The Sanskrit term Viśvapālaka can be transliterated into English as Visvapalaka or Vishvapalaka, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Rasa-śāstra

Viśvapālaka (विश्वपालक) is the name of an Ayurvedic recipe defined in the fourth volume of the Rasajalanidhi (chapter 2, dealing with jvara: fever). These remedies are classified as Iatrochemistry and form part of the ancient Indian science known as Rasaśāstra (medical alchemy). However, as an ayurveda treatment, it should be taken twith caution and in accordance with rules laid down in the texts.

Accordingly, when using such recipes (e.g., viśva-pālaka-rasa): “the minerals (uparasa), poisons (viṣa), and other drugs (except herbs), referred to as ingredients of medicines, are to be duly purified and incinerated, as the case may be, in accordance with the processes laid out in the texts.” (see introduction to Iatro chemical medicines)

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.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Viśvapālaka (विश्वपालक) refers to the “sustainer of the universe”, and is used to describe Śiva, according the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.15. Accordingly as Brahmā narrated to Nārada:—“[...] On arrival there, after paying respects to the lord [Śiva] with great excitement we lauded Him with various hymns with palms joined in reverence. The Devas said: [...] After all negations whatever remains thou art that. Thou art the maker, the sustainer (Viśvapālaka) and the destroyer of the universe; Thou art the soul of the universe. We bow to that lord Śiva”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Palaka, Vishva.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Vishvapalaka, Viśvapālaka, Vishva-palaka, Viśva-pālaka, Visvapalaka, Visva-palaka; (plurals include: Vishvapalakas, Viśvapālakas, palakas, pālakas, Visvapalakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)

Treatment for fever (68): Vishva-palaka rasa < [Chapter II - Fever (jvara)]

show preview