Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2016 | 9,058,717 words

The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS) is an international double-blind peer-reviewed monthly journal published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. It focuses on research in AYUSH fields (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) and related sciences. JAIMS aims to disseminate scientific findings, promo...

Aahar Vidhi Vidhan Shastrokta Vivaran

Author(s):

Dr. Deepanjali Jadhav
Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Moulika Siddhanta, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hubli, Karnataka, INDIA.
Dr. Sourabha S. Kokatnur
Assistant Professor, Department of Moulika Siddhanta, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hubli, Karnataka, INDIA.
Dr. Sandeep Desai
Assistant Professor, Department of Moulika Siddhanta, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hubli, Karnataka, INDIA.


Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.21760/jaims.v5i02.878

Copyright (license): Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.


Download the PDF file of the original publication


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[Summary: This page is a review article from the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences discussing Aahar Vidhi Vidhan Shastrokta Vivaran. It highlights Ayurveda's emphasis on diet and its connection to overall wellness. Aahar, Nidra, and Brahmacharya are considered the sub-pillars of life, with Aahar being the most important. It also defines Aahar and its importance according to ancient texts.]

[Find the meaning and references behind the names: Bala, Man, Sandeep, Mar, Prasad, Good, Sukha]

REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2 156 Aahar Vidhi Vidhan Shastrokta Vivaran Dr. Deepanjali Jadhav 1 , Dr. Sourabha S. Kokatnur 2 , Dr. Sandeep Desai 3 1 Post Graduate Scholar, 2,3 Assistant Professor, Department of Moulika Siddhanta, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hubli, Karnataka, INDIA. I NTRODUCTION For more than thousands of years, Ayurveda has been practiced to promote wellness. Ayurveda practitioner considers that Ayurveda to be a sacred system that unites natural elements, diet spiritually. In short nourishment of body is related to nourishment of mind also. Ayurveda has expansive definition that goes beyond food. Ayurveda the science of life mentions Aahar, Nidra and Brahmacharya as Upasthambhas (sub pillars) of life [3] From which Aahar stands first importance because due to Aahar only body as well as mind growth occurs. Atharvan Veda describes food as heaven for human being [4] Rigveda describes food Address for correspondence: Dr. Deepanjali Jadhav Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Moulika Siddhanta, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hubli, Karnataka, INDIA. E-mail: dr.deepanjali.madhurani@gmail.com Submission Date: 10/03/2020 Accepted Date: 17/04/2020 Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: www.jaims.in Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur, Karnataka (Regd) under the license CCby-NC-SA with values of goddess Ila, Saraswati & Bharati as it helps to elongates the age of human being [5] In Taitiriya Upanishad , it is mentioned that man is originated from food [6] Agnipurana considers that Aahar as important pillar of tripod i.e . Aahar, Nidra & Brahmcharya. [7] Charaka says that human body is product of Aahar. [8] Definition of Aahar Shabdakalpadruma explains Aahar is a substance swallowed through throat after eating [9] According to Mahabharata “Aaharat sarvabhootani sambhavanti ” it means that all living beings are developed from Aahar only [10] Importance of Aahar According to Taittariya Upanishad, “Aahar is Brahma [11] It is so true that we are all created and maintained by Aahar only. According to Aacharya Charaka Aahar is life of human being. It offers Varna, Prasad, Souswarya, Jivita, Pratibha, Sukha, Tushti, Pushti, Bala, Medha etc. It is strongly advised that person should never consume Aahar due to greed or when he is unaware of what he eats [12] Man disciplined to remain on wholesome diet lives for 36000 nights or hundreds of years. He lives healthy life and gets blessings of good people [13] A B S T R A C T Now a days lifestyle disorders are challenging issues in front of the world. It is all because of our changed lifestyle. Many researches were conducted already and many are going now to find the solution for the lifestyle disorders. And ultimately all researches results that change in dietary habits, following proper code and conduct for eating food is most effective treatment. And since from thousands of years, Ayurveda believes that Aahar itself is Mahabheshaj [1] for all the disease only when it is properly cooked and consumed according to rules. Proper maintenance of Jatharagni is also mainly depend on proper Aahar only [2] Traditional way of eating and serving the food plays important role in treatment of these disorders. Key words: Aahar, Mahabheshaj, Jatharagni.

