UPARATNA And their importance in Rasashastra

Uparatna and their importance in Ayurveda

1. A REVIEW ON UPARATNAS Dr. PAVAN V H 1 ST YEAR PG SCHOLAR Dept. of RasaShastra & Bhaisajya Kalpana AYURVEDA MAHAVIDYALAYA, HUBLI

2. CONTENTS

3. INTRODUCTION Uparatna = Upa (near) + Ratna (gemstones) Gems which are having the qualities like precious, lustrous, transparency, eye catching properties not like Ratna but near to Ratna. So, it is classified under Uparatna or Kshudra Ratna (Semiprecious or minor Gems). But nowadays, all gemstones are considered precious because of their rare availability. There are different opinions regarding the numbers of Uparatna / Kshudra Ratna.

4. ACC TO DIFFERENT AUTHORS..... SL. NO SADANANDA SHARMA RASA JALA NIDHIKARA AYURVEDA PRAKASHA 1 VAIKRANTA PALANKA VAIKRANTA 2 SURYAKANTA RUDHIRA SURYAKANTA 3 CHANDRAKANTA PUTIKA CHANDRAKANTA 4 RAJAVARTA TARKSHAJA RAJAVARTA 5 PEROJAKA PILU LALA 6 SPHATIKA UPALA PEROJAKA 7 SUGANDHIKA MUKTASHUKTI 8 SHANKHA 9 KARPURASHMA 10 KACHAJA 11 NILA MANI 12 PITA MANI

5. Reason For Classification Of Upratna In the process of geological transformation, due to some reasons they interrupted and remain incomplete or dead. These can also be taken as second rated gem stones. The semi precious stones or minor gems also have some metaphysical and therapeutic efficacy which is also explored by geologists and physicians.

6. VAIKRANTA

7. Sanskrit: vaikranta, vikranta, pulaka, tamrashma H indi: Vaikranta English: Tourmaline Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: B 3 AI 2 SI 6 Colour: Black, brownish black, bluish black, white or colourless L ustre: Vitreous Specific Gravity: 3 to 3.2 Hardness: 7 to 7.5

8. TYPES: Rasa Ratna Samuchayakara has mentioned 8 types Shweta Rakta Krishna Pita Neela Paravataprabha Shyama Karbura Vaikranta (Tourmaline) is a group of isomorphus minerals like Na, Mg, Ca, Al, Si etc. It is also classified in the group of Maharasa in owing to its utility in Parada Samskara. It is also classified as semi- precious stone due to its gems like characteristic and used as a substitute of Vajra.

9. Characteristics... It should have following characters 8 edges, 8 surfaces, 6 angles, smooth, heavy and transparent or mixture of different colours SHODHANA Ashuddha Vaikranta → Swedana (boil) with Kshara (Sarjikshara, Yavakshara or Tankana) and Pancha Lavana Yukta Drava (Amla Dravya / Mutra / Kulattha Kvatha / Kadali Svarasa) for 3 days MARANA Shuddha Vaikranta + Shuddha Gandhaka - levigate with Nimbu Svarasa → Chakrika → subject to Gajaputa for 8 times → Vaikranta Bhasma

10. Karma: Medhya, Deepana, Rasayana, Tridoshanashaka, Yogavahi, Balya, Pachana, Tvachya. Dose: 5 mg to 11 mg Anupana: Madhu, Sharkara, Ghrita, Dugdha Therapeutic uses Rajyakshma, Shosha, Jvara, Kushtha, Pandu, Udara Roga, Shwasa, Kasa, Prameha, Shotha

11. SURYAKANTA

12. Sanskrit: suryamani , suryopala , vahnigarbha , jvalanopala , vasu... H indi: suryakanta English: Sun stone Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: AL 2 3 Colour : yellow, red, green, blue and copper Specific Gravity: 2.5 Hardness: 5.5 Refractive index: 1.525 to 1.58

