Ayurved Ko Jain Santo Ki Den

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First page of Ayurved Ko Jain Santo Ki Den

Summary

This document is an excerpt from the book "Ayurved ko Jain Santo ki Den" (Ayurveda's Contribution by Jain Saints), authored by Tejsinh Gaud, and published as part of the Z_Deshbhushanji_Maharaj_Abhinandan_Granth. The text focuses on highlighting the significant contributions of Jain monks and scholars to the field of Ayurveda.

The author begins by stating that Jain saints have written extensively on various subjects, including Ayurveda. While a vast body of Ayurvedic literature by Jain saints exists, it's difficult to pinpoint the very first work and its author. The text notes that even the Agam Granth (Jain scriptures) contain ample material related to Ayurveda. The essay, however, focuses specifically on saints who authored independent Ayurvedic texts.

The document then proceeds to detail the contributions of various Jain scholars and their works:

  • Samantabhadra: Mentioned as preceding Pujyapada, he authored "Siddhanta Rasayan Kalpa," an eighteen-thousand-verse treatise on medicine, of which only two to three thousand verses are available. This work uses specific terminology and requires understanding Jain traditions for interpretation. He also wrote "Pushpayurved," unique in that it details medicinal uses of eighteen thousand types of flowers (without pollen).

  • Pujyapada Devanandi: Known for his expertise in various chemical preparations, Yoga Shastra, and medical practices, including surgery (Shalya) and treatments of the ear, nose, and throat (Shalakya). He is credited with writing "Vaidyasara."

  • Shri Gummat Devamuni: Authored the medical text "Merutantra" and respectfully remembers Pujyapada at the end of each chapter.

  • Siddha Nagarjuna: Pujyapada's nephew, who created "Nagarjuna Kalpa" and "Nagarjuna ka Put." He also developed a gold-making gem, "Basera Gutika."

  • Ugradityacharya: His work "Kalyanakaraka," written in V.S. 271 (815 CE), is a comprehensive Ayurvedic text with 25 chapters, an appendix on auspicious and inauspicious times ("Arishtadhyaya" and "Hitadhyaya"). This text argues against the use of meat in medicine, a point he presented in the court of King Nruptunga Vallabhendra. The book discusses diseases, patients, and physicians in detail and is available in print.

  • Mahakavi Dhananjaya: Living around V.S. 660, he wrote "Dhananjaya Nighantu" (also called "Namamala"), a medical lexicon. His other work, "Vishapahar Stotra," is said to have been composed to cure snake venom after his son was bitten.

  • Somadeva Suri: While not writing independent Ayurvedic texts, his work "Yashastilaka" contains significant Ayurvedic material, showcasing his knowledge, especially in botany. He belonged to the 10th century.

  • Kirtivarman: Son of Chalukya King Trailokyamalla (reigned 1044-1068 CE), his work "Govandya," which discusses veterinary medicine, is available.

  • Kavi Mangaraaja: Author of "Khagendramani Darpan," a treatise on toxicology. Born in Mugulipura (present-day Mysore), he held titles like Ubhay Kaveesh, Kavipadhbhaskar, and Sahitya Vaidyavidyanidhi. According to R. Narasimhacharya, he lived in 1360 CE. The "Khagendramani Darpan" has sixteen sections, which the author states are symbolic of the sixteen bhavanas (contemplations) related to the meritorious karma of Tirthankaras. It is considered an important Kannada text for treating poison.

  • Ashadhara: A highly learned and prolific scholar of the Digambara Jain tradition, he excelled in various subjects including law, grammar, poetry, rhetoric, yoga, and medicine. Although his biography is well-documented, the text mentions his commentary on Vagbhata's "Ashtanga Hriday" titled "Udyotini" or "Ashtangahridayadyotini." This commentary, though now lost, is considered significant for the study of "Ashtanga Hriday." The text quotes a poetic mention of this work from a "Granth Prashasti."

  • Harshakirti: Disciple of Chandrakirti of the Nagpuria Tapagachha, his disciples included Manchakirti. He authored "Yoga Chintamani" and "Vyadhinigrah," both of which are published and useful for medical treatment, incorporating novel formulations. The text also notes his Guru's name as Chandrakirti.

  • Devendramuni: His work focuses on the treatment of childhood ailments caused by demonic influences ("Balgrah Chikitsa"). The text is mostly in prose form and dates to around 1200 CE. Little else is known about him.

