Abstract

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF AGNI AND IT’S RELATION TO VARNA, AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH

Dr. Rutika V. Adhikari* and Dr. Ravindra P. Bhurke

Abstract

Agni literally means fire. In Ayurveda the theory of Agni is of prime importance. It is an essential factor of digestion and metabolism that transforms food into a form of energy that our body needs. Acharya Charaka has described that Agni is a cause of Ayu (life), Varna (complexion), Bala (strength), Swasthya (health), Upachaya (nourishment), Prabha (Lustre), Oja, Teja, and Prana. So these factors are somehow dependant on Agni for their physiological state. Varna is the factor that is clearly visible to eyes if get deranged due to some pathological conditions. Ayurveda says that all the diseases occur due to abnormal functioning of Agni. This change in physiological state of Agni leads to develop many symptoms as per involvement of doshas, strotas etc. Since Varna depends on Agni for it's normal state, vitiation of it may lead to change in Varna (Vaivarnya) that is described in various classical texts of Ayurveda. This knowledge of Agni and Varna relation is therefore important for treating Vaivarnya (change in the Varna) with Agni chikitsa, too.

Keywords: Agni, Varna, Dosha, Strotas, Vaivarnya.