E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Medical Astrology

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 12 December
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A literary review on Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (Medical Astrology): A unique management in Ayurveda

Sapna S1, Pachori M2*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.8.12.17

1 Sapna S, Professor and Head, Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sanskriti Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2* Menakshi Pachori, Assistant Professor, Biostatistics, Sanskriti Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.

The holistic approach of treatment in Ayurveda includes, Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa, Satvavajaya Chikitsa and Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa. Only the first two are in regular practice while this spiritual therapy i.e., Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa is totally ruled out in this IT world, as it is beyond the purview of reasoning. We have references of Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa in all our classical text books. Homa, Havana, Japa, Tapa, Mani, Mantra, Upavasa, Prayaschitta, Gamana are mentioned in Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa. Daiva is Atma Kruta Karma (i.e., deeds done by one’s own self). It is a philosophical Tatwa, one face for whatever is done in the past or previous Janma. In this present scenario, the chronic, serious diseases are increasing due to bad food style and wrong life style. Thus, cases of Infertility, Cancer, Alzheimer’s are also increasing. For such non-curable diseases, when planetary positions are not supportive for easy cure, using Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa can enhance the quality of life. Especially in infertility, many case study is documented after right rituals are done, couples have conceived, who had failures after trial of both Allopathy and Ayurveda therapies for infertility. So, Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa is a Indriyaateeta (not accessible to sense organs). Thus, it is kept aside by the Ayurveda fraternity and from the research in the field of science. But, it’s now the high time and right time has come to utilize this divine knowledge in guiding and helping the human kind in leading a better-quality life to be healthier and to lead a happy life.

Keywords: Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa, Homa, Infertility, Karmaja, Purushashkara, Purva Janma

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Menakshi Pachori, Assistant Professor, Biostatistics, Sanskriti Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Sapna S, Pachori M, A literary review on Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (Medical Astrology): A unique management in Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(12):115-118.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2802

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-10-09 2023-10-19 2023-10-29 2023-11-07 2023-11-14
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None declared Nil Yes 23.98 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2023by Sapna S, Pachori Mand 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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Sapna S. et al. A literary review on Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (Medical Astrology)

Introduction

Ayurveda, an ancient science of India not just renders remedies for diseases but also guides for a better quality of life by prevention of diseases with right food style and life style. Among the three modalities of treatment, Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa (which involves Panchakarma therapies and Oushadhis), Satvavajaya Chikitsa (psychospiritual approach) and Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (mystic and divine treatment),[1] the third one (i.e., Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa) is being the unique management, mentioned for Karmaja Vyadhis,[2] which are non-curable diseases. Its detailed explanation is mentioned by different Acharyas and in different contexts.

In the 21st century IT world, where in the deadly diseases Cancer, commonly increasing infertility cases, with not much benefited from the modern intervention of many advanced technological therapies, its high and right time to give a second thought to adopt Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (medical astrology) to improve the success rate of infertility and to use as an adjuvant therapy or to combat side effects of cancer therapy so that the quality of life will be enhanced.

Aim of the study

To study the benefits of Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (medical astrology) in Ayurveda.

Materials and Methods

The material related to the study was collected from classical literatures of Ayurveda.

Literature Review

Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa being one among three modalities of treatment in Ayurveda, Acharya Charaka, Sushrutha and Vagbhata mentions, about Daiva, Nine planets, Purva Janma, Purva Janma Kruta Karma, Karma Vipaka and the remedies, in their treatise as per the context. Veda’s quote, Poorva Janma Krutam Paapam Vyadhi Roopene Bhadyte…… (Sin did in previous birth troubles as a disease in the present life, is what the Vedas proclaims).

Charakacharya quotes Daiva as –

Daivam Aatmakrutam Vidyaat Karmayat Poorva Daihikam |

Smrutah Purushakaarastu Kriyate Yadihaaparam || (Cha. Sam. Vimana Sthana 3/30)[3]

Acharya explains, Daiva is “Aatma Kruta Karma” – action performed by one’s own self”, what is done during past life is known as “Daiva”, where in, its effect is pre-determined. What is done during the present existing life is known as “Purushashkara” where its effect is based upon the human (one’s own) effort. So, when there is Purva Janma, then Karma and its Vipaka (resolution) must follow it.

