GUIDELINES IN UNDERSTANDING

CHARAKA PURVARDHA

ADVAITA BATCH
 CHAPTERS NAMES- SUTRA STHANA

1. Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya
2. Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya
3. Aragvadhiya Adhyaya
4. Shadvirechanashatashritiya Adhyaya
5. Matrashiteeya Adhyaya
6. Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya
7. Naveganadharaniya Adhyaya
8. Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya
9. Khuddakachatushpada Adhyaya
10.Mahachatushpada Adhyaya
11.Tistraishaniya Adhyaya
12.Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya
13.Snehadhyaya
14.Swedadhyaya
15.Upakalpaniya Adhyaya
 Chikitsaprabhritiya Adhyaya
Kiyanta Shiraseeya Adhyaya
Trishothiya Adhyaya
1. Ashtodariya Adhyaya
2. Maharoga Adhyaya
3. Ashtauninditiya Adhyaya
4. Langhanabrimhaniya Adhyaya
5. Santarpaniya Adhyaya
6. Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya
7. Yajjah Purushiya Adhyaya
8. Atreyabhadrakapyiya Adhyaya
9. Annapanavidhi Adhyaya
10. Vividhashitapitiya Adhyaya
11. Dashapranayataneeya Adhyaya
12. Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya
Section II  Nidana Sthana

1. Jwara Nidana
2. Raktapitta Nidana
3. Gulma Nidana
4. Prameha Nidana
5. Kushtha Nidana
6. Shosha Nidana
7. Unmada Nidana
8. Apasmara Nidana
Section III  Vimana Sthana

1. Rasa Vimana
2. Trividhakukshiya Vimana
3. Janapadodhvansaniya Vimana
4. Trividha Roga Vishesha Vijnaniya Vimana
5. Sroto Vimana
6. Roganika Vimana
7. Vyadhita Rupiya Vimana
8. Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana
Section IV  Sharira Sthana

1. Katidhapurusha Sharira
2. Atulyagotriya Sharira
3. Khuddika Garbhavakranti Sharira
4. Mahatigarbhavakranti Sharira
5. Purusha Vichaya Sharira
6. Sharira Vichaya Sharira
7. Sankhya Sharira
8. Jatisutriya Sharira
 Section V  Indriya Sthana

1. Varnasvariyamindriyam Adhyaya
2. Pushpitakamindriyam Adhyaya
3. Parimarshaneeyamindriyam Adhyaya
4. Indriyaneeka
5. Purvarupeeya
6. Kathamanasharireeya
7. Pannarupiya
8. Avakshiraseeya
9. Yasyashyavanimitta
10. Sadyomaraneeya
11. Anujyoti
12. Gomayachurniya
 1.DEERGHANJIVITEEYA ADHYAYA

The 1st chapter Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya, explains important

concepts such as Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), Rasa(taste), Shad
padartha siddhanta (six basic principles), etc. which are integral to
Ayurveda and used extensively throughout Charak Samhita. Besides
these technical terms, the first chapter describes various medicines,
like Phalini Dravya (therapeutically useful fruits as drugs), Moolini
Dravya(therapeutically useful roots as drugs), Mahasneha (four kinds
of fats), Lavana(salts), various types of mutra(urine) and
ksheera(milk). The chapter emphasizes on the rational use of
medications, since indiscriminate use of even good medicines can
cause more harm than good. The chapter then goes on to explain the
important concept of Trisutra (three principles of Ayurveda) i.e. hetu
(causes), linga(signs and symptoms) and aushadha (medicine).
 2.APAMARGA TANDULIYA ADHYAYA

The 2nd chapter (Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya) deals specifically

with herbs and medicines to be used during and after Panchakarma
 (five methods of bio-purification). Thus, the first two chapters of this
tetrad describe various medicines to be used internally.
 3. ARAGVADHIYA ADHYAYA

