Chakradatta is one of the important treatises composed by Acharya Chakrapani Datta. The well known Tikakarta of Charak Samhita, actually this book is named as ‘Chikitsa sangraha’ by the author, but because of immense popularity it gained and also due to the towering personality of Shri Chakrapani Datta, in later time it is transformed as ‘Chakradatta’.
This shows the authority, popularity of Chakrapani. Chakradatta has proposed principle line of treatment for various diseases; several herbals and herbo-mineral formulation are prescribed in Chakradatta, which are beneficial for the Ayurvedic practitioners. The uniqueness of Chakradatta is in the description of several metallic and mercurial preparations for the purpose of internal use as medication. Eg. Rasaparpati made from purified and processed mercury and sulphur is an useful innovation of Chakradatta
About the Author & Period
Chakrapani belonged to the eastern part of India. In the 11th century AD era. His father Narayana was the kitchen-incharge of the king with the status of minister in the kingdom of Gauda. His elder brother Bhanu was a royal physician to the king Nayapala.
Chakrapani acknowledges Naradatta as his guru who inspired his writings, particularly his commentary on Charak samhita. Chakrapani has contributed compendia viz.
Subject Matter of Chakradatta at Glance
Entire Chakratadda is composed of 4800 verses which are divided into 79 chapters.
More than 50 sources have been acknowledged from where Chakrapani was inspired for these verses. The principle source of this book as stated by the author himself at the end of the work is Vrnda’s Siddhayoga.
The chapters of Chakradatta are divided as per the diseases, clinical syndromes, therapeutic procedures and include also a chapter on preventive medicine.
First 65 chapters are in the order of Madhava-Nidan who had dealt only with the diagnostics whereas Chakradatta only deals with therapeutics.
Chapter 66 & 67 deals with the rejuvenative therapy (Rasayana & Vajikarana).
Various purificative procedures (Panchakarma) and various formulations for those procedures are mentioned in chapter 68 to 77.
Last two chapters are about Siravedha (venesection) and Dincharya, Ritucharya etc. (routine for healthy).
Various divine therapies (Daivavyapashraya chikitsa) and various Mantras are also mentioned in the text.
Information about the author is mentioned at the end of the text.Chapter 64 (Balroga chikitsa) (Pediatrics).Treatment for various children’s diseases is prescribed in this chapter.