Review of Suvarna (Gold) in Tantratmak Ravana Samhita

Abstract

Background - The Ravana Samhita is an important ancient Indian text that explores various aspects of life through a Samvada (Dialogue) between Ravana and his wife Mandodari. While Ravana is often portrayed negatively in mythology; historical and literary evidence highlights his exceptional intellect and mastery in multiple disciplines, including Jyotisha (Astrology), Vastushastra (Architecture), Sangita (Music), Yoga, Nadipariksha (Pulse diagnosis), and Ayurveda. His contributions to Rasayana Tantra are particularly noteworthy, with an extensive discussion on the therapeutic applications of Suvarna (Gold) in the fifteenth section of this text. Objective & Method – On literature search and study, it was found that Ravana provides a detailed classification of different types of Suvarna (Gold), their Guna (Properties), and their Samskara (Purification and preparation methods), surpassing the descriptions found in other Ayurvedic texts. Among these preparations, Suvarna Bhasma (Gold ash) is emphasised as the most potent and rapidly effective formulation. He elaborates on its properties -Rasaguna, Balya (Strength), and Medhya (Cognitive properties), highlighting its role in Vyadhipratibandhaka (Disease prevention) and Ojasvardhaka (Enhancing vitality). Result and Conclusion - The insights underscore the necessity of studying Dhatu for its Chikitsaprayojana (Therapeutic applications). The Yukti (Scientific approach) of Ravana Samhita in utilising Suvarna (Gold) in Chikitsa (Treatment) continues to be a subject of interest in contemporary research. This study aims to analyze this these text contributions with special regard to gold and bridge the gap between ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern advancements in pharmacology, there by enhancing the potential of Suvarnakalpa in Ayurvedic and integrative medicine.