Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

A REVIEW ONRAVANA SAMHITA WITH SPECIALREFERENCE TO ARKA KALPANA

Joshi DnyaneshSudhakarrao1, PatilAshwini Kumar2, Joshi MrudulaVinayak3
1
M. D. (Samhita), M. A. (Sanskrit), Ph.D. (Scholar), Assistant Professor
2
M. D. (Samhita), Assistant Professor, H.O.D. & Professor
3
M. D. (Samhita), Ph.D. (Samhita), B.A. &M. A. (Sanskrit),
P.G. Department OF Sanskrit Samhita Siddhanta.
Pad. Dr.D.Y.Patil college of Ayurved& research Centre, Pimpri, Pune Maharastra, India.

ABSTRACT
Ravana Samhita is one of the Indian critics dealing with various aspects of life.This text is
in the form of conversation between Ravana and his wife Mandodari.Apart .Apart from his negative
side Ravana was a great intellectual faculty. He obtained expertisein Astrology, Architecture,
Music, Yoga, Pulse diagnosis and Ancient medical sciences. In his text he mentioned 7th part as
‘Arkaprakash’,’, where he discussed the Arkakalpana and its therapeutic uses in detail.
In Arkaprakash,, various types of Arka(Distilled (Distilled extracts), its therapeutic use
and method of preparation are mentioned in detail than in any any other text of Ayurve-
da.Ravanastates thatArkakalpana
Arkakalpana is most potent and quick effective preparation. As per exper-
expe
tise of Ravana,, it is necessary to study Arkakalpana for its Pharmacotherapeutic utility in the
treatment field.
KEY WORDS: Ravana Samhita, Arkaprakash,
Ar Arkakalpana, Arka.

INTRODUCTION -
By studying a single scripture one Let’s have bird’s eye view on Ravana Sam-
does not know the conclusive essence of the hita.
same, hence the physician should try to un-u RAVANA SAMHIT
derstand the scripture after having know-
kno Author –
1
ledge of several disciplines. Exact author is not known as author has not
Importance of studying different text- text revealed his identity throughout the text.
1.Learner will gain contemporary know- kno This text is in the form of conversation be-
b
ledge. tween Ravanaand his wifeMandodari
Mandodari.
2. One will be exposed to different
differ areas of Period –
knowledge of the text. Exact period is not known.It is assumed that
3. Presentation of same subject with differ-
diffe Ravana Samhita is written in Treta Yuga.
ent point of view of the author. But on the basis of internal evidence -
As a result of this, one will get command on The definitions of Dravya,,Viryaand
Dravya their
the subject.. respective examples are given same
2
Hence, a different text other than classical as that of Charak Samhita. The types of
Ayurvedictext
text has been selected here. Aushadhiare
are also same as of Charak Samhi-
 Joshi Dnyaneshsudhakarraoet & All : A Review Onravana Samhita With Specialreference To Arka Kalpana
3
ta. Text is in the form of conversation that its period is near about same of Charak
as that of CharakSamhita. Samhita -2000 to 1000 B.C.
Considering above evidences it can be said MAERIALS AND METHODS
MATERIALS
Sr Name of Samhita Author /Editor Publication
no
1 Ravana Samhita Madhusudan Sharma, Ra- Manoj pocket books New Delhi
jiv Tiwari, Priyadarshsingh
2 Charak Samhita with VaidhyaYadavajiTrikamji ChaukambhaSurharatiPrakashana
Chakrapanicommentary Acharya Varanasi
3 Sushurut Samhita with VaidhyaYadavajiTrikamji ChaukambhaSurharatiPrakashana
Dalhnacommentary Acharya Varanasi
4 AshtangHaridaya with Dr.AnnaMoreshwarKunte ChaukambhaSurharatiPrakashana
Hemadri commentary Varanasi
A Manuscript of Ravan Samhita is available For internal criticism content of each part of
at BhandarkarInstitute SenapatiBapat road Ravan Samhita is observed and criticized.
Pune. 1. In first part the past life of Ravana is
In this present study, the above mentioned mentioned.
publication of Ravana Samhita have been 2. Second, third and fourth part is mostly
used. concerned with Astrology.
METHODS 3.Fourth part is related with Hypnotism.
METHOD FOR CRITICISM Here ancient method of hypnotism is given.
1 EXTERNALCRITICISM Various principles related to hypnotism are
2 INTERNAL CRITICISM given in this part.
EXTERNAL CRITICISM 4. Sixth part is concerned with practical as-
Structure of RavanaSamhita is studied for pects ofHypnotism.Practical method of
external criticism. Hypnotism is given.Mantra treatment for
Externally Ravana Samhita is divided in 7 various disorders are mentioned. This part is
part called as ‘KHANDA’. Subdivided in 19 parts called as ‘PATAL’. It
1 RavanajivanaVruttanta is in the form of conversation between
2 GrahaRashiPhaladesh Lord Shivaand goddess Parvati.
3 RashiNakshtraPhaladesh 5. Seventh part called as ‘Arkaprakash’ is
4 JatakKundaliPhaladesh the most important applied aspect of Ravana
5 UddishTantra Samhita.The conceptual part mostly coin-
6 KriyoddishTantra- It is divided in 19 sub cides with Ayurvedic basic principles.
parts called as ‘Patal’ Here varioustypes of Arka(Distilled ex-
7 Arkaprakash-It is divided in 10 sub parts tracts), its therapeutic use and methods of
called as ‘Shatak’ means the collection of preparation are mentioned in detail than any
100 verses. other text of Ayurveda.
Author has used ancient method of division. Ravana states that Arkakalpana is
INTERNAL CRITICISM the most potent and quick effective prepara-

