CHARAK SAMHITA- COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AYURVEDIC SCIENCE

Ayurveda is a science based on ancient Indian philosophy. It can appropriately be called as “The science of Living”. Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time. Therefore in Charak Samhita, Ayurveda has been described as Shashvata (eternal). The Charak samhita is an ancient Indian Ayurvedic text on internal medicine written by Acharya Charak. Acharya Charak has a great contribution towards Ayurved by giving such great literature. Acharya Charak has been referred as the Father of non-surgical Ayurvedic Indian Medicine. His principles, diagnosis and treatment retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. Therefore Charak samhita is considered to be the most ancient and authoritative work on Ayurveda available today. This samhita is useful for those who want to improve their health and happiness. It is mentioned that a Vaidya who has studied many others book but not the Charak samhita then he will be criticize among the vaidyas who have studied the Charak samhita. In Siddhisthana, Acharya Charak specifically mentioned that whatever is mentioned in this samhita is available elsewhere but things which are not mentioned here are not to be found any where else. This reference proves the importance of Charak samhita in the field of Ayurveda. Therefore it becomes necessary to study and understand the special features mentioned Charak samhita. This review article deals with the historical study of such a great personality of Ayurveda and his special contribution in the progress of Ayurvedic science.