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[Summary: This page discusses Aahar Vidhi Vishesha Ayatana, the special rules in dietetics according to Ayurveda. It details eight factors from Aacharya Charak that determine the utility of various foods, including Prakriti, Vikriti, Samyoga, Rashi, Desha, Kala, Upayoga Samstha, and Upayokta. It also presents Dwadasha Ashan Pravichrana from Acharya Sushruta, outlining specific food types for different patient conditions.]

[Find the meaning and references behind the names: Anna, Kalpana, Guru, Madhu, Sneha, Rashi, Ashan, Kala]

Dr. Deepanjali Jadhav et al. Aahar Vidhi Vidhan Shastrokta Vivaran ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2 157 Aahar Vidhi Vishesha Ayatana (What to eat?) These are the special rules in the science of diet and dietetics. Aacharya Charak gives these eight factors which determines utility of various types of foods [14] In Ashtang Sangraha, Aacharya Vagbhat explained only seven type of Aahar vidhi vishehaaayatana . He quotes it as “ Saptavidha Aahar Kalpana . He has combined “Upayoga Samstha and “ Upayokta and termed it as “ Upayoga Vyavastha [15] Table 1: Aahar Vidhi Vishesha Ayatana Name of factor Description Explanation with example Prakriti Inherent nature of food substances Masha is Guru in nature, Mudga is Laghu in nature. Vikriti Processing results in transformation of inherent qualities of substances Transformation of food qualities by Agni Sanskar like procedures. Samyoga Combination of two or more food items Combination of Ghrita and Madhu . Rashi Quantity of food substances to be taken Quantity of all the food substances involved is Sarvagraha. Quantity of each of the food substance individually is Parigraha. Desha Habitat of food substance It determines various qualities of substances according to geographic region. Kala Time as age, season, and conditions Time factor is very important for food intake. It should be decided according to daily and seasonal variations and also age and disease condition. Upayoga Samstha It consists dietetic rules …………………. Upayokta Habitat and state of individual Person who takes food. Aachrya Charaka and Acharya Vagbhat gives these rules for healthy and unhealthy persons. And Aachrya Sushruta has described it for unhealthy persons and called it as “ Dwadasha Ashan Pravicharana”. [16] Table 2: Dwadasha Ashan Pravichrana. SN Type of Ashan Description 1 Sheeta Anna Patients suffering with thirst, heat, alcoholism, burning sensation, Rakta Pitta , poisoning should be treated with Sheeta Anna. 2 Ushna Anna Patients suffering with Kapha and Vataprakopa as well as those who are already treated with Snehavirechan , and whose body is full of Kleda should be treated with Ushna Anna. 3 Snigdha Anna Patients suffering with Vataprakop , having Rukshata in body, and those accustomed to physical exercise should be treated with Snighdha Anna. 4 Ruksha Anna Those, with an excess Medas and Kapha as well as patients suffering from Meha , those who are previously treated with Sneha, should be treated with Ruksha Anna . 5 Drava Anna Weak, thirsty persons should be given to Drava Anna. 6 Sushka Anna Patients suffering from Meha, as well as those whose bodies are full of Kleda should be treated with Shushka Anna. 7 Ekakala Anna Persons with impaired digestion should be given only one meal

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[Summary: This page continues the discussion of Dwadasha Ashan Pravichrana, listing types of food (Ekakala Anna, Dwikala Anna, etc.) and their applications in treating various conditions. It then transitions to Aahar Vidhi Vidhan (dietary guidelines) from Acharya Charaka, emphasizing Ushna and Snighda food, proper quantity, timing, and avoiding contradictory combinations. It also touches on traditional serving methods using banana leaves and silver plates.]

