KALYANKARAKAM: CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF RASASHASTRA BRANCH OF AYURVEDA

Rahul Jain*

ABSTRACT

Ancient Indian not only mastered philosophy, but were also experts in various fields of science and literature. Jains were not exception to it. They also mastered various fields of science and literature, Ayurveda is one of them. Kalyanakarakam, a text written by Ugradityacharya of 9th Century A.D. contains knowledge about all the eight branches of Ayurveda, while mainly dealing with Kayachikitsa. A completely novel approach towards the use of Rasaushadhis in therapeutics is seen in Kalyanakarakam, when compared with the texts from the eighth century and prior that and thereby contributed to the development of Rasashastra. In this text subject matter related to Rasashastra along with Astanga Ayurveda is independently mentioned. Ugradityacharya belong to the initial phase of this development. His description about Parada Rasayana is very primary, which might be because of non availability of Rasaratnakara of Nagarjuna to him. This article is an attempt to elucidate the contribution of kalyankarkam in the development of Rasashastra branch of Ayurveda. There is utmost need of the review of works of Jainacharyas contributing in the development of Rasashastra.

Keywords: Kalyankarkam, Rasashastra, Jainacharya, Rasa, Ugradityacharya, Parada.