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Pārada (Samskrit: पारदः), as mentioned in various Rasashastra texts of ancient India, means Mercury in English. It is a chemical element with atomic number 80 and chemical formula 'Hg (Hydrargyrum)'. Mercury (Hg), a metallic chemical element belonging to the zinc group (Group 12 [IIb] of the periodic table), is the only elemental metal that is liquid at room temperature. Mercury is silvery white, slowly tarnishes in moist air, and freezes into a soft solid like tin or lead at −38.83 °C (−37.89 °F). The chemical symbol Hg derives from the Latin ''hydrargyrum'', “liquid silver.”<ref name=":3">Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. "mercury." Encyclopedia Britannica, August 20, 2024. <nowiki>https://www.britannica.com/science/mercury-chemical-element</nowiki>.</ref> It is also called Quick Silver, as it appears like silver having the property of flowing.

Pārada (Samskrit: पारदः), as mentioned in various Rasashastra texts of ancient India, means Mercury in English. It is a chemical element with atomic number 80 and chemical formula 'Hg (Hydrargyrum)'. Mercury (Hg), a metallic chemical element belonging to the zinc group (Group 12 [IIb] of the periodic table), is the only elemental metal that is liquid at room temperature. Mercury is silvery white, slowly tarnishes in moist air, and freezes into a soft solid like tin or lead at −38.83 °C (−37.89 °F). The chemical symbol Hg derives from the Latin ''hydrargyrum'', “liquid silver.”<ref name=":3">Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. "mercury." Encyclopedia Britannica, August 20, 2024. <nowiki>https://www.britannica.com/science/mercury-chemical-element</nowiki>.</ref> It is also called Quick Silver, as it appears like silver having the property of flowing.

According to Ayurveda [[Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्)|Rasashastra]], ''Rasa (रस)'' is the term used to denote Parada. Mercury is one of the metals which attracted wide attention of ayurvedic chemists and physicians.<ref name=":2">Sekhar Reddy, P. ''A textbook of Rasashastra''. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia (pp.72-)</ref>  

According to Ayurveda [[Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्)|Rasashastra]], ''Rasa (रस)'' is the term used to denote Parada. Mercury is one of the metals which attracted wide attention of ayurvedic chemists and physicians.<ref name=":2">Sekhar Reddy, P. ''A textbook of Rasashastra''. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia (pp.72-126)</ref>  

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== स्वरूपम् ॥ Characteristics ==

== स्वरूपम् ॥ Characteristics ==

Mercury is available in native and ore forms. Mercury is the only elemental metal that is liquid at room temperature.  Mercury is silvery white, slowly tarnishes in moist air, and freezes into a soft solid like tin or lead at −38.83 °C (−37.89 °F). It boils at 356.62 °C (673.91 °F).  It is a rather poor conductor of heat but a fair conductor of electricity. It alloys with copper, tin, and zinc to form amalgams, or liquid alloys. An amalgam with silver is used as a filling in dentistry. Mercury does not wet glass or cling to it, and this property, coupled with its rapid and uniform volume expansion throughout its liquid range, made it useful in thermometers.<ref name=":3" />

Mercury is available in native and ore forms. Mercury is the only elemental metal that is liquid at room temperature.  Mercury is silvery white, slowly tarnishes in moist air, and freezes into a soft solid like tin or lead at −38.83 °C (−37.89 °F). It boils at 356.62 °C (673.91 °F).  It is a rather poor conductor of heat but a fair conductor of electricity. It alloys with copper, tin, and zinc to form amalgams, or liquid alloys. An amalgam with silver is used as a filling in dentistry. Mercury does not wet glass or cling to it, and this property, coupled with its rapid and uniform volume expansion throughout its liquid range, made it useful in thermometers.<ref name=":3" /> Mercury is a silver white liquid metal with a slight bluish tinge in thin films. It transmits ultra-violet light.

