Laghunighantuh (With English Commentary)

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Preface Nighantu-literature of Ayurveda has been very vast and diverse. Many such texts were also composed in it, which are very brief but very meaningful. A brief and simple description of useful substances is given in them. In this order, 'Laghunighantu' composed by Vaidya Kesavaräma Vyasa is available. It briefly describes the Ayurvedic medicines. That is why it is named 'Laghunighantu'. There are a total of 233 verses in this book, which are composed in various verses. Mainly Anustup chanda has been used. Apart from this, Viralataya, Indravajrā, Upajäti, Srgdhara, Mandräkräntä, Śärdülavikridita, Rathoddhatä and Mañjubhäşiņi have also been used. The textual style of the writer is very useful and simple. This short book described 129 plants and 19 metals particularly useful in medical treatment. The only musk is described in the substances of animal origin. 'Laghunighantu' corresponds to 'Dhanvantari Nighantu'. 'Sodhala Nighantu' written on the basis of Dhanvantari Nighantu and various verses of 'Nighantusesa' are precisely available.

Introduction of Author and Composing Period-

Information about the author is available from the manuscript of Laghunighantu received from the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune is as follows-

Iti dhanvantariśisyavyäsakeśavaramaracitasya, ausadhinaamamālāyāṁ laghunighantusamäptirbhavati.

It is clear from this that Kesavarama Vyasa was the author of Laghunighantu. The epithet Dhanvantari Sisya is given in front of his name. This indicates that he was a physician of the Dhanvantara culture. He was born in the Brahamna family with the title "Vyasa'. In handwritten manuscripts, medicine-names are also given in Gujarati language. It shows that the author was the resident of Gujarat. There is no mention of composing period in Laghunighantu. Hence, the period of authorship is certainly not known. The composing period is as follows in the handwritten copy of Laghunighantu available from the Asiatic society, Mumbai.

**Contents and Sample