Origin of Ayurved

Origin

Ayurveda originated in India and is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. The word Ayurveda means science of life. It is the combination of two words ─ Ayu (Life) & Veda (Knowledge). It is said to have been taught by the creator, Brahma, to Daksha Prajapati, who taught it in turn to the divine twins called the Ashwinikumars. Ashwinikumars were the heavenly healers who taught this science to Indra. The personages mentioned were deities of early Vedic times. When mankind started suffering from various diseases, the wise men like Bharadwaja learnt from Indra the knowledge of medicine.

References of illness, cures and other health-related issues are found in vedas, the oldest recorded compendium of wisdom on the earth (6000 B.C.). The main source of knowledge of Ayurveda today is two sets of texts each consisting of three books viz.

1. Brihattrayi i.e., the three major classics
   • Caraka Samhita (1500-1000 B.C.)
   • Susruta Samhita (1500-1000 B.C.)
   • Vagbhata (600 A.D.)
2. Laghuttrayi i.e., the three minor classics
   • Madhava Nidana (700 A.D.)
   • Sarangdhara Samhita (1300 A.D)
   • Bhava Prakasha (1600 A.D).

Besides these classics, there are many more books, both ancient and contemporary, which carry the information on this Indian medical system.