E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Sharangadhara Samhita

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 2 March
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Netra Vangmaya in Sharangadhara Samhita: A Review

Jyothi S.1*, Ashwini M.2
DOI:

1* S Jyothi, Assistant Professor, Department of Shalakya Tantra, Govt. Ayurveda Medical College, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

2 M J Ashwini, Professor, Department of Shalakya Tantra, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar College of Ayurveda, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

The core treasure of Ayurveda knowledge, including the medical science revolving around diseases and treatment, lies embedded in many Ayurvedic treatises which have been written, re-written and revised since ages. Constantly evolving medical science has seen inevitable additions in older treatises by newer authors, to cope up with the modern standards and stay updated in this evidence based era. Brihatrayee (Charaka, Sushrutha and Vagbhata Samhitas) and Laghutrayee (Sharangadhara, Bhavaprakasha, Madhava Nidana) treatises have been the standard references for Ayurvedic medicine since centuries. Sharangadhara Samhita is one pioneering work included in the list of Laghutrayee. Shalakya Tantra, being a vital branch which deals with Jatrurdhva Avayavas and their Vikaras, our classics render utmost importance to sense organ ‘Eye’. Considering the significance of “Netra” (eye) among all the Indriyas, here is an attempt to review all the references available in Sharangadhara Samhita related to Chakshu (the eye). No attempt has been made till date to review the references of Netra in Sharangadhara Samhita.

Keywords: Sharangadhara Samhita, Laghu trayee, Netra, Ayurveda

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
S Jyothi, Assistant Professor, Department of Shalakya Tantra, Govt. Ayurveda Medical College, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		S Jyothi, M J Ashwini, Netra Vangmaya in Sharangadhara Samhita: A Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(2):95-100.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1763

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© 2022by S Jyothi, M J Ashwiniand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Sharangadhara Samhita is a classical text book of Laghutrayee of Ayurveda. It stands as a best example of Ayurvedic literature of medieval India. From the subject matter of the text, it has been found that author had followed Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and some Rasashastra Granthas. Since the drug manufacturing part is elaborately dealt in this, it is considered as an authentic text book of Bhaishajya Kalpana. The aim of this text is to explain many useful formulations, which were therapeutically experienced by Physi­cians to cure diseases of different origin.[1]

Authorship and Period

Acharya Sharangadhara, son of Damodara is consid­ered as the author of this text. Different opinion ex­ists among scholars about the author, as there is no personal information regarding the identification of real author in the text. It means Sharangadhara was a very popular name in medieval India. There are quotations in the first and last chapters of the text, which denotes that it has been written by Acharya Sharangadhara.[2]

He has also written a treatise on Neeti Shastra known as ‘Sharangadhara Paddhati. As per this reference, he was the eldest son of Damodara and grandson of Raghavadeva, who was a great poet in the court of the king of Hammir, who ruled the country Shakambari in 13th century AD.[3]

Period: Sharangadhara Samhita is assigned to the early part of 14th Century AD, based on Chakrapani datta and Dalhana, the two famous commentators of Charaka and Sushrutha Samhita respectively who lived during 11th Century AD. Hemadri, the commentator of Astanga Hridaya who belonged to 13th – 14th Century, has referred to Sharangadhara Samhita in his commentary.

Commentaries and Commentators

  1. 1st Sanskrit commentary: Bopadeva, during early part of 14th Century A.D as the protege of Hemadri, is said to have written a commentary on Sharangadhara Samhita.
  2. Sharangadhara Deepika: Vaidya Adhamalla (14thD)
  3. Goodartha Deepika: Kashiram Vaidya (16thD)
  4. Ayurveda Deepika: Rudrabhatta (17thD) (Only Madhyama & Uttara Khanda available)

Contents of Sharangadhara Samhita[4]

Sharangadhara Samhita though predominantly deals with Bhaishajya Kalpana, we find brief narration of basic principles, anatomy and physiology, methods of diagnosis of and enumeration of diseases. The whole treatise is divided into 3 parts, which contains 32 chapters and 2,600 verses. 