Karma kinchit kwachit kale vipake niyatam mahat |

Kinchit kalaniyatam pratyayaihi pranibodhyate || (Cha. Sam. Vimana Sthana 3/35)[4]

Effects of the strong Daiva (Karma action of previous life) are invariably manifested. The time of manifestation is conditioned by the availability of a congenial atmosphere. Acharya, further explains in detail, the role of Daiva (actions of previous birth) and Purushashkara (actions of present life) in causing a disease and death.

  • A weak Daiva gets subdued by strong Purushashkara. Suppose a wholesome healthy diet and life style is strictly followed with - strong will by an individual, following certain rituals then, actions of previous life may get resolved in short duration causing not much harm to the person.
  • On the other hand, if actions of previous life are strong, the bad effects got to be faced. It gets manifested by the support of unwholesome diet, life style leading to acute or severe diseases and even death, despite getting the best treatments available.

Vagbhata, while explaining about diseases, opines that from Purva Janma Kruta Karma, Vyadhi occurs, Karma should be subdued, and, also about the role of planets which are beneficial or non-beneficial to an individual. Vagbhatacharya, in ‘Astanga Hrudaya’ supporting the Charaka’s view point, quotes:

Drushta aparadhajah kashchit, kaschit Poorvaaparaadhajah |

Tat Sankaraat bhavatyanyo Vyadhirevam tridha smrutah || (Ast. Hru. Sutra Sthana 12/57)[2]

Three kinds of diseases occur due to

Drustaa


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a) - committed in present life from bad acts and are noticed in a clear manner.

b) Poorva Aparaadhaja - due to bad acts done in previous life (are not seen).

c) Tat Sankaraat - combination of both.

So, one is prone to get a disease based on both previous acts (Poorva Karma) and acts based on present day life (Present Karma). Those arising by specific causes, by Viruddha Ahara and Vihara (bad and altered food and life style) increases Tridosas, afflicting the body. Those diseases, arising without apparent causes are understood as Karmaja (without any specific causes, one gets cancer, or any skin disease is considered as Karmaja). A terrible, profound, severe onset of symptoms and disease are known as both Doshaja and Karmaja.

Vagbhata Acharya, in his text Astanga Hrudaya mentions about planets while explaining the few points on easily curable diseases:

.... Graheshu anuguneshu ....) (A. H. Sutra Sthana 1/31)[5]

If the planets are supportive in one’s chart, a disease becomes easily curable. Moving ahead little further, describing the prevention of diseases, Acharya comments:

Atharva Vihita Shantihi……………. Pratikoola Graha Archanam | (A. H. Sutra Sthana 4/33)[6]

The Homa, Pooja said in Atharva Veda should be performed also. Planets which are not supportive to oneself, should be worshipped. Vagbhata, giving the possibilities or prognosis, for the cure of a disease, comments in brief:

Vipakshasheelanaat Poorvama Karmajah Karma Sanskshayaat |

Gajjati Ubhayajanma Tu Doshakarma Kshayaat Kshayam || (A. H. Sutra Sthana 12/59)[7]

In Doshaja Vyadhis, diseases arising from doshas gets cured by correcting food, activities and with the right treatment. Karmaja gets cured only after the termination or diminution of effect of Karma (Karma Vipaka done with right Pariharas can resolve problems). In Dosha - Karmaja, along with mitigation of Doshas, effect of Karma (of previous life) also must come to an end.

