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Bhojana, Jemana, Bhakshana. Ashana, Swadana are some common synonyms for Ahara. (तत्पर्य्यायः । जग्धिः २ भोजनं ३ जेमनं ४लेपः ५ निघषः ६ न्यादः ७ । इत्यमरः ॥ जमनं ८ विघषः ९ इति तट्टीका ॥ प्रत्यवसानं १० भक्षणं ११ अशनं १२ ॥ इति रत्नमाला ॥ अभ्यवहारः १३ स्वदनं १४ निगरः १५ । इति राजनिर्घण्टः ॥ अस्य गुणाः । सद्यस्तृप्तिजनकत्वं । बलकारित्वं । देहधारकत्वञ्च । इति राजवल्लभः ॥) Shabdakalpadruma   

Bhojana, Jemana, Bhakshana. Ashana, Swadana are some common synonyms for Ahara. (तत्पर्य्यायः । जग्धिः २ भोजनं ३ जेमनं ४लेपः ५ निघषः ६ न्यादः ७ । इत्यमरः ॥ जमनं ८ विघषः ९ इति तट्टीका ॥ प्रत्यवसानं १० भक्षणं ११ अशनं १२ ॥ इति रत्नमाला ॥ अभ्यवहारः १३ स्वदनं १४ निगरः १५ । इति राजनिर्घण्टः ॥ अस्य गुणाः । सद्यस्तृप्तिजनकत्वं । बलकारित्वं । देहधारकत्वञ्च । इति राजवल्लभः ॥) Shabdakalpadruma   

== Importance of Ahara ==

== त्रयोपस्तंभाः॥ Trayopastambha ==

Ahara has been acclaimed for its role in every aspect of persons life in Charaka Samhita. Acharya Charaka has described the multivariate importance of Ahara or Annam in the verse below. <blockquote>प्राणाः प्राणभृतामन्नमन्नं लोकोऽभिधावति| वर्णः प्रसादः सौस्वर्यं जीवितं प्रतिभा सुखम्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>तुष्टिः पुष्टिर्बलं मेधा सर्वमन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्| लौकिकं कर्म यद्वृत्तौ स्वर्गतौ यच्च वैदिकम्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>कर्मापवर्गे यच्चोक्तं तच्चाप्यन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्॥ (Char. Samh. 27.349-51)<ref name=":4">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutras 349-51)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>prāṇāḥ prāṇabhr̥tāmannamannaṁ loko'bhidhāvati| varṇaḥ prasādaḥ sausvaryaṁ jīvitaṁ pratibhā sukham॥</blockquote><blockquote>tuṣṭiḥ puṣṭirbalaṁ medhā sarvamanne pratiṣṭhitam| laukikaṁ karma yadvr̥ttau svargatau yacca vaidikam॥</blockquote><blockquote>karmāpavarge yaccoktaṁ taccāpyanne pratiṣṭhitam॥ (Char. Samh. 27.349-51)</blockquote>Meaning: The source of life for all living beings is food and thus all the world seeks (runs behind) food. Complexion, clarity, good voice, long life, understanding, happiness, satisfaction, growth, strength and intelligence are all established in food (can be attained by eating right food). Whatever is beneficial for worldly happiness, whatever pertains to the vedic sacrifices leading to higher abode and whatever actions lead to spiritual salvation are said to be established through food.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Annapanavidhi_Adhyaya charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref><blockquote>आहारः प्रीणनः सद्यो बलकृद्देहधारकः ॥ आयुस्तेजःसमुत्साहस्मृत्योजोग्निविवर्धनः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 24.68-69)<ref name=":5">Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 68-69)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>āhāraḥ prīṇanaḥ sadyo balakr̥ddehadhārakaḥ ॥ āyustejaḥsamutsāhasmr̥tyojognivivardhanaḥ ॥ (Sush. Samh. 24.68-69)</blockquote>Meaning: Ahara is nourishing, instantly energizing and body bearer. It promotes longevity, energy, freshness, memory, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]] and Agni.