The 3rd chapter (Aragvadhiya Adhyaya) advocates the use of

topical medications, or medicines to be applied externally,
i.e.,lepa etc.
 4.SHADVIRECHANASHATASHRITIYA ADHYAYA

The 4th chapter (Shadvirechanashatashritiya Adhyaya) provides

details of fifty Mahakashaya(or five classes of groups of ten
medicines, and six hundred evacuatives) to be used in various
diseases. Overall, this Chatushka provides a list of drugs to be used in
various forms in a variety of diseases.
   5.MATRASHITEEYA ADHYAYA

The 5th chapter of this tetrad, Matrashiteeya, deals with the daily

regimen to be followed by healthy individuals to maintain their health
 6.TASYASHITEEYA ADHYAYA

The 6th chapter, Tasyashiteeya, recommends changes one

should make in his/her daily habits and lifestyle i.e. clothing,
food habits, exercise etc., depending upon the season, to stay
healthy.
 7.NAVEGANADHARANIYA ADHYAYA

The 7th chapter, Naveganadharaniya, explains the importance of

suppressible and non-suppressible urges in the human body, diseases
due to non-suppressible urges and their treatment.
8.INDRIYOPAKRAMANIYA ADHYAYA

Indriyopakramaniya, the 8th chapter, deals

with sadvritta (general code of conduct). Besides maintaining
his own health, sadvritta also helps the individual in
maintaining healthy relations with other individuals, thus
helping maintain harmony in the society at large.
  9.KHUDDAKACHATUSHPADA ADHYAYA

The 9th chapter Khuddakachatushpada, deals with four aspects

of therapeutics)
- vaidya (physician), dravya (medicine), upasthata (nurse)
and rogi(patient). Four qualities of each of these aspects and
prime importance of the physician among all of them.
 10.MAHACHATUSHPADA ADHYAYA

The 10th chapter, Mahachatushpada, explains the classification

of diseases on the basis of prognosis. It is recommended in this
chapter that the treatment should only be initiated after
thorough diagnosis and identification of the disease, and the
physician should refrain himself from treating the incurable
diseases
 11.TISTRAISHANIYA ADHYAYA

The 11th chapter, (Tistraishaniya) deals with topics such as the three
types of desires, strength, causes of diseases, diseases themselves,
paths, physicians, and therapies.
 12.VATAKALAKALIYA ADHYAYA

The 12th chapter , (Vatakalakaliya) deals with the good and bad
qualities/functions of vata, pitta, and kapha. A physician should have
a thorough knowledge of the guidelines provided in this tetrad to
succeed in his field.
   13.SNEHADHYAYA ADHYAYA

The 13th chapter, Snehadhyaya, provides the guidelines for

proper use of sneha(lipids) either for shodhana or
for shamana (to appease/palliation) purposes. A patient who
has successfully completed the snehana procedure is now
subjected to swedana procedure.
 14.SWEDADHYAYA ADHYAYA

The 14th chapter, Swedadhyaya, explains the various types

of swedana(fomentation) recommended for various
diseases. Snehana and swedana help the toxins to move towards
the gut from where they will be expelled out of the body either
through vamana(therapeutic emesis) or virechana(therapeutic
purgation).
 15.UPAKALPANIYA ADHYAYA

• The next chapter, 15th Upakalpaniya, emphasizes on how

a physician should be well equipped before administering
any shodhana procedure to any of the patients. This
chapter provides the outline for a fully equipped hospital
and standard vamana and virechana procedures.
16.CHIKITSAPRABHRITIYA ADHYAYA

• The 16th chapter of this tetrad, Chikitsaprabhritiya,

depicts the importance
of shodhana over shamana therapy. The details of
properly / improperly administered shodhana procedures
are discussed here. Important concepts like shuddha
chikitsa (pure form of
treatment)and svabhavoparamavada(theory of natural
destruction) etc. have also been described in this chapter.
 17.KIYANTA SHIRASEEYA ADHYAYA

