Abstract

Abstract

The Jyotish science is complimentary and contemporary to the Ayurvedic medical science. The principles of Jyotish science have been applied in Ayurvedic science at various places. Utpata (natural calamity) is one such concept which not only indicate about likely development of epidemic diseases but also about the overall fortune of the affected region where these utapatas occur. As perjyotishacharyaVarahamihir, the abnormal state of environment is ‘Utpata’.  Ayurveda, had referred it as abnormal state of 4 environmental factors likeVata(wind), Jala(water), Desha (Area) and Kala (Season) and referred their abnormality as VikrutVata, VikrutJala, Vikrut Desha and Vikrut Kala while enumerating the causes of epidemic diseases (JanapadaUdhwansaVyadhis). From both science point of view Utpats are created by supernatural power like God in reaction to sinful acts of the society to show their displeasure and wrath. As per acharya Punarvasu, the Adharma (sins), Shastra prabhav (wars), Abhishapa(curse), and Rakshas(microbes) are the 4 major causes of Utpatas. Along with this acharya Sushruta had also added the causes like malefic grahasand Nakshatras as the causes for Utpatas. Ayurvedic and Jyotish science have given the characteristic features of the various Utpatas. The concept of Utpata could be helpful in predicting the likely diseases in the affected geographical population. Hence there is need to study this concept critically. It is concluded that the concept of Utapata is helpful in predicting the likelihood of epidemic diseases and overall wellbeing of the affected geographical area. Both the sciences had prescribed the pacifying measures to contain the Utpatlaxanas and related epidemic diseases.