Rodhana; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Rodhana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Buddhism, Pali. 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

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Rodhana (रोधन):—Sixth of the eighteen Saṃskāra (special purification process). They are used to purify rasa (mercury) as per Rasaśāstra literature (Medicinal Alchemy), and are mentioned in texts such as the Rasaprakāśasudhākara. In Āyurveda, Saṃskāra refers to the “detoxification” process of metals and herbs. The Bodhana-saṃskāra is commonly used for Dravya-karma and Rasāyana-karma, but also to change (rasa) in its undesired properties and to improve its Bubhukṣā. In other words: the first eight saṃskāras are sequentially used to purify and detoxify mercury in preparation for internal use. Rodhana refers to the process of ‘countering’ or ‘coagulation’, by means of which mercury that has become purged of its toxic content but also its potency through the preceding operations, has its ‘virility’ (vīrya) restored to it through irrigation in a salt bath. This operation is said to give mercury a ‘mouth’ (mukha) with which to absorb other elements. This saṃskāra is also known as or bodhana (‘awakening’).

Rodhana (रोधन, “potentiation”) represents to the sixth of eighteen alchemical purification processes of mercury (mahārasa, rasendra or pārada). A religio-philosophic base was given to mercury-based alchemy in India. Mercury was looked upon as the essence of God Śiva, and sulphur as that of Goddess Pārvatī.

Mercury had to undergo 18 processes (eg., rodhana) before it could be used for transforming either metals or the human body. A combination of male and female principles (i.e. mercury and sulphur) forming cinnabar or mercuric sulphide or even of mercury and mica, was supposed to be highly potent and was therefore consumed as a Rasāyana or medicine for increasing body fluids or vitality. The earliest mention of Rasāyana was found in Āyurveda which was probably composed by 8th or 9th century BC, since it was a part of Atharvaveda, the last of the four Vedas.

Rodhana (coagulation).—One of the eight Aṣṭasamskāra, or, processes that render mercury fit for internal use. These Aṣṭasamskāra of pārada (eight detoxification techniques for mercury) are mandatory before mercury is used in the pharmaceutical preparations. For Rodhana process mercury is mixed with rock salt and kept under the ground for three days.

Rodhana (उत्थापन):—The sixth of the eight purification steps of Pārada (mercury), also known as the Aṣṭasaṃskāra.—Place the Pārada in a pot containing Saindhava-lavaṇa-jala and seal the mouth of the pot tightly. Place the pot undisturbed for three days. Decant the water on the fourth day to collect the Pārada. (see the Rasendracūḍāmaṇi 4.88, which is a 16th-century alchemical century treatise on Rasaśāstra by Ācārya Somdeva).

Ingredients:

1. Pārada [Mercury] (3 parts),
2. Saindhava-lavaṇa-jala (quantum satis).

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

rodhana : (nt.) obstruction; prevention.

Rodhana, (nt.) (fr. rudh) obstructing J. V, 346; Sdhp. 57. (Page 576)

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.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Rodhana (रोधन).—[rudh-lyu lyuṭ vā] The planet Mercury.

-nam Stopping, checking, confining, restraint, check &c.

Derivable forms: rodhanaḥ (रोधनः).

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