According to Ayurveda texts<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /><blockquote>अन्तसुनीलो बहिरुज्ज्वलो यो मध्यान्हसूर्यप्रतिमप्रकाशः । शस्तोऽध धूम्रः परिपाण्डुराश्च चित्रो न योज्यो रसकर्मासिद्धौ ॥ (Rasendramangala and Rasendrasara sangraha 1.9)<ref name=":2" />

According to Ayurveda texts<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /><blockquote>अन्तसुनीलो बहिरुज्ज्वलो यो मध्यान्हसूर्यप्रतिमप्रकाशः । शस्तोऽध धूम्रः परिपाण्डुराश्च चित्रो न योज्यो रसकर्मासिद्धौ ॥ (Rasendramangala and Rasendrasara sangraha 1.9)<ref name=":2" />

=== Panchavidha gati (five movements) of Mercury ===

=== Panchavidha gati (five movements) of Mercury ===

Rasaratna Samucchaya mentions five movements of Mercury.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":0" />

Mercury is the liquid moving metal. In processing of parada, much Parada is lost due to the parada gatis. Rasaratna Samucchaya mentions five movements of Mercury.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":0" /><blockquote>जलगो जलरूपेण त्वरितो हंसगो भवेत् । मलगो मलरूपेण सधूमो धूमगो भवेत् ॥ ८३॥  

 

जलगो जलरूपेण त्वरितो हंसगो भवेत् । मलगो मलरूपेण सधूमो धूमगो भवेत् ॥ ८३॥  

अन्या जीवगतीर्दैवी जीवोऽण्डादिव निष्क्रमेत् । स तांश्च जीवयोज्जीवांस्तेन जीवो रसः स्मृतः ॥ ८४ ॥  

अन्या जीवगतीर्दैवी जीवोऽण्डादिव निष्क्रमेत् । स तांश्च जीवयोज्जीवांस्तेन जीवो रसः स्मृतः ॥ ८४ ॥  

anyā jīvagatīrdaivī jīvō’ṇḍādiva niṣkramēt | sa tāṁśca jīvayōjjīvāṁstēna jīvō rasaḥ smr̥taḥ || 84 ||

anyā jīvagatīrdaivī jīvō’ṇḍādiva niṣkramēt | sa tāṁśca jīvayōjjīvāṁstēna jīvō rasaḥ smr̥taḥ || 84 ||

catasrō gatayō dr̥śyā adr̥śyā paṁcamī gatiḥ | maṁtradhyānādinā tasya rudhyatē paṁcamī gatiḥ || 85 ||

catasrō gatayō dr̥śyā adr̥śyā paṁcamī gatiḥ | maṁtradhyānādinā tasya rudhyatē paṁcamī gatiḥ || 85 ||</blockquote>

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+Panchavidha gati (five movements) of Mercury<ref name=":0" />

|+Panchavidha gati (five movements) of Mercury<ref name=":0" />

* Oxide Ore

* Oxide Ore

** Monotroydite (HgO)

** Monotroydite (HgO)

== रासभेदाः ॥ Types of Parada ==

== रासभेदाः ॥ Types of Parada ==

=== Pharmacological Properties ===

=== Pharmacological Properties ===

Most of Rasa formulations have mercury as an important ingredient. Unpurified mercury has many toxic effects such as severe gastrointestinal irritations, peripheral circulatory collapse, metallic taste in mouth, excessive salivation, inflammation of gums, etc. Almost all classical texts related to Rasa Shastra (Ayurveda pharmaceutics for metalo-mineral preparations) have emphasized Parada Shodhana (purifying process of mercury) but with a variety of methods. These methods need to be revalidated with comprehensive methodology to develop its standard operative procedure (SOP), because standardization of the drugs is very crucial to ensure quality, efficacy, and reproducibility. Hence, Shodhana (purifying process), Mardana (trituration), Marana (incineration), Jarana (polling), Murchchna (process to put in disease curing capacity), etc., with herbomineral drugs are to be carried out as appropriate to receive the therapeutic benefits of Parada.<ref>Bhinde SS, Patgiri BJ. ''Quantification of mercury after Samanya Shodhana (purifying process): A preliminary analysis.'' J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2022;6:65-71.</ref>  

Most of Rasa formulations have mercury as an important ingredient. Unpurified mercury has many toxic effects such as severe gastrointestinal irritations, peripheral circulatory collapse, metallic taste in mouth, excessive salivation, inflammation of gums, etc. Almost all classical texts related to Rasa Shastra (Ayurveda pharmaceutics for metalo-mineral preparations) have emphasized Parada Shodhana (purifying process of mercury) but with a variety of methods. These methods need to be revalidated with comprehensive methodology to develop its standard operative procedure (SOP), because standardization of the drugs is very crucial to ensure quality, efficacy, and reproducibility. Hence, Shodhana (purifying process), Mardana (trituration), Marana (incineration), Jarana (polling), Murchchna (process to put in disease curing capacity), etc., with herbo-mineral drugs are to be carried out as appropriate to receive the therapeutic benefits of Parada.<ref>Bhinde SS, Patgiri BJ. ''Quantification of mercury after Samanya Shodhana (purifying process): A preliminary analysis.'' J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2022;6:65-71.</ref>  

