A History of Indian Medical Literature v3.c42.s2.4

v3.c42.s2.4

Part I opens with a flowery description of the Himālayas, where a group of munis reside, interested in the names and properties of medicinal plants.¹⁹ Mentioned by name are the following sages: Ātreya, Hārīta,²⁰ Parāśara, Bhela, Garga, Śāmbavya,²¹ Suśruta, Vasiṣṭha, Karāla, and Kāpya (7–8). Suśruta, whose curiosity is aroused by the particular plant, approaches muni Kāśirāja,²² enquiring about the nature of this plant. Kāśirāja, granting his request, tells him about the origin of the plant, which proves to be garlic (laśuna), its properties and uses (9–43). Kāśirāja’s exposition on the subject is called the laśunakalpa, as taught by the ancient sages.