ABOUT THE BOOK:
As Vedic literature finds its roots in 'Vedatrayi (the RK, the yajus and saman) so does Ayurveda in 'Brahatrayi consisting of Caraka Samhita, Suruta Samhita and Astangahrdaya, Caraka and Susruta represent two different streams of treatment kayakitsa and salaya salakya respectively. Probably Vagbhatta, the propounder of 'Astangahrdaya' Was first to realize the need for bringing forth all the eight branches of Ayurvedic science together in one treatise with a view facilitate the learners andpractitioners of the science in acquiring its complete knowledge by going through a single text.
Two Treatises dealing with the eight branches of Ayurveda ' Astangahrdaya' and ' Astangasamgraha are ascribed to the authorship of Vagbhata, which led to controvercy among scholars, but since both the works differe vastely in their style and content, as 'Samgraha' is written in prose and verse mixed style where as 'Hrdaya' is written fully in verse. So the two works can not be attributed to authorship of one person.
Looking into the need of student only Sursasthana of 'Astangahrdaya' has been translated. Nearness with the original text had been prime consideration. If something had to be added for explaining any aspect, well, that has been kept under brackets. The two most important commentaries, 'Sarvangasundara' by Aruna Datta and 'Ayurvedarasyana by Hemari were taken as basic source. though those have not been translated tyet all the salient points have been given separately. Along with these commentaries help has been taken from 'Vidyotini the Hindi Commentary by Atrideva Vidyalankara.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dr. (Mrs.) Asha Kumar M.A., Ph.D. Exponent in Samskrta has acquired special experience of working on manuscripts during her work tenure with NISTADS (Project on History of Science and Technology during Medieval period). Besides editing and translating two mss. of Aayurveda i.e Yogacandrika (Translated in Hindi and English) and Vrndamadhavaparanama Siddhayogah (Translated in English) and has tranlated in Hindi-English one Prakrta Mahakavya (Setubandham) also. She has been writing Articles, poem and stories in different journals and magazines on literary, social and cultural subjects. her source of inspiration has always been ancient Samskrta literature.
Dr. P.V. Tewari A.M.B.S., Ph.D., a well known academician, administator and research workers was born on 5th August, 1937 to freedom fighters Shri Rama Shankar Tewari recipient of Tamrapatra awarded by Late Prime Minister Smt.Rama Devi Tewari having lost her life during 42 freedom movement. A throughout meriorious studedent has been serving Ayurveda for the last 59 years in different capacities at SAC Lucknow and B.H.U served as Lecturer, Reader and Professor, Head Department of Prasuti Tantra. Dean, Faculty of Ayurveda twice, Director, WHO Research Centre and Coordinator, Faculty of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals. She has also been associated with almost all important committees of universities and institutes of Ayurveda and also Ministry of health, Govt. of India. |
