Mircoorganisms & Untouchability in Ancient India

If anyone thinks that the ancient Indian sages did not compose any sloka mentioning the existence of germs or bacteria or viruses in Ayurveda, or that they were unaware of the microorganisms, & their effects on the human body, then something would be wrong. The ancient Indian sages were well aware of microorganisms and their character, and their evidence was found in several books of Ayurveda. Scientists revealed the presence of Bacteria in the 17th century AD, but they were recognized as minute organisms, not visible to the naked eye, but destroyed by a blink of an eyelid.

You will not believe if I say, micro-organisms such as Bacteria, Virus, Fungi, etc. are mentioned in the Hindu mythology, epic history, Mahabharata (Sloka reference to Santi Parva, Mahabharata), written more than 6000 years ago.
सूक्ष्मयॊनीनि भूतानि तर्क गम्यानि कानि चित
पक्ष्मणॊ ऽपि निपातेन येषां सयात सकन्धपर्ययः
Transaltion: There are several species that are so tinyand can not be seen by human eye that their presence can only be inferred. They are killed by the dropping of the eyelids alone.

The Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism have guided Indian civilization for thousands of years. Very interesting and modern concepts of botany and biology, including the concepts of micro-organisms, are also encountered in these ancient texts, for example, in the Mahabharata:
“They (trees) drink water by their roots. They catch diseases of diverse kinds. Those diseases again are cured by different operations… as one can suck up water through a bent lotus stalk, trees also, with the aid of the wind, drink thorough their roots. They are susceptible to pleasure and pain, and grow when cut or chopped… they are not inanimate…
Vrihi and other so-called seeds of rice are all living organisms…again (men) …while walking about hither and thither kill innumerable creatures hidden in the ground by trampling on them; and even men of wisdom and enlightenment destroy animal life, even while sleeping or in repose themselves… the Earth and the air all swarm with living organisms.”

In charaka samhita , we can see various types of Krimis mentioned there. And even in Vrksuyarveda (Ancient Indian Botany) written by Rishi Parashara. According to Charaka, “Krimis can be found in the blood vessels. They are microscopic(Anavah) in size circular or disc (Vrtta)” In relation with leprosy and brain disorders, Charaka referred to the existence of bacteria under the concept krimis. Moreover, Susruta also supports the microbial aetiology of leprosy.

Again, we note that Madhava Kar, the 8th century writer of Ayurvedic Pathology, has codified this knowledge of bacteria in the aetiology of infections in a very detailed way in his treatise, Madhava  Nidan.  Therefore, in the portion on krimi Nidan (bacterial pathology) Madhava preliminary makes two specific categories of krimi according to what is contained in the body, internally and externally. Instead he makes more groupings as they originate in excreta such as Sweat (Vahirmalajah), lymphatic tissue (kapha), blood (Asrk) and, eventually, faeces. This classification of Madhava includes all twenty varieties of krimis, as defined by Charaka. In addition, Madhava Kar identified numerous pathological characteristics that occur with bacterial infections in general and indicates that there may be fever, paleness, various types of pain, chest disease, lack of sexual control, coma and food apathy.

Next, it is interesting to notice there the awareness of communicable diseases held by the ancient Ayurvedic experts. In this sense, Susruta notes, when dealing with leprosy pathology, that several diseases may be transmitted from one sick person to another through co-occurring and other types of body contracts, through eating in association with or from the same plate, by using the same seat and from the same location, from wearing apparels.

In ancient India, when this subject of communicable diseases was spread from house to house, the practice of untouchability began in ancient society of India, which later became a superstition. And gave rise to unpleasant mindset in society, but this practice was born, through medical discoveries of microorganism in ancient India. Animal studies and micro-organisms both pathogenic and non pathogenic, developed as science began to be practiced in ancient India China and Egypt. The ancient sages have mentioned the use of various types of herbal solutions, holy Ganga water (Antibacterial Nature of Ganga Water), goumutra, in their ancient text manuscripts, to destroy harmful micro-organisms. But with these solvents there are references to soap used in ancient times. Surprised? That soap was not made in a factory like today, but was given to people by nature. At that time people were unable to produce large quantities of soap. But the exception of soap was hidden in nature. And it is Ritha Fruit or Indian soapberry or soap nut, which was originated in India.

