A History of Indian Medical Literature v1.c22.55

v1.c22.55

Haricandra’s commentary acquired great fame. 267 Hemādri refers to Haricandra (in the introduction to his Āyurvedarasāyana) as the model of the commentators on the Carakasamhitā. Haricandra’s commentary was often praised by later authors for its high qualities. Candraṭa says in the introductory verses of his commentary on the Cikitsākalikā: “As there exist commentators like Haricandra, Jejjaṭa, and Sudhīra, it is presumptuous for anyone else to comment on the āyurveda”. Another statement testifying to his reputation runs as follows: 268 “The ignorant one who attempts to understand Caraka’s thought without (consulting) Haricandra’s commentary, is (like) a man who wants to drink up 269 the ocean.” Niścala regards Haricandra on many occasions as an important authority.