13. Characters The superior quality of Suryakanta is without grass like fine lining inside the stone, clear on rubbing, smooth and no any scratch on the surface SHODHANA Ashuddha suryakanta Swedana with Nimbu Svarasa for 9 hours → Shuddha MARANA Shuddha Suryakanta + Shuddha Manahshila + Shuddha Gandhaka (equal quantity) → levigate with water subject to 7 Gajaputa →Suryakanta Bhasma Virya: Ushna Doshaghnata: Vata-Kaphahara Karma: Rasayana, Medhya Dose : 32 mg to 135 mg

14. Chandrakanta

15. Sanskrit: Chandrakanta, Chandramani, Chandropala, Indukanta... H indi: Chandrakanta English: Moonstone Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: ALSI 3 8 Colour: Numerous colours, including blue, grey, white, pink, green and brown Specific Gravity: 2.61 Hardness: 6 Refractive index: 1.518 to 1.526

16. Characters Transparent, smooth, cold in touch, yellow in colour and when moon rays pass through from the stone give watery ooze are of good qualities of Chandrakanta. SHODHANA Ashuddha Chandrakanta Churna Swedana (boil) with Matulunga Swarasa or Triphala Kvatha for 2 Yama (6 hrs.)→ Shuddha Chandrakata MARANA Shuddha Chandrakanta + Shuddha Manahshila + Shuddha Hingula (equal quantity) levigate with Kumari Svarasa → subject to Gajaputa Chandrakanta Bhasma Virya : Sheeta Doshaghnata : Pitta nashaka Dose: 31 mg to 125 mg Anupana : Madhu Therapeutic uses: Raktapitta , Paitika Vikara , Daha

17. Rajavarta

18. Sanskrit: Rajavarto, Nripavarta, Avarta mani, Nripopala, Nilashma H indi: Lajavarda English: Ultra marine, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: NaS 3 AL Colour: Blue Specific Gravity: 2.38 to 2.48 Hardness: 5 to 5.5 Refractive index: 1.5 Types: 1. Churnakruti 2. Golatmaka

19. Characters Reddish blue colour, clean, bright, without impurities, heavy, smooth and clear blue sky of Sharada Ritu are of acceptable varieties of Rajavarta. SHODHANA Ashuddha Rajavarta Swedana (boil) withNimbu Svarasa + Gomutra + Yavakshara for 2-3 times→ Shuddha Rajavarta MARANA Equal quantity powder of Shuddha Rajavarta + Shuddha Gandhaka Svarasa for 3 days levigate with Nimbu make Chakrika and → keep for drying subject to Gajaputa for 8 times Rajavarta Bhasma Virya: Sheeta Doshaghnata: Kapha-vata Nashaka , Pitta shamaka Dose: 125 mg to 250 mg Anupana: Goghrita, Madhu, Sharkara Therapeutic uses: Deepana, Pachana, Brimhana, Rasayana, Vrishya Formulation : Rajavartadi Yoga, Rajavartadi Rasa, Muktadi Mahanjana

20. Perojaka

21. Sanskrit: Perojaka, Peroja, Piroja, Haritashma, Harinmani H indi: Firoza, Piroza English: Turquoise Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: H 5 [AL(OH) 2 ] 6 CU(OH)(PO 4 ) Colour: Blue to green Specific Gravity: 2.6 to 2.9 Hardness: 5 to 6 Refractive index: 1.61 to 1.65 TYPES: 1. Bhasmanga 2. Harita

22. SHODHANA Ashuddha Perojaka Swedana (boil) with Godugdha or Ajadugdha in Dolayantra | Nirvapa for 7 times in Bijapura Svarasa → Shuddha Perojaka MARANA Shuddha Perojaka Churna + Shuddha Gandhaka (equal quantity) levigate with Nimbu Svarasa subject to 8 Gajaputa → Perojaka Bhasma Virya : Sheeta Karma: Deepana, Hridya , Vishahara Dose: 62.5 mg to 250 mg Anupana : Navanita , Ghrita + Maricha churna Therapeutic uses: Shula, Dushi Vishagna , All type of visha , Netra Roga

