Shloka 4
Bhaiṣajya-Prayoga: Remedies for Grahaṇī, Jvara, Apasmāra, and Kuṣṭha
with Mantra Applications
हरीतकी समगुडा मधुना सह योजिता / विरेचनकरी रुद्र ! भवतीति न संशयः
harītakī samaguḍā madhunā saha yojitā / virecanakarī rudra ! bhavatīti na saṃśayaḥ
Harītakī yang dipadukan dengan gula aren dan dicampur madu, wahai Rudra, pasti bekerja sebagai pencahar (virecana); tiada keraguan.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue to Garuda/Vinata-putra, within a medicinal/ritual instruction context)
Dosha: Pitta
Concept: Right use of medicines (yukti) is a dharmic support for maintaining the body as a vessel for righteous living.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva is aided by bodily purification; disciplined care reduces tamas born of illness.
Application: Harītakī combined with guḍa and mixed with madhu is prescribed as virecana (purgation), to be used appropriately with attention to strength, season, and guidance.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.183.5-7 (further virecana and vāta remedies)
FAQs
This verse highlights bodily purification through a specific formulation, aligning with the Purana’s emphasis on cleansing as supportive preparation for religious observances and disciplined living.
It shows that the text also preserves practical dharmic living guidance, including traditional health and purification measures, not only descriptions of death rites and the afterlife.
It points to the principle of purification and moderation; any herbal purgation practice should be approached responsibly and, in modern settings, with qualified guidance.