Harit Kyadi Nighant

The provided text is a comprehensive Jain treatise titled "Harit Kyadi Nighantu" (also referred to as "Haritkyadi Nighant" and "Haritkyadinighanta"). It is a lexicon of medicinal plants, minerals, and other substances, along with their properties and uses, presented in a systematic and detailed manner. The work is a translation and commentary of an earlier text.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Publisher Information:

• The book is titled "Harit Kyadi Nighant" (हरीतक्यादिनिघंट).
• Authors are identified as Rangilal Pandit and Jagannath Shastri.
• Publisher is Hariprasad Bhagirath Gaudvanshiya.
• The publication details indicate it was printed in Mumbai at the "Nirnay Sagar" press in the year 1948 (Samvat) which corresponds to 1813 (Shak).
• A "Vijnapti" ( विज्ञप्ति - notice/advertisement) highlights the book's excellence among all Nighantus, emphasizing its importance for physicians needing accurate knowledge of various medicinal substances in the vernacular. It stresses the detailed research into the origin, properties, and characteristics of many medicinal items. The publisher, Hari Prasad Bhagirath, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to publish this work and seeks constructive feedback from scholars for any minor errors.

2. Table of Contents (Anukramanika - अनुक्रमणिका):

• The table of contents is extensive, listing numerous categories and specific items covered in the text. It suggests a vast scope, covering:
  • Groups of Herbs and Plants (Vargas): Haritakyadi Varga, Karpuradi Varga, Guduchiyadi Varga, Dhatu Padhatu Rasoprasa Ratnopratna Vishopavish Varga, Dhanya Varga, Shak Varga, Mansa Varga, Dugdhadi Dadhhi Tak Ghrut Mutra Varga, Tail Sandhan Madya Madhu Ikshu Varga, Anekarthi Nam Varga.
  • Specific Substances: This includes a wide array of plant-based remedies (like Haritaki, Yavani, Ajmoda, Dhanyak, Shatapushpa, Methika, Hing, Vach, etc.), minerals and metals (like Swarna, Rupya, Tamra, Loha, etc.), processed substances (like Rasas, Up rasas), gemstones (Ratan), poisons (Vish), and even animal products (milk, curd, ghee, urine, meat, eggs).
  • Detailed Listings: The table of contents itself spans many pages, indicating a highly detailed classification of substances.

3. Core Content - Botanical and Medicinal Information:

• The text delves into specific medicinal substances, detailing their names, origins, physical characteristics (color, shape, texture), taste, potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka), and therapeutic actions (gunas).
• It often provides multiple synonyms for each substance, which is characteristic of Nighantu literature.
• Example (Pages 18-29): The initial sections focus on the Haritakyadi Varga, starting with Haritaki (Harad). It discusses its origin (from nectar dropped by Indra), its numerous names (Abhaya, Pathya, etc.), its seven main types, and their distinguishing features. It then details the properties and uses of various ingredients like Shunthi (ginger), Maricha (black pepper), Pippali (long pepper), and Trikatu (a combination of Shunthi, Pippali, and Maricha).

4. Structure and Scope:

• The book is organized into thematic "Vargas" (वर्ग - classes or sections), such as:
  • Haritakyadi Varga (Group of Haritaki): Focusing on common medicinal fruits and herbs.
  • Karpuraadi Varga (Group of Camphor): Covering aromatic substances, perfumes, and spices.
  • Guduchiyadi Varga (Group of Guduchi): Dealing with herbs known for their restorative properties.
  • Dhatu Padhatu Rasoprasa Ratnopratna Vishopavish Varga (Metals, Sub-metals, Essences, Gems, etc.): A detailed section on minerals, metals, processed substances, and poisons.
  • Dhanya Varga (Grains): Classification of various cereals.
  • Shak Varga (Vegetables): Information on edible greens and vegetables.
  • Mansa Varga (Meats): Properties of different types of meats.
  • Dugdhadhi Varga (Milk Products): Covering milk, curd, butter, ghee, etc.
  • Taila Sandhana Madhya Madhu Ikshu Varga (Oils, Fermented drinks, Honey, Sugarcane): This section covers oils, alcoholic beverages, honey, and sugarcane products.
  • Anekarthi Nam Varga (Words with Multiple Meanings): A section dedicated to homonyms and synonyms, essential for a lexicon.

5. Language and Commentary:

• The original text is likely in Sanskrit (as indicated by the transliteration of Sanskrit terms).
• The book provides a vernacular translation and commentary, identified as "Bhasha Tika Sah" (भाषाटीकासहित - with vernacular commentary). The primary vernacular used in the commentary appears to be Brajbhasha or a related Hindi dialect.

Overall Purpose:

The "Harit Kyadi Nighantu" serves as an invaluable reference for Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine practitioners. Its meticulous organization and comprehensive descriptions of medicinal substances are aimed at providing clear and accurate knowledge, making it a foundational text for understanding materia medica in the Jain tradition and broader Indian medical systems. The emphasis on providing information in the vernacular makes it accessible to a wider audience of healers and students.