[Find the meaning and references behind the names: Guna, Ana, Ritu]

Dr. Deepanjali Jadhav et al. Aahar Vidhi Vidhan Shastrokta Vivaran ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2 158 every day. 8 Dwikala Anna Persons who are having proper digestion should be given two meals a day. 9 Matrahina Anna Food and drink in smaller quantity would be beneficial for person suffering from impaired digestion or any other disease. 10 Aushdhayukta Anna Medicine should be given with food and drink to a person. 11 Doshaprasham ana Anna Foods consumed with appropriate to Ritu is Dosha Prashaman Anna. 12 Vritiartha Anna Food consumed by healthy person is meant to maintain health and life. Aahar Vidhi Vidhan (How to eat?) Acharya Charaka has given Aahar Vidhi Vidhan (diatery guidelines) for which scientific explanation is given as follows [17] Ushanamashniyat, Snighdhamashniyat - One should eat Ushna and Snighda food in proper quantity. i.e. one part of Kukshi for food, one part for Drava Padarth , and one part for movement of Dosha . Ushna and Snighdha Guna improves the taste of food, increases Agni so food easily digested, pacifies Vata , enhances growth of the body, provides strength to Indriyas, also improves Varna of the body Matravataashniyat - Matra according to Ayurveda is of two types, Sarvagraha (whole amount), Parigraha (amount of individual ingredient). Quantity of diet should be according to Agni and Bala o f body Jirneashniyat - Aachrya Charaka explains that ‘ Kaalbhojanam Aarogyakaranam’ . Meal should be taken at proper time only and only after digestion of previous meal. If food taken at day time is not digested properly, then also food can be taken at night. Because during day time due to movements of body all the Srotas are opened and food can be digested. It doesn’t get any Klinnta . But if food taken at night time is not digested properly, then one should not take food at morning, because there is no body movements in night time so in the Srotas accumulates Klinnta inside it [18] Viryaviruddhamashniyat - Combination of two food substances having different Veeryas during eating leads to Rakta Vikaras, Grahani, Shotha , etc Ishtedeshe Ishta Saropakarnam Cha Ashniyat - One should have meals in a pleasant place, with all preapartions. Pleasantness calm down mind and hence good digestion occurs Naatidrutamashniyat, Naativilambitamashniyat, Ajalapanahasan Tanmanabhunjeet - One should not take meals in hurry. Food taken very slowly, very hurriedly, talking, laughing disturbs digestion. One may overeat or remains hungry. Aatmanam Abhisamikshya Bhunjeet Samyaka - One should take diet according to Agni, Bala, Satmya, Prakruti Traditional way of serving and eating the food Traditionally Banana leaves & Silver plates were used for serving the food. By serving hot food in banana leaf one could get lot of good stuffs. It is hygienic and easy to clean as just sprinkling of water is enough for cleaning. It adds nice aroma to food and improves taste of food. It is one of the most ecofriendly disposable food serving system. While serving food on Banana leaf, leaf should be placed in scientific way. The tip of leaf should be on left side because sages opined that development of universe occurred from left side and obliteration occurred on right side. Hence tip of leaf on left side indicates development and advancement [19] The property of silver is debatable, as pure silver is considered toxic, at the same time it is believed that silverware is non-toxic because of the treatment it has undergone during the procedure of converting pure metal into utensils. Hence it is believed that eating in silverware is non-toxic and instead helps in improving immunity. It is believed that silver is 100 percent free of bacteria and hence our elders advise us to give food and drinks in silverware. It is believed that silver with its bacteria fighting properties helps in boosting

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[Summary: This page continues discussing traditional food practices, highlighting the benefits of silver utensils for immunity and food preservation. It mentions sitting on the floor for meals and the significance of finger positions during eating, linking them to the five Mahabhootas. The discussion section emphasizes the impact of modern lifestyle on dietary habits and the importance of understanding food qualities. The conclusion states that proper adherence to food intake rules can help in avoiding lifestyle disorders.]

