A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW ON KANAKASUNDARA RASA: UNTANGLING THE SUBTLE ASPECTS

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurveda focuses on sensing and maintaining the rhythm of life. However, only a practitioner, who can imbibe the different bhavas of the temple that is unique to each individual, can do the successful treatment. The real rationale of the practitioner should be able to untangle the cryptic wisdom by reading between the lines. Such an approach will bring back Ayurveda to be the science which seamlessly intertwines with the natural flow of life. The yogas (formulations) dealt under Rasasatra are always an inevitable component in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Methodology: Considering the treatment of kushta formulations of different rasouashadhis are mentioned in 20^th chapter of Rasaratnasamuchaya.Among such formulations kanakasundara rasa, a nirgandharasayoga with a wide range of applicability was reviewed and analyzed for the present work. Review of the specific formulation was carried out in Rasaratna samucchaya as well as other classical textbooks of Rasasastra. Results& Discussion: Skin is a reflection of Koshta or Rasadhatu, which gives the superficial representation of kushta.Gandhaka is explained as devyaraja:.The term rajas as ‘rasajam’.The philosophical concept in between these linesexplains direct relation of rasajaor twak with gandhaka.Though gandhakagives therapeutic excellence in kushta,its chronicity cannot be managed by this mineral alone.The potentiality of minerals like parada,abhraka,swarna,tamraetc can be imbibed from multidimensional action on higher dhathus like majja,sukla etc.Here comes the relevance of mahayogaslike arogyavardhinivati,mahathaleswararasa etc; even use of nirgandhayogas are explained by Acharya. Target specific and alpamatra prayoga of rasoushadhis play a pivotal role in this concept. Holistic approach for selection and action of a rasayoga in Kusta can be analyzed through the example ‘kanakasundara rasa’.

Key words: Ayurveda,rasoushadhis,subtle aspects, kanakasundara rasa