अथात ऋतुचर्य्यमध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः, यथोवाच भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ।। १ ।।
Now we shall discuss the Chapter which treats of the characteristic features of the different seasons of the year and their influence on health and drugs (Rutucharyadhyaya). 1
कालो हि नाम (भगवान्) स्वयम्भूरनादिमध्यनिधनोऽत्र रसव्यापत्सम्पत्ती जीवितमरणे च मनुष्याणामायत्ते । स सूक्ष्मामपि कलां न लीयत इति कालः, सङ्कलयति कालयति वा भूतानीति कालः ॥२॥
The Eternal Time is without origin, middle, or end, self-begotten, and the lord of all attributes. Contrariety or non contrariety of the natural attributes of drugs or substances endued with characteristic tastes, such as sweet, etc., are brought about by time; and time is the principal factor that controls the births or deaths of beings.
Etymology of the term Kala (time) : The Kala or the Eternal time is so called from the fact of its not suffering even one of its own minutest particles or subdivisions (Kala) to perish, though perpetually moving, and in constant motion in itself; or it derives its epithet from the fundamental quality of its destroying all beings and laying their dead remains in heaps in succession. Some assert that the name is due to the fact that time blends (kalanam) all beings with misery or happiness according to their respective acts, or to its leading all beings to destruction (kala). 2
तस्य संवत्सरात्मनो भगवानादित्यो गतिविशेषेणाक्षिनिमेषकाष्ठाकलामुहूर्त्ताहोरात्रपक्षमासर्व्वयनसंवत्सरयुगप्रविभागं करोति ॥३॥
The Sun-god, by his peculiar motions, divides eternal time which is measured by years ( Sainvatsaras) into (increasingly progressive but smaller subdivisions) such as Nimesas (lit: time taken in closing the eyelids), Kasthas, Kalas, Muhurtas, days and nights, fortnights, months, seasons, solstices, years and Yugas. 3
तत्र लघ्वक्षरोच्चारणमात्रोऽक्षिनिमेषः । पञ्चदशाक्षिनिमेषाः काष्ठा । त्रिंशत् काष्ठाः कलाः | विंशतिकलो मुहूर्त्तः कलादशभागश्च । त्रिंशन्मुहूर्त्तमहोरात्रम् । पञ्चदशाहोरात्रणि पक्षः । स च द्विविधः शुक्लः कृष्णश्च । तौ मासः ॥ ४॥
Time taken in articulating any of the short vowels (such as A. etc.), is called an Aksi Nimesa. Fifteen Aksi Nimesas make one Kastha. Thirty Kasthas make one Muhurta. Thirty Muhurtas make one day and night. Fifteen days and nights make one fortnight. A fortnight is either dark or bright. Two fortnights make one month. 4
तत्र माघादयो द्वादश मासा, द्विमासिकमृतुं कृत्वा षड्ऋतवो भवन्ति । ते शिशिरवसन्तग्रीष्मवर्षाशरद्धेमन्ताः । तेषां तपस्तपस्यौ शिशिरः । मधुमाधवौ वसन्तः । शुचिशुक्रौ ग्रीष्मः । नभोनभस्यौ वर्षाः । इषोञ्ज शरत् । सहः सहस्यौ हेमन्त इति ॥ ५ ॥
The twelve months such as Magha, etc. are divided into six seasons such as, Winter, Spring, Summer, Rains, Autumn and Hemanta, each consisting of two months.
