| Rishi Vasishtha is the highly regarded ancient learned scholar not only of Ayurvedic field but of other Indian sciences such as Indian astrology and ancient Indian architecture. His book ‘Vasishtha Samhita’ is found in all 3 Indological sciences. However, the book on Ayurveda is missing though the quotes from it are available in various Ayurvedic commentaries. In Puranik history, we find reference to two Vasishtha rishis. The first Vasishtha was born in Swayambhuv Manvantara. The Vasishtha (I) was the Manas putra (desired son) of lord Bramha. The second Vasishtha was born in Vaivaswat Manwantara. This Vasishtha (II) is important from Ayurvedic point of view. He was the son of Mitravaruna and brother of Agastya rishi. He was the Kulguru of famous Ramayan fame Raghuvansha. His wife was Arundhati who gave birth to 100 sons. Among them Shakti was the eldest. Sage Vasishtha left the legacy of Ayurveda in his lineage in the form of his grandson ‘Parashara’ who was the student of Atreya Punarwasu and wrote famous ‘Parashar Samhita. Rishi Vasishtha was present in the assembly of rishis held under mountain Himalaya which discussed about the growing diseases in the community and ways to tackle it. The present study aims to explore the family and work details of sage Vasishtha and his contribution to Ayurveda. After taking proper knowledge of Ayurveda from the God king Indra, sage Bhardwaja disseminated this knowledge among many rishis including sage Vasishtha. Acahrya Vangasena had quoted a medicinal preparation named ‘Vasishtha Haritaki Avaleha’ prepared by sage Vasishtha in his text Vangasen Samhita (48/191-201) and by Vruddha Vagbhata (A. S. Chi. 5/86-94). Similarly, acharya Charaka also quoted a medicinal preparation termed as ‘Aamalakya Bramharasaya’ in his text ‘Charak Samhita’ (C.Chi. 1/3/4-5). Todarmala the writer of book ‘Ayurved Saukhyam’ had given several quotes of sage Vasishtha in his textbook (A.S. chapter 4). This literary retrospective research study showed that sage Vasishtha contributed richly in the development of Ayurveda. |