Kavi Hasturich Aur Unki Vaidyak Krutiya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kavi Hasturich aur Unki Vaidyak Krutiya" by Rajendraprasad Bhatnagar:

This article, "Kavi Hasturich aur Unki Vaidyak Krutiya" (Poet Hastiruchi and His Medical Works) by Dr. Rajendraprasad Bhatnagar, highlights the significant contribution of the Jain scholar and physician, Hastiruchi, to the field of medicine.

Hastiruchi and his Significance:

Hastiruchi was a Shvetambara Jain ascetic from the Tapagaccha lineage, specifically the Ruchi branch. He referred to himself as a "Kavi" (poet).
His medical treatise, "Vaidyavallabha", holds a prominent position among medical texts composed by Jain scholars.
"Vaidyavallabha" was highly respected within the tradition of Jain ascetics and physicians of the post-medieval period.
The text had considerable circulation and popularity, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, regions that shared linguistic and cultural ties in ancient times.

Biographical Information on Hastiruchi:

Hastiruchi belonged to a distinguished lineage of ascetics. The text traces his guru tradition from Hiravijayasuri (who influenced Emperor Akbar) through Vijayasuri, Vijaydevsurisuri, Lakshmiruchi, Vijaykushal, and Udayaruchi.
Udayaruchi had twenty-seven accomplished disciples, and Hastiruchi was a disciple of Hitruchi, who was himself a disciple of Udayaruchi.
Hastiruchi is described as a profound scholar and a renowned physician.
His literary works include a Gujarati poem titled "Chitrasen Padmavati Ras", completed in Ahmedabad on Vijaya Dashami in Samvat 1717 (1660 CE).
While Mohanlal Dalichand Desai suggested his writing period as Samvat 1717 to 1739, a commentary on his work "Sadavashyak" from Samvat 1697 indicates his writing period likely extended from Samvat 1695 to 1740.
His exact place of origin is not definitively known, though some associate him with Marwar. However, evidence suggests he was a resident of Gujarat.

Medical Works of Hastiruchi:

Hastiruchi is credited with two significant medical works:

Vaidyavallabha:
- This treatise was originally composed in Sanskrit in verse. It is believed that Hastiruchi himself translated it into Gujarati.
- The Sanskrit original is dated Samvat 1726 (1669 CE), as indicated by a verse within the text.
- The colophons mention his lineage, confirming him as a disciple of Upadhyaya Shri Hitruchi.
- Structure and Content: "Vaidyavallabha" is divided into eight "Vilas" (chapters), each dealing with specific categories of diseases and their treatments:
  1. Treatment of all fevers (28 verses).
  2. Treatment of gynecological disorders (41 verses).
  3. Treatment of cough, consumption, grief, syphilis, wind-related ailments, scabies, eczema, bleeding disorders, etc. (30 verses).
  4. Treatment of dhatu (tissue) disorders, diabetes, urinary issues, penile enlargement, semen enhancement, polyuria, etc. (29 verses).
  5. Treatment of anal disorders (24 verses).
  6. Treatment of purgative-related ailments, leprosy, poisoning, abdominal tumors, indigestion, jaundice, ascites, etc. (26 verses).
  7. Treatment of headaches, ear pain, eye disorders, digestive issues, joint pain, blood disorders, muscle ailments, etc. (42 verses).
  8. Treatment related to preparation of medicines, pills, remaining diseases, severe fevers, hiccups, knee pain, etc. (40 verses).
- Emphasis on Practicality: The text systematically presents effective, simple, and unique remedies. Phrases like "Prokto ayam Kavi Hastina" (This is stated by Poet Hasti) suggest that the remedies were based on Hastiruchi's personal experience and observations.
- Specific Treatments Mentioned:
  - Leukorrhea in women is referred to as "striyon ka dhaturog."
  - It includes remedies for societal and familial needs, such as a fumigation technique for the vagina.
  - Penile enhancement remedies are provided.
  - Notable aphrodisiacs include "Madhanvriddhipak" and "Magdhipak" (a methi-based preparation).
  - Medicinal plants like Vijaya (cannabis), Ahifen (opium), and Akarakar are mentioned.
  - "Linglep" and "Kameshwar Gutika" are preparations involving opium, nutmeg, and mace.
  - A "Nagbhasma Vidhi" (method for preparing calcined snake-ash) is also included.
  - "Vajrabhediras" for abdominal ailments, though it primarily consists of herbal remedies rather than complex rasa (mercury) preparations.
  - Examples of "rasa" (mercury) preparations include "Sarvakushtharurasa" and "Ichchhabhedorasa."
  - Specific remedies for various ailments are highlighted, including treatments for fevers, infertility, abortion prevention, womb growth, abortion induction, contraception, cough, respiratory issues, tuberculosis, bleeding disorders, infertility, polyuria, penile disorders, piles, and swellings due to Marking Nut.
- Popularity and Commentary: "Vaidyavallabha" quickly gained popularity. Within three years of its composition (Samvat 1729), a scholar named Meghabhatta wrote a Sanskrit commentary on it. Meghabhatta was a Shaiva ascetic whose lineage is also detailed. Besides the Sanskrit commentary, "stanzas" and "discussions" in Hindi, Rajasthani, and Gujarati were also written for this work.
Vandhyakalpchaupai:
- This work is mentioned in the "Khoj-Vivaran" of the Nagari Pracharini Sabha.
- The final lines of this work suggest it might be a collaborative effort or attributed to someone else, as it mentions "Kahi Kavi Hasti Hari no Das."

Conclusion:

The article concludes by emphasizing that Hastiruchi was a distinguished figure within the tradition of Jain ascetic-monks, making a significant contribution to the field of Ayurveda. His work, "Vaidyavallabha," stands as a testament to his medical knowledge and commitment to serving humanity through effective remedies.