Ayurveda has put forward the concept of 3 supporting pillars of life. These are called as 3 upastambhas.<ref name=":02">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyayam 11 Sutram 35)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 52)</ref> It is stated that, strength, immunity and growth of any individual is dependent on well-regulated support of 3 factors namely Ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and observance of bramhacharya (celibacy/control of senses). These are called supports or pillars of one’s [[Ayu (आयुः)|Ayu]] or life.<blockquote>त्रय उपस्तम्भा इति- आहारः, स्वप्नो, ब्रह्मचर्यमिति; एभिस्त्रिभिर्युक्तियुक्तैरुपस्तब्धमुपस्तम्भैः शरीरं बलवर्णोपचयोपचितमनुवर्तते यावदायुःसंस्कारात् संस्कारमहितमनुपसेवमानस्य, य इहैवोपदेक्ष्यते॥ (Char Samh 11.35)<ref name=":02" /></blockquote><blockquote>traya upastambhā iti- āhāraḥ, svapno, brahmacaryamiti; ebhistribhiryuktiyuktairupastabdhamupastambhaiḥ śarīraṁ balavarṇopacayopacitamanuvartate yāvadāyuḥsaṁskārāt saṁskāramahitamanupasevamānasya, ya ihaivopadekṣyate॥ (Char Samh 11.35)<ref name=":02" /></blockquote>Meaning: Three supporting pillars of life: Ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and observance of bramhacharya ( celibacy/control of senses). By the wisdom of well regulated support of these three pillars one can get body with strength, good complexion and proper growth and this continues throughout life, provided person does not get involved in regimens which are detrimental for health, these are discussed in this chapter.<ref>Charaka samhita online (Sutra Sthanasutra  Chapter 11.The Three Desires of Life and important triads sutram 35)</ref>

At the same time, Ayurveda acharyas have also identified the nuisance value of ahara if it is not consumed methodically. It is because of some inappropriate practices of consuming food, it can also become a cause for disease development and thus might create trouble. Acharya Charaka has pointed out this interesting aspect of Ahara by comparing it with liquor and poison by showing the similarity between them skillfully in the verse below.

Thus, Ahara plays integral role in one’s health and wellness and therefore it is regarded as one of the 3 supports of life.  

 

<blockquote>किन्तु मद्यं स्वभावेन यथैवान्नं तथा स्मृतम्| अयुक्तियुक्तं रोगाय युक्तियुक्तं यथाऽमृतम्॥</blockquote><blockquote>प्राणाः प्राणभृतामन्नं तदयुक्त्या निहन्त्यसून्| विषं प्राणहरं तच्च युक्तियुक्तं रसायनम्॥ (Char. Samh. 24. 59-60)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutram 59-60)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kintu madyaṁ svabhāvena yathaivānnaṁ tathā smr̥tam| ayuktiyuktaṁ rogāya yuktiyuktaṁ yathā'mr̥tam|॥</blockquote><blockquote>prāṇāḥ prāṇabhr̥tāmannaṁ tadayuktyā nihantyasūn| viṣaṁ prāṇaharaṁ tacca yuktiyuktaṁ rasāyanam॥ (Char. Samh. 24. 59-60)</blockquote>Meaning: (Ayurveda has identified alcoholic drinks or fermented preparations as one of the medicinal formulations e.g. Asavas and Arishtas. Thus how Madyam can be utilised as medicine and when it can give trouble was well-known to Ayurveda scholars which they skillfully applied in practice of medicine. The same applies to use of poison. In this reference this verse has been added)  But liquor by nature is similar to the food. It causes disorders when consumed improperly; while it is like amritam (elixir) when consumed properly. Food is like the vitality of life for the human beings; but the same may be fatal if ingested improperly. The poison is fatal, but it can be [[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|rasayana]] if used sensibly.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Madatyaya_Chikitsa charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>

== Annamaya deha ==

== Annamaya deha ==

विपक्वः पञ्चधा सम्यग्गुणान् स्वानभिवर्धयेत् ||५२६|| (Su.Su.46.526)

