A comparative review on Auñadhakäla in Ayurvedic classics

Abstract

Ayurveda is the science of life based on Trisütra (Hetu, Liìga and Auñadha) which are important to fulfill objectives of Ayurveda called Svasthaparäyaëa and Äturaparäyaëa. Auñadhasütra is a very important concept as a part of Cikitsä (Treatment). Auñadhakäla means times of drug administration which is important to achieve the best result of drugs. A literature study was carried out to collect the data about Auñadhakäla mentioned in main authentic classics in Ayurveda called Vuddhatraya (Caraka saàhitä, Susruta saàhitä and Añöäìgahådaya saàhitä) and Laghutraya (Çäraìgadhara saàhitä, Mädhava Nidänaand Bhävaprakäça). According to findings, there are various types of Auñadhakäla mentioned in those classics except in Mädhava Nidäna and Bhävaprakäça. Number and names of Auñadhakäla differ from classic to classic. Caraka saàhitä, Susruta saàhitä and Añöäìgahådaya saàhitä mentioned ten types of Auñadhakäla with similarities as well as differences of names. According to the review of above classics, Abhakta, Prägbhakta, Madhyabhakta, Adhobhakta, Antaräbhakta, Sabhakta, Muhurmuhuù, Sämudga, Gräsa, Gräsäntara and Niçi can be identified as Auñadhakäla with synonyms. Rogébala and Vyädhi have been given prime importance in the context of Auñadhakäla in the Våddhatraya. Çäraìgadhara saàhitä mentions five types of Auñadhakäla as Süryodhaya, Divasa bhojana, Säyantane bhojana, Muhuù and Niçi which differ from the classification of Våddhatraya. In here different parts of the day were used in the context of Auñadhakäla considering about Vyädhi without any concern for Rogébala. According to the above findings, it can be concluded that there are some similarities and differences between Våddhatraya and Laghutraya in the classification of Auñadhakäla in Ayurveda.