  • Poorva Khanda - 7 chapters and 585 Shlokas
  • Madyama Khanda - 12 chapters and 1,261 Shlokas
  • Uttara Khanda - 13 chapters and 682 Shlokas

Poorva Khanda: It is the first division of the Samhita and comprises of 7 chapters. One chapter each for Maana Paribhasha (weights and measures), Bhaishajya Khyanaka (time for medicine, collection of drugs, seasonal effects), Nadipariksha Vidhi (examination of pulse and other methods of diagnosis of diseases), Deepana-Pachanadi Vidhi (definitions of pharmacological terms), Kaladi Kakhyana (anatomy and physiology of human body), Aharadi Gati Vidhi (digestion of food, human constitution) and Roga Gamana (enumeration of diseases)

Madhyama Khanda: It is the 2nd division of the Samhita and comprises of 12 chapters. Describes the composition, method of preparation and uses of different Kalpanas. One chapter each for Swarasa, Kwatha, Phanta, Hima, Kalka, Choorna, Gutika, Avaleha, Tailas, Asavarishtas, Dhatushudhi, and Rasa Aushadhas.

Uttara Khanda: It is the 3rd division of the Samhita and comprises of 13 chapters. Explains the different kinds of treatments of Panchakarma in separate chapters i.e., Snehapana, Swedana, Vamana, Virechana, Sneha Basti, Nirooha Basti, Uttara Basti, Nasya, Dhoomapana, Gandoosha, Lepa, Swasthavritta, Shonita Visruti and Netra Prasadana.  

References on Netra

Nayana has been mentioned as one among the Dasha Indriyas[5] and are considered to be having 2 Randhras (openings).[6] Pitta Dosha present in eyes is said to be responsible for vision, which is called as Bhrajaka Pitta.[7] Netra Mala is considered as the Mala of Majja Dhatu and Netra Jala (tears) are considered as Rasa Dhatu Mala.[8]


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Aushadha Sevana Kala for Jatrurdhva Rogas including Netra Rogas has been mentioned as before night meals, especially if the medicines have Lekhana, Brumhana, Pachana and Shamana property.[9] A Matra Kala has been defined as one Nimesha and Unmesha (closing and opening of eyelids).[10]

Acharya Sharangadhara has explained 94 Netra Rogas in Rogagananadhyaya (Purva Khanda, 7th chapter). The classification is as follows:

SN Netra Rogas Total diseases
1. Vartmagata Rogas 24
2. Sandhigata Rogas 09
3. Shuklagata Rogas 13
4. Drishtigata Rogas 05
5. Kacha Rogas 06
6. Timira 06
7. Linganasha 07
8. Drishtimandala Rogas 08
9. Adhimantha 04
10. Abhishyanda 04
11. Sarvakshi Rogas 08

Vartmagata Roga: Krichronmila, Pakshmapaata, Kaphotklishta, Lohita, Arunnimesha, Raktotklista, Kukunaka, Pakshmarshas, Pakshmarodha, Pittotklishta, Pothaki, Klistavartma, Bahala Vartma, Pakshmotsanga, Arbudha, Kumbhika, Sikatavartma, Lagana, Anjananamika, Kardama, Shyavavartma, Bisavartma, Alaji and Utklistavartma are the 24 Vartmagata Rogas.

Sandhigata Roga: Jalasrava, Kaphasrava, Raktasrava, Parvani, Puyasrava, Krimigranthi, Upanaha, Alaji and Puyalasa are the 9 Sandhigata Rogas.

Shuklagata Roga: Sirotpata, Siraharsha, Sirajaala, Shuktika, Shukla Arma, Adhimaamsa Arma, Prastari Arma, Vistaka, Siraajapidaka, Kaphagranthitaka, Arjuna, Snayu Arma and Shonita Arma are the 13 types of Netra Shuklagata Armas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.

Krishnagata Rogas: Shuddha Shukra, Sira Shukra, Kshata Shukra, Ajakaa And Sirasanga are the 5 types of Krishnagata Rogas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.

Kacha Rogas: Vataja Kacha, Pittaja Kacha, Kaphaja Kacha, Samsargaja Kacha, Raktaja Kacha and Sannipataja Kacha are the 6 types of Kacha Rogas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.

Timira Rogas: Vataja Timira, Pittaja Timira, Kaphaja Timira, Samsargaja Timira, Raktaja Timira and Sannipataja Timira are the 6 types of Timira Rogas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.

