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Critical Review of Rasaratna Samuccaya: A Comprehensive Treatise of Indian

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Review Article

Critical Review of Rasaratna Samuccaya: A Comprehensive Treatise of

Indian Alchemy

Abstract Dhirajsingh
Rasaratna Samuccaya (RRS) a 13th century C.E. alchemical treatise, authored by Vāgbhaṭa, is a Sumersingh Rajput,
useful compilation related to preparation and properties of drugs of mineral and metallic origin. This Rohit Gokarn1,
text throws light on the state of Indian expertise in the field of alchemy regarding the extraction,
purification, conversion of metals/minerals into therapeutically suitable forms, various instruments Chandrashekhar Y
developed for alchemical purposes and treatment of numerous diseases by using herbo‑mineral Jagtap2, Galib R3,
preparations. The present work is an attempt to summarize the key features of RRS to highlight BJ Patgiri4,
its utility and contribution in the development of Indian alchemy. To study and summarize the PK Prajapati3
important, comprehensive and specific points mentioned in RRS and to elaborate the contribution of From the Department of
RRS in the field of Indian alchemy. A critical review of RRS from Suratnojjvalā Hindi commentary Rasashastra and Bhaishajya
by Ambikadatta Shastri was done and the collected information was compared with other available Kalpana, Mahatma Gandhi
literature of Rasaśāstra. Research of modern science was also utilized to explore some facts Ayurveda College Hospital
mentioned by Vāgbhaṭa. RRS is a precise treatise among available ancient literature. It comprises and Research Center, Wardha,
of all eight branches of Ayurveda, although it mainly deals with therapeutic aspects of Rasaśāstra Maharashtra, 1Division of
and emphasizes the use of metals and minerals in treating nearly 68 types of ailments. It contains Ayurveda, CIMR, Manipal
University, Manipal, Karnataka,
30 chapters, 3871 verses and detailed description of 960 formulations. Classification of metals and 2
Department of Rasashastra
minerals; description of some new instruments, formulations and averting use of metals and minerals and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Parul
in pregnancy are the key features of RRS. Institute of Ayurveda, Vadodara,
4
Department of Rasashastra and
Key Words: Herbo‑mineral formulations, Rasaratna Samuccaya, Rasaśāstra, Bhaishajya Kalpana, IPGT and
Suratnojjvalā commentary RA, Gujarat Ayurved University,
Jamnagar, Gujarat, 3Department
of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya
Introduction prepared from mercury and other metals Kalpana, AIIA, New Delhi,
and minerals) is the foremost aim behind India
Pharmacopoeia of Ayurveda in the
evolution of Rasaśāstra. During the later
beginning consisted mainly of plant and
period this science was also utilized for
plant based drugs. Caraka Saṃhitā and
lohavāda (conversion of lower metals into
other classics of Ayurveda utilized these
precious metals like gold and silver). From
medicinal plants extensively. However,
the history, it is clear that Rasaśāstra was
a revolution took place during medieval
at its greatest glory during 8th Century C.E.
period when minerals and metal based
because of the contribution of Nagārjuna.
medicines made inroads into Ayurveda.
Many works were written and universities
It is difficult to establish the exact period
like Nalanda, Takshashila and Kashi
in which the evolution in therapeutic
were created for research and teaching of Address for correspondence:
application of metals and minerals got
Rasaśāstra. Unfortunately in the attack of Dr. Dhirajsingh Sumersingh
initiated. Perhaps it is during 6th century Rajput,
Mohammed of Ghazni (11th century C.E.),
C.E. the use of metals and minerals as Department of Rasashastra and
nearly all available works of Rasaśāstra
medicine gradually picked up and gained Bhaishajya Kalpana, Mahatma
were destroyed. Though some texts Gandhi Ayurveda College
momentum. Probably it took another
were available; most of them dealing Hospital and Research Center,
century for it to get itself crystallized into a
with lohavāda and majority of other Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
concrete science i.e., Rasaśāstra.[1] E‑mail: [email protected]
texts were incomplete. Hence, it gave
Rasaśāstra consists of the study of Mercury rise to a need to systematically compile
Access this article online
along with number of metals, minerals, the scattered knowledge of Rasaśāstra.
gems and many plants and animals This need was perfectly fulfilled by Website:
www.ancientscienceoflife.org
products. Primarily, dehavāda (living long Vāgbhaṭa in the form of his written text
DOI: 10.4103/0257-7941.195412
and healthy life through use of formulations Rasaratna Samuccaya (RRS). This treatise
Quick Response Code:

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the How to cite this article: Sumersingh DR, Gokarn R,
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Jagtap CY, Galib R, Patgiri BJ, Prajapati PK. Critical
License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the
Review of Rasaratna Samuccaya: A Comprehensive
work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the
Treatise of Indian Alchemy. Ancient Sci Life 2016;36:12-8.
new creations are licensed under the identical terms.