• The 17th chapter Kiyanta Shiraseeya, provides the details

of diseases like shiroroga(diseases of the
head), hridroga(cardiac diseases), eighteen types
of kshaya(loss of body tissues), vidradhi (abscess)
and madhumeha(a clinical condition similar to diabetes
mellitus).
 18.TRISHOTHIYA ADHYAYA

• The 18th chapter, Trishothiya, elucidates various types of

edema.
   19.ASHTODARIYA ADHYAYA

• The 19th chapter, Ashtodariya, reveals the types of about

48 diseases that are caused by a combination of doshas.
 20.MAHAROGA ADHYAYA

• The 20th chapter, Maharoga, is exclusively dedicated to

the diseases caused by single doshas(vata, pitta,
or kapha).
  21.ASHTAUNINDITIYA ADHYAYA

• The 21st chapter of this tetrad, Ashtauninditiya, describes

eight types of people who are marginalized (or ridiculed)
in the society due to their physical features. Out of these
eight, only two i.e. atisthoola (morbidly obese)
and atikrisha (emaciated) are described in detail because
of their clinical significance along with their
symptomatology and treatment.
 22.LANGHANABRIMHANIYA ADHYAYA

• The 22nd chapter, Langhanabrimhaniya, describes six types of

treatment i.e. langhana(fasting), brimhana(nourishing
therapy), snehana, svedana, rukshana(medical treatment for
reducing fat) and stambhana(astringent therapy) – primarily
for managing atisthoola or atikrisha conditions, but also
indicated for various other conditions described later in the
Samhita. Out of these six, mainly two therapies
i.e. langhana and brimhana have been described in greater
detail.
 23.SANTARPANIYA ADHYAYA

• The 23rd chapter, Santarpaniya, deals with diseases

caused due to over-nourishment or under-nourishment
along with their treatment.
  24.VIDHISHONITIYA ADHYAYA

• The last chapter of this 24th chapter, Vidhishonitiya, deals

with diseases that are not cured by any of the above-
mentioned therapies and termed as diseases due to
vitiation of rakta (blood). Such diseases, along with their
etiology, symptomatology and treatment have been
described in this chapter. Overall this tetrad deals with all
types of treatment modalities that find extensive
reference across the Samhita.
 25.YAJJAH PURUSHIYA ADHYAYA

• The 25th chapter, Yajjah Purushiya, brings forth the

important perspective of the origin of human beings and
the origin of diseases. This chapter also describes 155
entities (Agrya,or entities considered best in their
category of drugs, food articles, bio-purification
procedures, etc.)that are important for healthy as well as
diseased individuals.
26.ATREYABHADRAKAPYIYA
 

ADHYAYA

• The 26th chapter Atreyabhadrakapyiya, describes in

detail the concept of Ayurvedic pharmacology in the form
of rasa (taste), veerya(drug potency), and vipaka(final
conversion of food/drug after the action
of jatharagni(digestive power) and prabhava(specific
action of a drug). This chapter also throws light on the
important concept of viruddha ahara(incompatible diet)
which seems to be the primary cause of many diseases
even today.
27.ANNAPANAVIDHI ADHYAYA

• The 27th chapter, Annapanavidhi Adhyaya, provides

details of Ayurvedic dietetics. This chapter details a wide
variety of food and beverages, along with their medicinal
values.
28.VIVIDHASHITAPITIYA ADHYAYA

• The 28th chapter, Vividhashitapitiya, deals with important

concepts such as formation of body tissues from the diet
consumed, immunity and immune-compromised
individuals, diseases originated from various body
tissues, and migration of dosha from shakha(periphery or
the tissue elements) to koshtha(central part of the body or
alimentary tract)and vice versa.
29.DASHAPRANAYATANEEYA ADHYAYA

• The 29 chapter, Dashapranayataneeya, deals with the ten

locations in the human body where Prana(life) resides.
Besides this important concept, the chapter also details
the attributes of a pranabhisaravaidya(a physician who
protects the life) and a rogabhisaravaidya (a physician
who aggravates the disease and takes away the life of the
patient).
30.ARTHEDASHMAHAMOOLIYA
ADHYAYA