Although mercury compounds are regarded as poisonous, cinnabar (mercuric sulphide) is subjected to eighteen complex processes called ''samskāras'', including rubbing with various medicinally efficacious plant juices and extracts, incorporation of sulphur, mica, certain alkaline substances, etc. The resulting mercury compound was then declared fit for consumption and believed to lead to the body’s rejuvenation.  

Although mercury compounds are regarded as poisonous, cinnabar (mercuric sulphide) is subjected to eighteen complex processes called ''samskāras'', including rubbing with various medicinally efficacious plant juices and extracts, incorporation of sulphur, mica, certain alkaline substances, etc. The resulting mercury compound was then declared fit for consumption and believed to lead to the body’s rejuvenation.  

=== Uses of Mercury ===

=== Uses of Mercury ===

The rasa (taste), Virya (potency) and Vipaka (taste at the end of digestion) of Mercury has been quoted as similar to ambrosia. Mercury is Shadrasa (six tastes) having properties like Tridosha hara (alleviates all morbidities), Snigdha (unctuous), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Yogavahi (fast acting), Maha vrishya (highly aphrodisiac), Drusti prada (good for eyes) and Bala prada (strength promoting). Purified Mercury cures all diseases specifically skin disorders. Mercurial preparations show quick results in small doses. They cause instant Pachana (digestive) and Dipana (appetiser). Mercury possesses all the qualities of Animadi astaguna (eight qualities) which are required for the accomplishments of human life. There is no other thing in the earth than Mercury to attain mukti.<ref name=":0" />

The rasa (taste), Virya (potency) and Vipaka (taste at the end of digestion) of Mercury has been quoted as similar to ambrosia. Mercury is Shadrasa (six tastes) having properties like Tridosha hara (alleviates all morbidities), Snigdha (unctuous), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Yogavahi (fast acting), Maha vrishya (highly aphrodisiac), Drusti prada (good for eyes) and Bala prada (strength promoting). Purified Mercury cures all diseases specifically skin disorders. Mercurial preparations show quick results in small doses. They cause instant Pachana (digestive) and Dipana (appetiser). Mercury possesses all the qualities of Animadi astaguna (eight qualities) which are required for the accomplishments of human life. There is no other thing in the earth than Mercury to attain mukti.<ref name=":0" />

== पारदस्य नेसर्गिका दोषाः ॥ Doshas or Impurities of Parada ==

== पारदस्य दोषाः ॥ Doshas or Impurities of Parada ==

Rasaratna Samucchaya mentions that due to the exceptional medicinal qualities of Jeeva (Parada) people did not age (jaraa), die (marana) or become ill due to diseases. They gradually came to have the longevity enjoyed by Indra and other devatas. Jealous of this Indra prayed to Mahadeva Shiva to introduce Kanchuki and other doshas in mercury.<ref name=":6" /> According to Rasatarangini, Parada has impurities as follows<blockquote>नागवङ्गौ वह्निमलौ चापल्यं गरलं गिरिः । असह्याग्निश्च विज्ञेयो दोषा नैसर्गिका रसे ॥७॥ nāgavaṅgau vahnimalau cāpalyaṁ garalaṁ giriḥ | asahyāgniśca vijñēyō dōṣā naisargikā rasē ||7|| <ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Intrinsically, Parada contains eight doshas namely, नाग (nāga), वङ्ग (vanga), वह्नि (vahni), मल (mala), चापल्य (cāpalya), विष (viṣa ), गिरि (giri), असह्याग्नि (asahyāgni).  Though many Doshas are attributed to Mercury, Naga (Lead), Vanga (Tin) Doshas are considered the major ones.

