Rasaratnakara: A Jewel Mine of Mercury in Rasashastra

 Mayuri G. Ramteke^1*, Dr. Bharti Umretia²

¹ PG Scholar, Upgraded Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government Ayurved College, Vadodara, Gujarat.

² Reader and Head, Upgraded Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government Ayurved College, Vadodara, Gujarat.

http://dx.doi.org/10.47191/ijahm/v14i6.11

ABSTRACT: The specialized branch of Ayurved, Rasashastra is focusing on using metals, minerals, and herbs to create potent medicines. Rasaratnakara, written in the 13^th century, is a key text in Indian alchemy, detailing the practice of producing gems. It offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, explaining Dehavada and Lohavada in depth. The content of the text material is divided into five segments, referred to as Khanda, which include Rasa, Rasendra, Vadi or Riddhi, Rasayana, and Mantra. Each Khanda comprises multiple chapters known as Upadesha. It thoroughly explores the two fundamental ideas of Rasashastra in significant detail, providing an in-depth comprehension of alchemical processes. 

KEYWORDS: Rasashastra, Siddha Nityanatha, Lohavada

REFERENCES:

1. Shri Nityanatha Siddha, Rasaratnakara Rasa–Rasayana Khanda, Shashiprabha Hindi commentary by Dr. Swaminath Mishra, Rasa Khanda- Upadesha 1, Rasapithika, verse 11, Chaukhambbha orientalia, Varanasi, 2021, p. 25.
2. Shri Bhairava, Anandakanda with Siddhiprada Hindi Commentary by Siddhinandana Mishra, Prathama Vishranti, 1st Ullasa, ver. 40 Chaukhambha orientalia; Varanasi, Reprint edition;2022, p. 6.
3. Shri Nityanatha Siddha, Rasaratnakara Rasa–Rasayana Khanda, Shashiprabha Hindi commentary by Dr. Swaminath Mishra, Rasa Khanda- Upadesha 6, Abhraka Shodhana Marana, verse 40-44, Chaukhambbha orientalia, Varanasi, 2021, p. 98.
4. Shri Nityanatha Siddha, Rasaratnakara Rasendra – Matra Khanda, Shashiprabha Hindi commentary by Dr. Swaminath Mishra, Rasendra Khanda – Upadesha 9, Rogaraja, verse 62-69, Chaukhambbha orientalia, Varanasi, 2022, p. 176-177.
5. Shri Nityanatha Siddha, Rasaratnakara Rasendra – Matra Khanda, Shashiprabha Hindi commentary by Dr. Swaminath Mishra, Rasendra Khanda – Upadesha 9, Rogaraja, verse 131-134, Chaukhambbha orientalia, Varanasi, 2022, p. 186.