A Critical Review of Gandhaka & Its Shodhan Research Work with Special Emphasis on the 1st Method Following Rasatarangini

Year : 2025 | Volume : 12 | Issue : 03 | Page : 1 11
    By

    Patel Harshilkumar Mukeshkumar,

  • Parwez A. Ansari,

  • Ankit K. Gupta,

  • Vijay K. Rai,

  • Ravina Chandubhai Desai,

  1. Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government P. G. Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi/, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Lecturer, Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Handia, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Reader, Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government P. G. Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
  4. Reader, Department of Swasthavritta, Government P. G. Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
  5. Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidan and Vikriti Vigyan, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda is an ancient healthcare system that influences many modern treatments. One of its key branches, Rasa Shastra, studies the health benefits of strong minerals and metals like mercury, sulphur, mica, and black bitumen. Among these, sulphur is critical for detoxification, blood purification, and digestion, being the third most common element in the human body after calcium and phosphorus. Before sulphur is used in Ayurvedic medicine, it must be purified to ensure safety and effectiveness. A crucial preparation in Rasa Shastra is Kajjali, made by combining pure mercury and sulphur, which serves as a base for various medicinal formulations. Aim: To study the significance of Gandhaka purification with special reference to the Dhalana method described in Rasatarangini. Objectives: 1. To review the importance of Gandhaka in Ayurveda and Rasa Shastra. 2. To highlight the physiological and therapeutic roles of Gandhaka. 3. To explore various Shodhana methods of Gandhaka with emphasis on Dhalana procedure. 4. To analyze the practical relevance and safety of purified Gandhaka in Ayurvedic formulations. Materials: 1. Sulphur in its unprocessed form. 2. Thse Pithara Yantra is the device used in the Dhalana technique. 3. Purifying liquid media (as per Rasatarangini reference). 4. Traditional writings include Rasa Shastra treatises like Rasatarangini. Methods: The role of Gandhaka in Ayurveda was the subject of a literary examination. Six Shodhana techniques, with a particular focus on Dhalana Shodhana, were recorded using the traditional text Rasatarangini. Using the Pithara Yantra, Gandhaka is melted and poured into a liquid medium in this process. Additional approaches, like Swedana (boiling), Nirvapa (quenching), and Nimmajan (immersion), were also investigated for comparison. Results: The Dhalana method of Gandhaka Shodhana was the most practical and widely used, assuring optimum purification and ease of use. When combined with herbal preparations, it efficiently eliminates impurities, improves safety, and enhances the therapeutic effects of Gandhaka. Conclusion: Gandhaka is important in Ayurvedic treatment and Rasa Shastra due to its health benefits and therapeutic properties. The Dhalana process is the most reliable method for purifying Gandhaka, which is necessary before use in therapy. Purified Gandhaka (Shuddha Gandhaka) ensures safety and enhances the effectiveness of products like Kajjali, aligning with Ayurveda’s personalized healing approach.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Gandhaka, Shodhana, Dhalana, Rasa Tarangini

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy ]

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How to cite this article:
Patel Harshilkumar Mukeshkumar, Parwez A. Ansari, Ankit K. Gupta, Vijay K. Rai, Ravina Chandubhai Desai. A Critical Review of Gandhaka & Its Shodhan Research Work with Special Emphasis on the 1st Method Following Rasatarangini. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 2025; 12(03):1-11.
How to cite this URL:
Patel Harshilkumar Mukeshkumar, Parwez A. Ansari, Ankit K. Gupta, Vijay K. Rai, Ravina Chandubhai Desai. A Critical Review of Gandhaka & Its Shodhan Research Work with Special Emphasis on the 1st Method Following Rasatarangini. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 2025; 12(03):1-11. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoasyn/article=2025/view=233452


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 12
Issue 03
Received 11/07/2025
Accepted 20/08/2025
Published 21/08/2025
Publication Time 41 Days
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