Ayurvedic Tips to Fight Against Coronavirus

For many, a question may arise, whether in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian text, hide any mysterious formula or Yurvedic Tips that can save the mankind from this Covid - 19 pandemic. Some may still believe that even today this ancient text might tell people how to win the battle against this coronavirus. A rational mind might laugh at this, saying these are mere fantasies and luxuries of thought. In this article, if anyone wants coronavirus tips, then I will advise  them to stay at home, keep a safe distance, wash hands with soap often, cover your mouth and do follow the updates and instructions of your government.Well, let's get some new information on this topic today, although this article does not advise anyone to take any kind of medicine, without consulting the doctor and qualified medical experts. With the Covid - 19 pandemic due to the rise of corona virus, let's remember our Ayurveda natural medicine treatments that have been used since ancient times. 

Image by K. Kliche from Pixabay  

If anyone is sick, consult a doctor if needed, This article is only a reminder of our India's ancient heritage, and in no way advice to use, or not use any of the information here. The Chinese researchers have been doing research with ancient traditional medicines, some used by other ancient cultures, like in Egypt, China, and of course in India. At the present time, it seems what seems to help the most against this virus is rather a combination of different herbs and roots, in different amounts, also China is not releasing information about one of the ingredients of this promising formula of a potential cure, also most important is the quantity of each of the ingredients that makes the formula of the medication, next comes the appropriate dosage for each individual, this depends on the age, weight, and physical condition of each patient and their personal medical history, including their family medical history to find out if any diseases run in families, also if each patient has any allergies, then the appropriate dosage of a particular medicine is prescribed. The best way to prevent getting sick, or contract any disease is first, to stay healthy, and keep our immunity up. The old Vedic way is really the best. Follow a healthy diet, get enough sleep and rest, also exercise, and according to the Vedas, meditation is helpful too. 

Since Christopher Columbus discovered America, (as far as we know) the bad habit of using tobacco did not exist. Columbus crew, were surprised to see the natives rolling up leaves of the tobacco plant igniting the tip, and inhaling the smoke, since then this bad habit had taken the lives of many smokers. In Vedic times there was no smoking, the lungs of the people were healthier than today's people, smoking, air pollution, working in mines and dust storms in the deserts damage our lungs, and at this time of the Corona Virus pandemic, is most important to protect our lungs, and overall health. This new virus is different that the ones in the past. According to the sources of public information, TV, radio newspapers, and magazines, this virus could infect the same patient twice, also some survivors had damaged their lungs, a few patients had more problems even after recovering, as the Media says, this pandemic event has the potential of changing our lives. Follow the recommendations of frequently washing the hands often, and vigorously at least 22 seconds, not touching eyes, ears, mouth and nose, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, promptly dispose the Kleenex, after blowing the nose, as well as cough secretions. Stay away from sick people, and stay at home, wearing a mask helps too. We wish good health to all our fans, and their family. Stop smoking, now!! Protect your lungs. 

Ancient chinese medicine and Ayurveda: 

As per a report of The Economic Times, Manoj Kesari, advisor with the Ayush ministry said, “Traditional systems of medicine have always helped in boosting the immunity of the body. Helping in the repair of old cells, and working for the overall well being. We have never said this would kill the Covid-19 virus, but research has shown that to resist a wide range of viruses and bacteria, the immunity of the body has to be strengthened."

Common Symptoms of Coronavirus disease. Source:wikimedia 

China is applying its centuries-old traditional medicine to patients infected by corona virus epidemic, a senior health official said. Treatment in Wuhan Hospitals integrates Ancient chinese medicine, formally known as TCM, with Modern drugs, said Wang Hesheng, the current Health Commission head in Hubei, the area at the center of the outbreak of the virus.  He said that TCM was already applied to more than half of the confirmed cases in Hubei. “Our efforts have shown some good result,” Wang said at a press conference on Saturday, without elaborating.

Ayurvedic Tips:

As per our home Ayurvedic remedies such as tulsi, neem, raw garlic, raw ginger, spinach, raw turmeric, kala jeera, methi, banana, lemon, green beans, dals, home made chenna from cow milk, ashwagandha as per expert's advice, honey (people should avoid having honey who are suffering from blood sugar and diabetes) can help to improve immunity, especially in persons 60 years of age or older with a history of diabetes, hypertension, etc., who are susceptible to disease and infections easily. Eat any above mentioned food, after getting up every morning, on an empty stomach, and then drink a glass of water. Do Pranayam and Yoga every morning at least for 20 minute. This will strengthen the functional capacity of your lungs and will make you tension free. Little more exercise in evening. 

