Ativisa, aka: Ativisā, Ativiṣā, Ativisha; 6 Definition(s)

Introduction

Ativisa means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Buddhism, Pali, Marathi. 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.

The Sanskrit term Ativiṣā can be transliterated into English as Ativisa or Ativisha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Ativiṣā (अतिविषा):—One of the sixty-eight Rasauṣadhi, very powerful drugs known to be useful in alchemical processes related to mercury (rasa), according to Rasaprakāśa-sudhākara (chapter 9).

context information

Rasashastra (रसशास्त्र, rasaśāstra) is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Ayurveda (science of life)

Ativiṣā (अतिविषा) is a Sanskrit word referring to “Indian aconite”, a herb from the Ranunculaceae (buttercup/crowfoot) family of plants., and is used throughout Āyurvedic literature such as the Caraka-saṃhitā. The official botanical name of the plant is Aconitum heterophyllum and is commonly known as the “atis root” among others. It grows in the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himilaya mountain range. The literal translation of Ativiṣā is “counteracting poison” which is derived from Ativiṣa, or, “exceedingly poisonous”.

The plant Ativiṣā is also mentioned as a medicine used for the treatment of all major fevers, as described in the Jvaracikitsā (or “the treatment of fever”) which forms the first chapter of the Sanskrit work called Mādhavacikitsā. In this work, the plant is also known as Viṣā, which is a Sanskrit word derived from Viṣa (translating to “poisonous”).

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Ativisā, (f.) (Sk. ativiṣā) N. of a plant Vin. I, 201; IV, 35. (Page 21)

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

ativiṣa (अतिविष).—n ativiṣā f S pop. ativikha n A tree used in medicine. The bark is employed in dyeing. It is white, red, and black. (Atis or Betula.) As. Res. Vol. 6th 573.

ativiṣa (अतिविष).—n Aconitum heterophyllum.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Ativiṣa (अतिविष).—a.

1) Very poisonous.

2) Counteracting poison.

-ṣā Name of a poisonous yet highly medicinal plant (Mar. ativiṣa or ativikha) Aconitum Ferox.

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