ABSTRACT

Rishi Sankruti occupies an interesting position in the history of ancient Indian intellectual and Ayurvedic traditions. He is associated with the illustrious lineage of Rajarshi Vishwamitra and is mentioned in classical literature in connection with the Sāṅkṛtyāyana lineage. His name becomes particularly significant in Ayurveda because the Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, chapter 12 (Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya), preserves the opinion of Kusha Sankrutyayana, a descendant of Sankruti, regarding the characteristic qualities (gunas) of Vata Dosha. The six qualities described in this context—Ruksha, Laghu, Shita, Daruna, Khara, and Vishada—constitute an important part of Ayurvedic understanding of Vata and remain clinically relevant in assessing doshic aggravation and pacification.Sankruti is also associated with important yogic and spiritual traditions through Avadhutopanishad and Jabaladarshanopanishad, where a dialogue between Sankruti and Lord Dattatreya is described. These texts discuss the nature of the Avadhuta, the eight limbs of Yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The descriptions of Pranayama, Nadis and the functional divisions of Vata provide an interesting historical interface between yogic physiology and Ayurvedic concepts of physiological movement.This article examines the identity, lineage, and textual references associated with Rishi Sankruti and critically evaluates his contribution to Ayurveda. Special emphasis is given to the reference in Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 12.4, and to the distinction between Sankruti himself and his descendant Kusha Sankrutyayana. The study suggests that the importance of Sankruti in Ayurveda is best understood through the intellectual lineage associated with his name rather than by attributing every later yogic teaching directly to him. Rishi Sankruti attended the conclave of rishis held beneath the Himalayas some 7000 years ago. This not only shows his interest in medical science but also shows him as a caring person for mankind's suffering. Hence, exploring the life of Sage Sankruti is essential to understand his contribution to Ayurveda. Keywords: Sankruti, Kusha Sankrutyayana, Charaka Samhita, Vata Dosha, Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya, Dattatreya, Yoga, Nadis..