Ayurveda in Ramayana and Mahabharata (रामायणे तथा महाभारते आयुर्वेदः)

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Ramayana and Mahabharata are ancient epics in the form of poetry originally written by Valmiki and Vyasa respectively. These are collectively called as itihasa (Samskrit: इति‍हास), that form the Smriti (Samskrit: स्मृति) part of the Prasthantrayi. Ramayana narrates the history of Lord Rama's activities in the world. While Mahabharata, is chiefly the story of two branches of a family - the Pandavas and Kauravas - who, in the War, battle for the throne. Interwoven into this narrative are several smaller stories about people dead or living, and philosophical discourses. Bhagvad Gita, the holy religious text, which is in the form of a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, is narrated in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. Although the subject matters of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are diffrerent from that of Ayurveda, one can find multiple references in these 2 texts that mention concepts, application, practice and medicine in Ayurveda at relevant places. Looking at the references one can understand that Ayurveda was known and practiced in quite an evolved stage during the times of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Ayurveda in Ramayana

Incidentally, some words related to Ayurveda are found in this Ramayana. These words are mainly related to surgery. However, the most popular reference of Ayurveda medicine found in Ramayana is that of herb Sanjeevani which was brought by Hanumana following the prescription given by royal physician Sushena to revive the Laxmana and other army.

Mountain with medicinal herbs

In the Parvatayana adhyaya of Yuddha Kanda in Ramayana, there is a mention about Hanumana bringing mountain of medicinal herbs from Himalayas to Lanka. The location of mountain with medicinal herbs has been described in Ramayana as, ' Oshadhiparvata (mountain of medicines) is situated between Kanchan Parvat (Golden Mountain) near the Himalayas and the peak of Kailasa'. The names of the herbs that were required are also clearly mentioned. Sandhankarani. Vishalyakarani, savarnyakarani and Mrutasanjeevani were the 4 herbs growing on the oshadhi parvata which were brought by Hanumana and used by Vaidya Sushena. A sutra in this place described how after using /inhaling these herbs, in a fraction on omen the army of vanaras was brought alive.

तावप्युभौ मानुषराजपुत्रौ तं॑ गन्धमाघ्राय महौषधीनाम्। बभूवतुस्तत्र तदा विशल्यावुत्तस्थुरन्ये च हरिप्रवीरा: । (वा. रा. युद्ध, ७४-७३ )

Meaning: With the advent of these medicines, all the dead vanaras (monkeys) became free from injury (foreign bodies) and pain. As soon as they smelled the aroma of these medicines, all the dead monkeys woke up as if they had woken up from sleep.