The Origin Of Ayurveda

Hindu belief, Lord Brahma is considered as creator of this universe. Creation of all forms of matter occurring in this universe, living or non-living is believed to be his handiwork. The Hindu system of medicine (Ayurveda) is also said to be originated by Brahma, the fountainhead of all learning.

It is believed that Brahma propagated this knowledge through Daksha Prajapati who in turn taught this science to the Ashwini Kumars (the twin son of the Sun God). The Ashwinis imparted the science of Ayurveda to Indra. In Indian Mythology , a lot of work is credited to the legendary medical skills of Aswini Kumars-

	They gave eyesight & walking power to Rishi Pravarak.
	Saved the life of Bhardwaj.
	Restored lost energy of Rishi Chyawan & rejuvenated his health.
	Gave power & rejuvenation to Rishi Vandan.

Going by another legend, in ancient days, both Demons on earth and Gods in heaven were interested , to obtain ambrosia – the Amrit from Ocean of Milk – the Ksheera Sagar. Ambrosia was to make an individual immortal. However, it was not an easy task to obtain ambrosia from the ocean of milk individually for both of them. It was then decided that both the groups would share the task as well as the outcome. Accordingly, both the groups churned the Ksheer Sagar, using Meru Parvata (A large mountain) as the agitator and Adiseshu (A large and strong snake) as the rope. This churning brought out first a powerful Poison, which Lord Shiva swallowed, in the interest of universe. It later followed with outcome of Ambrosia. Dhanvantari emerged out of Ksheera Sagar, with a vessel of Amrita in one hand and a set of Herbs in another. 

Since then, Indian Mythology regards Dhanvantari as the God of Health and immortaility. 

The knowledge of Ayurveda was known only to celestial personalities till the time Lord Indra passed on the knowledge of Ayurveda, the Science Of Life, to Sages & Rishis (mortals), the first pupil being Bhardwaja. 

Descent of Ayurveda from Lord Brahma to earth can be put as under.

	Lord Brahma
	Daksha Prajapati
	Ashwin Kumars
	Indra
Divodasa Dhanvantari (School of Surgeon)		Bhardwaja (School of Medicine)
		Maharishi Atreya
Sushruta (4th-5th BC) Wrote first well accepted standard text for Ayurveda: Sushruta Samhita		Ksharapani Parasara Harita Jatukarna Bhela Agnivesha
Nagarjuna Revised Sushruta Samhita in 2nd AD		Charak (1st AD) Revised Agnivesha Samhita
		Vagbhata (7th AD) Ashtang Hridaya: Commentary on Charak and Sushruta