Rasaratna Samucchaya mentions that due to the exceptional medicinal qualities of Jeeva (Parada) people did not age (jaraa), die (marana) or become ill due to diseases. They gradually came to have the longevity enjoyed by Indra and other devatas. Jealous of this Indra prayed to Mahadeva Shiva to introduce Kanchuki and other doshas in mercury.<ref name=":6" /> According to Rasatarangini, Parada has impurities as follows<blockquote>नागवङ्गौ वह्निमलौ चापल्यं गरलं गिरिः । असह्याग्निश्च विज्ञेयो दोषा नैसर्गिका रसे ॥७॥ nāgavaṅgau vahnimalau cāpalyaṁ garalaṁ giriḥ | asahyāgniśca vijñēyō dōṣā naisargikā rasē ||7|| <ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Intrinsically, Parada contains eight doshas namely, नाग (nāga), वङ्ग (vanga), वह्नि (vahni), मल (mala), चापल्य (cāpalya), विष (viṣa ), गिरि (giri), असह्याग्नि (asahyāgni).  Though many Doshas are attributed to Mercury, Naga (Lead), Vanga (Tin) Doshas are considered the major ones. There is considerable variation in the types of doshas classified under Naisargika, Yougika and Oupadika doshas and hence a variation in the number of doshas is observed.  

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+General classification of Doshas (impurities) in Mercury<ref name=":0" />

|+General classification of Doshas (impurities) in Mercury<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

!No

!No

!Name of Dosha

!Name of Dosha

|Naisargika

|Naisargika

|Visha, Vahni and Mala (3)

|Visha, Vahni and Mala (3)

|

|नागवङ्गौ वह्निमलौ चापल्यं गरलं गिरिः । असह्याग्निश्च विज्ञेयो दोषा नैसर्गिका रसे ॥७॥

|-

|-

|2

|2

|Yougika

|Yougika

|Naga (Lead) and Vanga (Tin) (2)

|Naga (Lead) and Vanga (Tin) (2) as per Rasa Ratna samucchaya.

|यौगिकौ नागवङ्गौ द्वैतौ जाड्याध्मान कुष्ठादौ । (Rasa Ratna Samu 11.18)  

|यौगिकौ नागवङ्गौ द्वैतौ जाड्याध्मान कुष्ठादौ । (Rasa Ratna Samu 11.18)<ref name=":6" />

|-

|-

|3

|3

|Oupadika

|Oupadika

|Kanchuka and other doshas (7)

|Kanchuka and other doshas (7)

|

|औपाधिकाः पुनश्चान्ये कीर्तिताः सप्तकञ्चुकाः॥  १६

 

|}

|}

Apart from the above mentioned natural adulterations of Parada, treatises on Rasashastra mention about extra impurities of Parada (Para) in form of encapsulation or external coverings. These layers of extra impurities are known as Kanchukas and as they are seven in number called to as Sapta (7)- Kanchuka (covers) dosha (adulterations) of Parada. In short, these coverings are a mixture of other metals in powdered form with Parad, which cause disorders in the body if Parad is consumed without getting rid of these layers; Seven Kanchuka Doshas are as follows<ref name=":4">Manoj, Amrit S, Sohit S. ''[https://www.wjpmr.com/download/article/95042022/1651491290.pdf A Critical Review of Parada Samskaras in Context of Ayurvedic and Modern Concept.]'' World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 2022, 8(5), 139-142</ref>

Apart from the above mentioned natural adulterations of Parada, treatises on Rasashastra mention about extra impurities of Parada (Para) in form of encapsulation or external coverings. These layers of extra impurities are known as Kanchukas and as they are seven in number called to as Sapta (7)- Kanchuka (covers) dosha (adulterations) of Parada. In short, these coverings are a mixture of other metals in powdered form with Parad, which cause disorders in the body if Parada is consumed without getting rid of these layers; Seven Kanchuka Doshas are as follows<ref name=":4">Manoj, Amrit S, Sohit S. ''[https://www.wjpmr.com/download/article/95042022/1651491290.pdf A Critical Review of Parada Samskaras in Context of Ayurvedic and Modern Concept.]'' World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 2022, 8(5), 139-142</ref><blockquote>पर्पटी पाटनी भेदी द्रावी मलकरी तथा । अन्धकारी तथा ध्वांक्षी  विज्ञेयाः सप्त कंचुकाः ॥ (Rasa. Ratn. Samu. 11.19)<ref>Shankarlal Harishankar, (2019) ed. ''Rasaratna Sammuchhaya by Acharya Vagbhata'' Bombay: Khemraj Srikrishnadas Prakashan. pp.257</ref>

