(vii)

Vistara vs Samksepa. Astanga Sangraha is the leading text of Sarigraha style which incorporates the
subject matter from different Tantras and reproduces the same in a summarized form with greater
clarity, while Astanga Hrdaya adopts different style. Further it is obvious that ancient classics like
Caraka and Susruta deliberated more on the fundamental and philosophic aspects of the subject while
the later texts diverted them from philosophy towards practical aspects.
The present volume under publication by Dr. R. Vidyanath presently limits itself to the Sutra Sthana of
Astanga Hrdaya which contains 30 chapters namely 1. Ayuskamlya, 2. Dinacarya, 3. Rtucarya, 4.
Roganutpadanlya, 5. Drava-dravya Vijnanlya, 6. Annaswarupa Vijnanlya, 7. Annaraksa, 8.
Matrasitlya, 9. Dravyadi Vijnanlya, 10. Rasabhediya, 11. Dosadi Vijnanlya, 12. Dosabhediya, 13.
Dosopakramanlya, 14. Dwividhopakramanlya, 15. Sodhanadi-gana Sangraha, 16. Sneha-vidhi, 17.
Sweda-vidhi, 18. Vamana-virecana-vidhi, 19. Vasti-vidhi, 20. Nasya-vidhi, 21. Dhumapana-vidhi,
22. Gandusadi-vidhi, 23. Ascotana-anjana-vidhi, 24. Tarpana-putapaka-vidhi, 25. Yantra-vidhi, 26.
Sastra-vidhi, 27. Siravyadha-vidhi, 28. Salyaharana-vidhi, 29. Sastrakarma-vidhi, 30. Ksara-
agnikarma-vidhi.
Each of these 30 chapters have been presented in this volume with original Sanskrit text followed by
descriptive interpretation and author's reader-friendly comments in a lucid style, not caring critically
about the mere literary translation. He follows an illustrated style of presentation taking help of a
number of photographs and diagrams for the purpose of comparative study in the present day
perspective especially about medicinal plants, blunt and sharp surgical instruments and certain
therapeutic procedures. However, the authenticity of these illustrations will have to be validated and
verified in subsequent editions of this book after inputs from the readers.
Summarily, this book is a student-friendly scholarly work of great value. This is an important addition
to the contemporary literature in Ayurveda. I have known the author of this book Dr. Vidyanath for
many years. He is an erudite scholar of Ayurveda and is an activist and an enthusiast in his field. I
congratulate the author for this good work and wish this publication a grand success.
fa^ tmieT: f efmre": I
Wfft" TftrTJ: ^eR^J f^lehfrHrl II
Nidane madhavah sresthah sutrasthane tu vagbhatah;
Sarire susrutah proktah carakastu cikitsite.

Prof. R.H.Singh
Distinguished Professor
Department of Kayachikitsa, IMS, BHU, Varanasi
Formerly Professor-Head & Dean
Faculty of Ayurveda, BHU
Vice-Chancellor, RAU Jodhpur
Jan.10,2013
 PREFACE