The 30th chapter, Arthedashmahamooliya, deals with a

variety of subjects such as the importance of Arth (hridaya-
heart), ten major blood vessels or channels from the heart,
the definition of ayu (combination of four entities i.e. body,
mind, soul and senses) and its four types, Ayurveda, the aim
of Ayurvedic science,and its method of study etc.
• Nidana Sthana, the second section within Charak Samhita,
is about guidelines for diagnosing disease on the basis of
detailed history and clinical examination. The word Nidana
literally means primary cause and diagnosis.[2] The five
methods to know a disease viz. hetu (causative factors), 
purvarupa (premonitory signs and symptoms), rupa
 (clinical features),upashaya (pacifying factors) and 
samprapti (etio-pathogenesis).The comprehensive study
guides a physician to diagnose and treat disease with
minimal use of laboratory, imaging and other tools.

NIDHANA STHANA
IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF KNOWLEDGE OF
DISEASE
• Nidana section studies diagnostic principles in view of two
important aspects like knowledge of roga (disease) and
rugna (patient). It always considers interaction between the
individual and the affecting pathological entities. It also
considers the prognosis and inter-relation of different
diseases or co-morbid conditions.
Knowledge of the individual
Before knowing disease, one need to know the self-healing capacity of the human
being. This depends upon equilibrium of five components of health, namely dosha
 (regulatory functional factors of body and mind) , agni (digestive and metabolic
capacity), dhatu (body tissues), mala (metabolic waste products) and psycho-spiritual
state.
Health is a state of equilibrium, whereas disease is a state of dis-equilibrium of any of
these factors.
According to swabhavoparam vada, the resolution / destruction of the existing always
happen naturally in the course of time. So the nature itself heals disequilibrium.
(Cha.Su.16/27) This aspect of host defence mechanism is important to be assessed for
knowing natural healing capacity of an individual.
In the fourth chapter,Prameha Nidana, the process of onset of disease through
interaction between aggravating and pacifying factors is described (Cha.Ni.4/4).
If the host defense factors are stronger than aggravating ones, then the disease will not
occur and vice versa.
Therefore, before making diagnosis of a disease, examination of patient is important
with emphasis on his prakriti (basic constitution), sara (quality of tissues) etc
described in context of ten fold examination of patient(Cha.Vi.8/94-131). Every
person has a unique constitution and hence the same biological investigations cannot
be precise to assess his health status completely. Personalized assessment is important
to diagnose normal and abnormal state of the individual.
Knowledge of disease
After thorough examination of an individual, one shall evaluate the disease. The
second part of diagnostic protocol provides comprehensive knowledge of disease.
This includes the methods to elucidate causative factorshetu, observe
premonitory signs and symptomspurvarupa, clinical featuresrupa, pathogenesis
samprapti, and pacifying factors upashaya. The set of these five diagnostic tools
is called as 'Nidana Panchaka'. This is described and applied in clinical practice to
know each disequilibrium condition.

The phenomena of a disease causing another disease is described as

Nidanarthakara roga. Upadrava (complications), Udarka (marks of disease after it
is cured) are applied for knowing the cause-effect relationship in pathogenesis of
disease.

Principles of management of disease are mentioned in brief in each chapter to

denote pacifying factors of disease. Each chapter of this section follows the same
protocol for comprehensive knowledge of disease.
 1.JWARA NIDANA

The first chapter, Jwara Nidana , introduces basic principles

of diagnosis of a disease as well as the disease jwara with
involvement of rasa dhatu as dushya.The chapter discuss
diagnosis of disorders of hyper-pyrexia and various types of
fever.
 2.RAKTAPITTA NIDANA

The second chapter, Raktapitta Nidana, deals with various

pathologies related to rakta dhatu.This chapter details the
diagnosis of bleeding disorders.
 3.GULMA NIDANA

