Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS ON MARAN METHODS OF PRECIOUS GEMSTONE: VAJRA

*Vd Padmaja Vadalkar and Dr. Ashish Punde

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Abstract

In Rasashtra; Vajra (Hirak, diamond) is a precious gemstone classified under the Ratna Varga. To convert hirak into body absorbable form, various bhasma nirman methods were described in classical texts. Diamond being one of the hardest substance in the world (hardeness of 10); to convert it into a Hirak Bhasma is a difficult task. Hirak bhasma is being used since ancient times on various terminal illnesse like Rajayakshma (T.B.). In current research advances, many works are being conducted on it’s antitumour activity and other properties.The objective of the study was to formulate inclusive data of Vajra Marana recorded in various Ayurvedic texts. This review reveals the Marana methods and maran dravyas compiled from various Rasa Granth also referred for review. Probable mode of action of most commonly used maran dravyas are also compiled. Total 9 Rasa granthas were reviewed. There are about 36 methods for Vajra marana used in these classics. Among these, all methods are mainly divided into two basic principles behind that classification. Putan and other method is nishechan. Total 49 maran dravyas are used in bhasmikaran process are of either herbal, mineral or animal origin. Most common maran dravyas are Kulatta, Meshasringi, Shuddha gandhak, shuddha manasheel and shuddha hartal. Maran dravyas either have strong acidic composition (for herbal origin maran dravyas) or they have degenerative action on bonds of diamond (for mineral origin maran dravyas). This article will be useful for researcher working on hirak bhasma and will definitely save their time and additional efforts.

Keywords: Hirak, Maran Dravyas, Bhasma.