विपक्वः पञ्चधा सम्यग्गुणान् स्वानभिवर्धयेत् ||५२६|| (Su.Su.46.526)

== त्रयोपस्तंभाः॥ Trayopastambha ==

== Vital nature of Ahara ==

Ayurveda has put forward the concept of 3 supporting pillars of life. These are called as 3 upastambhas.<ref name=":02">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyayam 11 Sutram 35)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 52)</ref> It is stated that, strength, immunity and growth of any individual is dependent on well-regulated support of 3 factors namely Ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and observance of bramhacharya (celibacy/control of senses). These are called supports or pillars of one’s [[Ayu (आयुः)|Ayu]] or life.<blockquote>त्रय उपस्तम्भा इति- आहारः, स्वप्नो, ब्रह्मचर्यमिति; एभिस्त्रिभिर्युक्तियुक्तैरुपस्तब्धमुपस्तम्भैः शरीरं बलवर्णोपचयोपचितमनुवर्तते यावदायुःसंस्कारात् संस्कारमहितमनुपसेवमानस्य, य इहैवोपदेक्ष्यते॥ (Char Samh 11.35)<ref name=":02" /></blockquote><blockquote>traya upastambhā iti- āhāraḥ, svapno, brahmacaryamiti; ebhistribhiryuktiyuktairupastabdhamupastambhaiḥ śarīraṁ balavarṇopacayopacitamanuvartate yāvadāyuḥsaṁskārāt saṁskāramahitamanupasevamānasya, ya ihaivopadekṣyate॥ (Char Samh 11.35)<ref name=":02" /></blockquote>Meaning: Three supporting pillars of life: Ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and observance of bramhacharya ( celibacy/control of senses). By the wisdom of well regulated support of these three pillars one can get body with strength, good complexion and proper growth and this continues throughout life, provided person does not get involved in regimens which are detrimental for health, these are discussed in this chapter.<ref>Charaka samhita online (Sutra Sthanasutra  Chapter 11.The Three Desires of Life and important triads sutram 35)</ref>

Ahara has been acclaimed for its role in every aspect of persons life in Charaka Samhita. Acharya Charaka has described the multivariate importance of Ahara or Annam in the verse below. <blockquote>प्राणाः प्राणभृतामन्नमन्नं लोकोऽभिधावति| वर्णः प्रसादः सौस्वर्यं जीवितं प्रतिभा सुखम्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>तुष्टिः पुष्टिर्बलं मेधा सर्वमन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्| लौकिकं कर्म यद्वृत्तौ स्वर्गतौ यच्च वैदिकम्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>कर्मापवर्गे यच्चोक्तं तच्चाप्यन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्॥ (Char. Samh. 27.349-51)<ref name=":4">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutras 349-51)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>prāṇāḥ prāṇabhr̥tāmannamannaṁ loko'bhidhāvati| varṇaḥ prasādaḥ sausvaryaṁ jīvitaṁ pratibhā sukham॥</blockquote><blockquote>tuṣṭiḥ puṣṭirbalaṁ medhā sarvamanne pratiṣṭhitam| laukikaṁ karma yadvr̥ttau svargatau yacca vaidikam॥</blockquote><blockquote>karmāpavarge yaccoktaṁ taccāpyanne pratiṣṭhitam॥ (Char. Samh. 27.349-51)</blockquote>Meaning: The source of life for all living beings is food and thus all the world seeks (runs behind) food. Complexion, clarity, good voice, long life, understanding, happiness, satisfaction, growth, strength and intelligence are all established in food (can be attained by eating right food). Whatever is beneficial for worldly happiness, whatever pertains to the vedic sacrifices leading to higher abode and whatever actions lead to spiritual salvation are said to be established through food.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Annapanavidhi_Adhyaya charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref><blockquote>आहारः प्रीणनः सद्यो बलकृद्देहधारकः ॥ आयुस्तेजःसमुत्साहस्मृत्योजोग्निविवर्धनः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 24.68-69)<ref name=":5">Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 68-69)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>āhāraḥ prīṇanaḥ sadyo balakr̥ddehadhārakaḥ ॥ āyustejaḥsamutsāhasmr̥tyojognivivardhanaḥ ॥ (Sush. Samh. 24.68-69)</blockquote>Meaning: Ahara is nourishing, instantly energizing and body bearer. It promotes longevity, energy, freshness, memory, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]] and Agni.