The two months known as Tapas and Tapasya (Magha and Phalguna) constitute the season of winter. Spring consists of two months called Madhu and Madhava (Caitra and Vaisakha). Summer is marked by two months known as Suci and Sukra (Jyestha and Asadha). The rains or the rainy season is marked by two months called Nabhas and Nabhasya (Sravana and Bhadra). The two months known as Isa and Urja (Asvina and Kartika) constitute what is called the season of Autumn. Hemanta is marked by two months called Sahas and Sahasya (Margasirsa and Pausa). 5
द्वे त एते शीतोष्णवर्षलक्षणाश्चन्द्रादित्ययोः कालविभागकरत्वादयने भवतो दक्षिणमुत्तरञ्च । तयोर्दक्षिणं वर्षाशरद्धेमन्तास्तेषु भगवानाप्यायते सोमः, अम्ललवणमधुराश्च रसा बलवन्तो भवन्ति, उत्तरोत्तरञ्च सर्व्वप्राणिनां बलमभिवर्द्धते । उत्तरञ्च शिशिरवसन्तग्रीष्मास्तेषु भगवानाप्यायतेऽर्कः, तिक्तकषायकटुकाश्च रसा बलवन्तो भवन्त्यु – त्तरोत्तरश्च सर्व्वप्राणिनां बलमपहीयते ॥६॥
These six seasons are respectively characterised by-cold, heat, rains, etc.
The two Ayanas are ushered in by the sun and the moon changing their respective courses in the heavens (passing over the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn) as the measurers of time. The rains, autumn and Hemanta follow one another in succession when the sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn or is in the Winter Solstice (Daksinayana) and the moon gains in strength in this part of the year. Rasas (Serum or sap) possessed of acid, saline and sweet tastes, grow strong and become dominant when the sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn (Daksinayana) and all being gain in strength and energy more and more. Winter, spring and summer mark the passing of the sun over the Summer Solstice (Uttarayana ). The sun grows stronger in heat and light, and saps rasas) of bitter, pungent and sour tastes increase in intensity, and all animals gradually begin to lose strength and energy. 6
भवति चात्रशीतांशुः क्लेदयत्युवीं विवस्वान् शोषयत्यपि । तावुभावपि संश्रित्य वायुः पालयति प्रजाः।।७।। अथ खल्वयने द्वे युगपत् संवत्सरो भवति ।। ८ ।।
Authoritative verses on the subject: The moon imparts the moisture and humidity to the earth which is soaked up by the sun in his daily course, while the wind in conjunction with the sun and the moon, contributes towards the preservation of animal life. The successive change of the two solstices marks a year. 7-8
ते तु पञ्च युगमिति संज्ञां लभन्ते । स एष निमेषादिर्युगपर्य्यन्तः कालचक्रवत् परिवर्त्तमानः कालचक्रमित्युच्यत इत्येके ॥९॥
Five such complete years count as a Yuga. The sub-divisions of eternal time from the minutes Nimesa to a complete Yuga, are constantly revolving like a wheel, and this constant or perpetual revolution is called the wheel or cycle of time (Kala-Cakra) by certain authorities. 9
इह तु वर्षाशरद्धेमन्तवसन्तग्रीष्मप्रावृषः षड्ऋतवो भवन्ति, दोषोपचयप्रकोपोपशमनिमित्तम् । ते तु भाद्रपदाद्येन द्विमासिकेन व्याख्याताः । तद्यथा- भाद्रपदाश्वयुजौ वर्षाः, कार्त्तिकमार्गशीर्षी शरत्, पौषमाघौ हेमन्तः, फाल्गुनचैत्रौ वसन्तः, वैशाखज्येष्ठौ ग्रीष्मः, आषाढश्रावणी प्रावृडिति ॥१०॥