The third chapter, Gulma Nidana, deals with mamsa dhatu(muscle

tissue) predominantly. This chapter describes diagnosis of lumps in
abdomen, tumors.
   4PRAMEHA NIDANA

The fourth chapter, Prameha Nidana, involves meda dhatu

 (tissue fat) predominantly. This chapter describes the diagnosis
of disorders of lipid metabolism, obstinate urinary disorders
including diabetes.
   5.KUSHTHA NIDANA

The fifth chapter, Kushtha Nidana, involves seven dushyas

 (vitiated factors). This chapter deals with diagnosis of skin
disorders.
 6.SHOSHA NIDANA

The sixth chapter, Shosha Nidana, deals with the

pathology of emaciation. This chapter describes
diagnosis of degenerative disorders that involve
depletion of body tissues.
 7.UNMADA NIDANA

The seventh chapter, Unmada Nidana explain

insanity and psychotic disorders
 8.APASMARA NIDANA

The eighth chapter, Apasmara Nidana deals

with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
Importance of studying Nidana section
It is highly important to know the fundamental cause of any
disease. Complete cure in curable diseases and management of
palliable diseases can only be achieved after Nidana Parivarjana
 (removing the cause). If the cause is removed, then half the
treatment is done. This stops progression of disease as well as
helps the host to return to the normal state. The current
healthcare system focus more on disease management after its
complete manifestation; while Ayurveda emphasizes on
identification of abnormality at an early stage, to prevent its
further progression.
The journey of a disease from the initial stage of accumulation
of vitiating factors to complete manifestation of its symptoms
shall be studied well for its complete knowledge.
The knowledge of Nidana can be helpful in reducing healthcare
cost by reducing use of invasive and non invasive medical
diagnostic tools
Guidelines to diagnose anukta vyadhi (new or untold diseases in text)
There are innumerable diseases. Major diseases are mentioned in this text. Therefore one
may not find complete description of certain diseases seen in contemporary era. Any new or
unknown disease should be studied by assessment of vitiated dosha and dushya (vitiated
factors). The criteria like type of pain, appearance (color), etiology, site, symptoms and
name shall be applied for identification.(Cha.Su.18/42-43)
All endogenous diseases start with vitiation of dosha. The causative factors elucidated in
the detailed history of a patient’s diet, lifestyle, psychological frame and others direct the
vitiation of a specific dosha. Then their status (increase or decrease) can be assessed based
on the premonitory signs and clinical features. Then after evaluation of aggravating (
anupashaya) and pacifying (upashaya) factors is done. The sequence of events in the
pathogenesis of a disease is understood and accordingly treatment protocol is formulated.
Prajnaparadha (intellectual errors, or knowingly violating rules) is one of the fundamental
cause of all endogenous and exogenous diseases. Asatmendriyarthasamyoga (improper
union of senses with their objects) and parinama(time) are other two causative factors .
These principles reveal that all idiopathic diseases of unknown etiology also have a definite
cause,that needs to be searched and removed for its proper management.
In nutshell, one should initiate any treatment after acquiring complete knowledge of
following:
Inherent nature of the disease
Its pathogenesis
Origin or site of lesion and location of presentation
Etiological factors. (Cha.Su. 18/44-47)
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
The word Vimana literally means specific measurement. Vimana
Sthana is about quantification of vitiation of dosha and other specific
factors responsible for causing disease or impair health of an individual.
It also describes dietary regulations, causes of epidemics, basic body
systems, acquiring knowledge of disease and patient, and medical
education. Quantification of dosha is the most important factor because
their vitiation is cause of all endogenous diseases. Without measuring
the severity of dosha vitiation, the physician cannot manage the
diseases properly. The section describes the qualities of an ideal teacher,
a medical student and how to acquire medical knowledge. In this
regard, means to evaluate a medical treatise and ways to enhance
medical knowledge by organizing and attending medical conferences,
group discussions and debates are described in detail. The section
covers diverse fields like personal health, diet guidelines, social health,
medical education, patient examination etc.
 1.RASA VIMANA