# Bhedi (tearing)  

# Malakad (causing impurities)  

# '''Bhedi (tearing)'''

# Dravi (liquefying)  

# '''Malakad (causing impurities)'''

# Dhvanksi (causing darkness of skin)  

# '''Dravi (liquefying)'''

# Parpatika (producing scales on the skin)  

# '''Dhvanksi (causing darkness of skin)'''

# Patanakari (rupturing)  

# '''Parpatika (producing scales on the skin)'''

# Andhakari (causing blindness)

# '''Patanakari (rupturing)'''

# '''Andhakari (causing blindness)'''

=== Harmful effects of consuming impure Mercury ===

=== Harmful effects of consuming impure Mercury ===

Ayurveda Prakasa and Rasatarangini enumerates the harmful effects of unpurified mercury which has the above mentioned doshas. <blockquote>नागाद् व्रणं भवेत्कुष्ठं वङ्गात्तापोऽग्निदोषतः । मलाज्जड्यं तु चापल्याद् बोजनाशो विषान्मृतिः ।॥८॥ nāgād vraṇaṁ bhavētkuṣṭhaṁ vaṅgāttāpō’gnidōṣataḥ | malājjaḍyaṁ tu cāpalyād bōjanāśō viṣānmr̥tiḥ |||8||

Ayurveda Prakasa and Rasatarangini enumerates the harmful effects of unpurified mercury which has the above mentioned doshas. <blockquote>नागाद् व्रणं भवेत्कुष्ठं वङ्गात्तापोऽग्निदोषतः । मलाज्जड्यं तु चापल्याद् बोजनाशो विषान्मृतिः ।॥८॥ nāgād vraṇaṁ bhavētkuṣṭhaṁ vaṅgāttāpō’gnidōṣataḥ | malājjaḍyaṁ tu cāpalyād bōjanāśō viṣānmr̥tiḥ |||8||

गिरेः स्फोटोऽथ मोहश्च ह्यसह्याग्नेः प्रजायते । एतैर्दोषैर्विहीनञ्च रसेन्द्रमिह योजयेत् ॥ ९॥ girēḥ sphōṭō’tha mōhaśca hyasahyāgnēḥ prajāyatē | ētairdōṣairvihīnañca rasēndramiha yōjayēt || 9|| (Rasa. Tara. 5.7-9)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>

 

गिरेः स्फोटोऽथ मोहश्च ह्यसह्याग्नेः प्रजायते । एतैर्दोषैर्विहीनञ्च रसेन्द्रमिह योजयेत् ॥ ९॥ girēḥ sphōṭō’tha mōhaśca hyasahyāgnēḥ prajāyatē | ētairdōṣairvihīnañca rasēndramiha yōjayēt || 9|| (Rasa. Tara. 5.8-9)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>

They are as follows as per both Acharyas.

They are as follows as per both Acharyas.

=== Shodhana Process or Samskaras of Mercury ===

=== Shodhana Process or Samskaras of Mercury ===

Ayurveda texts inform about Ashtadasha Sanskaras (18 processes) required to clean Mercury. Of these, only the first 8 are suggested for Deh-vadha (medicinal purposes) while the remaining 10 steps, which are obscure and have occult implications, are used only for purifying Parada in such a way to convert metals into gold (Loh-vadha). The eight samskaras are as follows<ref name=":4" />

Purification is of two types - vyadhi nasha (by samanya shodhana) and preparation of rasayana (visesha shodhana). Ayurveda texts inform about Ashtadasha Sanskaras (18 processes) required to clean Mercury. In Rasaratna Samuchaya<ref name=":5">Shankarlal Harishankar, (2019) ed. ''[https://archive.org/details/rasa-ratna-samucchaya-of-vagbhatacharya-shankar-lal-hari-shankar/page/n79/mode/2up Rasaratna Sammuchhaya by Acharya Vagbhata]'' Bombay: Khemraj Srikrishnadas Prakashan. pp. 255</ref><blockquote>स्यात्स्वेदनं तदनु मर्द्दनमूच्छनं च उत्थापानं पतनरोथनियामनानि । संदीपनं गगनभक्षणमानमत्र संचारणा तदनु गर्भगता द्रुतिश्च॥ ११ ॥

 

 