Raw Turmeric

According to Indian Ayurveda, every person should be aware of the body from day one. Therefore, Ayurveda says, before knowing this Universe, man must know his body and mind first. Because according to Aurveda, the infinite universe is hidden in the human body. According to Ayurveda, at this moment, these are the practices that the common people should make. The immunity level of the human body cannot be increased in a single day, this requires a long period of precision. At the moment, however, some good habits and diets, can help people to increase immunity power to some extent. Avoid smoking, exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and cold drinks, get enough sleep, practice correct hand-washing and oral hygiene. Follow the recommendations of frequently washing the hands often, and vigorously at least 22 seconds, not touching eyes, ears, mouth and nose, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, promptly dispose the Kleenex, after blowing the nose, as well as cough secretions.

Mantra and Health:

Everything in nature is, at its finest degree, sound or vibration. Every plant, every herb so each part of your body has its own specific resonance. Yoga and mantras are the gateway to balanced mind and body. After bathing every morning, reciting these mantras can give you good results, as a blessing of nature.

1. The Pranam mantra of Lord Ganesha.
2. The pranam mantra of Lord Surya.
3. The pranam mantra of Maa Durga or Maa Kali.
4. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
5. The Aditya Hridayakam.
6. The Dhanvantri Mantram. 
7. Pranam mantra of Ashvini Kumar (Om Ashvini Kumaraaya Namah!!)

Mircoorganisms in Ancient India:

If anyone thinks that the ancient Indian sages did not mention the germs or bacteria or viruses in Ayurveda, or that they were unaware of the microorganisms and their effects on the human body, then something would be wrong. The ancient Indian sages were well aware of microorganisms and their character, and their evidence was found in several books of Ayurveda. Scientists revealed the presence of Bacteria in the 17th century AD, but they were recognized as minute organisms, not visible to the naked eye, but destroyed by a blink of an eyelid. You will not believe if I say, micro-organisms such as Bacteria, Virus, Fungi, etc. are mentioned in the Hindu mythology epic, Mahabharata (Sloka reference to Santi Parva, Mahabharata), written more than 6000 years ago.

सूक्ष्मयॊनीनि भूतानि तर्क गम्यानि कानि चित
पक्ष्मणॊ ऽपि निपातेन येषां सयात सकन्धपर्ययः
Transaltion: There are several species that are so tinyand can not be seen by human eye that their presence can only be inferred. They are killed by the dropping of the eyelids alone.

In charaka samhita , we can see various types of Krimis mentioned there. And even in Vrksuyarveda (Ancient Indian Botany) written by Rishi Parashara. According to Charaka, “Krimis can be found in the blood vessels. They are microscopic(Anavah) in size circular or disc (Vrtta)” In relation with leprosy and brain disorders, Charaka referred to the existence of bacteria under the concept krimis. Moreover, Susruta also supports the microbial aetiology of leprosy. 

Again, we note that Madhava Kar, the 8th century writer of Ayurvedic Pathology, has codified this knowledge of bacteria in the aetiology of infections in a very detailed way in his treatise, Madhava  Nidan.  Therefore, in the portion on krimi Nidan (bacterial pathology) Madhava preliminary makes two specific categories of krimi according to what is contained in the body, internally and externally. Instead he makes more groupings as they originate in excreta such as Sweat (Vahirmalajah), lymphatic tissue (kapha), blood (Asrk) and, eventually, faeces. This classification of Madhava includes all twenty varieties of krimis, as defined by Charaka. In addition, Madhava Kar identified numerous pathological characteristics that occur with bacterial infections in general and indicates that there may be fever, paleness, various types of pain, chest disease, lack of sexual control, coma and food apathy. 

Next, it is interesting to notice there the awareness of communicable diseases held by the ancient Ayurvedic experts. In this sense, Susruta notes, when dealing with leprosy pathology, that several diseases may be transmitted from one sick person to another through co-occurring and other types of body contracts, through eating in association with or from the same plate, by using the same seat and from the same location, from wearing apparels. 

