Analytical Review of Ravigupta’s Siddhasara Nighantu

Abstract

Background: Siddhasara Samhita and its Siddhasara Nighantu are important text of Indian Medical Science belonging to early medieval period. These were written after the prime three texts - Brihat trayi and before the lesser three texts - Laghu trayi, thus making them important to be referred. Written by Acharya Ravigupta in easy language aim for mediocre this have been a physician guide book. With regard to Nighantu, Siddhasara Nighantu is a pioneer work in Medieval period after Vedic period Nighantus, it has given synonyms of important plants-metal-minerals within less than hundred verses. Objective: To study and analyse importance of Siddhasara Nighantu. Method: Applicable materials are taken from the published texts and available translation by different authors on Siddhasara Samhita and Nighantu - lexicon. Through literature review, the objective of this study is to analyse and highlight the importance and utility of Siddhasara Nighantu. Result: Many interesting findings were found and are discussed. From intellectual historical significance to easy reference, this linguistic archive, an early pharmacopoeia and handy work on many names of important drugs is important As quoted and explored, this is for easy identification of drugs and quick guidance to physician. Conclusion: This work as an essential text to a physician, should be explored to larger extent; as true to Siddhasara Nighantu another name, its Sarottam, best of all. Further studies to see the order and its contribution to other Nighantus, would be helpful to scholars of Dravyaguna and all.