Relevance of Agadatantra

Ayurvedic literature on Agadatantra is vast in Susruta Samhitha Kalpasthana and Ashtanga

Sangraha Uttarasthana. Many of the readers even within Ayurvedic fraternity raise questions
about the purpose of Agadatantra literature considering todays advanced medical
methodologies. While it is inhuman to experiment acute Agadatantra practices just by using
literary references, it should also be remembered that newer generation should go back to
traditional visha chikitsa practitioners spread across Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka,
Maharashtra and most other parts of India for observation, documentation and practical
training on Agadatantra practices for snake bite, scorpion sting, insect and spider bites
which are common in rural setting. Though such methods and materials may not exactly
match textual references, the basis of Agadatantra remains constant, which is stopping
spread of venom, eliminating it and management of local or systemic complications. It will
pave way for decoding ayurvedic principles towards management of even diseases which
dont involve toxic exposure.

Agadatantra is equally relevant in urban practice especially in todays world of synthetic

substances, pollution and food processing with preservatives. Garavisha and Dushivisha are
applicable concepts with specificity and tissue based pathogenesis tracking.

Essentially today, Agadatantra can be learnt and put to practice in three modes rural,
urban and literary research ( that involves discovery of kriya and rachana sharira points in
literature which aid in prognosis and predictive pathogenesis of various ailments ). The key
point to note here is that the contribution of Agadatantra towards interdisciplinary research
in Ayurvedic medical practice will prove to be more than expected.

Dr.M.Harikrishnan MD(Ayu.) Reader, Dept. of Agadatantra, Atreya Ayurvedic Medical College,

Doddaballapur.