A History of Indian Medical Literature v3.c48.s12.1

v3.c48.s12.1

The Kākacaṇḍīśvarakalpatantra,¹⁹ a treatise in about 700 verses, contains fifty-one kalpas,²⁰ generally belonging to the realm of rasaśāstra, as appears from the ingredients of the prescriptions, the effects of their administration, and the terminology used. Each kalpa consists of several prescriptions, usually with a particular plant as their main ingredient. The formulae serve to cure diseases, have a rasāyana or vājīkaraṇa character, or aim at alchemical purposes (deha- and lohasiddhi). Mantras and Tantric elements are frequent.