Shloka 25
Oṣadhi-nāma-nirdeśa: Paryāya (Synonyms) of Herbs, Minerals, and Classical Measures
धात्रीमामलकीं विद्यादक्षश्चैव विभीतकः / पथ्याभया च विज्ञेया पूतना च हरीतकी
dhātrīmāmalakīṃ vidyādakṣaścaiva vibhītakaḥ / pathyābhayā ca vijñeyā pūtanā ca harītakī
ధాత్రీని ‘ఆమలకీ’ (ఉసిరి)గా తెలుసుకో; ‘అక్ష’ అనేది నిజంగా ‘విభీతక’మే. ‘పథ్యా’ను ‘అభయా’గా గ్రహించాలి; ‘పూతనా’ను ‘హరీతకీ’ అని అంటారు।
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda)
Concept: Synonym-mapping of foundational Āyurvedic fruits: dhātrī=āmalakī, akṣa=vibhītaka, pathyā=abhayā, pūtanā=harītakī.
Vedantic Theme: Śabda as a tool: correct linguistic knowledge prevents viparyaya (error) in action.
Application: For Triphalā and related recipes, ensure the correct identification of the three fruits despite regional/lexical name variation.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.204 (fruit/herb synonym lists; Triphalā context continues)
FAQs
This verse functions as a glossary: it clarifies synonymous names of medicinal plants so that ritual, medicinal, or dharmic instructions elsewhere in the text are interpreted correctly.
It does not directly describe the soul’s journey; instead, it supports correct understanding of technical terminology—useful when the text later prescribes remedies, purifications, or observances connected with wellbeing and dharma.
Use it as a reliable synonym key when reading traditional sources: dhātrī = āmalakī, akṣa = vibhītaka, and abhayā/pūtanā/pathyā are names associated with harītakī—helping avoid confusion in study and practice.