The Saṁhitās

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Internal medicine (Kāyacikitsā)

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A foundational text of Ayurveda, Charaka Saṁhitā provides comprehensive knowledge on internal medicine, diagnostics, pharmacology, and therapeutic procedures. It emphasizes a holistic approach to health and disease.

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Surgery (Shalya Tantra), anatomy, surgical instruments, procedures.

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Sushruta Saṁhitā is a cornerstone of ancient surgical science and Ayurveda. It influenced medical knowledge in ancient India and beyond. It details over 300 surgical procedures and 120 surgical instruments, including plastic surgery (rhinoplasty). Its importance lies in its detailed surgical knowledge and ethical guidelines for physicians.

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A concise synthesis of Charaka and Sushruta, covering all eight branches of Ayurveda.

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Ashtanga Hridaya is considered a comprehensive and practical guide for Ayurvedic physicians and students. It is still widely studied and practiced in Kerala and across India. Its importance lies in its concise and poetic composition, making complex Ayurvedic principles accessible.

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An earlier and more encyclopedic work by Vāgbhaṭa, forming the basis for Ashtanga Hridaya.

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Ashtanga Saṅgraha is a detailed and authoritative text of Ayurveda, valued for its depth and systematic approach. Though less popular than Ashtanga Hridaya for memorization, it is deeply respected by scholars.

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Astrology, planetary science, omens, geography, architecture, weather, etc.

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The Bṛhat Saṁhitā is one of the most significant works in the field of Vedic astrology and astronomy. It provides both theoretical and practical knowledge about celestial phenomena and their effects on the Earth. Its influence extends to architecture, agriculture, and even personal conduct.

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Foundational text in Vedic astrology (Hora Shastra).

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The Laghu Parāśara Saṁhitā is one of the most practical and accessible texts in Vedic astrology. It serves as a guide for making accurate predictions and understanding the effects of planetary movements in daily life. It is widely studied by aspiring astrologers and practitioners.

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An astrological text attributed to Sage Garga, detailing planetary movements and their effects. Distinct from the Garga Samhita Purana.

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The Garga Saṁhitā is one of the classical texts in Vedic astrology, contributing immensely to understanding planetary influences, the Nakshatra system, and the Dasha system. It is often studied alongside other key astrological works like the Bṛhat Parāśara Saṁhitā and Laghu Parāśara Saṁhitā.

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Principles of Hindu architecture, temple design, iconography.

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The Mānasāra Saṁhitā is one of the most important texts on Vāstu and Shilpa Shastra, laying the foundation for traditional Indian architecture and sculpture. It is a key resource for understanding how ancient architects integrated aesthetics, geometry, and spirituality in construction.

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Temple architecture, town planning, Vastu, ritual spaces.

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The Mayamata Saṁhitā is a foundational Vāstu Shastra text used extensively in South Indian temple design and sacred architecture. It is both theoretical and highly practical, influencing spiritual, aesthetic, and engineering aspects of construction.

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Hatha Yoga techniques, kundalini, subtle body.

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A key text in Hatha Yoga tradition, attributed to Gorakshanatha, the Goraksha Saṁhitā details practices like asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas, and the awakening of Kundalini energy. Its importance lies in its foundational role in Hatha Yoga and its esoteric teachings.

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Dialogue on Jnana, Raja, Hatha Yoga precursors; Vedantic and Yogic teachings. Focuses on ethical disciplines, pranayama, meditation, Kundalini, and Self-realization for Jivanmukti.

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The Yoga Yājñavalkya is a foundational yogic text that merges spiritual insight with rigorous practice. It is especially valued by traditional yoga schools. The goal is attainment of Self-realization (Atma-jnana) through disciplined living, breath and mind control, and devotion to Brahman for Jivanmukti (liberation while alive).

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Vaishnava text glorifying Krishna; famous for verse 5.1.

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A revered Vaishnava text, particularly in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the Brahma Saṁhitā contains hymns uttered by Lord Brahma glorifying Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Its fifth chapter is especially famous. The Brahma Saṁhitā offers a rare and profound glimpse into the heart of Vaishnava metaphysics, establishing Krishna as the source of all manifestations and revealing the eternal spiritual world.

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Ritual and devotional manual in the Vaishnava tradition.

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This is a collection of texts forming part of the Pañcarātra Agama tradition within Vaishnavism. It outlines detailed rituals, mantra practices, temple worship procedures, and devotional philosophy centered on Narayana (Vishnu). It is considered a revealed scripture (āgama) that helps bridge external ritual with internal devotion. Spiritual Significance: Considered a revealed scripture (āgama) that helps bridge external ritual with internal devotion, offering a comprehensive guide to both personal sādhanā and public temple worship of Vishnu.

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Supremacy of the Goddess, Cosmic Creation, Avatars, Spiritual Path, Worship & Mantras

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The Devi Saṁhitā, typically considered part of the Skanda Purana, focuses on the Mahadevi (Great Goddess) as the supreme reality. It details her various forms, powers, and worship, emphasizing her as the source of creation, preservation, and destruction. This scripture elevates the Divine Feminine as the all-encompassing force, providing a complete theological, cosmological, and devotional framework for Goddess worship. Spiritual Significance: A sacred scripture that elevates the Divine Feminine as the all-encompassing force, providing a complete theological, cosmological, and devotional framework for Goddess worship. (Part of Skanda Purana)

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Dharma (Righteousness), Social Structure, Law and Justice, Ethics and Morality, Cosmology and Creation

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Spiritual Significance: While largely legalistic, the Manusmriti provides a dharmic framework integrating moral, spiritual, and social dimensions for individuals and communities.

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A Hindu text of the Dharmaśāstra tradition, discussing topics such as statecraft, jurisprudence and personal conduct.

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A prominent Dharmaśāstra text attributed to Sage Yājñavalkya, it discusses laws, ethics, governance, and judicial procedures, often considered more concise and systematic than Manusmriti. Spiritual Significance: Harmonizes law with ethics and ritual purity, guiding individuals toward righteous living and spiritual liberation.

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