For reprints contact: [email protected] Received: October, 2015. Accepted: November, 2016.

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Rajput, et al.: Critical review of Rasaratna Samuccaya

was written in 13th century C.E. by Vāgbhaṭa, son of and types of diseases in brief and also the description of
Siṃhagupta. Name of the book itself suggests that it is a many herbo‑metallic and mineral formulations in detail.
compilation (samuccaya) of gems (ratna) i.e. precious The commentaries written on RRS, content of each chapter
knowledge of Rasaśāstra. In the first chapter the author has and classification of metals, minerals etc., into various
clarified that after going through many texts of Rasaśāstra groups are summarized in Tables 1‑3 respectively.
he has compiled valuable principles and prepared this
treatise. In the present review, an attempt has been made to Chapter‑wise Description of RRS
throw a light on the key features of RRS and to establish its Chapter 1
importance and contribution in the field of Indian alchemy.
Thus a critical review from the Suratnojjvalā Hindi At the beginning, Vāgbhaṭa worships to Śiva, the
commentary on RRS by Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri was originator of Rasaśāstra. The subject matter of RRS,
done. The latter is a complete commentary which covers description of Himālaya, origin of Hiṅgula, five types
all 30 chapters of RRS and presently available everywhere of rasas (mercury) worship of rasa, importance and
and hence was selected for the present study. effect of mūrchhita pārada are mentioned in this chapter.
The commentator (Ambikadatta Shastri) has given an
The Author and Abidance of Period impressive contemporary clarification of blemishes of
mercury mentioned in Rasaśāstra and also added detailed
RRS was written by Vāgbhaṭa. The author himself has
and valuable modern information regarding the origin,
briefly provided information on his nativity and other
ores, availability and extraction of mercury.
details.[2] Few consider the author of Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha
and RRS to be the same and others consider them Chapter 2
different. Gananatha Sen is of the opinion that the father
This chapter describes eight mahārasas (eight metals
of Vāgbhaṭa (author of RRS) was Saṅghagupta and not
which are considered superior in processing mercury),
Siṃha Gupta.[3] In the first chapter, while listing the names
their types, acceptable variety, therapeutic attributes,
of Rasa Siddhas (persons who have succeeded in stabilizing
detailed procedures of purification and calcination. Capala
mercury), Vāgbhaṭa lists Nāgārjuna (8th Century C.E.), is a controversial drug and may be either Bismuth or
Govinda (10th Century C.E.) and Bhairava (12th Century Selenium, but the commentator of RRS without providing
C.E.) which hints the period of Vāgbhaṭa to be post any proof, correlates Capala with Bismuth. Relevant
12 Century C.E. The author has also mentioned a information of Abhraka (mica) and Mākṣika (pyrite)
disease, Somaroga which is not found mentioned before with the help of modern chemistry have made this chapter
12th Century C.E. The text has many references to informative.
Rasārṇava (8th Cent. C.E.), Rasendra Maṅgala (11th Cent.
C.E.) and Rasendracūḍāmaṇi (12th Cent. C.E.). Hence, Chapter 3
RRS must have been written after 12th cent. C.E. A formula: This chapter deals with the description of uparasas
Vaiśvānara Poṭṭali Rasa[4] mentioned in chapter 16 (eight metals which are considered slightly inferior
of RRS was prepared by King Siṅghal (1200 to 1247 to mahārasas in processing mercury) and Sādhāraṇa
C.E.). Also, mention of drugs such as Ahiphena (Papaver rasa (eight metals which are considered slightly inferior
somniferum L.)[5,6] and Vijayā (Cannabis sativa L.),[7] which to uparasa in processing mercury). The description
are not found mentioned before 12th Century C.E. strongly structured similar to that of Mahārasa except that it lacks
suggest the period of RRS to be from 1250 to 13th Century calcination procedures of Sādhāraṇa rasa. Scientific
C.E.[8] explanation is provided only for Gandhaka (Sulphur),
Gaurīpāṣāṇa (Arsenic) and Añjana (Black antimony).
Composition of RRS
In the first chapter, Vāgbhaṭa, salutes 27 Rasa Siddhas Chapter 4
and seeks their blessings. He goes on to explain the Fourteen different Ratna (gems) and five best Ratnas,
subject matter of RRS. This chapter describes various their relation to specific planets are described from an
Rasas, Uparasas, Lauhas, Yantras, purification of Lauhas, astrological point of view.
extraction of Sattva, Druti and procedures of Bhasma etc.,
RRS consists of 30 Adhyayas (chapters) and the names of
Chapter 5
chapters are their respective numerical forms instead of the Detailed and systematic description of lauhas (metals)
subject matter therein. The 30 chapters can be divided into is found in RRS for the first time. Types, attributes,
2 parts. The first 11 chapters provide information regarding purification, calciation and indications of each lauha
pharmaceutical procedures of metals and minerals and are mentioned but methods to convert lower metals
theoretical basis of Rasaśāstra. The remaining chapters into precious metals is not given. It points towards the
mainly contain formulations for treatment of various end of Lohavāda concept of Rasaśāstra as well as the
diseases. These 19 chapters deal with pathology, symptoms, impossibility of achieving success in stabilizing mercury.