In ancient India, when this subject of communicable diseases was spread from house to house, the practice of untouchability began in ancient society of India, which later became a superstition. And gave rise to unpleasant mindset in society, but this practice was born, through medical discoveries of microorganism in ancient India. Animal studies and micro-organisms both pathogenic and non pathogenic, developed as science began to be practiced in ancient India China and Egypt. The ancient sages have mentioned the use of various types of herbal solutions, holy Ganga water (Antibacterial Nature of Ganga Water), goumutra, in their ancient text manuscripts, to destroy harmful micro-organisms. But with these solvents there are references to soap used in ancient times. Surprised? That soap was not made in a factory like today, but was given to people by nature. At that time people were unable to produce large quantities of soap. But the exception of soap was hidden in nature. And it is Ritha Fruit or Indian soapberry or soap nut, which was originated in India.

Stay away from sick people, and stay at home, wearing a mask helps too. We wish good health to all our fans, and their family. Stop smoking, now!! Protect your lungs. 

Antibacterial Nature of Ganga Water and The Science Behind It

The Secret Science of the sacred water of the Ganges River has been solved!! There have always been a mystery about why devotees that drink the water from the Ganges River, do not contract dysentery, or other dangerous, and deadly diseases, even after the dead bodies that had died due to life threatening, highly contagious, and dangerous diseases, are left in the river to decomposed. Most dead bodies are cremated on the ghats of this river, but many, at times bodies of animals can be found decomposing in the water near by the ghats, the people that drink of this water do not get sick at all. After several microbiological studies it has been determined that this river does indeed have properties that destroy dangerous, and highly contagious diseases. The bacteria and viruses in the water, from the diseased bodies are destroyed, and the water clean enough to drink. This fact solves this mystery, the truth is that the waters of this river posses unusual properties that prevent disease, and kills all infectious disease causing microorganisms, The Ganges River water is blessed, with the Divine Elixir, or Brahm Dravya.

After examining Ganga's water, in 1896, a British physician E. Hanbury Hankin published a paper in the French journal Annals of Institut Pasteur, The "Bacterium Vibrio Cholerae", which causes the fatal disease of cholera, died in the waters of Ganga within three hours. The very same bacteria continued to evolve in distilled water even after 48 hours.
C.E. Nelson, another British physician, found that the waters of Ganga remained fresh throughout the long journey, even when taken from one of its dirtiest mouths at Hooghly by ships returning to England. River water usually begins to putrefy over a period of time due to the lack of oxygen that stimulates the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which in turn provides rise to the smell of stale water. 

Strange Capacity of Ganga Water: 

There are two significant factors that give Ganges its remarkable capability.

1. The appearance of bacteriophages that give it antibacterial character.
2. An unknown X-factor called the Miracle Component which gives this river a surprising ability to retain  dissolved oxygen from atmosphere

Water of Ganges has Anti-putrefaction properties:

For over a hundred years, beginning in the 1896, two scientists reported about the antibacterial qualities of this special water. Still being researched and studied, for the amazing properties that are only present in this sacred river, and is unique in the world, no other river has this amazing disease prevention, self cleaning and purifying properties, its high Oxygen purifying ability (that is nowhere else found in any other rivers in the world. There is also another "Mysterious Factor", this allows this river to dissolve and retain Oxygen absorbed directly from the atmosphere, This is essential for purifying its waters, and keeping the water pure longer. Also if sacred Ganges water is added to other containers of water, on enough quantity, the bacteriophages start reproducing immediately, and the water becoming pure, The river levels of Oxygen are up to 25 higher than the other rivers. Solid wastes floating on, and in the waters are purified up to 20 times faster than any other river. This is very important because of the large amounts of industrial waste, sewage, and garbage dumped into the Ganges. For many, many years, people had been taking Ganges water and taking it home for its amazing qualities and benefits. Another amazing quality is that reports form the Malaria Research Center in Delhi, have found that mosquitoes do not thrive or reproduce in this sacred river.

