ABSTRACT

The reference of sage Maitreya apart from Ayurveda is found in ancient Indological literature such as Vishnu Purana, Bhagwat Purana and Mahabharata. He was known for his wisdom in philosophy. Cosmology and devotion. He was the elder son of King Divodas’s eldest son. He turned out be monk. In his dialogue with Vidura, sage Maitreya explained the origin of mind form cosmic principles. He also narrated the influence of trigunas such as Satva, Raja and Tama. He also described the evolution of the universe and the human body. Maharshi Maitreya learnt Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda), Vedangas [Shiksha (Phonetics), Kalpa (Ritual canon), Vyakarana (Grammer), Nirukta (Etymology), Chhandas (meter), Jyotisha (Astrology)] and Dharma Shastras/ Smritis from sage Parashara. Rishi Maitreya is the creator of ‘Maitreyani Upanishada’. In this Upanishada, he had given the account of Brahmavidya in the form of dialogue between lord Bramha and Balakhilya rishis. Maharishi Maitreya was present in the conclave of rishis conducted beneath the mountains of Himalayas, some 5000 years ago. This not only shows his interest in the medical science but also put him as the caring person for the sufferings of mankind. Hence, it becomes essential to explore the life of sage Maitreya to know about his contribution to the Ayurveda. Keywords: Maitreyani Upanishada, Brahma-vidya,