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 Joshi Dnyaneshsudhakarraoet & All : A Review Onravana Samhita With Specialreference To Arka Kalpana

tion as compared to other Panchavidhaka-

Panchavidhak texts.2 Six Rasa (Tastes) with their proper-
prope
shayakalpana. Ravana says ys that this know-
kno ties are mentioned, out of which Kashay ra-
ledge of Arka was inherited to him by Lord sa is mentioned as Sukshmaand
Sukshma Vatavayad-
Shiva.4This part is sub divided in 10 part hihara.This
This opinion is exactly opposite to
called as ‘SHATAK’ as each SHATAK con- classical Ayurvedic refrence.5
tains collection of 100 verses. Five types of drug preparations are men-
me
First andSecond SHATAK - tioned – Kalka, Churna, Rasa, Taila andAr-
andA
Here the basic principles regarding Arka- ka.Out of which Churna,Taila and Arka are
kalpana are given.AsArkakalpana
Arkakalpana is based different.
on plant source here he has given 4 types of Taila means oils and Arkameans
Arka distilled
plant as explained in Charak sanhita3 .Then extracts which are obtained from drugs.
the applied aspects of plants are based on its Detailed method of Arka preparation is
Rasa, Virya, Vipakaso so Definitions of Rasa, given here. It is same as that of today’s frac-
fra
Virya, Vipaka are given which are exactly tional distillation method. Which can be
same as that of classical Ayurvedi
Ayurvedic- shown diagrammatically.