During the ancient times, Acaryas of Ayurveda had written voluminous works on different
specialties, which were not tangible to mediocre students. So, the time demanded in writing
concise books, which cover the essentials of all the eight branches of Ayurveda.
Vagbhata was the first person who composed a treatise entitled Astanga Sangraha by bringing
together the relevant medical knowledge contained in Caraka Samhita, Susruta Samhita,
Harita Samhita, Bhela Samhita, Kasyapa Samhita etc.
The author himself says "By churning the great ocean of medical science, a great store of
nectar by name Astanga Sangraha was obtained. From that store of nectar, a short treatise
entitled Astanga Hrdaya was written for the benefit of mediocre students".
Acarya Vagbhata was the son of Simhagupta and the grand son of Vagbhata belongs to the
region of river Sindhu. His fore fathers were also great scholars of Ayurveda. He was the
disciple of Avalokita, the chief monk of Mahayana Buddhism. Basing on the internal and
external evidences the date of Vagbhata can be fixed between 4th and 5' century AD.
Astanga Hrdaya is one of the most celebrated and most often studied treatises on Indian
Medicine, after Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita. The work significantly begins with an
aphoristic preface "What follows is what was said by great sages, Atreya and others." This
work generally follows the general plan of Astanga Sangraha and divided into six sections, 120
chapters. The total number of verses is 7120 in the extant edition.
Sutra Sthana is the first section contains 30 chapters dealing with Basic principles of
Ayurveda, preventive measures, diet and dietetics, classification of diseases and methods of
treatments etc. Sarlra Sthana is the second section contains 6 chapters dealing with
embryology, anatomy, physiology, physical and psychological constitutions, auspicious and
inauspicious dreams and omens, signs of bad prognosis etc. Nidana Sthana is the third section
contains 16 chapters dealing with etiological factors, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis and
prognosis of important diseases etc. Cikitsa Sthana is the fourth section contains 22 chapters
dealing with the line of treatment of various diseases including pathyapathya. Kalpa-Siddhi
Sthana is the fifth section contains 6 chapters dealing with formulations and methods
pertaining to elimination therapy, management of complications, principles of pharmacy etc.
Uttara Tantra is the sixth section contains 40 chapters dealing with the remaining seven
branches of Ayurveda.
This work has as many as 37 commentaries, the largest number for any early medical classics.
It has been translated into many languages viz. Tibetan, Arabic, German etc. In the Tibetan
canon, Tangyur (8 AD) is included a translation of this work along with Caraka Samhita and
 (ix)

Susruta Samhita. It was also translated into Arabic about the same time under orders from
Baghdad Caliphs. Another translation was available into German, which was taken up by
Luise Hilgenburg & Wilibald Kirfel. The following is the list of commentaries available on
Astanga Hrdaya either fully or partially.
1. Sarvanga Sundara by Aruna Datta (1200 AD) was edited by Vijaya Ratna Sena Gupta,
Calcutta in the year 1888, and by Anna Moreswara Kunte, Bombay in the year 1889.
2. Ayurveda Rasayana by Hemadri (1271-1309) was edited by Hari Sastri Paradakara,
Nirnayasagar Press, Bombay in the year 1939.
3. Padartha Candrika by Candranandana (10th Cent. AD)
4. Hrdaya Bodhika by Sridasa Pandita (14lhCent. AD)
5. Nidana Cintamani by Todaramalla(14'h Cent.-15' AD)
6. Tattwa Bodhaby Sivadasa Sena (15,hCent. AD)
7. VagbhataMandana by BhattaNarahari (15th Cent. AD)
There is a compilation of drugs mentioned in this work, giving also synonyms, Astanga
Nighantu of uncertain date. It contains a Telugu gloss. Another compilation of technical terms
used in this work is Astanga Hrdaya Kosa by Valapad K.M. Vaidya (1936).
Early editions of this work:
1. Anna Moreswara Kunte (1880)
2. JivanandaVidyasagara(1882)
3. GanesaSakharamaSarma(1890)
4. G.K. Garde (1891)
5. SarikaradajT Sastri Pade (1900) (Nirnaya Sagar Press, Bombay)
Only Sutra Sthana of Astanga Hrdaya was prescribed by CCIM as a one of the subjects in the
curriculum of BAMS course in the first profession. As on today sufficient number of Hindi as
well as Regional language translations are available in the market. As a teacher of the
concerned subject for the past decade, I have identified the necessity of proper study material
in English language to cater the needs of freshly joined students of Ayurveda. Keeping this in
view I have made an attempt to incorporate the translation of the text along with the related
matter compiled from various resources in the form of notes. For a better comprehension, the
book is supplemented with full of illustrations. In the annexure the following material is
incorporated.
1. Important Essay & Short Questions
2. Important Slokas to be learnt by heart
3. Table of Weights and Measures
4. Glimpse of Astanga Hrdaya
5. Alphabetical Index of the Herbs mentioned in the book
6. Glossary of Sanskrit Terms
 (xi)

