E-ISSN:2456-3110

Editorial

Charaka Samhita

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 5 MAY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Charaka Samhita: The Timeless Gem of Ayurveda

Baragi UC1*, Ganer JM2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.5.1

1* Umapati C Baragi, Associate Professor and HOD, Dept of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, Faculty of Ayurved, Main Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

2 Jyoti M Ganer, Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Agadtantra Evum Vidhi Vaidyak, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

The Charaka Samhita is a authoritative Ayurvedic text that continues to illuminate holistic healthcare practices across millennia. Attributed to Acharya Charaka and redacted from Agnivesha's teachings, it embodies a philosophical and clinical synthesis rooted in the Trisutra framework - Hetu, Linga, and Aushadha. Structured into eight methodical sections, the text addresses preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic modalities through a lens that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Its philosophical undercurrents, drawn from Samkhya and Vaisheshika Darshanas, reflect a metaphysical grasp of human health. This article explores the enduring relevance of the Charaka Samhita in the context of contemporary health challenges, emphasizing its alignment with modern principles such as personalized medicine, ethical practice, and lifestyle-based disease prevention. Reaffirming its stature as the “Gem of Ayurveda,” the treatise continues to bridge tradition and innovation, offering timeless insights into integrative, patient-centered care.

Keywords: Charaka Samhita, Ayurveda, Trisutra, Panchakarma, Integrative Medicine, Preventive Health, Dosha, Dhatu, Samanya-Vishesha

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Umapati C Baragi, Associate Professor and HOD, Dept of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, Faculty of Ayurved, Main Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Email: 		Baragi UC, Ganer JM, Charaka Samhita: The Timeless Gem of Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(5):1-3.
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Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-04-11 2025-04-26 2025-05-06 2025-05-16 2025-05-26
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© 2025 by Baragi UC, Ganer JM and 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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Umapati CB et al. Charaka Samhita: The Timeless Gem of Ayurveda

Introduction

The Charaka Samhita, attributed to Acharya Charaka and redacted from the teachings of Agnivesha under the guidance of Punarvasu Atreya, is one of the most authoritative texts in Ayurveda.[1] Composed between 1000 BCE and 200 CE, it forms the bedrock of internal medicine (Kaya Chikitsa). The Charaka Samhita stands as a monumental text, not only within Ayurveda but in the history of global medical literature. Often referred to as the foundation of Ayurvedic medicine, this ancient compilation is a testament to the depth, universality, and timeless relevance of Ayurveda’s principles.[2] It is not merely a medical text but a philosophical treatise that underscores health as a harmonious integration of body, mind, and spirit. Its significance as the “Gem of Ayurveda” reflects its unmatched contribution to medical science and holistic healthcare.

Historical and Philosophical Context

The text is structured around the Trisutra - Hetu (etiology), Linga (symptomatology), and Aushadha (therapeutics) - which form the epistemological framework of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. The Charaka Samhita also integrates Darshana (Indian philosophical systems), particularly Samkhya and Vaisheshika, to explain the metaphysical basis of health and disease.[3]

The Legacy of Charaka Samhita

Believed to have been composed between 1000 BCE and 200 CE, the Charaka Samhita is attributed to the Acharya Charaka,[4] though it represents the accumulated wisdom of multiple ancient scholars. It serves as a foundational text for internal medicine (Kayachikitsa), presenting a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

The Charaka Samhita is renowned for its meticulous exploration of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Unlike modern compartmentalized approaches to medicine, it views the individual as a whole, emphasizing the interconnection between physical, mental, and environmental factors.[5]

Unparalleled Depth and Scope

What makes the Charaka Samhita unique is its extraordinary depth and wide-ranging scope. It is divided into eight sections (Sthanas),

covering various aspects of health and disease. These include:

1. Sutra Sthana: Foundational principles of Ayurveda, including philosophical underpinnings and preventive measures.

2. Nidana Sthana: Pathogenesis and causes of diseases, offering profound insights into diagnostics.

3. Vimana Sthana: Focused on the quantification and specificity medical knowledge and investigation.

4. Sharira Sthana: Discussion on anatomy, embryology, and the metaphysical aspects of the human body.

5. Indriya Sthana: Prognostics and signs of diseases.

6. Chikitsa Sthana: Therapeutic approaches, covering various treatments and formulations.

7. Kalpa Sthana: Recipes and protocols for detoxification therapies like Vamana and Virechana.

8. Siddhi Sthana: Practical applications and mastery of therapeutic techniques.

This vast and detailed structure ensures that the Charaka Samhita remains a relevant guide for practitioners, even in contemporary times.[6]

Timeless Relevance of Charaka's Teachings

The teachings of the Charaka Samhita are as pertinent today as they were centuries ago, proving its timeless brilliance. For instance:

  • The text’s focus on preventive healthcare through diet (Ahara), lifestyle (Vihara), and seasonal regimens (Ritucharya) aligns with modern concepts of wellness and lifestyle medicine.
  • Its emphasis on personalized medicine (Prakriti-based treatment) reflects cutting-edge trends in genomics and individualized healthcare.
  • The holistic view of health, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, resonates with integrative and complementary medical systems worldwide.
  • The ethical guidelines outlined in the Charaka Samhita for practitioners highlight the importance of compassion, integrity, and patient-centered care.[7]

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Umapati CB et al. Charaka Samhita: The Timeless Gem of Ayurveda

Bridging Tradition and Modernity

The Charaka Samhita continues to inspire contemporary research in Ayurveda. Scientists and scholars are re-examining its formulations, diagnostics, and therapeutic approaches through modern lenses. Many of its herbal formulations and principles, like the role of gut health (referred to as Agni in Ayurveda), are increasingly supported by scientific studies.[8]

Integrating Charaka Samhita’s wisdom into modern medical practice not only enhances Ayurveda’s credibility but also provides solutions to emerging global health challenges like lifestyle disorders, stress, and drug resistance.

Conclusion

The Charaka Samhita truly deserves its place as the “gem of Ayurveda.” It is a superb example of how ancient knowledge can transcend time, offering insights that remain relevant in an ever-evolving world. As we continue to explore its teachings, the Charaka Samhita stands as a bridge between tradition and modernity, guiding humanity toward holistic health and wellbeing. By cherishing and studying this timeless text, we honour not just Ayurveda but the enduring spirit of inquiry and healing it represents.

References

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