Concept of Gandha in Charaka Samhita

Abstract

Ayurveda which is unique in its origin, observations and documentation of diseases and its treatment has added beauty in understanding the prognosis too. Acharya’s have not left any area untouched related with preventive and curative aspect of diseases. The Sharira Sthana ends with Jatisutriya Adhyaya wherein the measurement of child is told indicating the life span. Seeing the bad signs, one can predict the Ayu, which are elaborated in Indriyasthana. This helps in understanding Chikitsa Sthana wherein treatment related to only Sadhya Rogas are said. Ayurveda classifies disease as mainly two i.e., Sadhya and Asadhya. This classification is very important to know the prognosis of disease rather than diagnosis otherwise it can lead to loss of social respect, money and knowledge of physician. For the proper knowledge of Asadhya Laxanas there is description of Arishtas in Samhita Granthas. The whole Indriyasthana of Charaka Samhita (12 chapters), 5 chapters (28 - 33 ) of Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana and in 2 chapters (5-6) of Ashtanga Hrudaya Sharira sthana different types of arishtas are clearly mentioned which are helpful to explain the prognosis of a patient. Along with Charaka Samhita, Bhela Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita and Harita Samhita also included Indriya Sthana. A total of 47 factors are mentioned to look into for the prognosis. These are again basically grouped under 2 factors i.e., those signs and symptoms which are lodged in subject and those which are understood by inauspicious signs. Thus, it covers all the Laxanas starting from Pratyaksha Bhavas to Anumanagamya Bhavas. In this article, Gandha which is one among the 47 factors is been explained from Indriya Sthana as well as from other Sthana’s.