Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Revives Two Rare Ayurvedic Formulations
In a remarkable effort to preserve India’s traditional medical heritage, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), part of the Ministry of Ayush, has successfully revived two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: the Dravyaratnฤkara Nighaแนแนญu and the Dravyanamฤkara Nighaแนแนญu. The unveiling of these significant texts took place at an event hosted by the RRAP Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Mumbai, where key figures in the field gathered to celebrate this achievement and discuss the importance of traditional Ayurvedic literature.
Event Highlights and Keynote Address
The release ceremony featured a keynote address by Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, the Director General of CCRAS. He emphasized the critical role of such revivals in connecting ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern research methodologies. Prof. Acharya stated that these manuscripts are not merely historical documents; they represent living knowledge systems that can significantly enhance contemporary healthcare practices when studied and applied effectively. The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Shri Ranjit Puranik, President of Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal, and Dr. Ravi More, Principal of Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, among others. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort to promote and preserve Ayurvedic knowledge.
Details of the Manuscripts
The Dravyaratnฤkara Nighaแนแนญu, authored by Mudgala Paแนแธita in 1480 AD, is a previously unpublished lexicon consisting of eighteen chapters. This comprehensive work provides extensive insights into drug synonyms, therapeutic actions, and medicinal properties. Historically significant in Maharashtra until the 19th century, it draws from classical texts like Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaแนแนญu while documenting numerous novel medicinal substances derived from plants, minerals, and animals. The critical edition, edited and translated by Dr. Sadanand D. Kamat, is a substantial contribution to the field of Dravyaguna and related Ayurvedic disciplines.
The second manuscript, the Dravyanamฤkara Nighaแนแนญu, is attributed to Bhisma Vaidya and serves as a unique appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaแนแนญu. This text focuses on the homonyms of drug and plant names, an essential area of study in Ayurveda. Comprising 182 verses, it has been meticulously edited by Dr. Kamat, enhancing its relevance for scholars in Rasashastra, Bhaishajya Kalpana, and classical Ayurvedic pharmacology. Dr. Kamat’s extensive expertise in Ayurvedic manuscripts further enriches the value of this revival.
Impact on Ayurvedic Scholarship
The revival of these manuscripts is expected to serve as invaluable resources for students, researchers, and practitioners of Ayurveda. By making these critical editions accessible, CCRAS aims to inspire further scholarly exploration and engagement with India’s classical medical literature. Prof. Acharya highlighted that the revival of such texts is crucial for bridging the gap between ancient practices and modern scientific inquiry. The digitization and interpretation of these works not only safeguard India’s literary treasures but also enhance the traditional healthcare system with validated ancient insights.
The efforts of CCRAS and its collaborators mark a significant step in the preservation and promotion of Ayurvedic knowledge. These manuscripts are more than just academic achievements; they are vital tools for future generations of Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers, ensuring that the wisdom of the past continues to inform and enrich contemporary health practices.
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