JWARA (fever)- a medico historical perspective.

ABSTRACT

"JWARA" is important and critical among all the diseases, because it affects each and every living being. Hence, it has been given first place in the classical texts of Ayurveda. Atharvaveda (AV) has also referred Jwara with the name Takman (son of God Varuna) and drugs like Kustha, Jangida and Anjana have been prescribed for its management. References with regard to Jwara are also found in other non-medical literature Viz., Mahābhārata, Purānas etc. Acārya Suśruta has mentioned that, man comes to this world with Jwara and departs with it. Jwara affects the whole body, the organs of senses and also the mind. According to mythology, Jwara was originated from the hot and destructive breath of Lord Siva, which was produced from his nostrils during the paroxysms of grief and rage on the death of his wife, Durga. It attacks all persons of all ages and in all conditions. Jwara is the king of all diseases, destroyer of all creatures and severe hence a physician should be practically cautious in treating it. All these medico-historical aspects of Jwara have been presented in this article.