The six seasons such as, the Rains, etc., have been again adverted to in this chapter for the purpose of fully describing the accumulation, excitation (aggravation) and pacification of the bodily humours, such as wind, etc. According to some, the rainy season consists of two months known as Bhadra and Asvina; Autumn consists of the two months of Kartika and Margasirsa; Hemanta consists of the two months of Pausa and Magha; spring consists of the two months of Phalguna and Caitra; summer, of Vaisakha and Jyestha; and Pravt, of Asadha and Sravana. 10
तत्र, वर्षास्वोषधयस्तरुण्योऽल्पवीर्य्या आपश्चाप्रशान्ताः क्षितिमलप्रायास्ता उपयुज्यमाना नभसि मेघावतते जलप्रक्लिन्नायां भूमौ क्लिन्नदेहानां प्राणिनां शीतवातविष्टम्भिताग्नीनां विदह्यन्ते, विदाहात् पित्तसञ्चयमापादयन्ति, स सञ्चयः शरदि प्रविरलमेघे वियत्युपशुष्यति पङ्केऽर्ककिरणप्रविलायित: पैत्तिकान् व्याधीन् जनयति ॥११॥
Osadhis (Medical plants and cereals) sprout during the rains and are enfeebled in their properties. Water becomes muddy or turbid and the earth is covered over with fresh deposits of washed off or silted mud. The sky becomes overcast with clouds, and the wind, charged with an excess of humidity, dulls the appetite and organisms of beings. Hence the food of beings which principally consists of tender and new-grown vegetables of feeble potency, considerably vitiated by the turbid water partaken of as drink during the season, proves acid in its digestive reaction, and germinates excessive bile in the human system. In autumn the sky becomes cloudless, the mire is dried up, and the bile originated and accumulated during the rains, is liquefied by the rays of the sun and gives rise to bilious diseases.¹ 11
ता एवौषधयः कालपरिणामात् परिणतवीर्य्या बलवत्यो हेमन्ते भवन्त्यापश्च प्रसन्नाः स्निग्धा अत्यर्थं गुर्व्यस्ता उपयुज्यमाना मन्दकिरणत्वाद् भानोः सतुषारपवनोपस्तम्भितदेहानां देहिनामविदग्धाः स्नेहाच्छैत्याद् गौरवादुपलेपाच्च श्लेष्मणः सञ्चयमापादयन्ति, स सञ्चयो वसन्तेऽ करश्मिप्रविलायित ईषत्स्तब्धदेहानां देहिनां श्लैष्मिकान् व्याधीन् जनयति ॥१२॥
Plants and vegetables (Ausadhis) that grow or sprout during the rainy season, are matured in course of time and ripen in their virtues and potency in the season of Hemanta. The water becomes clear, cool and heavy in this season. The sun’s rays become feeble and mild; and the winds moistened with frost and snow, make the human system a little numb and heavy. Hence water and vegetables partaken of in Hemanta are divested of their properties of acid reaction after being assimilated in the human system, but they give rise to an accumulation of phlegm in the body owing to their heaviness, sliminess, and cooling and oily character. In spring, the phlegm thus accumulated in the body is liquefied and ushers in diseases due to a deranged state of that bodily humour. 12
ता एवौषधयो निदाघे निःसारा रुक्षा अतिमात्रं लघ्वो भवन्त्यापश्च, ता उपयुज्यमानाः सूर्य्यप्रतापोपशोषितदेहानां देहिनां रौक्ष्याल्लघुत्वाद् वैशद्याच्च वायोः सञ्चयमापादयन्ति, स सञ्चयः प्रावृषि चात्यर्थ जलोपक्लिन्नायां भूमौ क्लिन्नदेहानां प्राणिनां शीतवातवर्षेरितो वातिकान् व्याधीन् जनयति । एवमेष दोषाणां सञ्चयप्रकोपहेतुरुक्तः ॥१३॥
The said plants and vegetables, in their turn, lose their sap, moisture and nutritive element in summer, and become dry and extremely light. In the same manner water becomes drought-making