23. SPATIKA

24. Sanskrit: Sphatikam , Sphaatika , Sphatikopala , Shalipista , Shivaratna,Shivapriya , Sitopala , Amala mani... H indi: Sphatika English: Rock crystal, Debal . Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: SIO 2 Colour : colourless Category: Quartz Specific Gravity: 2.59 to 2.65 Hardness: 7 Refractive index: 1.544 to 1.553

25. Sphatika are semi-precious stones. Sphatika (Quartz Crystal) is comprised of quartz and silica, which are also a major component of the human body. Sphatika removes excess heat from the body and can also reduce fever. Sphatika Mala helps focus the mind. It also helps relieve headaches and reduces stress and tension by promoting overall healing of the body. Sphatika Mala is mainly used by followers of Lord Shiva to appease him. It enhances energy by absorbing, storing, amplifying, balancing, focusing and transmitting. Sphatika is a power stone. Sphatika is a stone of clarity and dispels negativity. While it can be used to purify and clarify on the spiritual, mental it is also a stone of harmony.

26. Characters Clear as Gangajala, no lining or layers on the surface, smooth, cold in touch, no scratches while rubbing or cracking on the stone are best qualities of Sphatikamani. SHODHANA Ashuddha Sphatikamani Swedana (boil) with Kshara Yukta Gomutra / Nimbu Svarasa in Dolayantra Shuddha Sphatikamani MARANA Shuddha Sphatikamani + Shuddha Gandhaka (equal quantity) levigate with Nimbu Svarasa subject to 5 Gajaputa→ levigate with Godugdha subject to 2 Gajaputa Sphatikamani Bhasma Rasa: Madhura Virya: Sheeta Karma: Balya Therapeutic uses: Jvara, Raktapitta, Daha Formulation : Spatika pisti, Naga Rasayana, Sarva netra rogaharanjana

27. AKIKA

28. Sanskrit: Akika, Raktashma H indi: Akika English: Quartz, Agate Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: SIO 2 Colour: White to grey, light blue, orange to red Category: Microcrystalline Quartz Specific Gravity: 2.5 to 2.65 Hardness: 6 - 7

29. SHODHANA Ashuddha Akika churna Swedana with Aranal or Changeri svarasa for 2 yama (6 hrs) in dolayantra Suddha Akika MARANA Ashuddha Akika churna levigate with Gulab jala subject to Gajaputa for 3 times Akika Bhasma. Guna : Ruksha Virya: Sheeta Karma: Hridya, Vrishya, Rakta Stambhaka, Netrya Therapeutic uses: Ashmari, Raktapitta, Atyartava, Vajikara, Raktastrava Formulation : Akika Bhasma, Akika Pishti

30. Recently CCIM has added many more drugs to list of uparatnas. They are 1.Vyomyashma 2.Tranakanta 3. Palankam 4. Putika 5. Rudhiram

31. VYOMYASHMA

32. Sanskrit: Vyomyasha H indi: Sangeyasaba English: Jade Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: (Al, Fe) ,Si2O6 Hardness: 6 - 7 Types: 1. Jadeite 2. Nephrite

33. SHODHANA The pieces of Vyomyashma are heated red-hot and dipped in 'arjuna twak kwätha' (or in gulaba jala- rose water). This process of heating and dipping in fresh arjuna twak kwatha' is repeated for 21 times to obtain "suddha vyomyashma. MARANA The 'suddha vyomyshama' is taken in a clean khalva yantra. It is added with required quantity of 'arjuna twak kwatha' or 'ghritakumari swarasa" and triturated thoroughly to prepare chakrikas of even size and shape. These chakrikas are dried under sun, enclosed in 'sarava sampuța and subjected for one 'gajapuța'. All this procedure is repeated 10 times to obtain vyomyashma bhasma Dose: Bhasma -( 2 - 4 Ratti). Anupana: Madhu, Sugar, Arjuna twak Formulation : Brahmi vati, Jawaharamohara vati, hridwepanadi churna

34. TRINAKANTA

35. Sanskrit: Trinakantamani,Trinagrahi H indi: Trinakantamani English: Amber Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: (C,H,O) Colour: Pale yellow, golden, red, brownish Specific Gravity: 1 Hardness: 2 TYPES: 1. Nirmala 5. Zagadara 2. Snehi 3. Varnashankara 4. Asthimaya

