Nadivijnanam and Nadiprakasham

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 16

Whatever has been revealed by an analysis of the materials found in Nadivijnanam of Maharsi Kanada, has also been said by other celebrated Indian Ayurvedic physicians on the science of pulse for the benefit of mankind afflicted with diseases. Nadivijnanam is purely a science of pulse dealing with the diagnosis of various diseases on the basis of the examination of different kinds of movement or beating of the pulse of a patient.
The author of Nadivijnanam, as a devout Hindu Saivite sage, begins his work with an adoration of Lord Siva "Namah Sivaya".
It appears that this work on the science of pulse is a composite and an epitome based upon some standard work on this subject as this science of pulse was well known throughout India among the Indian Ayurvedic physicians in the past. It is interesting to note that Maharsi Kanada declares his indebtedness to some previous Ayurvedcaryas for the knowledge of this science of pulse.
“Astam Sambhau Srikanadasya bhaktih Aste vedah pancamo vaidyakakhyo Vetta kascit tasya naste Mahesar Tasmad-dhatadhyaita tasmat Turasat Tasmaj-jnat va vaktumarhami sastram”.
A study of the contents of Nadivijnanam reveals that this work is a composition based on some other (1). Invocation verse, Nadivijnanam.
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