1. This should be regarded as the excited, aggravated or agitated state of bile (Pitta) in the parlance of Ayurveda.
2. This is called the excited or agitated state of phlegm (Kafa).
[produces a state of parchedness in the organism-Ruksa] in its virtue, and considerably loses its natural coolness and nutritive properties. The sun’s rays dry up the natural moisture of the human system, and accordingly water and vegetables largely partaken of in summer, give rise to an accumulation of wind in the system owing to their lightness, dryness, or expansive and drought-making properties. Subsequently wind thus accumulated in the summer, is agitated by the rains and cold winds in the forepart of the rainy season (Pravit) when the ground is flooded with water and thus gives rise to diseases which are incidental to a deranged state of the bodily wind.¹ 13
तत्र वर्षाहेमन्तग्रीष्मेषु सञ्चितानां दोषाणां शरद्वसन्तप्रावृद्सु च प्रकुपितानां निर्हरणं कर्त्तव्यम् ॥१४॥
The fundamental bodily humours such as, wind, bile, etc. augmented and accumulated during the rains, Hemanta and summer, should be checked as soon as they become aggravated (manifest themselves) in autumn, spring, or in the forepart of the rainy season (Pravrut). 14
तत्र पैत्तिकानां व्याधीनामुपशमो हेमन्ते, श्लैष्मिकाणां निदाघे, वातिकानां घनात्यये स्वभावत एव । त एते सञ्चयप्रकोपोपशमा व्याख्याताः ॥१५॥
Diseases which owe their origin to a deranged state of bile, phlegm and wind, are respectively ameliorated in Hemanta, summer, and autumn by natural causes, [such as the variations of atmospheric or earthly temperature, rainfall, etc.] Thus far we have discussed the accumulation, excitation and pacification or alleviation of the deranged bodily humours. 15
तत्र पूर्व्वा वसन्तस्य लिङ्गं, मध्याह्ने ग्रीष्मस्यापराहे प्रावृषः, प्रदोषे वार्षिकं, शारदमर्द्ध रात्रे, प्रत्युषसि हैमन्तमुपलक्षयेत् । एवमहोरात्रमपि वर्षमिव शीतोष्णवर्षलक्षणं दोषोपचयप्रकोपोपशमैर्जानीयात् ॥१६॥
Likewise the features, which specifically mark the different seasons of the year are observed to characterise the different parts of a complete day and night, [or in other words] traits peculiar to spring
1. This is called the excited state of wind (Vayu).
time exhibit themselves in the morning; the noon is marked by all the characteristics of summer; the evening by those of the rainy season; the midnight by those of autumin; and the hours before dawn by those of Hemanta. And similarly, like the seasons of the year, the different parts of the day and night are marked by variations of heat, cold, etc. [or in other words] the deranged bodily humours such as wind, bile, etc. naturally and spontaneously accumulate, aggravate, or subside during the different parts of the day as they do in the different seasons of the year [represented by those parts of the day and night as stated above]. 16
तत्राव्यापन्नेषु ऋतुष्वव्यापन्ना ओषधयो भवन्त्यापश्च, ता प्राणायुर्बलवीर्य्योजस्कर्य्या तेषां भवन्ति । खलु उपयुज्यमानाः पुनर्व्यापदोऽदृष्टकारिताः । शीतोष्णवातवर्षाणि विपरीतान्योषधीर्व्यापादयन्त्यपश्च, तासामुपयोगाद् विविधरोगप्रादुर्भावो मरको वा भवेदिति । तत्राव्यापन्नानामोषधीनामपाञ्चोपयोगः ॥१७॥
Water and vegetables retain their natural properties when the seasons are natural, and do not exhibit contrary features, and they then tend to increase the appetite, vitality, strength, and power of the human system. Contrary or unnatural seasons are but the consequenes of sin committed by a whole community and portend the workings of a malign destiny. A season, exhibiting unnatural or contrary features, affect or reverses the natural properties of water and vegetables peculiar to it, which, drunk or partaken of, cause dreadful epidemics in the country. The best safe guard lies in not using such defiled water and vegetables when an epidemic breaks out in the country. 17
