ABSTRACT

The reference of sage Maudgalya apart from Ayurveda is found in Skanda Purana and Mahabharata. He belonged to the tradition of Rigveda. Rishi Maudagalya was born in the lineage of sage Bhardwaja (Bhardwaj Gotra). Even though Mudgala was born in Kshatriya lineage, his son Maudgalya originated the Maudgalya Brahmin lineage. Rishi Maudgalya’s granddaughter Ahalya was married to famous sage Gautama. Maharishi Maudgalya and his son Parikshi was present in the conclave of rishis conducted beneath the mountains of Himalayas, some 5000 years ago. Ayurvedic scholar Nishchal Kara had quoted him in his commentary Ratnaprabha on Chakraatta. Another reference to the son of Maudgalya rishi called Purnaksh and the followers of Maudgalya are found in Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana chapter number 26 in context to discussion on number of tastes (Rasas). Another reference to the son of Maudgalya rishi called Parikshi and the followers of Maudgalya are found in Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana chapter number 25 in context to discussion on evolution of life and diseases on earth. Hence, it becomes essential to explore the life of sage Maudgalya to know about his contribution to the Ayurveda. Exploration to the life of sage Maudgalya revealed that rishi Maudgalya was important ancient Ayurvedic scholar in the tradition ancient Ayurvedic acharyas. Keywords: Rasa, Atma, Parikshi, Purnaksha