  • Shri Hastiruchi: Disciple of Hitruchi, who was the disciple of Prajnodayaruchi of the Tapagachha. He wrote "Vaidya Vallabha" in 1670 CE. Acharya Sharma notes that this work has eight chapters and contains experiential "yoga" (formulations), suggesting the author's practical knowledge. It includes formulations for abortion and contraception, treatment of leucorrhea ("Dhaturog"), mentions of "Sora" (as Suryakshar), "Vijaya," "Ahiphen" (poppy), and "Akarakar." It also details remedies for poisons of Ahiphen, Somal (Arsenic), Raktika, Dhattura, and a paste for foot ulcers made of wax, resin, soap, and butter. The text mentions that Hastiruchi might have been a contemporary of Murad Shah, Aurangzeb's brother, who died in 1661 CE, as a "Vati" named after him is included. The manuscript from Pune suggests he was a disciple of Mahopadhyaya Hitachinigani and belonged to the Tapagachha, with the creation date being 1726 VS (1603 CE). The author points out that Acharya Priyavrat Sharma incorrectly refers to Tapagachha as a place rather than a sect of Svetambara Jains. Hastiruchi's contribution to Ayurveda is considered significant.

  • Veersingh Dev: Mentioned in the "Veersingh Jain Granthavali" for his work "Veersinghavalok." Dr. Harishchandra Jain places him in the 13th century CE and highlights his work on the importance of astrology in medicine.

  • Nayan Sukh: Credited with several medical works: "Vaidya Manotsav," "Santannidhi," "Sannipat Kalika," and "Malotara Ras." "Vaidya Manotsav" is a poetic work in Doha, Soratha, and Chaupai meters, completed in V.S. 1641 and finished in V.S. 1646 in the reign of Akbar.

  • Kavivar Malukchandra: Authored "Vaidya Hulas" or "Tibb-Sahaabi," a Hindi verse translation of Lukman Hakim's "Tibb-Sahaabi." The translator identifies himself in the work. His time is estimated around the 16th century, possibly residing near Bikaner and associated with the Kharatargachha.

  • Kavivar Ramchandra: Two medical works are attributed to him: "Ram Vinod" and "Vaidya Vinod," both in Hindi. "Ram Vinod" was completed in V.S. 1720 during Aurangzeb's reign. It is divided into seven sections with 1981 verses. "Vaidya Vinod" was composed in V.S. 1726. He was a Kharatargachhiya monk whose guru was Padmaranga Gani, and his period is V.S. 1720-50. Three other medical works are mentioned: "Nado Pariksha," "Maan Pariman," and "Samudik Bhasha."

  • Kavivar Lakshmivallabh: His work "Kalagyan" is a verse translation of Vaidya Shambhunath's work, revealing his profound knowledge of medicine. The text was composed in V.S. 1741. His birth is estimated between V.S. 1660-1703, and he was initiated around V.S. 1707. Most of his works were written between V.S. 1720-50, totaling over fifty creations.

  • Kavivar Maan: A disciple of Bhattarak Jinchandra and Bavak Sumati Sumer of the Kharatargachha, he resided in Bikaner. His two famous works are "Kavi Vinod" and "Kavi Pramod." "Vaidyak Sar Sangrah" is also attributed to him. "Kavi Vinod" was composed in V.S. 1741, and "Kavi Pramod" in Lahore in V.S. 1745.

  • Samarth: Author of "Rasamanjari," composed in V.S. 1764. A manuscript exists in Agarchand Nahata's collection, though it is incomplete. The work is said to have ten chapters.

  • Manimegh: His work "Meghvinod" is highly significant from an Ayurvedic perspective. It was created on Phalgun Shukla 13, V.S. 15, in Phagwara Nagar. Manimegh Vijay was a monk whose residence was in Phagwara Nagar.

  • Yati Gangaram: He wrote the medical text "Lolimbraj," which appears to be a Hindi translation of the Sanskrit work of the same name, also known as "Vaidya Jivan." It was composed in V.S. 1872. His second work, "Saratprakash" (also called "Bhava-Deepak"), was composed in V.S. 1883 and includes many "yoga" for treating various diseases. His third work, "Bhava-Nidan," is important for Ayurvedic diagnostic methods and was composed in V.S. 1888.

  • Shri Yashkirti: A disciple of Vimalkirti, who was the disciple of Ramkirti of the Bagad Sangh. He wrote "Jagat Sundari Prayogmala," a medical text in Prakrit with 42 chapters, containing information on medicinal formulas, spells, enchantments, and birth mantras, akin to an encyclopedia.

  • Shri Hasraj Muni: A disciple of Vardhaman Suri of the Kharatargachha, he lived in the 17th century. His medical work "Bhisak Chakchittotsav," also known as "Hasraj Nidan," begins with salutations to Shri Parshwanath, Saraswati, and Dhanvantari. The work has been published.

The document also lists other notable scholars who contributed to Ayurveda, including Vinayamerugani, Ramlal Mahopadhyaya, Deepakchandra Vacak, Mahendra Jain, Jinsamudrasuri, Jogidas ChainSukh Yati, Pitamber, Gnansagar, Lakshmichand Jain, Vishram, Jinvais Vaidya, Dharmasi, Narayan Shekhar Jainacharya, Gunakar, and Jayaratna.

The author concludes by emphasizing that further research could uncover much more material on this subject and encourages scholars to undertake such efforts.