कदाचिदव्यापन्नेष्वपि ऋतुषु कृत्याभिशापरक्षः क्रोधाधरुपध्वस्यन्ते जनपदाः, विषौषधिपुष्पगन्धेन वा वायुनोपनीतेनाक्रम्यते यो देशस्तत्र दोषप्रकृत्यविशेषेण कासश्वासवमथुप्रतिश्यायशिरोरुग्ज्वरैरुपतप्यन्ते, ग्रहनक्षत्रचरितैर्वा, गृहदारशयनासनयानवाहनमणिरत्नोपकरणगर्हितलक्षणनिमित्तप्रादुर्भावैर्वा ॥१८॥
Sometimes a town or a city is depopulated by a curse, anger, sin, or by a monster or a demoness conjured up by a spell or incantation. Sometimes the pollens of poisonous flowers or grasses, etc., wafted by the winds, invade a town or a village, and produce a sort of Vol. 1-4
epidemic cough, asthma, catarrh, or fever, irrespective of all constitutional peculiarities or deranged bodily humours agitated thereby. Towns and villages are known to have been depopulated through malignant astral influences, or through houses, wives’, beds, seats, carriages, riding animals, gems and precious stones assuming inauspicious features. 18
तत्र, स्थानपरित्यागशान्तिकर्म्मप्रायश्चित्तमङ्गलजप- होमोपहारेज्याञ्जलिनमस्कारतपोनियमदयादानदीक्षाम्युपगमदेवताब्राह्मणगुरुपरैर्भवितव्यमेवं साधु भवति ॥ १९ ॥
Prophylactic measures : In such cases migration to a healthy or unaffected locality, performances of rites of pacification and atonement, (wearing of prophylactic gems and drugs), recitations of mantras, libations of clarified butter cast into the sacrificial fire, offerings to the gods, celebration of sacrificial ceremonies, obeisance with clasped plams to the gods, practice of penances, self-control and charity, kindness, spiritual initiation, obedience to one’s elders and preceptors, and devotion to the gods and the Brahmanas, and observance of such like rules of conduct may prove beneficial to the affected community. 19
अत ऊर्द्धमव्यापन्नानामृतूनां लक्षणान्युपदेक्ष्यामः ।।२०।।
वायुर्वात्युत्तरः शीतो रजोधूमाकुला दिशः । छन्नस्तुषारैः सविता हिमानद्धा जलाशयाः ।। २१ ।।
दर्पिता ध्वामखड्गाह्वमहिषोरभृकुञ्जराः । रोघ्रप्रियङ्गपुन्नागाः पुष्पिता हिमसाह्वये ||२२||
The characteristic features of the seasons which do not exhibit un-natural traits ( Metrical texts ) : Cold winds from the north blow in the season of Hemanta. The quarters of the sky are enveloped in smoke and assume a dusky aspect. The sun is hid in the frost, and lakes and pools are frozen or lie covered over with flakes, or thin layers of ice. Crows, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, lambs and elephants become excited and sprightly in this part of the year; and the Lodhra, Priyangu, and Punnaga trees begin to blossom. 20-22
1. Marriages with girls of prohibited description have been known as well to have ushered in an epidemic which devastated a whole town or a country.
शिशिरे शीतमधिकं वातवृष्टयाकुला दिशः । शेषं हेमन्तवत् सर्व्व विज्ञेयं लक्षणं बुधैः । ॥ २३ ॥
Winter exhibits the same features as above, only in a greater degree of intensity; and the quarters of the sky are agitated by strong gales of wind and showers of rain. 23
सिद्धविद्याधरवधूचरणालक्तकाङ्किते मलये वाति चन्दनलतापरिष्वङ्गाधिवासि ॥ २४ ॥
कामिजनानन्दजननोऽनङ्गदीपनः । दम्पत्योर्मानभिदुरो वसन्ते दक्षिणोऽनिलः ॥ २५ ॥
दिशो वसन्ते विमलाः काननैरुपशोभिताः । किंशुकाम्भोजबकुलचूताशोकादिपुष्पितैः कोकिलाषट्पदगणैरुपगीता मनोहराः। दक्षिणानिलसंवीताः सुमुखाः पल्लवोज्ज्वलाः ।।२७।। ।।२६।।
In spring, when the summits of the mount Malaya are besmeared red with the moist foot-prints of the brides of the Siddhas and the Vidyadharas, and are perfumed in contact with the sweet-scented sandal forests, the lively south-wind is roused up from his lair and winnows gladness to damsels burning with desires, and kindles up the flame of love and appeases the amorous anger of the beloved pairs by turning their fancies to themes of love. The quarters of the sky are cleared up and look joyful. The woods are decked with the full-blown flowers of the Kimsuka, lotus, Bakula, mango and Asoka trees. The bee hums and the notes of the Cukoo are heard to reverberate through the skies. The south wind fans this king of the seasons, and the forests are hung with the festoons of tender and sprouting leaves in his honour. 24-27
