optional methods e.g. Swedana, Mardana along with Swarasa is advocated.
with Utthapana are given as optional methods
for Parada Ashta Samskara. Many references Processes in the book are well described
of Druti, Satva of individual drugs and their e.g. in 1st chapter while describing Garbha druti
processing are mentioned. Criteria of for preparation of Marita Bija, author clearly
classification of Rasa varga dravya is taken as mentioned methods of preparation of its
importance of drugs for their use in Parada ingredients i.e. Naga and Tapya Bhasma whose
karma and procedures on Rasavarga dravya. methods of preparation are elaborated in
subsequent chapters.
Various types of common procedures on
Rasavarga dravya i.e. Drutikarana of sarva Loha, According to the author, those who can
Ratna, Satva patana, Shodhana and Marana of demonstrate the use of mercury before the
Satva of many Rasa varga dravya, Shodhana of disciple alone are eligible to be preceptors, the
Sadharana Rasa, different method of Dhatu rest are frauds. This shows that Rasavidya was
Shodhana, Drutimelana etc. are mentioned. Dose, difficult to learn. No work other than this deals
duration of administration, wholesome and with the process of making gold in to foils.
unwholesome diet during consumption of Rasa Alchemy slowly lost its ground; there was
kalpa, is explained in detail. increased tendency to keep it confidential, the
therapeutic aspect alone survived even that was
36 Sharma et al.

confined to few Guru shishya parampara in the considered failures, complexities in experiments
country. and availability of the drugs, importance of the
subject matter in view of its practical utility. The
Present Scenario text if elaborated properly had potential to change
Today many ancient, recent scripts, many concepts of science in current practice. It
compilation scripts and academic text books on can be a useful consultative text for undergraduate
Indian alchemy written in different era modified and post graduate scholars of Rasashastra.
as per recent advances, need and availability of
drugs are available but very little part of it is in References
practice since more than 3 centuries. Every text 1. Ayurveda ka vaigyanika itihas: Sharma P.V.
Choukhamba orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Ed., 468
has some speciality and the same process is
(2009).
explained with various methods in different texts. 2. Ayurveda Prakasha: Gularaja Sharma Mishra.
This lag in practical utility of the knowledge of Chaukhamba Bharati Academy, Reprint edition,
ancient alchemy is one of the barriers in Varanasi, Reprint Ed., preface: 13 (2007).
understanding some aspects of subject. 3. Ayurveda Prakasha: commentary of Acharya
Gularaja Sharma Mishra, Chaukhamba Bharati
Academy, Varanasi. Ed. preface: 4-5 (2007).
Conclusion
4. Ayurvediya Rasashastra: Jha C.B. Choukhamba
Ayurveda Prakasha is an important text surbharathi Prakashan, Varanasi. 54 (2005).
on Ancient Indian Alchemy and therapeutics 5. Bhanuprakash: Use of metals in Ayurvedic
written after golden age of both the braches Medicine. Indian Journal of History of Science.
which were then well practiced. It is a vol 32: 1-28 (1997).
compilation text along with many important 6. Rasendra Sara Samgraha: preface and
commentary by Satyartha Prakasha Krishnadasa
creations and modifications of its own. The
Academy, Varanasi. 1st Ed. foreword : na: (1994).
subject matter of the text is focused on practical 7. Virupaksha Gupta K.L., Pallavi Gupta, Patgiri
applicability, ease in performance and alternative BJ: History of Hindu Chemistry is not a lost
methods of experimentation. Author had legacy, Ancient Science of Life. 30(3): 92-93 (2011).

Address for correspondence: Dr. Rohit Sharma, Department of RS & BK, IPGT & RA, Gujarat Ayurved
University, Jamnagar -361008 Gujarat (India) email [email protected]

UID 82-1332768257