The first chapter, Rasa Vimana, explains the role of rasa,

ghee, oil and honey in dosha vitiation and pacification. Ashta
ahara vishesha ayatana (eight specific factors to be
considered in processing food) are described in this chapter.
  2.TRIVIDHAKUKSHIYA VIMANA

The second chapter , Trividhakukshiya

Vimana further guides dietary regulations
and its consequences, if not followed
properly. The disorders due to ama are also
described.
3.JANAPADODHVANSANIYA VIMANA

The third chapter, Janapadodhvansaniya Vimana, deals with the

prevention of various epidemic disorders caused due to polluted
air, water, soil and season. The contamination of these four
factors is basic cause of higher mortality rate in an area. The
social hygiene aspect is mentioned in this chapter. The lifespan
and its gradual decrease according to change in era is predicted
here.
4.TRIVIDHA ROGA VISHESHA VIJNANIYA V
IMANA

The fourth chapter, Trividha Roga Vishesha Vijnaniya

Vimana, explains three ways to acquire knowledge of
diseases. These are based upon aptopadesha (authentic
scriptural knowledge or knowledge given by
authority), pratyaksha (direct perception by one’s own
senses) and anumana (perception based on logical
reasoning). The assessment of various psychological factors
is also described in detail.
 5.SROTO VIMANA

Sroto Vimana, the fifth chapter, deals with detailed

description of srotas (transportation and perfusion channels)
in the body. It enlists the root of each srotas, common
features of its vitiation and general principles of its
management. The chapter guides to understand the basic
body system involved in disease and its treatment protocol
in general.
 6.ROGANIKA VIMANA

 the sixth chapter, details the five categories of diseases

based upon prognosis (curable, incurable), severity (mild,
severe), origin (psyche or soma), etiology (endogenous,
exogenous) and site of origin (amashaya, pakvashaya). It
further describes the anubandhya (independent disease)
and anubandha (dependent upon other disease). The
differentiation of disease based upon
predominant dosha and its management principles are
described.
 7.VYADHITA RUPIYA VIMANA

The seventh chapter Vyadhita Rupiya Vimana describes how a

patient’s presentation can misguide the physician about the severity
of disease. Thorough clinical examination is necessary for
prevention of such error and reach correct diagnosis. The second
part of the chapter is about krimi (micro-organisms and parasites)
and their management. Since the field of microbiology has mostly
developed in the last one hundred years, the treatment of krimi is not
adequate but prevention methods are comprehensive.
 8.ROGABHISHAGJITIYA VIMANA 

The last chapter of this section, Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana deals with how a medical

student can achieve comprehensive knowledge. It explains selection of a treatise,
characteristics of ideal teacher, student and his duty during academia. Four types of
conversations in a conference are narrated. Discussion techniques and guidelines for
developing conference presentation skills are detailed. Further, ten types of examination
of a patient are explained with example in clinical practice. Meanwhile, the
characteristic features of types of three prakriti (basic constitution) and
eight sara (qualities of tissues) are described in detail. Comprehensive list of herbs used
in five body purification procedures is given for the knowledge of physician. This
chapter has compilation of guidelines for a student to achieve success in medical
practice
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF SHARIRA

