Abstract

THE ROLE OF YANTRAS IN RASASHASTRA: A STUDY OF ANCIENT INDIAN LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

Tanu Dubey*, Dr. Amalendu V. M.

Abstract

Rasashastra is a key subject in Ayurveda which deals with metal and minerals, along with its pharmaceutical preparations. These metals and minerals are undergoing different procedures like Shodhana, Marana, Jarana etc for which there is need of instruments to transform them into a form to make it therapeutically effective as well as less adverse effects. For various processing of Rasa Uprasadi Dravyas, pharmaceutical preparations specific equipment are needed. The instruments by which we can ease the procedure of preparation in Rasashastra is known as Yantra. For understanding and exploring the actual knowledge, meaning of Rasashastra, a better understanding of Yantra are needed. Classical texts like Rasatarangini, Rasaratna Samuchaya, Rasendra Choodamani describe many Yantras like Dola Yantra, Khalwa Yantra, Patna Yantra, Damaru Yantra etc.

Keywords: Rasashastra, Yantra, Equipment, Instrument, Dola Yantra.