There have always been a mystery about why devotees that drink the water from the Ganges River, do not contract cholera, dysentery, or other dangerous, and deadly diseases, even after the dead bodies of people that had died due to life threatening, highly contagious, and dangerous diseases, are left in the river to decompose. Most dead bodies are cremated on the ghats of this river, but at times some bodies are left in the waters, and not cremated, Even bodies of animals, had been found decomposing in the water near by the ghats, but he people that drink of this water do not get sick at all. Another interesting fact that the IMTECH Institute microbiologists have also found in these waters, is new viruses. These new found viruses are capable of destroying several other dangerous pathogens, The miracle in all of this, is that these new discoveries seem to be useful against antibiotics resistant bacteria! This will be a true blessing to humanity, and save many, many, lives.This blessed water will not only protect the devotees that drink this water, but the rest of humanity too, because of the potential of new antibiotics that will kill antibiotic resistant microorganisms.

Scientists, also collect and compare samples of water from the highly polluted areas from Hardiwar and Varanasi, to cleaner areas from other rivers too, to study and compare the distinct populations of different bacteria and viruses of these areas. Several other prestigious scientific institutions, have been studying the Ganges River for several years. Foreign scientists also come to India to collect samples to study. In 2016 a report was released about the miraculous properties of this exceptional and amazing water. As mentioned before several prestigious scientific institutions have been involved in this important research, which was commissioned by the water resources and Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry. The IIT Kanpur, national environmental engineering research institute (NEERI) and IMTECH released their own report, after also gathering the other institutions reports of their research and studies, and submitted to the Government. This sacred River has also been an important religious place for Hindus, because it is the personification of Mother Ganga. Devotees believe it is good to drink some of the water before death, also taking dips in the water will wash away all their sins, receive many blessings, and most important helps to attain Moksha. Now the whole world knows the water are pure to bathe and drink. The important fact of the new found newly discovered microorganisms that can be used to cure bacterial infections that are resistant to some of common used antibiotics today.

End of antibiotics and recent initiative to save mankind :

This river also holds another great gift, very important for saving lives. At the present time humanity is running out of antibiotics, because bacteria is able to mutate and develop resistance to a number of our present day antibiotics. In Bangalore, the GangaGen Biotechnologies is studying medical treatments using these bacteriophages microorganisms. Also research has been done in Russia, at the George Eliava Institute. A co-founder of this institute was Felix D'Herelle a French microbiologist, already mentioned, that first reported the bacteriophages that kill dangerous bacteria. Many diseases could be cured like tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and other infectious diseases.

What we mean in the last of this report. We do not think Big Pharma will allow these new alternatives, of using the bacteriophages, and manufacturing medication that are effective about the present mutated bacteria, that has become resistant to antibiotics. Greed is major, "the love of money is the root of all evil factor."

Plastic Surgery First performed in Ancient India

According to Columbia University Plastic surgery first performed in ancient India. No, you can not ignore this article leveling it as pseudo science. The article was not published by any religious or right wing political organisations but published on the website of the Department of Surgery, Columbia University. Yes, you read that department right, not any School of Hindu studies.

The Article titled on Columbia University's Website is,History of Medicine: Ancient Indian Nose Jobs & the Origins of Plastic Surgery

Columbia University Irving Medical Center‘s website says that,

“Think plastic surgery is a modern luxury? Think again. It turns out that the roots of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures go back more than 2500 years. It’s a common misconception that the “plastic” in “plastic surgery” refers to an artificial material when it actually derives from the Greek word, plastikos, meaning “to mold” or “to give form.”

The Sanskrit word Sushruta means, 'Su- well, and Shruta - informed', that is , 'a well informed or well learned person', According to Mahabharata Sushruta was a son of Sage Vishvamitra and decendent of Devodasa Dhanvantari, the king of Kashi a sacred Hindu place located in northern India, Varanashi.  which coincides with the present recension of Sushruta Samhita. But Acharya Sushruta himself has not mentioned his birth place or proper introduction anywhere in Sushruta Samhita which create curiosity among various historical and ayurvedists. But he quoted south region of India.The Sushruta Samhita documented the etiology of more than 1,100 diseases, the use of hundreds of medicinal plants, and instructions for performing scores of surgical procedures – including three types of skin grafts and reconstruction of the nose.  