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Rajput, et al.: Critical review of Rasaratna Samuccaya

Table 1: Commentaries on Rasaratna Samuccaya

Name of the author Name, language and nature of the Status Publication detail
commentary/translation
Shivadas Sen Sanskrit commentary Unavailable ‑
Ashutosh Sen Sanskrit commentary Unavailable ‑
Hajarilal Sukul Dipikā Hindi commentary Available Published by the commentator, Patna, 1929
D.A. Kulkarni Vijñānabodhinī hindi commentary of Available Meharchanda Lachhmandas Publication,
the first 11 chapters New Delhi, reprint 2010
D.A. Kulkarni English translation of Sanskrit terms Available Indian Journal of History of Science, vol
of RRS 27, July 1992
Ambikadatta Shastri Surantovajjvalā Hindi commentary Available Chaukhamba Amarabharati publication,
(30 chapters) Varanasi. 9th ed.. 1995
Dharmananda Sharma Hindi commentary (30 chapters) Available 1972 (detail is not available)
Jivanand Vidyasagar Hindi commentary Available Published by commentator, Calcutta
Krishnarava Bapata Marathi commentary Available Anandashrama Press. Poona. 1890
Sadashiva B. Kulkarni Marathi translation Available Shivaji Vidyapitha, Kolhapur, 1972
Chintamani Khare Saralārtha Prakāśinī Sanskrit Available Anandashrama Sanskrit Granthavali, Pune.
commentary 4th ed, 1992
Jivaram Kalidas Gujarati Unavailable ‑
Sadashiv Shastri ‑ Available Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office.
Varanasi, 1936
Ashoka Satpute English Available Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Varanasi
Reprint 2006
V.A. Dole English (first 11 chapters) Available Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series office,
Varanasi, 2nd ed. 2008
Siddhinandana Mishra Hindi (30 chapters) Available Chaukhamba Orientalia Varanasi, 1st
edition 2011
Indradev Tripathi Compilation of ślokas Available Chaukhamba Publication, 2nd edition, 2007
RRS: Rasaratna Samuccaya

Chapter 6 which were originally defined by Somadeva in his famous

treatise Rasendracūḍāmaṇi.[12]
Good qualities required in a physician and assistant are
quoted similar to that of Caraka Saṃhitā.[9,10] Location Chapter 9
and establishment of pharmacy, preparation of Rasaliṅga,
This chapter provides information on 31 different
method of worship of Rasaliṅga and the initiation
instruments required in pharmacy based on the description
ceremony for disciples are mentioned in detail. This
of Somadeva.
treatise is not related with Dhatuvāda, although at the end
of this chapter, the author suggests keeping the knowledge Chapter 10
of Rasaśāstra a secret.
Seventeen types of Muṣa (crucibles), their manufacture,
Chapter 7 four types of koṣṭhi (furnace), ten types of puṭa
This chapter presents systematic knowledge of pharmacy. (various sized pits) for calcination of metals and minerals
Descriptions regarding ideal location required for building and terminology of 24 frequently used groups are
pharmacy, arrangement of instruments, various departments mentioned in this chapter.
and eligibility of staff required in pharmacy etc., are Chapter 11
relevant even in the contemporary times.
Explanation of various units of measurements and Pārada
Chapter 8 aṣṭa saṃskāra (eight basic processing steps of mercury)
Terminology is an essential part of Rasaśāstra because are mentioned. Use of mercury is contraindicated in case
meaning of a word or collection of words may be quite of wound and burn. Dos and don’ts of diet while using
simple in day to day affairs but could be totally different mercury internally, measures to treat the adverse effects
technically e.g., Kajjalī means a black coloured powder,[11] developed due to improper use of mercury or improperly
but when this word is used in Rasaśāstra, it means black processed mercury, 12 blemishes of impure mercury,
sulphide of mercury prepared from definite proportions procedures to remove them and 25 Pārada bandhas
of Mercury and Sulphur. ṭhis chapter contains 78 terms (stable mercury) are the contents of this chapter.

