Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences revives two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has recently revived two rare and significant Ayurvedic manuscripts: Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu. These critical editions aim to inspire scholarly exploration and deepen engagement with India's classical medical literature.
📚 Reviving Ancient Ayurvedic Wisdom
In a significant stride toward preserving India's rich legacy in traditional medicine, the CCRAS unveiled these manuscripts during an event organized by the RRAP Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Mumbai. The event was graced by Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, who highlighted the council's efforts in research, digitization, and revival of traditional Ayurvedic literature.
🕉️ About the Manuscripts
Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu
Authored by Mudgala Paṇḍita in 1480 AD, this previously unpublished lexicon comprises eighteen chapters detailing drug synonyms, therapeutic actions, and medicinal properties. Widely referenced in Maharashtra until the 19th century, it draws from classical Nighaṇṭus like Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭu, documenting numerous novel medicinal substances from plant, mineral, and animal origins. This critical edition, revived by Dr. S. D. Kamat, is a monumental contribution to Dravyaguna and allied Ayurvedic disciplines.
Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu
Attributed to Bhisma Vaidya, this unique work serves as a standalone appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, focusing exclusively on homonyms of drug and plant names—a complex area vital to Ayurveda. Encompassing 182 verses and two colophon verses, the text has been meticulously edited and commented upon by Dr. Kamat, enhancing its utility for scholars of Rasashastra, Bhaishajya Kalpana, and classical Ayurvedic pharmacology.
Dr. Kamat, known for his authoritative work on Saraswati Nighaṇṭu, Bhāvaprakāsha Nighaṇṭu, and Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, brings his deep scholarship and commitment to preserving India's Ayurvedic heritage.
🌿 Bridging Ancient Knowledge with Modern Research
These critical editions are more than scholarly achievements; they serve as invaluable resources for students, researchers, academicians, and Ayurveda practitioners. By digitizing, editing, and interpreting these works, CCRAS and its collaborators are safeguarding literary treasures and enriching India's traditional healthcare system with validated ancient insights.
For more information, you can read the official press release here:
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