[Find the meaning and references behind the names: Real, King, Fast, Rasa, Heart]

Dr. Deepanjali Jadhav et al. Aahar Vidhi Vidhan Shastrokta Vivaran ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2 159 immunity. The other property of metal being that when we serve warm food in it the metal gets infused with the food and releases some of its anti-bacterial properties into the food. Silver, it is believed, retains and restores the freshness of liquids and foods stored in it. In ancient times, the kings and other royalty’s stored water and even wines in silver flask to retain their texture. They also served and ate food from silverware. One of the important properties of silver is that it helps in maintaining the body temperature. Apparently it is because of this property, the newborn babies accessories are made of silver. So is the reason we wear silver anklets and other jewelry [20] When individuals sit on floor for eating, significant number of muscles are used as compared to when one sits on chair and table. The meal should be started with Madhurarasa, Snighdhagunatmak Padarthas, in the middle part Sheetadrava and Dravyas and different Vyanjanas , and meal should be sum up with Tikshna, Ushna, Ruksha, Laghu, Gunatmaka Padarthas [21] In Ayurveda each finger is an extension of one of five Mahabhootas i.e. Thumb represents Aakasha , Forefinger represents Vayu, Middle finger represents Agni, Ring Finger represents Jala , Little finger represents Earth. So eating by the hand activates these Panchamahabhootas instead of eating with fork and spoon [22] DISCUSSION Due to today’s fast era, lifestyle is c hanged which includes faulty dietary patterns, habituated to junk food etc. these changing food habits must have brought about change in body as well as mind. Due to these changes now we are more prone to lifestyle disorders. “Know Yourself” is first key o f success of treatment of lifestyle disorders. Eating only after understanding of ourselves and qualities of food is must. The Ashtavidha Aahravidhi Visheshaayatana plays important role for knowing the qualities of food (Prakriti, Vikriti, Samyog) as well as for knowing ourselves also ( Rashi, Kala, Desha) Upayogsamstha is real code of conduct of diet and Upayokta is following these all the rules. Ayurveda pays lot of attention for rules of consuming food also due to which Jathragni gets rekindled. Traditionally all these rules were followed by all the peoples. i.e. serving food on banana leaf, eating of food by sitting on floor, eating with hands. Eating with one’s fingers stimulates these five elements and helps in bringing forth digestive juices in the stomach. The nerve endings on our fingertips are known to stimulate digestion. Feeling your food becomes a way of signaling the stomach that you are about to eat. You become more conscious of the taste, textures and aromas. It makes you eat slower and hence digest better because you become more aware of the process of eating as you experience it with all your senses. It increases the blood circulation in the body since it is sort of a muscle exercise. Eating with hands is way more hygienic than with utensils because of the simple reason that you wash your hands multiple times a day while we wash the utensils once a day. We are conscious of the cleanliness of our hands and hence whatever happens our hands will be cleaner at the end of the day. Eating of food by sitting on floor with folded legs gives better advantage to heart as blood flow is symmetrical to all body parts. But with eating by seating on chair, in this position blood flow is directed to legs only. The Vagus nerve performs better and transmits all signals effectively to stomach and cerebrum to relate the signs of feeling full in person sitting on floor for eating. Sitting on floor strengths the lumbar region of body reducing distress. As told by Aachryas, Madhura Rasa should be consumed at the starting of meal because Jatharagni is Tikshna at the starting, so it can easily digest the heavy food items. But now everyone eats sweet food items at the end of meal which causes Ajeerna condition. CONCLUSION Food eating is not just a habit, but it is a culture. And that should be followed properly to maintain our health. As Aacharya Kashyapa told “ Aahar is Mahabheshaj ” we can avoid the lifestyle disorders by proper following of the rules of food intake. Codes and conducts of food eating is certainly a strong scientific method of consuming food keeping in mind the power of Jatharagni .

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[Summary: This page provides a list of references for the article, citing various Ayurvedic texts and commentaries used in the research. It also includes a citation for the article itself and copyright information.]

