Ayurveda Itihasa: History and Significance

Study Notes

The word Itihasa comes from the Sanskrit phrase "इतिह आस्तेऽस्मिन्" which means "it certainly was."
It means "The describing of the events that happened in the past."

Understanding the history of a subject is crucial to understanding its development.
The study of Itihasa is essential for research, especially in literary fields.
By studying Ayurveda Itihasa, we learn about the development and decline of Ayurveda, and the individuals responsible for its evolution.
Ayurveda Itihasa provides knowledge of diseases and their treatment.

Knowledge of Ayurveda Itihasa is useful for the progress of a subject, academic discipline, and society.
It serves as a foundation and source for all knowledge, acting as a link between the past and the present.
It is essential for developing teaching and learning methods.
It helps understand the changes made by scholars over time.
It contributes to smoothly functioning economic, social, and administrative systems.
It helps understand the origin of Ayurveda and its journey to Earth.
It's crucial for making changes and conducting research in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda Itihasa is considered the fifth Veda.
It is essential for successful treatment and maintaining healthy lifestyle.
It plays a vital role in protecting the health of healthy individuals.

Indian Literary Sources:
- Vedic Literature
- Historical Indian Literature:
  - Mahakavya
  - Ashtadhyayi
  - Arthashastra
  - Harshacharita
  - Mahabhashya
  - Rajatarangini
- Buddhist Literature
- Jain Literature
- Lokik Literature
Foreign Literary Sources:
- Greek and Roman Writers
- Chinese Writers
- Arabic Writers
- Tibetan Writers

Lord Brahma recalled the knowledge of Ayurveda and passed it to Daksha Prajapati.
This knowledge was then passed on to Ashwini Kumaras (divine doctors).
Lord Indra subsequently learned Ayurveda from the Ashwini Kumaras.
Seeking long life, Bharadwaja approached Lord Indra and learned Ayurveda from him.

Ancient sages gathered at the foothills of the Himalayas to discuss solutions for diseases hindering penance, fasting, Vedic studies, celibacy, vows, and lifespan.

The three principles of Ayurveda are Hetu (causative factors of disease), Linga (symptomatology), and Aushadha Jnana (knowledge of therapeutics).

The lineage of Ayurveda is traced through Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhatta, Kashyapa, and the Puranas.

The Ashwini Kumars were renowned for their remarkable medical expertise.
They were able to replace a person's head with a horse's head, repair a broken leg, heal eye problems, mend broken teeth, restore vision to the blind, treat tuberculosis, cure leprosy, remove a child from the womb, and protect a bird from a wolf.

The Rigveda discusses the nature, use, classification, and action of medicines.
It refers to disease treatments, Tridosha Vada, animal medicine, water therapy, sun therapy, fire therapy, and wind therapy.
It describes the medical skills of Deva Vaidya Ashwini Kumar and the healing miracles of Indra.

Upanishads discuss knowledge about the nature, use, and action of medicines.
They also touch upon the importance of meditation for attaining health, longevity, and overcoming diseases.
Upanishads discuss the concept of Brahman, the supreme reality, and its connection with health and well-being.

Puranas contain numerous references to Ayurveda.
They describe the use of herbs and other natural remedies for treating diseases, maintaining good health, and achieving longevity.
They are also used for discussing preventive and curative aspects of Ayurveda.
Puranas provide details on various medical practices including the treatment of diseases, surgery, and the use of herbs, making it a valuable resource in the field of Ayurveda.