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Table 2: Brief description of chief subject matter in each chapters of Rasaratna Samuccaya
Chapter Key points mentioned Total number Total number
number of Śloka of formulations
1 Detailed description of Pārada 88 ‑
2 List of Mahārasa and various process of their Śodhana and Māraṇa 162 ‑
3 List of Uparasa and Sādhāraṇa Rasa along with various process of their Śodhana 158 4
and Māraṇa
4 Detailed description of Ratna 84 ‑
5 Detailed description of Aṣṭa‑Lauha 243 5
6 Attributes of good student and method of worshiping in pharmacy 64 ‑
7 Structural arrangement of pharmacy and qualities required in staff 37 ‑
8 Definitions of 78 terms frequently used in Rasaśāstra 101 ‑
9 Introduction to 31 instruments 87 ‑
10 Description, method of preparation and uses of 17 types of crucible, 22 groups of 97 ‑
some special combinations used in Rasaśāstra and 10 types of Puṭa
11 Measurements and Pārada‑aṣṭa Saṃskāra 135
12 Jvaracikitsā 150 38
13 Raktapittacikitsā 96 38
14 Rājayakṣmacikitsā 100 26
15 Arśacikitsā 88 21
16 Udāvarta, Atisāra, Saṅgrahaṇī, Ajīrṇacikitsā 158 44
17 Mūtrakṛchhra and Pramehacikitsā 142 47
18 Vidradhi, Vṛddhiroga, Gulma, Śūla, Kārṣya, Sthaulya, Amlapitta and Pittaroga 221 59
cikitsā
19 Udara, Pāṇḍu and Kāmala cikitsā 109 31
20 Visarpa and Kuṣṭha cikitsā 227 89
21 Aṣṭamahāgada cikitsā 193 63
22 Vandhyatva, Garbhiṇīroga, Sūtikāroga and Bālaroga cikitsā 167 84
23 Unmāda and Apasmāra cikitsā 89 52
24 Karṇa, Nāsa, Mukha, Shiroroga and Bhagna cikitsā 144 104
25 Kṣudraroga, Liṅgaroga and Viṣa cikitsā 125 102
26 Jaracikitsā 59 29
27 Vājīkaraṇa 144 34
28 Lauha Kalpa vivechana 104 30
29 Vishakalpa vivechana 161
30 Rasakalpa, Āchara Rasāyana, Characteristics, need and importance of Vaidya 138 60
Total 3871 960

Chapter 12 to 30 Discussion
This section presents therapeutic aspects of Rasaśāstra. According to PC Ray, RRS is a systematic and
From 12th to 25th chapter, treatment of 64 diseases is comprehensive treatise on materia‑medica, pharmacy and
mentioned which include pathology, types and symptoms medicine. Its methodical and scientific arrangement of
in brief and description of many useful formulations the subject matter, would do credit to any modern work.
in detail. The 26th and 27th chapters are devoted to jara Its value is further enhanced because the materia‑medica
roga (geriatric diseases), rasāyana (rejuvenation) and is harmoniously blended with chemistry.[13] Vāgbhaṭa
vājīkaraṇa cikitsā (aphrodisiac therapy) respectively, also emphasizes the importance of scientific arrangement
through the use of both herbal and herbo‑mineral in the following words of his: “for its success, science
formulations. Last three chapters (28th to 30th) are must be systematic and the system must be scientific”.[14]
extraordinary and in that each chapter represents The systematic arrangement the subject of RRS is briefly
treatment of many ailments through the use of specific summarized in Table 2. For a better understanding of
drugs e.g., lauha kalpa (formulations of iron), viṣa Rasaśāstra, various terminologies, instruments and
kalpa (formulations prepared from poisonous drugs) equipments should have been placed in chapters 2nd 3rd and
and pārada bhasma kalpa (formulations of calcinated 4th but are presently in the 8, 9 and 10th chapters.
mercury). Because before getting to the main topics of Saṃskāra,

