Vadakhanda, Vada-khanda, Vādakhaṇḍa: 1 definition

Introduction:

Vadakhanda means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Ayurveda (science of life)

Rasashastra (Alchemy and Herbo-Mineral preparations)

Source: History of Science in South Asia: Making Gems in Indian Alchemical Literature

Vādakhaṇḍa (वादखण्ड) refers to the “section dedicated to the doctrine” of the Rasaratnākara (lit. “jewel mine of mercury”): a 13th century alchemical work in Sanskrit written by Nityanātha.—The Rasaratnākara consists of five parts (khaṇḍas). The twenty chapters of the third section [i.e., the vādakhaṇḍa] cover a range of topics, including the initiation of the alchemical student, the set up of the laboratory and its inventory, the materials used in alchemical operations, the transmutation of metals into gold or silver, and the eighteen-step alchemical programme for making and applying elixirs. Chapter nineteen of this section introduces a topic not found in earlier alchemical works: It describes how to make factitious gems and other imitation products, such as fake sandal, camphor, musk and saffron; how to make ink, incense and perfume, and how to magically increase the yield of grains.

Note: The Vādakhaṇḍa is also known as the Vādikhaṇḍa (“to the learned”) and Ṛddhikhaṇḍa (“to extraordinary knowledge and powers”).

Ayurveda book cover
context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

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