ग्रीष्मे तीक्ष्णांशुरादित्यो मारुतो नैर्ऋतोऽसुखः । भूस्तप्ता सरितस्तन्व्यो दिशः प्रज्वलिता इव ॥ २८ ॥
भ्रान्तचक्राह्लयुगलाः पयः पानाकुला मृगाः । ध्वस्तवीरुत्तृणलता विपर्णाङ्कितपादपाः ॥ २९ ॥
The sun’s rays become stronger and more intense in summer. Unhealthy winds blow from the south-east. The earth is heated; the rivers run narrow and shallow in their beds; the quarters of the sky glare with a blazing light, the birds Cakravakas with their mates roam about in quest of cool ponds and reservoirs of water; herds of deer are tormented and overwhelmed with thirst; trees, plants and creepers are scorched by the intense heat, and withered leaves drop off from the trees which alone serve to make the identification of their parents possible. 28-29
प्रावृष्यम्बरमानद्धं अम्बुदैर्विद्युदुद्योतप्रसुतैस्तुमुलस्वनैः कोमलश्यामशस्पाढया शक्रगोपोज्ज्वला मही। कदम्बनीपकुटजसर्ज्जकेतकिभूषिता ।।३१।। पश्चिमानिलकर्षितैः । ।।३०।।
In the forepart of the rainy season ( Pravrt), packs of detached clouds, spangled with lightning and driven before the gales of the west-wind, come thundering over and envelop the skies. The Earth is robed in green with luxurious growth of corn, enlivened here and there by the dark crimson of the cochineal insects (Indragopa), and Kadamba, Nipa, Kutaja, and the Ketaki trees begin to flower. 30-31
तत्र वर्षासु नद्योऽम्भश्छन्नोत्खाततटद्रुमाः। वाप्यः प्रोत्फुल्लकुमुदनीलोत्पलविराजिताः। ॥ ३२ ॥
भूरव्यक्तस्थलश्वभ्रा बहुशस्योपशोभिता । नातिगर्ज्जत्स्रवन्मेघनिरुद्धार्कग्रहं नभः ।। ३३ ।।
During the rainy season, the rivers overflow their banks, tumbling down the trees which grow on them. Ponds and lakes are decked with the full-blown Kumud and Nilotpala flowers. The earth is covered with profuse vegetation. All distinction between dry lands and reservoirs of water becomes impossible, and the sun and the planets are enveloped in dark clouds that shower torrents of rain but do not roar. 32-33
बभ्रुरुष्ण: शरद्यर्कः श्वेताभ्रविमलं नभः । सरांस्यम्बुरुहैर्भान्ति हंसांसघट्टितैः ॥ ३४ ॥
पङ्कशुष्कद्वमाकीर्णा निम्नोन्नतसमेषु भूः । तथा बाणसप्ताह्वबन्धूककाशासनविराजिता ।।३५।।
In autumn the sun’s rays assume a mellow golden tint. Masses of
white clouds are seen to sail the dark deep blue of heaven. Ponds are decked with the full blown lotus flowers, agitated by the wings of the diving swans. The high grounds become dry, while the low-lands still retain their muddy character. The level plains are covered with shrubs and undergrowths, and plants and trees such as, Bana, Saptahava, Bandhuka, Kasa and asana, flower in abundance. 34-35
स्वगुणैरतियुक्तेषु विपरीतेषु वा पुनः।विषमेष्वपि वा दोषाः कुप्यन्त्यृतुषु देहिनाम् ॥३६॥ हरेद् वसन्ते श्लेष्माणं पित्तं शरदि निर्हरेत् । वर्षासु शमयेद् वायुं प्राग् विकारसमुच्छ्रयात् ।।३७ ।।
The bodily humours such as wind, etc. are disturbed and aggravated by the contrariety, excess or variations in the characteristic features of the seasons. Hence it is prudent to check the deranged phlegm in spring, to conquer the deranged bile in autumn, and to subdue the deranged bodily wind in the rains, before they develop themselves in any patent or manifest bodily ailment. 36-37
इति सुश्रुतसंहितायामृतुचर्य्यानाम षष्ठोऽध्यायः ॥६॥
Thus ends the sixth chapter of the Sutrasthana in the Susruta Samhita which treats of the characteristic features of the seasons and their influence on health and drugs.