Linganasha Rogas: Vataja Linganasha, Pittaja Linganasha, Kaphaja Linganasha, Tridoshaja Linganasha, Upasargaja Linganasha, Samsargaja Linganasha and Raktaja Linganasha are the 7 types of Linganasha Rogas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.

Drishtigata Rogas: Pittavidagdhaka, Amlapitta Vidagdhaka, Ushna Vidagdhaka, Nakulandhya, Dhusarandhya, Ratryandhya, Hrswadrishtika and Gambhiradrsta are 8 types of Drishtigata Rogas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.

Adhimantha Rogas: Vataja Adhimantha, Pittaja Adhimantha, Kaphaja Adhimantha and Raktaja Adhimantha are the 4 types of Adhimantha Rogas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.

Abhishyanda Rogas: Vataja abhishyanda, Pittaja Abhishyanda, Kaphaja Abhishyanda and Raktaja Abhishyanda are the 4 Abhishyanda Rogas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.

Sarva Netra Rogas: Vataviparyaya, Alpashopha, Anyatovata, Pakatyaya, Shushkakshipaka, Netrashopha, Adhyushita and Hatadhimantha are the 8 types of Sarvanetra Rogas explained by Acharya Sharangadhara.[11]

Netra Pariksha (Eye Examination)

In Nadi Pariksha Vidhiradhyaya, (Purva Khanda, 3rd chapter) examination of eye has been explained to diagnose the diseases afflicted by various Doshas.


  • In ‘Vataja Netra Roga’, eyes will be Ruksha (dry) and will have Dhumra or Aruna Varna (muddy or brownish-red appearance). The eyesight moves towards one side and seems fixed.
  • In ‘Pittaja Netra Roga’, the eyes possess yellowish (like that of Haridra), reddish or greenish color. There will be presence of photophobia and burning sensation in the eyes.
  • In ‘Kaphaja Netra Roga’, the eyes appear Snigdha (Pichhila); filled with water, pale in color with no radiance and muddy.
  • The eyes affected by vitiation of two Doshas at once, will exhibit the signs and symptoms of both those Doshas.

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  • The eyes affected by vitiation of all the three Doshas at once will be completely luster less and will exhibit the signs and symptoms of all the three Doshas. Here despite of profuse lacrimation, eyes remain open.[12]

Netrakarmadi Vidhiradhyaya: Acharya Sharangadhara has dedicated an entire chapter in Uttara Khanda (13th chapter) and has elaborated all the important aspects of Netra Chikitsa in it. Seven Netra Kriyakalpas i.e., Seka, Aschyotana, Pindi, Vidalaka, Tarpana, Putapaka and Anjana are explained in detail.

The definition of Seka, height of pouring i.e., 4 Angula, types of Seka, their indication in various Dosha conditions and respective durations are explained. Seka Yogas in various diseases like Vataja Abhishyanda, Pittaja Abhishyanda, Raktaja Abhishyanda and Netra Shula are elaborated.

Aschyotana Kriyakalpa has been explained in depth with its entities like procedure, types with their respective dosage and nature of the medicaments used, contraindication, Dharana Kala and Matra Kala. Some Aschyotana Yogas for Vataja Netrabhishyanda, Vataja-Raktaja-Pittaja Netrabhishyanda and Sarvadoshaja Abhishyanda have been explained.

Anjana Prayoga: Types of Anjana, method of application, dosage and indications are explained. Chandrodaya Varti, Karanja Varti, Samudraphenadi Varti, Danta Varti, Nilotpala Varti, Kusumika Varti, Rasanjana Varti, Dhatryadi Varti, Tuthyadi Rasakriya, Vatakshira Rasanjana, Atinidranashaka Yoga, Tandranashaka Yoga, Prabhodanjana, Darvyadi Rasakriya, Rasanjanadi Rasakriya, Guduchi Rasakriya, Punarnava Rasakriya, Babbula Rasakriya, Hijjala Rasakriya, Kataka Rasakriya, Krishnasarpa Vasanjana, Lekhananjana, Kananjana, Naga Netra Shalaka, Pratyanjana Vidhi, Nayanamritanjana and Sarpavisha Nashaka Anjana have been explained.[13]

Souviranjana if used daily, will be beneficial. There will be more possibilities of Kaphaja Netra Roga, so to avoid this or to drain the excessive Kapha from the eyes, the ‘Souviranjana’ should be used on 5th or 8th day at night time.[14]