Sharira Sthana (Section on the Study of the Human being) deals with

various aspects of the human being. The word Sharira literally means body.
[1]
 The human being as perceived by Charak is different from modern
concept of anatomy. Sharira The body is defined as the site of manifestation
of chetana (consciousness/life energy) and a union of factors derived from
the five mahabhuta in a specific proportion that maintains equilibrium.[[1]]
Review of description of this section clearly explains that the human being
includes physical body, mind and consciousness.(Cha.Sha.6/4)Subject
contents of this section are divided into eight chapters dealing with a range
of concepts revolving around a human being- basic composition of self,
acquiring physical existence in womb, embryonic and fetal development,
descent of psychological components during intra-uterine life, nutritional
physiology, anatomical classification of body parts including anthropometry,
care of pregnant woman, safe birth and general care of children. This section
offers a birds-eye view of very highly evolved philosophical concepts to
practical aspect of human body system.
 1.KATIDHAPURUSHA SHARIRA
The first chapter, Katidhapurusha Sharira, holds several unique concepts, not
mentioned in modern medical literature. Our body is a medium to prove our
existence in this universe. It is not simply having its structural manifestation but
several other components make it complete. Knowledge of evolution of our body
from imperceptible entities to association of mind, sense organs, sense objects and
consciousness; falls under the purview of this chapter. There is mention of very
unique range of features which characterize things as living or non-living. Proper
scaling/ranking of every feature may offer the exact nature of physical, physiological
and psychological status of life. Reasons for any discomfort in life/for life along
with method to get solution to keep the body and mind in healthy state, are described
with proper explanation.
Atma (consciousness) is the master key to ignite our body system including mind
and make it able to connect with environment (internal as well as external) through
senses. The whole network system performs its action in dual and opposite ways-
happiness and misery. Happiness is life-a healthy life while misery is the root cause
of all diseases. Yoga is the ultimate solution to maintain happiness of body and mind.
2.ATULYAGOTRIYA SHARIRA

Micro composition of basic units of

reproduction Shukra and Shonita and their role in
formation of healthy (physically as well as
mentally) child is the basic theme of the second
chapter named Atulyagotriya Sharira.
 
KHUDDIKA GARBHAVAKRANTI SHARIR
A

The third chapter, Khuddika Garbhavakranti Sharira, appears to be the

extended part of second chapter, by description. Best part of this
chapter is related to the knowledge of factors causing congenital
deformities. Taking due consideration of them in our diet and lifestyle
reduce their incidences. The same is found applicable for prevention of
genetic disorders. Development of various body parts is linked with
genetic material of both the parents. Difference between sleep and
unconsciousness state is mentioned with explanation.
4.MAHATIGARBHAVAKRANTI SHARIRA

The fourth chapter, Mahatigarbhavakranti Sharira, is dedicated with the

description of month wise fetal development. One of the interesting facts
about the manifestation of intellect during 6th month of intra-uterine life, may
be of great importance to understand development of brain and cognitive
functions in fetal stage. Morbidity of fetus can be prevented by avoiding
described damaging factors. Three types of psyche and sixteen types of
psychological personalities/ constitutions have been described with their
characters. It is really very important chapter to understand
the Ayurvedic view of psychological development and related classification.
Concept of genes and chromosome in Ayurveda can be traced in this chapter.
 5.PURUSHA VICHAYA SHARIRA

Whatever is in universe that is represented in a person” is the essence of

fifth chapter, Purusha Vichaya Sharira. Psychologist could get useful tips
for better care of mental/psychological health to help people in getting
appropriate learning, accomplishment, true thinking, intellect, higher
cognitive functions and true knowledge.
   6.SHARIRA VICHAYA SHARIRA

The sixth chapter, Sharira Vichaya Sharira (analytical study of the body) deals

with knowledge of the human body. An appropriate knowledge of human
body is essential for its proper care and maintenance of health. Definition of
body and main factor to maintain good health is ‘state of equilibrium’. To
keep this state various do’s and don’ts are enlisted. The lifestyle, diet and
conduct which keeps us healthy have been described in detail. Physical
properties of body parts and organs give a clear description about the nature
of body constituents and their linkage with various food substances. This
information may be used to maintain the equilibrium of body and mind even
at micro level. There is description of a symposium to have a discussion for
deciding the fact that during intra-uterine life, which organ appears first and
when? At this point the duration of life span of a healthy person has been
considered hundred years.
 7.SANKHYA SHARIRA

Anthropometry is the core subject of seventh chapter, 

Sankhya Sharira. This chapter counts the number of
body organs/parts and their measurements. The
description gives an idea about the status of
development of body of a particular person.
 8.JATISUTRIYA SHARIRA