 

bāhyadrutiḥ sūtakajāraṇā syāt grāsastathā sāraṇakarma paścāt | saṃkrāmaṇaṃ vedhavidhiḥ śarīre yogastathāṣṭādaśadhātra karma || 12 || (Rasa. Ratn. Samu. 11.11-12)</blockquote>Of these, only the first 8 are suggested for Deh-vadha (medicinal purposes) while the remaining 10 steps, which are obscure and have occult implications, are used only for purifying Parada in such a way to convert metals into gold (Loh-vadha). The eight samskaras are as follows<ref name=":4" />

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'''Svedana''' - Pippali, Maricha, Chitraka, Aradraka, Triphala and Saindhav Lavan are mixed together and made into paste. Parad sixteen times the weight of the mixed herbal paste is added with this paste carefully blended and the mixture rolled into a ball. The ball is tied in a poultice and steamed in dolayantra filled with Sauveer for 3-4 days. Everyday fresh herbal paste and Kaanji is used. This process of steaming Parada with natural herbs is called as Svedana Sanskara which helps to clear the impurities present in Parada.

'''Prayojana - This process removes the unwanted qualities acquired during the process of Murchana.'''

'''Mardana'''- Parada procured after Svedan Sanskar is further vigorously rubbed individually with the following ingredients; Sarshap, Rasona, Soot (Jute or any cloth with a rough surface), Triphala, Aradrak and Lavan (Saindhav Lavan). This process is called as Mardana Sanskar which helps to clear Parad impurities that might not have been cleared by Svedana process.

Parada procured after Utthapana is treated to three different types of Patana-karma (sublimation process; downward, upward & oblique). This process is carried out in a special set of apparatus called as Patan-Yantra which are distinct for each process - Urdhvapatana and Adhapatana.

'''Murchana'''- The next process after Mardana includes a further combination or processing of Parad with decoctions formed from Triphala, Chitraka and Kumari for one week each. This process is called as Murchana Sanskar which completely eliminates abnormalities and gives it a pulverised form.

'''Prayojana - Naga, Vanga doshas are removed by Patana samskara.'''

'''Utthapana'''- Parad needs to recover its natural traits and form which is achieved from the Utthapana process. The Murchit Parad is steamed properly with Kaanji and carefully washed (The time-span is not fixed). The process gives Parad its normal form, eliminating all impurities.

Bodhana /Rodhana Sanskara or process awakens Parad after its earlier treatments which give Parad its powers to move in different directions. To accomplish this, Parad obtained from the preceding Patana sanskara is tied in a poultice with bark obtained from the Bhurjapatra tree. The poultice is then steamed in salt-water (mixed with saline water). It removes impotency of Parad which occurs due to its previous sanskaras of Mardana (rubbing).

'''Patana'''- Parad procured after Utthapana is treated to three different types of Patana-karma (sublimation process; downward, upward & oblique). This process is carried out in a special set of apparatus called as Patan-Yantra which are distinct for each process - Urdhvapatana and Adhapatana.

'''Prayojana - Due to Mardana, Patana samskaras, Parada will get Jadatwa (klaibyatva), hence to remove it Rodana samskara is adopted.'''

'''Bodhana /Rodhana'''- Bodhana /Rodhana Sanskara or process awakens Parad after its earlier treatments which give Parad its powers to move in different directions. To accomplish this, Parad obtained from the preceding Patana sanskara is tied in a poultice with bark obtained from the Bhurjapatra tree. The poultice is then steamed in salt-water (mixed with saline water). It removes impotency of Parad which occurs due to its previous sanskaras of Mardana (rubbing).

This type of Sanskar is done to remove any defects or instability with Parada after the Bodhana sanskar. The Parad is steamed with Rason, Bhringaraja, Amlika, Navsagar and Musta. The process needs to be carried out for three days, which is said to purify Parad of its Bhushali, Kanchuka and Mala impurities.

'''Niyamana'''- This type of Sanskar is done to remove any defects or instability with Parada after the Bodhana sanskar. The Parad is steamed with Rason, Bhringaraja, Amlika, Navsagar and Musta. The process needs to be carried out for three days, which is said to purify Parad of its Bhushali, Kanchuka and Mala impurities.

'''Prayojana - This procedure is done to remove the chapalatva of Parada.'''