Considering time required to extract Arka 3 Gives the same taste as that of the sub-su
from a substance of medium hardness,Arkais
hardness, stance from which it is extracted.
6
categorized in 3 types. The process of converting unpleasant smel-
sme
1 Shrestha (Best quality) –Obtained
Obtained in 9 ling Arka in pleasant smelling by using
hours some pleasant smelling flowers is i given
2 Madhyam (Medium quality) -Obtained
- in here.
6 hours  Anupanaof Arka-8
3 Hina (Low quality) - Obtained in 3 hours After consuming Arka one can feel nausea
 Qualities of best Arka-7 so, common anupan for digestion of Arka is
1 White in color resembling to concha, told asTambula or Clove.
Moon. Ravanaclearly says that Taila(oils)
Taila are for
2 Remain same even if kept in other con-co external use and Arka are for internal use.
tainer means it does not react with the sub-
su Third SHATAK-
stance of container. In this part uses of single drug extracts are
given e.g.
162 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 1; January - 2015
 Joshi Dnyaneshsudhakarraoet & All : A Review Onravana Samhita With Specialreference To Arka Kalpana
Amalaki (Embilicaofficinalis)9- used in Ra-
katapitta, Prameha (diabetis)
Ardak (Zingibarofficinalis)10- used in Fever,
loss of appetite
Lakshmana11 - Infertility
Fourth SHATAK-
Here the use of combined or mixed drug ex-
tracts are given e.g.
TriphalaArka12–Prameha(Diabetes), skin
disorders,
TrikatuArka13- Heartdisease, obesity.
Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth
SHATAK-
Different Arka according to disorders are
explained.
Tenth SHATAK-
Here concepts regarding Rasashastraare ex-
plained. Shodhahan and Marana process of
Rasa aushaudhi are explained.
DISCUSSION
There are conceptual similarities as well as
differences in Ravana Samhita and Ayurve-
dictexts.Still utility of Ravana Samhita in
today’s era is of great benefit with respect to
Arkakalpana.
Practical utility of various Arkapreparations
as described in particular diseases can be
verified and proved by practioner or at insti-
tutional level.Now a days Arkacan be prepa-
redin dry, solidand liquid form are used in
practice.
CONCLUSION
Ravana Samhita is of great practical utility
in today’s era for different methods of prep-
arations of Arkain various disorders.
Now a days the Arkakalpana is used to in-
crease the potency of other preparations that
further results in reduction of dose.
163 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 1; January - 2015
REFERENCES
1. VaidhyaYadavajiTrikaji Acharya, Su-
shurut Samhita with Dalhnacommentary
Sutrasthana,chapter 4 ,citation no.7,
Reprint 2003 , ChaukambhaSurharati
Prakashana Varanasi, page no. 18.
2. Madhusudan Sharma, Rajiv Tiwari,
Priyadarshsingh ,Ravan SamhitaKhan-
da7 Chapter 1 citation no. 17, 23,
42,Manoj pocket books New Delhi page
no. 768 ,770 .
3. Vaidya Yadavaji Trikamji Acharya,
Charak Samhita with Chakrapani com-
mentary sutrasthanachapter 1 ,citation
no. 14 , , ChaukambhaSurharatiPraka-
shana Varanasi page no. 13.
4. Madhusudan Sharma, Rajiv Tiwari,
Priyadarshsingh ,Ravan SamhitaKhan-
da7 Chapter 1 citation no.71,Manoj
pocket books New Delhi page no.768.
Vaidya Yadavaji Trikamji Acharya,
Charak Samhita with Chakrapani com-
mentary sutrasthanachapter 1 ,citation
no.71, , ChaukambhaSurharatiPrakasha-
na Varanasi page no.20.
5. Madhusudan Sharma, Rajiv Tiwari,
Priyadarshsingh ,Ravan SamhitaKhanda
7 Chapter 1 citation no.46, 49, Manoj
pocket books New Delhi. Page no 771.
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Priyadarshsingh ,Ravan SamhitaKhanda
7 Chapter 1 citation no.75, Manoj pocket
books New Delhi page no.774.
 Joshi Dnyaneshsudhakarraoet & All : A Review Onravana Samhita With Specialreference To Arka Kalpana

9. Madhusudan Sharma, Rajiv Tiwari, 13. Madhusudan Sharma, Rajiv Tiwari,

Priyadarshsingh ,Ravan SamhitaKhanda
7 Chapter 1 citation no.88, Manoj pocket
books New Delhi page no.776.
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7 Chapter 3citation no.69, Manoj pocket
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CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Dr. Joshi Dnyanesh Sudhakarrao,
M. D. (Samhita), M. A. (Sanskrit),
Ph.D. (Scholar)Assistant Professor
Pad. Dr.D.Y.Patil college of Ayurved&
research Centre ,
Pimpri, Pune. Maharastra, India
Email –dnyaneshj9@gmail.com

164 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 1; January - 2015