It may not be an exaggeration if I quote that this is the first illustrated book on Ayurvedic
Samhitas. Though the present book is primarily written for undergraduate students of
Ayurveda, it is hoped that Teachers, P.G. Scholars and General Practitioners would also find it
useful as a reference book. Keeping the latest CCIM syllabus 2012 in view, Maulika Siddhanta
part has also been incorporated at the end.
At this juncture I am expressing the pure, warm, sweet and bright flarrie of gratefulness to my
mother Mrs. Rajyalakshmi and to my father Late Dr. R. Satyanarayanacharyulu. I record my
thanks to my life partner Mrs. Padma Vani and my beloved son Satya Teja for their unbounded
affection and encouragement. Without whose infinite inspiration and co-operation, I could not
have completed this work so smoothly within the stipulated time.
I am extremely grateful to my beloved Guide, revered Preceptor, Versatile Scholar, Dr. K.
Nishteswar, Professor & HOD Dravyaguna, IPGT & RA Gujarat Ayurveda University,
Jamnagar for his continuous support and encouragement in all my activities.
On this happiest occasion I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Prof. R.H. Singh, Ex.
Dean, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; Vice-chancellor, Rajasthan Ayurveda University,
Jodhpur, a Versatile Scholar and an experienced teacher of Kayacikitsa for his acceptance to
pen the foreword.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my teachers, students and friends Dr. K.V.
Ramana Raj, Dr. C.N. Murthy, Dr. Ch. Ramakrishna, Dr. D.A.P. Reddy, Dr. S. Venkat, Dr.
Sarvesh, Dr. B. Ramarao, Dr. P. Manohar, Dr. P. Gayatri Devi, Dr. N. Srilakshmi, Dr. D. Vijay
Ganeswara Reddy & Dr. K.J. Lavanya Lakshmi who helped me directly or indirectly for taking
up this project.
My special thanks are due to Dr. Mallu Prasad CCIM Member & President, A.P. Ayurvedic
Medical Officers' Association and Dr. G. Ramachandra Reddy, General Secretary, A.P.
Ayurvedic Medical Officers' Association for their constant encouragement and support in
every phase of my service activities.
At the end I wish to acknowledge my heartfelt thanks to Mr. N.D. Gupta, Chaukhamba
Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi for taking up the publication of this work.

Station: Hyderabad Dr. R. Vidyanath

Date: 4th Feb. 2013
 CONTENTS
ASTANGA HRDAYA
(Sutra Sthana)
1. Ayuskamiya Adhyaya Types of desa and their relation-
(Quest for Long Life) ship with dosas 19
Preamble 1 Types of kala (time) 19
Marigalacarana 2 Types of treatment 19
Reasons for writing the text, General line of treatment for
Astanga Hrdaya 2 psycho-somatic disorders 20
Definition of ayu 3 Pada-catustaya 20
Purpose of Ayurveda 3 Qualities of an ideal physician 20
Ayurvedavatarana 4 Qualities of an ideal drug 20
Description of tridosa 6 Qualities of an ideal attendant 21
Distinct places of tridosa 7 Qualities of an ideal patient 21
Relationship between the dosas Types of diseases 21
and the age, day, night and diet
Factors influencing good prognosis 22
Agni (power of digestion) 9 Factors responsible for bad prognosis 22
Kostha (bowels) 9
Prakrti (constitution) Palliable diseases 22
9
Attributes of tridosa Factors determining the incurability
10
Definition of samsargaja and of diseases 23
sannipataja (combination of any Varjaniya roga laksana (signs of
two or three dosas) diseases to be rejected for
10
Description of dhatus (body treatment) 23
Varjaniya rogl laksana (features of
tissues) and malas (waste products) 11
the patients to be discarded for
Functions of seven body tissues 12 treatment) 23
Vrddhi and ksaya 13
Adhyaya sangraha (enumeration
Rasa (taste) 13
of chapters of this treatise) 23
Influence of rasas over dosas 14
Chapters of Sutra sthana 23
Three types of dravyas 14
Chapters of Sarira sthana 24
Vlrya 15
Vipaka Chapters of Nidana sthana 24
15
Dravyaguna(gurvadi guna) 15 Chapters of Cikitsa sthana 24
Hetu (causative factors for diseases) 16 Chapters of Kalpa-Siddhi sthana 24-
Triskandha 16 Chapters of Uttaratantra 25
Disease and health 18 Total number of chapters and
Classification of diseases sections of this treatise 25
according to origin 18
Dinacarya Adhyaya
Receptacles of diseases 18
(Daily Regimen) 26
Rogl-roga parlksa (examination
of the patient and the disease) 18 Pratahkalotthana (wakeup time) 26