Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India

by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words

This page relates ‘Use of Gorocana (Bezoar)’ of the study on cosmetics, costumes and ornaments of ancient India based on Sanskrit sources. Chapter one deals with cosmetics and methods of enhancing beauty; Chapter two deals with costumes, garments and dresses; Chapter three deals with ornaments for humans and animals. Each chapter deals with their respective materials, types, preparation and trade, as prevalent in ancient Indian society.

1.7. Use of Gorocana (Bezoar)

Gorocana (Bezoar) is an aromatic yellow pigment produced from the bile of cow. In Dhanvantarī-nighaṇṭu[1], it is mentioned that Gorocana provides beauty and fortune and it keeps away evil spirits and misfortune caused by the unfavourable position of planets. It proves curative in eye diseases and is antitoxic. It is cold in potency. Piṅgala, Piṅga, Medhya, Gaurī, Gomatī, Maṅgalya, Vandanīya, Pavakī, Rucirā, Agrya and Ruci are the ten synonyms of Gorocana mentioned in the text. Gorocana was usually used for making marks on the forehead.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

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