A review of Brahmavaivartapurana (BVP) with reference to Ayurveda

Brahmavaivartapurana is one of the important Mahapurana, which is considered as a Vaisnavapurana. The text is divided into four parts called khanda i.e., Brahma, Prakrti, Ganapati, and Srikrsnajanmakhanda. The total number of chapters are 276 and comprising about 20,500 verses. Brahmavaivartapurana comprises both ancient and medieval materials. It considers Ayurveda as Pancama Veda and devoted 16th chapter of Brahmakhanda which describes the origin of Ayurveda its propagaters headed by Bhaskara (sun god) and his 16 students and their corresponding books in detail. An account of the Jvara (Fever) and other diseases, Dinacarya (daily routine), Rtucarya (seasonal regimen), Tridosa (three humours), their Prakopa (Vitiation) and Praśamana (palliation) etc are described in this book. BVP deals with the do's and dont's of food intake, sleep and sexual indulgance in detail which are deemed to be Trayopastambha (three sub pillers of health). The book provides an account of Plant Tulsi's origin and its spiritual importance. Prakrti (nature's) origins, Pañcamahabhuta nature of the body are described in Prakrtikhanda. At the flag end of the book there is a legend describing the origin of Lord Dhanvantari and describes his scholarship in the field of Veda and śastra. On the whole purana provides glimpse of the life style of a Vaisnava devoutee and the people of the time when it was compiled. It serves the purpose of a practical manual to lead a healthy life and ensure spiritual growth in the life of any individual who believes in the precepts of this book.