[Find the meaning and references behind the names: Shri, Raja, Sharma, Vivek, Shree, Ram, Ganga, Pandey, Nil, Dev, Med, Prakashan]

Dr. Deepanjali Jadhav et al. Aahar Vidhi Vidhan Shastrokta Vivaran ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2020 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2 160 REFERENCES 1 Vridhajivakiya Tantra, Kashyapa Samhita, Vidyotini hindi vakhyasahit Khilsthan, 4 th chapter, verse 6, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, Page Number-249 2 Vd. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapani, Sutra sthana, 5 th chapter, verse 3, Chaukhamba Publication New Delhi, Reprint 2018, Page Number-36. 3 Vd. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapani, Sutra sthana, 11 th chapter, verse 35, Chaukhamba Publication New Delhi. Reprint 2018, Page Number-74 4 Atharvaveda first edition, vedanuragiaachrya Gopalprashad kaushika, Ganga Book Depot. Mathura, year 1968. 5 Rigveda, waayanbhayawalihindi Bhawarth, First edition, Aachrya Gopalprashad kaushika, Ganga Book Depot. Mathura, year 1968 (Rig veda Aa 2/3/8/34,35) 6 108 Upanishad (Hindi Bhawarthsahit), First, second, third part, Shri Ram Achrya, Bramhaverchas Shantikunj, Haridwar, year 2002. 7 Agnipuraanki Ayurvedic Anusandhaanatmak Samiksha, first edition, Dr. Vivek Pandey, Shree Satguru Publication Delhi. Year 1997 ( Agni purana 28/17) 8 Vd. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapani, Sutrasthana, 25 th chapter, verse 35, Chaukhamba Publication New Delhi. Reprint 2018, Page Number-130. 9 Raja Radhkant Dev, Shabdakalpadruma, Chaukhamba Publication, Varanasi, 2006 10 http/ph.krishnakosha.org/krushna/ Aahar 11 108 Upanishad (Hindi Bhawarthsahit), First, second, third part, Shri Ram Achrya, Bramhaverchas Shantikunj, Haridwar, year 2002 (3.2.1) 12 Vd. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapani, Sutra sthana, 27 th chapter, verse 349, Chaukhamba Publication New Delhi. Reprint 2018, Page Number-174. 13 Vd. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapani, Sutrasthana, 27 th chapter, verse 348, Chaukhamba Publication New Delhi. Reprint 2018, Page Number-174. 14 Vd. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapani, Vimaansthana, 1 st chapter, verse 21, Chaukhamba Publication New Delhi. Reprint 2018, Page Number-235. 15 Vriddha Vagbhat, Ashtanga Sangraha, Induvirchita Shashilekha Commentry, Kaviraj Jyotir Mitra Acharya, edited by Dr. Shivprasad Sharma, published by Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, Sutrasthan, 10 th chapter, verse 3, Page number-102 16 Sushrut, Sushruta Samhita, with Nibandha Sangraha of Dalhanachrya & Nyachandrika Panjika of Gayadasachrya edited by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya. Utaartantra, 64 th chapter, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, verse 56. 17 Vd. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapani, Vimaansthana, 1 st chapter, verse 24, Chaukhamba Publication, New Delhi. Reprint 2018, Page Number-236. 18 Vd. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapani, Chikitsasthana, 15 th chapter, verse 237, 238, 239, 240, Chaukhamba Publication, New Delhi. Reprint 2018, Page Number-525. 19 http/www.oureverdaylife.com 20 http/www.parentune.com 21 Vridhajivakiya Tantra, Kashyapa Samhita, Vidyotini Hindi Vakhyasahit, Kalpasthan, 10 th chapter, verse 39, Chaukhabha Sanskrit Series, Varanasi. 22 http/www .sciencedirect.com ******************************* How to cite this article: Dr. Deepanjali Jadhav, Dr. Sourabha S. Kokatnur, Dr. Sandeep Desai. Aahar Vidhi Vidhan Shastrokta Vivaran. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2020;2:156-160. Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared. Copyright © 2020 The Author(s); Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur (Regd). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Kala, Desha, Ayurveda, Prakriti, Meha, Vyanjana, Samyoga, Jatharagni, Nidra, Vikriti, Raktapitta, Ushna, Rashi, Brahmacharya, Madhurarasa, Upayokta, Aahar, Traditional way, Banana leaf, Silver plate, Lifestyle disorder, Aahar Vidhi Vidhan, Aacharya Charaka, Upayoga Samstha, Vataprakop, Ruksha Anna.

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