Finally, the eighth chapter, Jatisutriya Sharira, offers an over view of process to get
better/desired progeny. At some places minute details have been mentioned for proper
growth and development of fetus. The pregnant woman has been advised to follow
monthly regimen to ensure optimal growth & development of fetus, complication free
pregnancy, properly prepared delivery room, and safe and swift delivery. Various other
concepts like, process of delivery and supporting measures, protection methods,
postpartum care are also mentioned. Care of the new born including feeding procedure is
described in detail.
Physical examination of a neonate on 10th day offers information about the span of his
life. Validated features may offer an important clue to physicians/pediatricians for
prediction of span of life. This knowledge may be used for Pediatric wellness clinics. This
chapter has good description of toys, playground and qualities of wet-nurse. If this
information get explored well, it may be very much useful to adopt good child rearing
practices. In case of illness, protocol for clinical assessment and treatment principles for
managing pediatric cases has been explained elaborately.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Indriya Sthana deals with the observation of signs predicting lifespan
and signs indicative of reduced duration of remaining life (also
called arishta lakshana). The word Indriya literally means organ, sense,
force, vigor. In the present context, it means Prana or vital life force.
The seat of prana in the body is Sneha or Ojus. Indriya (sense organs)
are said to be the linga (organs) of prana. An important concept
discussed in this section is termed Indriyadushti (damage to the sensory
system). A state of perfect health is Anirvedovarta Lakshanam (i.e., life
without any indication or perception of being alive).(Cha.Su.25/40)
LOGICAL SEQUENCING OF CHAPTERS
Life begins with the association of consciousness, or
the atma, with the five fundamental elements (earth, air,
fire, ether, and water, or the panchamahabhuta) and ends in
the dissolution of this association. Since this union (that
results in a living being) is by no means permanent and
since there is always a possibility of dissolution or death
anytime, Ayurvedic texts emphasize on identifying certain
signs and symptoms that could forebear, with some level of
certainty, imminent death. This section is dedicated to such
determinants and is structured in the form of 12 chapters.
Signs and symptoms (arishtas) of imminent death can be
perceived by specific changes in sensory system
(e.g., varna (color), swara (voices/sounds), gandha (smell), r
asa (taste), sparsha(touch),along with chhaya (complexion)
and prabha (radiance)) are addressed in chapters
Varnasvariyamindriyam Adhyaya, Pushpitakamindriyam
Adhyaya, Parimarshaneeyamindriyam Adhyaya  
Indriyaneeka, Pannarupiya and Yasyashyavanimitta.
Clinically useful early warning signs have been
mentioned in Purvarupeeya.
Gomayachurniya, Anujyoti, Kathamanasharireeya, 
Avakshiraseeya and Sadyomaraneeya are chapters
that give examples of arishta that could be perceived
on the physical level (or, are Bahyakarana) as well as
on the mental, intellectual, and emotional levels (or,
afflicting the Antahkarana ), with references
to shakun( good / bad consequential
happening)), doota( messenger), swapna ( dreams)
and miscellaneous occult sciences. The evidences
laid down in these chapters may establish an 
Ayurveda-based clinical diagnostic methodology.
SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE

Even though all of the determinants (i.e., signs and symptoms) cannot be
explained by rational scientific parameters (as evident by the references
above to paranormal and occult sciences), some of these signs and
symptoms have been documented and reported as having been experienced
by people in various parts of the world. Within the treatise Charak Samhita,
physicians are instructed to thoroughly examine the patient for certain signs
that indicate terminal illness and investigate using biomarkers. The treatise
then advises physicians to stop any therapeutic treatment being given to
such terminal patients and provide them palliative care instead. In the
present era, with advancements in medical sciences, many arishta
lakshanas are well treatable and cannot be considered as "predictors" of
death as they used to even a few centuries back. However, these signs and
symptoms could serve as important indicators of prognosis of disease and
therefore, would be helpful in prompt management to save life of patients.