36. SHODHANA Small pieces of Ashuddha Trinakanta → Swedana (boil) with Nimbu Svarasa for 2 Yama (6 hrs.) Shuddha Trinakanta MARANA Shuddha Trinakanta levigate with Durva Svarasa subject to Puta for 3 times Trinakanta Bhasma Virya: Anushna Sheeta Dose: 1 masha to 2 masha (1g to 2g) Anupana: Godugda, Madhu, Therapeutic uses: Hrid daurbalya, Rakta pitta, Raktatisara, Raktapradara. Formulations: Kaharaba pishti, Jawahara mohara rasa, Brahmi vati

37. RUDHIRAM

38. Sanskrit: Rudhiram H indi: Rudhiram English: Carnelian Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: (SiO2) Colour: Brownish red Specific Gravity: 2.61 to 2.65 Hardness: 6 - 7 Refractive index: 1.54 - 1.55

39. Rudhira (carneline) - Types, sodhana, marana and pisti: There are no references for the types, purification, incineration, pisti preparations, medicinal properties and usage of 'carneline'. It has been used as ornamental gemstone.

40. PALANKA

41. Sanskrit: Palanka English: Onyx Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: (SiO2) Hardness: 7 Refractive Index : 1.543 - 1.552 Types: Depending on colour Black Yellowish black Grey There are no references for the types, purification, incineration, pisti preparations, medicinal properties and usage of Palanka. It has been used as ornamental gemstone and is a replacement for traksya.

42. Puttika

43. Sanskrit: Puttika English: Peridot Mineralogical identification: Chemical formula: (MgFe)2 SiO4 Hardness: 6.5 Refractive Index : 1.64 - 1.69 Types: Depending on colour 1. Dark green coloured 2. Yellowish green There are no references for the types, purification, incineration, pisti preparations, medicinal properties and usage of Puttika. It has been used as ornamental gemstone.

44. CONCLUSION: Before Samhitha kala, the Uparatnas were being used only for ornamental as well as astrological purposes. Later in Samhita Period they entered into the field of medicine. After the development of Rasashastra, used in the display the wealth & to maintain the health.Shodhita uparatnas are used either in the form of Pishti or Bhasmas. To prove the superiority of shodhana of Ratnas and Uparatnas still analytical & clinical evidences are required.

45. DISCUSSION In present scenario, Uparatnas or gems are considered as crystalline minerals that can be used as a distinct and advantageous remedial measure in astrology. In Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, Uparatnas are used mainly in the form of Bhasma and Pishti for therapeutic purpose. In the context of astrology and gem therapy, Uparatnas are believed to have similar properties to primary gemstones but with varying degrees of effectiveness. They are often recommended when the primary gemstone is unavailable or too expensive.

46. They are used in alternative healing practices for physical ailments and emotional balance, believed to resonate with specific chakras or energy centers. Thus minerals are now being prepared artificially and naturally the classical parameters are not enough to determine the originality of the drug. Thus mineralogical characteristics should be included to determine standard quality of minerals. Grahya lakshanas are very important in identifying the originality of the drug in raw form that eases human understanding and if the mineral characteristics are coupled with it, then it would provide flawless selection of raw materials and would contribute in producing quality medicines.

47. CONCLUSION In Rasashastra apart from Gold and Silver, Mercury, Mica, Arsenic, Zinc, Tin and several other minerals, Gems, Shells, Horns are used. Siddacharyas of Rasashastra had used the gems for the purpose of longevity of life in a human body. Uparatna or Gems are crystalline minerals that can be used as a distinct and advantageous remedial measure in astrology. Gems are considered to be the best for strengthing the positive influences of planets. They intensify the rays of the planets they represent. These beautiful, cold, hard stones are believed to provide supernatural powers that would protect the wearer from illness, misfortune and danger.

48. REFERENCE A TEXTBOOK OF RASASHASTRA BY BHARTI UMRETHIA A TEXTBOOK OF RASASHASTRA BY RAVINDRA ANGADI Article by Dr. Lalitha m Vatar and Chandrashekar Kuppi