 

At the same time, Ayurveda acharyas have also identified the nuisance value of ahara if it is not consumed methodically. It is because of some inappropriate practices of consuming food, it can also become a cause for disease development and thus might create trouble. Acharya Charaka has pointed out this interesting aspect of Ahara by comparing it with liquor and poison by showing the similarity between them skillfully in the verse below.

 

<blockquote>किन्तु मद्यं स्वभावेन यथैवान्नं तथा स्मृतम्| अयुक्तियुक्तं रोगाय युक्तियुक्तं यथाऽमृतम्॥</blockquote><blockquote>प्राणाः प्राणभृतामन्नं तदयुक्त्या निहन्त्यसून्| विषं प्राणहरं तच्च युक्तियुक्तं रसायनम्॥ (Char. Samh. 24. 59-60)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutram 59-60)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kintu madyaṁ svabhāvena yathaivānnaṁ tathā smr̥tam| ayuktiyuktaṁ rogāya yuktiyuktaṁ yathā'mr̥tam|॥</blockquote><blockquote>prāṇāḥ prāṇabhr̥tāmannaṁ tadayuktyā nihantyasūn| viṣaṁ prāṇaharaṁ tacca yuktiyuktaṁ rasāyanam॥ (Char. Samh. 24. 59-60)</blockquote>Meaning: (Ayurveda has identified alcoholic drinks or fermented preparations as one of the medicinal formulations e.g. Asavas and Arishtas. Thus how Madyam can be utilised as medicine and when it can give trouble was well-known to Ayurveda scholars which they skillfully applied in practice of medicine. The same applies to use of poison. In this reference this verse has been added)  But liquor by nature is similar to the food. It causes disorders when consumed improperly; while it is like amritam (elixir) when consumed properly. Food is like the vitality of life for the human beings; but the same may be fatal if ingested improperly. The poison is fatal, but it can be [[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|rasayana]] if used sensibly.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Madatyaya_Chikitsa charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>

Thus, Ahara plays integral role in one’s health and wellness and therefore it is regarded as one of the 3 supports of life.  

 == Role of Ahara in controlling various aspects of life ==

== Role of Ahara ==

Ayurveda has recognized the role of Ahara in various aspects of life. <blockquote>हिताहारोपयोग एक एव पुरुषवृद्धिकरो भवति, अहिताहारोपयोगः पुनर्व्याधिनिमित्तमिति ॥ (Char Samh 25.31)<ref name=":6">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 31)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>hitāhāropayoga eka eva puruṣavr̥ddhikaro bhavati, ahitāhāropayogaḥ punarvyādhinimittamiti ॥ (Char Samh 25.31)</blockquote>Meaning: Hita Ahara (Favorable/suitable Food) is identified as the one and only source of Purusha Vrddhi (Growth of body-mind-energy system of a person).  

Ayurveda has recognized the role of Ahara in various aspects of life. <blockquote>हिताहारोपयोग एक एव पुरुषवृद्धिकरो भवति, अहिताहारोपयोगः पुनर्व्याधिनिमित्तमिति ॥ (Char Samh 25.31)<ref name=":6">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 31)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>hitāhāropayoga eka eva puruṣavr̥ddhikaro bhavati, ahitāhāropayogaḥ punarvyādhinimittamiti ॥ (Char Samh 25.31)</blockquote>Meaning: Hita Ahara (Favorable/suitable Food) is identified as the one and only source of Purusha Vrddhi (Growth of body-mind-energy system of a person).