History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c18.s4.t2: 2. Rasarnava Tantra (11th century A.D.)

History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c18.s4.t2

Language: English

2. Rasarnava Tantra (11th century A.D.)

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The author of this text is unknown. It is written in the form of conversation between *Devī* (Goddess) and *Bhairava* (Lord Śiva). The probable date of this text is about 11th century A.D. There are 19 (Nineteen) Chapters in this text and these are devoted to deal Mercury, its eighteen *Saṃskāras* and in the end a few mercurial compounds/preparations recommended for internal use. Besides mercurial processes and preparations a few metals and minerals required for being used in mercurial processes are also found described in this text.

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Metals and their Classification

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In *Rasārṇava* only six metals are described and are divided in three groups, viz.
1. *Sāraloha* - Gold and Silver
2. *Sādhāraṇa* Loha - *Tīkṣṇa* and *Śulva* (Steel iron and Copper)

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3. *Pūtiloha* - Lead and Tin

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These metals are claimed to be *akṣaya* in preceding order if subjected to heating i.e. lead is lost highest on heating, while there is no loss in Gold on heating. In *Loha* varieties *Kānta Loha* is also found mentioned in this text.

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*Minerals and their Classification*

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Besides metals, a few minerals and their groups are also found mentioned in this text, viz.*Abhraka* (Mica), *Vaikrānta* (Turmaline), *Vajra* (Diamond) and *Kānta* (Magnetite) are included in *Śakti* group that means these are used to induce *Śakti* (high potentiation) in Mercury and are described in detail.

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In addition to above minerals eight minerals of Mahārasa and eight minerals of uparasa groups are also found mentioned in this text, viz.

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*Minerals of Mahārasa group*

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Mākṣika (Chalcopyrite), Vimala (Iron Pyrite), Śaila/Adrija (bitumen/Mineral Pitch), Capala (Tin mineral), Rasaka (Zincite/Zinc Mineral), Sasyaka (Copper sulphate mineral), Darada (Cinnebar/Mercury mineral) and Srotoñjana (Galena/Lead mineral).

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These have been included in Mahārasa group as these are claimed to be very useful in Mercury processings.

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*Minerals of Uparasa group*

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Gandhaka (Sulphur), Tālaka (Orpiment), Śilā (Realgar), Sauraṣṭri (Alum), Khaga (Ferrous Sulphate), Gairika (Hematite), Rājāvarta (Lapis lazuli) and Kaṅkuṣṭha (Unidentified mineral).

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The Satvas (metallic contents) of these minerals are generally used in Rasa Saṃskāras (mercurial processes) for Jāraṇa and Rañjana purposes etc.

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*Mercurial and Metallic Compounds*

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1. Divya Rasāyogas (Rṇv.T. 12/248-251) This is a compound of Gold, Mica and Mercury which after certain treatments is advised for internal use to prolong life in men. The urine, stool and sweats of the man who uses this compound develops the power of transforming Copper into Gold.

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2. Daradādi Pārada Yoga (Rṇv.T. 12/318-321) It is a compound of Mercury, Orpiment, Realgar, Copper Pyrite, Cinnebar and aconite. It is advised for internal use after certain treatment to make the men free from wrinkles and greying of hairs and also to prolong his life span.

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3. Vyoma Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 12/346-347) It is a compound of Mercury, Mica, Mākṣika Satva, Diamond Turmaline and Orpiment. It is advised for internal use mixed with Ghee, Jaggary and Honey to prevent and to cure greying of hairs of a man.

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4. Vaikrāntādi Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 12/350-351) It is a compound of Mercury, Turmaline, Mica, Magnetic Iron and Diamond taken equal to Mercury and Rājāvarta 1/4 th to Mercury. It is advised for internal use to cure all kinds of diseases and to prevent senile changes.

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5. Amara Sundarī Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 12/352-353) It is a compound of Mercury, Gold, Silver, Copper, Magnetic Iron and Mica. It is advised to be kept in mouth to make the man free from senile changes, wasting diseases and to make him very strong.

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6. Sūta Bhasmādi Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 12/354-358) In this compound Mercury, Kānta Loha and Mākṣika are used in ash form alongwith Śilājatu, Vidaṅga and Pathyā. It is used internally mixed with honey and ghee contineously for one year to make the consumer very strong and to live long.

Linked texts (1)

Rasārṇava — Sanskrit