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Table 3: Classification of metals, minerals and gems according to Rasaratna Samuccaya

Name of group Names Types Modern correlation established by the commentator Reference
Mahārasa Abhraka 4 Mica Chapter 2
Vaikrānta 3 Turmuly
Mākṣika 2 Copper pyrite
Vimala 3 Iron pyrite or Fools Gold
Śilājatu 2 Compound of mineral oil
Sasyaka ‑ ‑
Capala 4 Bismuth
Kharpara 2 Smithsonite and calamite
Uparasa Gandhaka 3 Sulphur Chapter 3
Gairika 2 Haemotite
Kasīsa 2 Ferrous sulphate
Kaṅkṣi 2 ‑
Haratāla 2 Orpiment
Manaḥśilā 3 ‑
Añjana 5 Stybnite, yellow oxide of mercury, zink oxide, antimony sulphide, lead sulphide
Kaṅkuṣṭha 2 Extract of some herbs near Himalaya mountain
Sādhāraṇa Kāmpillaka ‑ Accumulated powder over the fruits of herbs of Himalaya Chapter 3
Rasa Gaurīpāṣāṇa 3 Arsenic
Navasādara ‑ Ammonium chloride
Varāṭikā ‑ ‑
Agnijara ‑ Uterus of sperm whale
Girisindhūra ‑ ‑
Hiṅgula 2 ‑
Muddārshṛnga ‑ ‑
Ratna Varga Vaikrānta ‑ ‑ Chapter 4
Suryakānta ‑ ‑
Hīraka 3 ‑
Mauktika ‑ ‑
Māṇikya 2 ‑
Candrakānta ‑ ‑
Rajāvarta ‑ ‑
Markata ‑ ‑
Puṣparāja ‑ ‑
Gomeda ‑ ‑
Padyarāga ‑ ‑
Pravāla ‑ ‑
Vaiḍūrya ‑ ‑
Nīlama 2 ‑
Loha Varga Svarna 5 ‑ Chapter 5
Rajata 3 ‑
Tāmra 2 ‑
Loha 3 ‑
Nāga ‑ ‑
Vaṅga 2 ‑
Pittala 2 ‑
Kāmsya ‑ ‑
Vartaloha ‑ ‑

Mahārasa, Uparasa, Dhatus etc., it is relevant to know the is the only text that deals with all eight branches of
terminologies, measurements and various instruments used Ayurveda.
in the processing.
In the first chapter, it is clearly stated that this treatise is
Very few texts (Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha etc.) describe all compilation of previous literature of Rasaśāstra. RRS
the eight branches of Ayurveda. In Rasaśāstra, RRS deals mainly with the therapeutic aspect (dehavāda)

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Rajput, et al.: Critical review of Rasaratna Samuccaya

