About the Author A savant and a great saint of the spiritual tradition of Yoga & Ayurveda in India, Acharya Balkrishna, is involved in rennovation, propagation and establishment of Ayurveda, authentically. Acharyaji is a representative of a saintly tradition in whom the knowledge of Maharsi Caraka, Sufruta, Dhanvantari and all other saints of Ayurvedic tradition is completely and intimately compounded. Acharya Balkrishna is a great scholar under whose guidance Ayurvedic treatments and Research has been globally established gloriously, with no government aid. With his efforts he has scored 29 patents on Yoga &Ayurvedaandunderhis guidance 51 researchpapers have beenpublished in several National and International Journals and magazines. Acharya Balkrishna has received innumerous awards like "Vanaushadhipandit", "Sugyanshri" etc. for his contributions in the field of Yoga & Ayurveda. Famous magazines like "India Today" (Nov 2009) and "Outlook" (Jan 2010) counts him among the ten versatile and dynamic young man of India. He has authored many books on Yoga & Ayurveda and has edited many scriptures from unpublished Ayurvedic manuscripts. A famous scripture on Ayurvedic treatment Aushad Darshan, whose more than 90 lakh copies have been sold, is also a unique creation by him. At present his dream project World Herbal Encyclopedia is under publication. Acharyaji's famous Television program on several channels has revived the interest in using plants for medicinal purposes and also the interest in Ayurveda, globally. He is a great visionary, highly ascetic, energetic, diligent, simple, easy-going and a versatile personality with multi- dimensional skills who is constantly engaged in the service of mankind. World's largest food processing unit, Patanjali Food & Herbal Park' is the result of his innovative vision. He is the inspiration & designer behind the construction of huge and highly modernized Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd. Formation of Patanjali Bio-Research Institute (PBRI) aiming for the conservation of Nature & Environment and developement of organic farming for pollution-free soil, is also the materialization of his ideology. He is an associate of Swami Ramdev, who is one among himself and the chief architect of all the organizations under Patanjali Yogpeeth & Divya Yog Mandir. Establishment of world-class, well-organized. well-equipped Hospitals, Yog Bhavan, Laboratories and other huge infrastructures are examples of his visionary power and initiative. Besides, he is the founder of Patanjali University, Patanjali Ayurveda College, Acharyakulam Educational Institute and Vaidik Gurukulam. He is one of the renowned and pioneer Indian in the fieldof Ayurvedic Science and asource of inspiration for patriotic Indians.

Preface Since ancient times, we know the Ayurvedic practice of the Rishis that have been taught for the cure of humans. The texts which were composed for deep study and teaching of Ayurveda are called Samhitägrantha. In order to understand the Samhitägrantha easily, there has been a tradition of composing the Nighantugrantha (Auşadhiyanamakośa). In the same series, we get the Astanga-Nighantu related to Astanga-Hrdaya.

Introduction of the Book- 'Astanga-Nighantu' is an ancient text of the Ayurvedic Nighantu tradition composed by synonymous style. Apart from Anuştup chanda, many other verses like Suddhaviräd, Upacitră, Mātrāsamaka, Āryā, Upajāti, Sărdülavikridita, Indravajra, Sragdhara, Vasantatilaka, Malini, Drutavilambita, Svägată and Šālinī are used. It contains a compilation of the essential medicines of Astängahrdaya written by Vägbhata. In the same style, 'Sauśruta-Nighantu' related to Sušrutasamhita and 'Siddhasära-Nighantu' is also found at the end of Siddhasara samhitä. Synonyms of medicinal substances discussed in related Samhita are compiled in these Nighantus.

The manuscripts (handwritten copies) of Astanga-Nighantu are available in South India. In the available manuscripts, it has been described as a creation of Vägbhata.

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