Contribution of Srisailam in the Historical Progress of Ayurveda During Medieval Period

Abstract

Ayurveda, an ancient medical science on earth which was already a highly developed science with its manifold specialized practice in pre Buddhist era. It was gradually declined in the medieval period due to many political reasons. Rasa sastra, a branch related to Ayurveda which deals with herbomineral medicines developed during medieval period. Srisailam is considered to be centre for many Buddhists, Tantrics and Siddhas. Because of the efforts of Siddha yogis like Acharya Siddha Nagarjuna, Ayurveda again flourished with new branches (Rasa sasthra) & new drugs (Rasoushadhis). These medicines are prepared by Parada i.e., mercury and other metals as main ingredients along with some other herbal drugs available in the Nallamala and river banks of Krishna near Srisailam. At present also different varieties of medicinal plants, metals and minerals abundantly available at Srisailam and surrounding areas which are very much useful in treating many chronic as well as dreadful diseases.