Rasashastra is the branch of Ayurveda that deals with the purification, incineration (Marana), and medicinal utilization of metals, minerals, and toxic substances. This requires the use of specific apparatuses (Yantras) and incineration processes (Putas).
Part 1: Puta Processes of Incineration
1. Puta
· Definition: The process in which the purified substance is triturated in a specific medium (such as juice of tubers, cow urine, etc.) and then made into small pellets, which are then heated in a specially constructed furnace over a certain number of coal fires.
· Purpose: To calcinate the substance so that it becomes fine, radio-insoluble, easily digestible and more potent.
· Result: Calx/Ash of the substance is obtained, which is chemically changed, detoxified and is a highly white, light and smooth powder.
2. Mahaputa (Mahaputa – The Major Incineration)
· Feature: Very high temperature process. More than 100 coals are burnt in this.
· Use: For burning very hard metals like iron, mica etc.
3. Gajaputa (Elephant-like Incineration)
· Feature: Powerful process like Mahaputa. Traditionally 1000 coals were burnt in this.
· Use: For very hard minerals.
4. Varahaputa (Boar-like Incineration)
· Feature: Medium temperature process. 50 coals are burnt in this.
· Use: For burning metals like copper, gold etc.
5. Kapotaputa (Dove-like Incineration)
· Feature: Low temperature process. 30 coals are burnt in this.
· Use: For soft metals like silver, lead etc.
6. Kukkutaputa (Cock-like Incineration)
· Feature: Light process like Kapotaputa. About 30 coals are used in this too.
· Use: Mainly used in killing mica.
Part 2: Main Apparatuses
7. Tiryak Shatanayana Yantra
· Modern equivalent: Distillation Apparatus
· Structure and purpose: It has a base vessel (distilling flask), a slanting tube (ventilation tube which acts as condenser) and a receiver flask. It was used to purify liquids by distillation, such as alcohol, perfumed water etc.
8. Vankanala
· Modern equivalent: Condenser Tube or Liebig Condenser
· Structure and purpose: This is the slanting tube part of the Tiryakshtanyantra which cools the vapour and condenses it into a liquid.
9. Bhudhar Yantra
· Modern equivalent: Sublimation Apparatus
· Structure and purpose: It is made up of two vessels (top and bottom). The substance to be sublimated (such as sulphur) is kept in the lower vessel and heated. The vapour gets collected in the upper vessel. This process is called sublimation.
10. Khalwa Yantra
· Modern equivalent: Mortar and Pestle
· Structure and purpose: A mortar and pestle made of stone or metal. It is used for grinding liquids finely (Trituration/Levigation) and impregnation in them.
11. Tula Yantra
· Modern equivalent: Weighing Balance
· Structure and purpose: The most important instrument for accurate measurement. In medicine preparation, it is very important to have the correct quantity of liquids.
12. Kachchhapa Yantra
· Modern equivalent: Tortoise-shaped Closed Apparatus
· Structure and purpose: A closed device in the shape of a tortoise. It was mainly used for specific processes of purification of mercury (such as Murchhan).
13. Garbha Yantra
· Modern equivalent: Sealed Container or Digestion Apparatus
· Structure and purpose: An airtight closed container. It was used for processes where the liquid may get spoiled by coming in contact with air or where controlled pressure is required.
14. Patala Yantra
· Modern equivalent: Underground Pit Furnace
· Structure and purpose: A furnace made by digging a pit in the ground. It was used to provide controlled and uniform heat for a long time.
15. Bhandaputa
· Modern equivalent: Crucible
· Structure and purpose: A strong, high-temperature-tolerant vessel (such as clay or porcelain). The liquid is placed in it and heated directly in intense fire.
Clinical Importance for Medical Students
· Purification: With the help of these instruments, toxic metals and minerals (such as mercury, lead, copper, mica) are purified (detoxified). Incineration: By putative processes these pure metals are converted into bhasma, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps in boosting immunity, rejuvenation, etc.
✍️ लेखनकर्ता: सुनील कश्यप
संस्थापक – NCISM Notes | आयुर्वेद छात्र
