ABSTRACT

Sage Shaunaka is considered as one of the noble and gentle rishis. For his noble and gentleness, he is also called as ‘Bhadra Shaunaka’. He is mentioned in the Indian vedic and pauranic literature and in both great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. He is said to be the strict follower of rules and regulations of the Vratas (rituals). He was the grandson of famous rishi Gritsamada. His decedents are found in all four classes of Indian class system (Chaturvarna Vywastha). The 1st part (Pratham Skandha) of Shreemad Bhagwat Purana represents the dialogue between sage Shaunaka and Sutaji. Rishi Shaunaka divided his text (Atharva Samhita) into two parts. He learnt Bramhavidya from the Angirasa.Rishi Shaunaka was present in the conclave of rishis conducted beneath the mountains of Himalayas held some 5000 years ago to discuss the impact of diseases on human health. Like other rishis, he also wrote his book called ‘Shaunaka Tantra’ as mentioned by Atreya Punarwasu. We find the reference of medicinal preparations made by sage Shaunaka in various Ayurvedic commentaries on books like Chakradutta, Vrinda Madhava and Todarmala’s Ayurved Saukhyam. Even the ancient acharyas like Sushruta, Agnivesha and Bhela have quoted the views of acharya Shaunaka in their books (Samhitas). Hence, it is necessary to explore the life of rishi Shaunaka and his contribution to Ayurveda. Exploration to sage Shaunaka in Indological literature reveals that rishi Shaunaka was very gentle and expert in Indian knowledge system. He was the head of the Naimisharanya Gurukula. He had also contributed richly in the Ayurvedic literature by giving the detail account of measurements of many medicinal preparations as mentioned in various books and also by keeping his views on many important topics. Keywords: Anuvasa Basti, Panchanimba choorna, Puran ghrita