of Rasaśāstra whereas the other texts which are regarding Pārada saṃskāra. Comparative description of
written before 13th Century C.E. are mostly related diagnosis, symptoms, type of diseases, pathya‑apathya and
with dhātuvāda (conversion of non‑precious metals treatment of several diseases based on available literature
into precious metals). Use of metals and minerals for have also been compiled. In the 20th chapter commentator
therapeutic purpose in these texts is very limited with has provided references of previous texts in the context of
the exception of Cakradatta and Basavarajīyam (both Kṣudra roga. In the context of rasāyana and vājīkaraṇa
11th Cent. C.E.). The first 11 chapters of RRS which are the commentator has specified other methods apart from
related with the theoretical and pharmaceutical knowledge those mentioned in the text.
of Rasaśāstra were compiled from the previous texts
The subject matter of the last three chapters of RRS is
specially from Rasendra Maṅgala (11th century C.E.) and
not found mentioned in any Rasaśāstra text. It is not an
Rasendracūḍāmaṇi (12th century C.E.), while remaining
exaggeration to say that the 28, 29 and 30th chapters have
19 chapters related with therapeutic aspect of Rasaśāstra
enough data to make physician specialist in the field of
are combination of prior knowledge and the contributions
treating diseases through the use of only lauha kalpa, viṣa
of Vāgbhaṭa. The description of Pārada bandha in
kalpa or pārada bhasma respectively. The most surprising
the 11th chapter of RRS is similar to the 4th chapter of
fact observed in RRS is absence of even a single metal and
Rasendra Maṅgala. The 4th and half of 5th chapter of
mineral in all the formulations mentioned in the treatment
Rasendracūḍāmaṇi resembles the 8th and 9th chapter
of obstetrical and pediatric ailments. Hence, it may be
of RRS. In these chapters both text have mentioned 78
the view of RRS that metallic/mineral or herbo‑metallic
different terms and 31 types of Yantra (instruments),
preparations should not be used in pregnancy and children.
while the 9th chapter and the latter half of 5th chapter of
Rasendracūḍāmaṇi completely match with 10th chapter of Some controversies seem to be created by Vāgbhaṭa and
RRS, both have information on 17 types of Muṣa, 10 types explanations for these have not given by the commentator.
of Puṭa, 4 types of Koṣṭhi and 19 groups of a few fixed In different sections, the author has mentioned
combination of drugs. The classification of Sādhāraṇa Rasa four drugs viz. Svarṇamākṣika (copper pyrite),[21]
in both the texts is also similar. At the beginning of 8th and Manaḥshilā (realgar),[22] Vaikrānta (tourmaline)[23] and
9th chapter, the author of RRS states that the information in Kānta Lauha (cast iron)[24] as best rejuvenators among all
the chapteris compiled as per description of Somadeva, the other drugs (Sarvarasāyanamagrajam). It appears to be
author of Rasendracūḍāmaṇi. Classification of metallic a controversial statement because the title of the greatest
and mineral drugs specified in RRS is uniformly accepted can admit only a single candidate. E.g. according to
by the scholars of later period. Some content of RRS is Caraka, Trivṛt (Operculina turpenthum Linn.) is the best
similar to Caraka saṃhitā, Suśruta saṃhitā and Aṣṭāṅga Sukhavirecaka[25] (simple purgative). But in RRS, four
Saṅgraha. Requirements for successful clinical practice drugs are pointed out as best rejuvenators. Hence, research
as stated in RRS are similar to those observed in Caraka may be required to establish best rejuvenator among four
saṃhitā.[15,16] The description of a few kṣudrarogas (minor drugs mentioned. Classification of Mahārasa and Uparasa
skin diseases) resembles that of Suśruta Samhita but it is is found mentioned in 2nd and 3rd chapter of RRS, in each
difficult to conclude that the content was taken directly group includes 8 minerals. However, in the 6th chapter
from Suśruta Samhita because texts such as Aṣṭāṅga this classification is repeated and 3 minerals are included
Saṅgraha, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Cakradatta and instead of 8 i.e., 5 minerals are excluded which were
Basavarājīyam have also mentioned similar kṣudrarogas. previously mentioned in chapter 2nd and 3rd. This may be
Qualities of student[17] and attendant[18] mentioned in RRS mistakenly done by the author or may be interpolations by
are very similar to the description available Aṣṭāṅga later commentators. Few formulations are named by the
Saṅgraha.[19,20] name of ṛṣi (sage) and rasa siddha, such formulations are
Total 15 commentaries have been written on RRS. compiled in Table 4.
Commentaries written by Ambikadatta Shastri, Indradev All possible information about RRS is summarized in this
Tripathi, DA Kulkarni, Ashok Satpute, Siddhinandan work and hence it is expected that it may prove to be a
Mishra and VA Dole are available today. Sanskrit valuable addition to the field of Rasaśāstra.
commentary of Chintamani Khare is available at some
places in Maharashtra. Conclusions
Ambikadatta Shastri, by writing the Suratnojjvalā hindi In RRS, scattered knowledge of Rasaśāstra is well compiled
commentary has significantly increased the value of by Vāgbhaṭa. Critical review of RRS clearly shows that
RRS. The commentator has iñcluded photos of various it is the best available text on Rasaśāstra which describes
ancient instruments, detailed modern description of some not only pharmaceutical and therapeutical aspects but also
metals and minerals such as Pārada, Abhraka, Añjana, covers the eight branches of Ayurveda. It is a compilation
Vaikrānta, Capala, Gandhaka etc., In the 11th chapter, the but has its own specialty and consequence. The 22, 28, 29
commentator has added various pharmaceutical details and 30th chapters are the extraordinary features of RRS and

