ANALOGIES RELATED TO COW WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PANCHAGAVYA IN BRUHATTRAYEE

Abstract

Analogy is the tool of knowledge explained by the comparison of similarities between two concepts that are neither completely similar nor completely different. It is an instrument to validate and incorporate new knowledge. Since antiquity Analogy/Upamaana/Saadrisya is one of the methods of expression in communicating the subject matter effectively. In Ayurveda Cow is given more importance among all animals. It is considered as a mother, holy animal and worshipped before starting of any auspicious work from the age of Vedas to till date. Pancha Gavya is collective term used to describe five major products of cow i.e. Go-Ksheera, Go-Dadhi, Goghrita, Gomutra and Gomaya. In Ayurveda various Analogies are told related to Cow and its products. The major works in Ayurveda are that of Charaka, Susruta and Vagbhata. They are more popular and important of all Samhitas and are called as Bruhattrayee. Our Acharyas also adopted Analogy while delineating pathology, prognosis, nomenclature of diseases, treatment, dosage of medicine, for giving certain instructions to the physicians and describing instruments, etc. The aim of this study is to bring to light various analogies related to Panchagavya and how they are useful for treatment. Research can be carried out by young scholars on these statements in developing evidence- based Ayurveda.