Vrndamadhava, a ninth century book also named as 'Siddhayoga' with commentary of Sri Kanthadatta/Naraina, dealing exclusively with the treatment of diseases described on the pattern of 'Madhavanidana' is a first book of its kind in Ayurveda. Available second edition, albeit scarcely, i.e. 'Vrndamadhavaparanamaka Siddhayogah' is based on six manuscripts, amongst which dates of only three mss are mentioned, which range within a span of ten years only i.e. between 1628 A.D. to 1638 A.D. Another available book 'Vrndavaidyaka' with Hindi translation is based on only one (but different from above) undated ms.
In present book (being published) subject matter from six additional manuscripts ranging from 1427 A.D. to 1788 A.D. thus covering the period of more than 350 years has been included, which gives the glimpse of changes taking place in the pattern of treatment and also its influence on description of mss. Its English translation being published for the first time ands inclusion of some important explanations given by commentators makes it more intelligible even to those erudites not able to understand Samskrita well. The different readings of mss not accepted in the text but given in footnotes render it possible to the reader to ponder over the subject and take his own decision about acceptability of these readings.
In present scenario when world is anxious to know ancient Indian treasure on medical science and Govt. of India also wants to preserve heritage of traditional knowledge, this book is likely to prove a milestone in this direction and be very beneficial for students, teachers as well as research workers of Ayurveda. |
