A review of Brahmavaivartapurana (BVP) with reference to Ayurveda.

Brahmavaivartapurana is one of the important Mahapurana, which is considered as a Vaisnavapurana. The text is divided into four parts called khanda i.e., Brahma, Prakrti, Ganapati, and Srikrsnajanmakhanda. The total number of chapters are 276 and comprising about 20,500 verses. Brahmavaivartapurana comprises both ancient and medieval materials. It considers Ayurveda as Pancama Veda and devoted 16th chapter of Brahmakhanda which describes the origin of Ayurveda its propagaters headed by Bhaskara (sun god) and his 16 students and their corresponding books in detail. An account of the Jvara (Fever) and other diseases, Dinacarya (daily routine), Rtucarya (seasonal regimen), Tridosa (three humours), their Prakopa (Vitiation) and Prasamana (palliation) etc are described in this book. BVP deals with the do's and dont's of food intake, sleep and sexual indulgance in detail which are deemed to be Trayopastambha (three sub pillers of health). The book provides an account of Plant Tulsi's origin and its spiritual importance. Prakrti (nature's) origins, Pañcamahabhuta nature of the body are described in Prakrtikhanda. At the flag end of the book there is a legend describing the origin of Lord Dhanvantari and describes his scholarship in the field of Veda and sastra. On the whole purana provides glimpse of the life style of a Vaisnava devoutee and the people of the time when it was compiled. It serves the purpose of a practical manual to lead a healthy life and ensure spiritual growth in the life of any individual who believes in the precepts of this book.

Medico-historical review of Nyagrodha (Ficus bengalensis Linn.).

Nyagrodha the Banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis Linn.) is a sacred medicinal plant since Vedic times. The English name Banyan is given by the Britishers to this tree because under the tree Banias i.e., the Hindu merchants used to assemble for business. The triad Ganges, the Himalayas and the Banyan tree are symbolise the images of India, hence it is considered as National Tree. Ficus means fig and bengalensis means belonging to or is of Bengal. To the most of Indians it is Sacred and symbolizes all three Gods of Hindus. The bark represents Lord Visnu, Brahma the roots and Siva the branches. Since Vedic times its small branches are used in Yajña (a sacrificial rite) and known for its giant structure. Alexander the Great is said to have camped under a banyan tree, which was big enough to shelter his whole army of 7,000 men. As per Veda it checks the environmental pollution and one of the source of Laksa (Lac). Its medicinal importance is well documented in Ayurveda literature. However, more research needs for understanding the medicinal properties of this symbolic tree.

Pasu Ayurveda (veterinary medicine) in Garudapurana.

The history of veterinary medicine is closely tied to the development of human medicine. Evidence of animal medicine has been found in ancient civilizations, such as those of the Hindu, Babylonians, Hebrews, Arabs, Greeks, and Romans. Ancient Indian literature in the form of the holy Veda, Purana, Brahmana, epics, etc. is flooded with information on animal care. The Purana are ancient scriptures discuss varied topics like devotion to God and his various aspects, traditional sciences like Ayurveda, Jyotisa (Astrology), cosmology, concepts like dharma, karma, reincarnation and many others. The treatment of animal diseases using Ayurvedic medicine has been mentioned in Garudapurana, Agnipurana, Atri-samhita, Matsyapurana and many other texts. The Garudapurana is one of the important Sattvika purana, the subject matter is divided into two parts, viz. Purvakhanda (first part) and an Uttarakhanda (subsequent part). Gavayurveda, Gajayurveda narrated briefly and Asvayurveda described detailly in Purvakhanda.