'''Deepana'''- Parad procured after the Niyamana sanskar is considered free of its impurities and its unpredictable properties. However, it still needs to be prepared for combining with other components to form complex and compound preparations. To complete this, Parad is steamed with the help of Dolayantra filled with Kaanji /Arnaal for one Prahara (3 hrs). This procedure is known as Deepana-sanskara which makes Parad capable of swallowing, digesting or amalgamating other entities. Deepana sanskar is the last Parad sanskara for Deh-Vada. Parad obtained after this sanskar can be used as medicine.

==== Deepana ====

Parada procured after the Niyamana sanskar is considered free of its impurities and its unpredictable properties. However, it still needs to be prepared for combining with other components to form complex and compound preparations. To complete this, Parad is steamed with the help of Dolayantra filled with Kaanji /Arnaal for one Prahara (3 hrs). This procedure is known as Deepana-sanskara which makes Parad capable of swallowing, digesting or amalgamating other entities. Deepana sanskar is the last Parad sanskara for Deh-Vada. Parad obtained after this sanskar can be used as medicine.

The remaining 10 Sanskaras (treatments) specifically used for Loh-vadha (alchemical, spiritual and occult purposes) are as follows.<ref name=":4" />

 

The remaining 10 Sanskaras (treatments) specifically used for Loh-vadha (alchemical, spiritual and occult purposes) are as follows.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":2" />

# Grasa (swallowing)

# Grasa (swallowing)

# Sevana (application)

# Sevana (application)

== Mercury Poisoning ==

 

 

 

=== Mercury Poisoning ===

In the early 1950’s fishermen and their families around Minamata Bay in Japan were stricken with a mysterious neurological illness. The disease produced progressive weakness of the muscles, loss of vision due to visual cortex lesions, impairment of cerebral functions especially cerebellar ataxia, eventual paralysis and in some cases coma and death. It was soon observed that Minamata seabirds and household cats, which like the fisherfolk subsist mainly on fish, showed signs of the same disease. This led to the discovery of high concentrations of mercury compounds in fish and shell-fish taken from the bay, and the source of mercury was traced to the effluent from a factory.

In the early 1950’s fishermen and their families around Minamata Bay in Japan were stricken with a mysterious neurological illness. The disease produced progressive weakness of the muscles, loss of vision due to visual cortex lesions, impairment of cerebral functions especially cerebellar ataxia, eventual paralysis and in some cases coma and death. It was soon observed that Minamata seabirds and household cats, which like the fisherfolk subsist mainly on fish, showed signs of the same disease. This led to the discovery of high concentrations of mercury compounds in fish and shell-fish taken from the bay, and the source of mercury was traced to the effluent from a factory.

What causes concern to environmentalists at present is the alkyl compounds—methyl and ethyl mercurials. The alkyl mercury compounds can cause congenital mental retardation, cerebral palsy and chromosomal abnormalities. The chemical basis for these effects is mercury’s strong affinity for sulphur, particularly for the sulphydryl (S-H) groups in proteins (for which arsenic and lead have a similar affinity). Bound to proteins in a cell membrane, the mercury may interfere with a number of enzymes systems essential to cellular metabolism and alter the distribution of ions, change electrical potentials and thus interfere with the movements of fluid across the membrane. There are also indications that binding of mercury to protein disturbs the normal operation of structures, such as mitochondria and lysosomes within the cell.<ref>Lele, R. D. (2012) ''History of Medicine in India''. New Delhi: National Centre of Indian Medical Heritage, Ministry of AYUSH, GOI</ref>

What causes concern to environmentalists at present is the alkyl compounds—methyl and ethyl mercurials. The alkyl mercury compounds can cause congenital mental retardation, cerebral palsy and chromosomal abnormalities. The chemical basis for these effects is mercury’s strong affinity for sulphur, particularly for the sulphydryl (S-H) groups in proteins (for which arsenic and lead have a similar affinity). Bound to proteins in a cell membrane, the mercury may interfere with a number of enzymes systems essential to cellular metabolism and alter the distribution of ions, change electrical potentials and thus interfere with the movements of fluid across the membrane. There are also indications that binding of mercury to protein disturbs the normal operation of structures, such as mitochondria and lysosomes within the cell.<ref>Lele, R. D. (2012) ''History of Medicine in India''. New Delhi: National Centre of Indian Medical Heritage, Ministry of AYUSH, GOI</ref>

== References ==

== References ==