In Charaka Sutra Sthana, Chapter 11, three modalities of treatment have been explained:

Trividham Aushadham Iti- Daivavyapashrayam, Yuktivyapashrayam, Satvavajayahacha |

Tatra Daivavyapashrayam- Mantra Aushadha, Mani Mangala Bali Uphara Homa Niyama Prayaschitta Upvasa Swasthyayana Pranipata Gamanadhi… (Cha. Sam. Su. 11/54)[1]

Chakrapani, the commentator of Charaka Samhita explains:

Recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama in Punaravarthaka Jwara (Pyrexia of unknown origin) mentioned in Charaka Samhitha, Chikithsa Sthana, 3/35[4], Jwara Chikitsa.

Sushruta Acharya, though the pioneer and father of surgery, while explaining the line of treatments in Apasmara (Epilepsy), Unmada (Insanity) and in Arbuda (Cancer), mentions Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa.

Dalhana, the commentator of Sushruta Samhita comments on Navagraha Homa: With Gayatri Mantra Japa using Go Ghrita (Cow’s Ghee) in Brahmi Muhurta to be performed, while describing Navagraha Homa. Dalhanacharya, further clarifies Navagraha’s are:

Ravi Chandra Mangala Budha Guru Shukra Sani Rahu Ketu Iti Navagraha.[8]

Conclusion

The above explanations and references guide us clearly that Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa must be adopted which is totally forgotten and kept aside as an unwanted part of a therapy as it is unknown to many in the field of Ayurveda. Just because it cannot be proved scientifically, that does not mean that, it does not fetch the required benefits. As the Veda’s quote, “Prathyaksham Alpam, Aprathyaksham Analpam” (meaning what is seen and noted to sense organs is minimised, unseen is maximum). So, this divine knowledge to be taught, rightly guided, and encouraged as the exceptional management in Ayurveda in deadly and incurable diseases to enhance the quality of life. Charaka Maharishi while explaining, Kala and Akala Mrityu, he stresses on Sadvritta Paalana (Virtuous path), Giving Dana (offerings), Bali (sacrifice) and Devata Archana (puja to God).[9] Finally, we can conclude thou few situations are Daiva (pre-determined), few are Purushaskara (i.e., it is in our will to change our destiny) through our corrected lifestyle.[10]


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Acknowledgement

The author is thankful to Sanskriti Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.

References

1. Agnivesha, Chakrapani Dutta. Charaka Samhita. Sutra Sthana, Chapter 11/54. Chaukambha Publications; 2016. ISBN: 978-93-81608-55-5.

2. Vaghbhata, Arunadhata, Hemadri. Ashtanga Hridaya. Chapter 12/57. Chaukambha Publication; 2022. ISBN: 978-93-80326-76-4.

3. Agnivesha, Chakrapani Dutta. Charaka Samhita. Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 3/30. Chaukambha Publications; 2016. ISBN: 978-93-81608-55-5.

4. Agnivesha, Chakrapani Dutta. Charaka Samhita. Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 3/35. Chaukambha Publications; 2016. ISBN: 978-93-81608-55-5.

5. Vaghbhata, Arunadhata, Hemadri. Ashtanga Hridaya. Chapter 1/31. Chaukambha Publication; 2022. ISBN: 978-93-80326-76-4.

6. Vaghbhata, Arunadhata, Hemadri. Ashtanga Hridaya. Chapter 4/33. Chaukambha Publication; 2022. ISBN: 978-93-80326-76-4.

7. Vaghbhata, Arunadhata, Hemadri. Ashtanga Hridaya. Chapter 12/59. Chaukambha Publication; 2022. ISBN: 978-93-80326-76-4.

8. Sushruta Acharya, Dalhanacharya. Sushruta Samhita. Chaukhamba Publications; Chaukhamba Sanksrit Sansthan; 2022. ISBN: 978-93-81484-01-2.

9. Agnivesha, Chakrapani Dutta. Charaka Samhita. Vimana Sthana, Chapter 3/14-18. Chaukambha Publications; 2016. ISBN: 978-93-81608-55-5.

10. Agnivesha, Chakrapani Dutta. Charaka Samhita. Vimana Sthana, Chapter 3/29. Chaukambha Publications; 2016. ISBN: 978-93-81608-55-5.


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