Shloka 52
Oṣadhi-nāma-nirdeśa: Paryāya (Synonyms) of Herbs, Minerals, and Classical Measures
सिंहास्यवृषवासाकमाटरूषकमादिशेत् / जीवको जीवशाकश्च कर्बुरञ्च शटीं विदुः
siṃhāsyavṛṣavāsākamāṭarūṣakamādiśet / jīvako jīvaśākaśca karburañca śaṭīṃ viduḥ
सिंहास्या वृषवासाकं माटरूषकं च औषधद्रव्यत्वेन विधेयम्। तथा जीवकं जीवशाकं च; कर्बुरं शटीं च हितौषधत्वेन विद्यात्।
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra, in an instructional listing context)
Concept: Healing and preservation of life through right knowledge of herbs (aushadha-jñāna) as a duty.
Vedantic Theme: Sharira as sādhanā for dharma and moksha; maintenance of the instrument is supportive, not ultimate.
Application: Use correct identification and prescription of listed herbs; consult competent practitioners; avoid substitution errors.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.204 (Ayurveda/aushadhi-nighaṇṭu style lists of synonyms and drugs)
FAQs
This verse preserves traditional therapeutic knowledge by naming specific herbs that are to be prescribed, showing that dharmic living includes care of health through recognized remedies.
It does not directly describe the soul’s journey; instead, it gives practical instruction on remedies, reflecting the Purana’s broader aim of guiding right living and wellbeing alongside its afterlife teachings.
Use it as a textual reference for identifying classical herb names, while relying on qualified Ayurvedic practitioners for safe, context-specific usage and dosage.