Father of Surgery: 

Bhoja-Prabandha confirms he suffered from intense headaches early in his life. Two brahmin surgeons from Ujjain made him unconscious using an anaesthetic powder called moha-churna, opened his cranial bone, removed a tumor and then gave him another powder called sanjivani to recover his consciousness.“Father of Surgery”, Susruta was an Indian sage/ surgeon who wrote Susruta Samhita.The Sushruta Samhita is are the collections of the work of the Dhanvantariya sampradaya (ancient surgical school) of Ayurveda. Acharya Sushruta has a great contribution towards Ayurveda by giving such great literature, his principles, diagnoses and treatment retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. In the book,he is said to have described over 300 surgical procedures and about 120 surgical instruments (all his own inventions). He also classified surgeries into eight categories for a better understanding.

Article of Asopa Hospital & Research Center:

According to Asopa Hospital & Research Centre not only plastic surgery but also Cataract Surgery was first performed in India by Susruta. Susruta used a special tool called Jabamukhi Salaka which was used to loosen the lens and push the cataract out of the field of vision. The Asopa Hospital & Research Centre further claimed,The method of Plastic Surgery they used to performed dissimilar to the method we use today. In fact, some of the instruments and tools for surgery described in the book are still being developed in the 21st century. The surgeries were so renowned that Greek philosophers and scientists travelled to India to observe these surgeries being performed by Susruta.

Nature of Composition - Sushruta Samhita:

The Sushruta Samhita is a huge treatise on ancient Indian medicine. It was written in Sanskrit Language. It is voluminous text composed in bothe prose and poetry form. Poetry was known to serve as a memory aid. In Sushruta samhoita consists of 186 adhyayas / chapters. Again the adhyayas / chapters are divided into 6 sthana / sections, Each sthana or section is further divided into numerous sub chapters.

A statue dedicated to the ancient Indian physician-surgeon Sushruta , at Royal Australian College.

Special Features:

Sushruta Samhita stands strongly as a representative of one branch of ayurveda known as Shalya Chikitsa (Surgery).Plastic surgery is the unique contribution of Acharya Sushruta for which the whole world is indebted to him. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Five types of primary bones, They are , Kapala (Flat bones), Ruchaka (teeth), Taruna (young), Valaya (curved or irregular bones) and Nalaka (tubular bones). Acharya Sushruta emphasizes in this text that he who studies any one science only, will not able to arrive at a correct decision, hence the physician should be know of relevant sister branches of science.

Surgical Instruments:

Acharya Sushruta has described 101 types of Yantras (blunt instruments) and 20 type of Shastras (sharp instruments). The unique classification of surgical instruments as Yantras and Shastras holds good even today. Human hand is considered to be the Pradhana Yantra ( most important instrument), because all the functions of the instruments are dependent on hand. Blunt surgical instruments are further divided in majore 6 categories.

Surgical Instruments Mentioned inSushruta Samhita 
Image Source: wikipedia

This is why India is considered to be the Home of the Earliest School of Medicine and Surgery.

Answering The Critics:

On one hand, western universities including NASA are embraced inquire about on India's rich scientific legacy including Sanskrit, Yoga and Ayurveda, but here our own Indians are impugning.The critics and faultfinders of the antiquated scientific study of India should watch History Channel's sequential 'Ancient Aliens', additionally should read our Vedas, Puranas, Philosophy to comprehend India's rich logical legacy and commitment to the humanity.

one should not forget that India is considered to be the home of the earliest school of medicine.

India, the Home of the Earliest School of Medicine

India is considered to be the home of the earliest school of medicine. Ayurveda, which means 'the science of life', is believed to be the earliest subject of medicine. The ancient scholars of Ayurveda even achieved the process of performing plastic surgery. Yes, it is believed that the plastic surgery was first performed in ancient India. The Ayurveda which is originated in ancient India more that 7000 years ago, and remains one of the world's foremost health care systems.

The origin of Ayurveda is attributed to Atharva Veda, where the mention is made of several diseases and their treatments. Its concepts about health and disease promote the use of herbal compounds, special diets, and other unique herbal, Yogic and spiritual health practice and discipline. Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of medicine and an avatar of Lord Vishnu.He is mentioned in the Puranas as the god of Ayurveda. He, during the Samudramanthan arose from the Ocean of Milk with the nectar of immortality. It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and/or others, especially on Dhanwantari Trayodashi. The Indian Government has declared that Dhanwantari Trayodashii Kumara every year would be celebrated as National Ayurveda Day. Ayurveda is not just a system of medicine it is a philosophy of life according to which good health can be enjoyed only when there is perfect harmony of body, mind and soul, Ayurveda's two most famous texts belong to the schools of Rishi Charaka (300 BC) and Rishi Sushruta (600BC)

