‘Uttara Tantra’ of Sushruta Samhita: Which means, Chapters, Significance, Scope

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S

Uttara Tantra – specialist of Sushruta Samhita

Samhitas – treatises are divided into varied sections for the comfort of classifying and compiling associated matters or matters associated to a standard theme. This sample is adopted by all of the Samhitas and Acharyas who’ve created the Samhitas. Seeing that this sample was considered 1000’s of years in the past, it’s extremely considerable.

Talking about Brihat Trayees, i.e. the higher trio, that are broadly adopted and referred by lecturers, college students, practitioners and Ayurveda fanatics, all of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Samgraha or Hridaya are divided into many sections, every part comprising of particular variety of chapters. The position of the sthanas or sections differs amongst the Samhitas and so additionally the content material and associated chapters and their numbers. This additionally offers a uniqueness to every Samhita.

Even amongst Brihat Trayees, Sushruta Samhita is exclusive due to a particular part known as ‘Uttara Tantra’ or ‘Uttara Sthana’ which it comprises. Uttara Tantra part isn’t accessible in Charaka Samhita or Ashtanga Sangraha / Hridaya. Likewise, a few sections positioned in Charaka and Ashtanga aren’t accessible in Sushruta Samhita. Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha / Hridaya have the same sample and the later Samhita (Ashtanga) has a powerful affect from Charaka Samhita whereas it has additionally included the ideas of Sushruta Samhita additionally and appear to have a restricted however sure affect.

Which means & Definition of Uttara Tantra

श्रेष्ठत्वादुत्तरं ह्योतत्तन्त्रमाहुर्महर्षयः ।
बह्वर्थसंग्रहच्छ्रेष्ठमुत्तरं वाऽपि पश्चिमम् ॥४३॥

Ref – Sushruta Uttara Tantra, Chapter 3, Verse 43

Uttara means extremely meritorious. This reveals that Acharya Sushruta had not thought-about this part as ‘simply one other part’. This part was created with a transparent intention and the contents which wanted to be included in it was clearly scripted and chronologically organized. Grasp Sushruta had clearly deliberate its placement too, that it shall be positioned on the finish of the treatise and the part shall be super-special. Sushruta has given utmost benefit to this part and significance in relation to its content material despite inserting it on the finish of the treatise. By definition ‘this part has been named as Uttara Tantra by the revered sages since this part is extremely meritorious and vital and can also be a compilation of meanings of many branches of Ayurveda’.

Uttara means ‘ending’ or ‘that positioned final’ – Uttara Tantra part can also be known as ‘Paschima Tantra’. Pachima means ending. It additionally means ‘one thing which has been positioned on the finish or positioned final’. Uttara Tantra is positioned on the finish of Sushruta Samhita. It’s positioned because the final part of the treatise and therefore the title Paschima Tantra.

Uttara Tantra can also be known as by the title ‘Aupadravika Tantra’. Aupadrava means problems. This part offers primarily with the upadravas i.e. problems of the ailments, primarily the primary chapter and therefore the title. The primary chapter of Uttara Tantra is ‘Aupadravika Adhyaya’ which implies ‘chapter coping with the information of problems’.

Why was Uttara Tantra wanted to be included in Sushruta Samhita?

Acharya Sushruta had a transparent plan of together with sure chapters within the final part, not that they weren’t vital, however they had been very particular and vital that they wanted a separate part. Among the many eight branches or sections of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Ayurveda – eightfold classification of Ayurveda), 4 vital branches and matters associated to their pathogenesis, etiology and remedy have been mentioned and described in Uttara Tantra. They’re –

–        Salakya Tantra – research of ailments of the top (together with ear, nostril, tongue or mouth and eyes) and neck (throat) – ENT, Ophthalmology, Complications and many others. Detailed description of eye ailments and their remedies have been given on this part. Many fashionable ophthalmic practices appear to be influenced by these historic practices.

–        Kumara Tantra or Kaumara Bhritya – pediatrics,

–        Kaya Chikitsa – normal drugs and

–        Bhuta Vidya – research of microorganisms, idiopathic problems

This reveals the weightage that Uttara Tantra carries in Sushruta Samhita.

However,

–        Rasayana – immunology, immune-modulators, anti-ageing medicines, rejuvenators and Vajikarana – aphrodisiacs – branches have been described in Chikitsa Sthana part

–        Visatantra – research of poisons, toxicology has been described in Kalpa Sthana part

–        Shalyatantra – surgical procedure – is included in every single place within the treatise because it has been thought-about as crucial department among the many eight branches (by Acharya Sushruta)

Some specialists think about Uttara Tantra as a particular complement to Sushruta Samhita and supplies a completeness to the treatise. This part, as mentioned already, supplies in depth information on the topics past the topic of important focus of the treatise i.e. surgical science. Gynecology can also be included within the dialogue in Uttara Tantra other than the opposite sections talked about above.

Different matters of curiosity described in Uttara Tantra

Additionally in Uttara Tantra, significance has been offered in the direction of a complete method and dialogue of medication. Preventive well being measures like dinacharya – every day routine, rutucharya – seasonal routine and guidelines and laws which might assist individuals to reside a wholesome dwelling have been emphasised.

Tantra-yukti which helps in complete understanding of inauspicious phrases, sentences, core that means and important ideas and likewise serves as a key in the direction of understanding the samhita to its core precision has additionally been touched upon in uttara tantra. It supplies a system of logical ideas and reasoning which might assist in decoding and deep understanding the advanced data and ideas included within the textual content / treatise.

Acceptable timing of consuming meals and etiquettes of consuming have additionally been defined. This factors in the direction of the main target of the treatise in the direction of teachings on way of life and wellness.

Chapters of Uttara Tantra

Uttara Tantra includes sixty-six chapters.