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Rajput, et al.: Critical review of Rasaratna Samuccaya

7. Shastri A, editor. Rasaratnasamuchchya of Vagbghata. 9th ed.,

Table 4: Formulations mentioned in Rasaratna
Ch. 27, Ver. 116. Varanasi: Choukhamba Sanskrita Publication;
Samuccaya indicating the name of ṛṣi and rasa siddha 1995. p. 598.
Name of formulation Reference number 8. Sharma PV, editor. Ayurveda ka Vaigyanika Itihas. 8th ed.,
Bhālukītantrokta Tuttha Prayoga 2/132‑34, pp 55 Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2005. p. 482‑3.
Somanāthī Tamra bhasma 5/58‑60, pp 102 9. Kushavaha H, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha; Sootra
Manthana Bhairava Rasa 13/72‑74, pp 241 Sthana. 2nd ed., Ch. 9, Ver. 6. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia;
Nāgārjunābhra Rasa 14/6‑8, pp 258 2011. p. 140.
Bhairavanāthī Pañcāmṛta 14/80‑99 10. Kushavaha H, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha; Sootra
Parpaṭī Sthana. 2nd ed., Ch. 9, Ver. 8. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia;
2011. p. 141.
Śivokta Yoga 17/16, pp 310
11. Dole VA, editor. English Translation of Rasaratnasamuchchya
Umāśambhu Rasa 17/41‑50, pp 319
of Vagbghata. 2nd ed., Ch. 6, Ver. 2, Varanasi: Chowkhamba
Udayabhāskara Rasa 17/96‑105 Sanskrita Series Office; 2008. p. 271.
Hariśaṅkara Rasa 17/127‑28, pp 332 12. Bajpai RD, editor. Rasendrachudamani of Chudamani Mishra.
Dhanvantari Rasa 20/112‑14, pp 403 1st ed., Ch. 5, Ver. 1‑153, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas
Svachhandabhairava Rasa 21/114‑17, pp 438 Academy; 2004. p. 50‑77.
Svachhandabhairav Rasa (Dwitiya) 21/118, pp 439 13. Kulkarni DA, editor. Vigyanbodhini Commentary on
Tryambakeshvara Rasa 21/122‑24, pp 440 Rasaratnasamuchchya of Vagbghata. 2nd ed., Ch. 1, Ver. 8‑10.
Sauśruta Nārikela Prayoga 26/53‑59, pp 549‑50 New Delhi: Meharchanda Lachhamanadas Publication; 2010.
p. 2.
Umāpati Rasa 27/50‑54, pp 558‑59
14. Shastri A, editor. Rasaratnasamuchchya of Vagbghata. 9th ed.,
Rasendracūḍāmaṇi Rasa 27/85‑94, pp 562‑63
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need modern research to further establish their significance. 15. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sootrasthana.
Suratnojjvalā commentary by Ambikadatta Shastri has 9th ed., Ch. 10, Ver. 26. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2005.
p. 64.
made this text more reachable. Modern description of all
16. Rasaratna Samuccaya, Suratnojjvala Commentary by
metals and minerals is not given by Ambikadatta Shastri Ambikadatta Shastri. 9th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Amarbharati
but this gap is filled by other commentaries. Prakashana; 1995. p. 123.
Financial support and sponsorship 17. Shastri A, editor, Rasaratnasamuchchya of Vagbghata. 9th ed.,
Ch. 6, Ver. 5‑6. Varanasi: Choukhamba Sanskrita Publication;
Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, 1995. p. 123.
I.P.G.T. and R.A. 18. Shastri A, editor. Rasaratnasamuchchya of Vagbghata. 9th ed.,
Ch. 6, Ver. 7. Varanasi: Choukhamba Sanskrita Publication;
Conflicts of interest 1995. p. 123.
19. Rao S, editor. English Translation of Ashtanga Samgraha of
There are no conflicts of interest.
Vāgbhaṭa, Sootrasthana. 1st ed., Ch. 2, Ver. 3‑4.Varanasi:
Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2005. p. 15.
References 20. Rao S, editor. English Translation of Ashtanga Samgraha of
1. Satpute AD, editor. English translation of Rasendrasara Samgraha Vāgbhaṭa, Sootrasthana. 1st ed., Ch. 2, Ver. 24. Varanasi:
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Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2003. p. 6. 21. Shastri A, editor. Rasaratnasamuchchya of Vagbghata. 9th ed.,
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