Pindi & Bidalaka have been explained in detail including their definition, preparation, procedure and indications. Pindi Yogas indicated in Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja and Raktaja Abhishyanda have been explained.[15]

Tarpana & Putapaka: definition, procedure, duration, Samyak-Ati-Heena Tarpita Laxanas and indications are explained in detail.[16]

Hrasa Krama: Vision diminishes after 60 years.[17]

Important Netra Yogas

  • Mayura Ghrita - for Paana, Nasya, Abhyanga in Netra Rogas.[18]
  • Amritadi Qwatha - Sarva Netra Rogas with honey[19]
  • Vasadi Qwatha - Sarva Akshi Rogas[20]
  • Pathyadi / Shadanga Qwatha - Naktandhya, Patala Shukra (corneal opacity) and Netra Shula (pain in the eyes)[21]
  • Brihat Manjishtadi Kwatha - Indicated in Netra Rogas[22]

Discussion

Sharangadhara Samhita was one of the fruitful outcomes which originated from the concept of simplification of Ayurvedic treatises. Brihatrayi textbooks were very voluminous works and were difficult for the general practitioners of Ayurveda to read and follow. Hence, as the later authors and scholars of Ayurveda felt the necessity of simplification of prominent aspects of those voluminous texts, Laghutrayees originated.

Sharangadhara also adopted the same principle and wrote his work on medicine, which later got popular as ‘Sharangadhara Samhita’. Sharangadhara was not only a good physician and author; he was also a good poet. His text comprises of 3 sections and 2,600 verses. Though pharmaceutical preparations comprise maximum part of the text, it also explains measurements, drug collection, dosage & time of administration, shelf lives, Nadi Pariksha Vidhi, anatomy and physiology of human body, types of diseases affecting various parts of our body, process of respiration, Panchakarma procedures and indications, Gandusha - Lepa & Raktavisravana Chikitsa Kramas are explained in depth.

Shalakya Tantra finds recognizable place in the text. We find classification of Shirorogas & Shirokapaladi Rogas, Netra Rogas, Karnagata, Karnamulagata & Karnapaligata Rogas, Nasa Rogas and Mukha Rogas (Ostha, Danta, Dantamula, Jihva, Talu, Kantha & Sarvagata Mukha). Therapeutics like Nasya, Gandusha, Raktavisravana and Lepa are explained


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in separate chapters. Whereas an entire chapter is especially dedicated for Netra, dealing with all the Kriyakalpas and Yogas, apart from scattered references on eye, which reiterates the importance of Chakshu Indriya.

Conclusion

Sharangadhara Samhita is a classical compendium of ‘Pharmaceutical Science in Ayurveda’ that caters to all the basics of pharmaceutics. It has three sections by name Poorvakhanda, Madhyamakhanda and Uttarakhanda, with 32 chapters and 2600 verses. We find 94 Netra Rogas explained in Rogagananadhyaaya (Purva Khanda, 7th chapter), which are classified based on their Adhisthana in various parts of eye. Examination of eye has been explained to look for Dosha Lakshanas in Nadi Pariksha Vidhiradhyaya (Purva Khanda, 3rd chapter). Netra Karmadi Vidhiradhyaya (Uttara Khanda, 13th chapter) has been completely dedicated for Netra Chikitsa and Kriyakalpas. Seka, Aschyotana, Pindi, Vidalaka, Tarpana, Putapaka and Anjana are explained in detail along with relevant formulations. Thus, Sharangadhara Samhitha can be an eminent handy treasure of knowledge in the field of Shalakya Tantra.

Reference

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2. Remya A, Divya Ravindran, Aparna Sharma, Anju Revi Kumar and Abhaya kumar Mishra. Review on Sharngadhara Samhita. International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2016; 1(1): 0013-0021.

3. Acharya Tarachand Sharma. Ayurveda Ka Parichayatmak Itihas. Nath Pustak Bhandar, Rohtak. Reprint 2017, Pp328,Page147

4. Sharangadhara, Sharangadhara Samhita, Choukhambha Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi. Reprint 2013, p1-7.

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Dr Ravindra Angadi. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surabharati Prakashan; 1st Edition, 2017;p102.

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