Rishi Charaka (300 BC) was one of the principal contributors to Ayurveda, a system of medicine and lifestyle developed in Ancient India. He is known for authoring the medical treatise, the Charaka Samhita. Charaka was resident of Kapisthal (now known as Jalandhar.) He is well known as the "Indian father of medicine". Charaka is said to have studied at the University of Ancient Taxila and practiced there. His principles, diogenes, and cures retain their efficiency and accuracy even after a couple of millennia. When the idea of anatomy was not even thought in Europe, Acharya Charak introduced the science of anatomy revealing through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc.

Charaka Monument in the Patanjali Campus. 

The word Cheraka is said to be a "wandering physicians”. According to Charak's translation, health and disease are not predetermined and life can be prolonged by the effort of concentration and attention to life style. According to Indian heritage and Ayurvedic procedures, prevention of all types of diseases have a more prominent place than treatment, including restructuring of lifestyle to align with the course of nature and four seasons, which will guarantee complete wellness.

Rishi Sushruta

The Sanskrit word Sushruta means, 'Su- well, and Shruta - informed', that is , 'a well informed or well learned person'. According to Mahabharata Sushruta was a son of Sage Vishvamitra and decendent of Devodasa Dhanvantari, the king of Kashi a sacred Hindu place located in northern India, Varanashi. which coincides with the present recension of Sushruta Samhita. But Acharya Sushruta himself has not mentioned his birth place or proper introduction anywhere in Sushruta Samhita which create curiosity among various historical and ayurvedists. But he quoted south region of India. During the 6th Century BCE, an Indian physician Sushruta – widely regarded in India as the ‘father of surgery’ – wrote one of the world’s earliest works on medicine and surgery. 

Ancient indian text Sushruta samhita yantra, shows surgical instruments

The Sushruta Samhita documented the etiology of more than 1,100 diseases, the use of hundreds of medicinal plants, and instructions for performing scores of surgical procedures – including three types of skin grafts and reconstruction of the nose. 

Siddha System:

The term 'Siddha' means achievements and 'Siddhars' were saintly persons who achieved results in medicine. Nandhisar is considered the first siddha and the guru of all siddhars; the siddha system is believed to have been handed over to him by Lord Shiva. Generally Ayurvedic herbs were not available all year long. So, the Siddha saints came up with their own school, the Siddha medicines. Siddha medicines were made from a combination of everyday spices and fruits, metals, minerals and chemical products.The Siddha science is a traditional treatment system generated from South India.According to Palm leaf manuscripts the Siddha system was first described by Lord Shiva to Mother Parvati. Mata Parvati explained all this knowledge to her son Lord Kartikeya or Muruga. He taught all this knowledge to his disciple sage Agasthya. Agasthya taught 18 Siddhars and they spread this knowledge to human beings.
                                        
Agasthya is believed to be the Father of Siddha Medicine. Siddhars believed that a healthy soul can only be developed through a healthy body. Men and women who dedicated their lives into developing the system were called Siddhars.They practised intense yogic practices, including years of periodic fasting and meditation, and were believed to have achieved supernatural powers. Through this spiritually attained supreme knowledge, they wrote scriptures on all aspects of life, from arts to science and truth of life to miracle cure for diseases.Many of these medicines were also used to prevent bodies from decomposing, making it the first in the world to be used as a preservative.

Bhoja-Prabandha confirms he suffered from intense headaches early in his life. Two brahmin surgeons from Ujjain made him unconscious using an anaesthetic powder called moha-churna, opened his cranial bone, removed a tumor and then gave him another powder called sanjivani to recover his consciousness.

Conclusion:

There are uncountable incredible contributions made by Ancient Indians in the history of Medicine. Even cataract surgeries, plastic surgeries, were first performed in ancient India. The surgeries were so renowned that Greek philosophers and scientists travelled to India to observe these surgeries being performed by Susruta. The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy of the government of India coordinates and promotes research in the fields of ayurveda and Siddha medicine. The Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), a statutory body established in 1971 under AYUSH, monitors higher education in areas of Indian medicine, including Siddha medicine.