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Introduction

The concept of time is important in disease treatment also for e.g. the shodhana (bio purification) should be given in Jwara after 3 weeks (trisaptaheVyatiteJware). Similarly in surgery also concept of time is used. For.e.g. Rakta jGulma (hematometra) is removed surgically after nine months. The time divides any disease into acute and chronic stage and treatment varies as per the stage. Jwara become Nirama (non toxic) in a week time. In Aama (toxic) stage of Jwara (fever) Langhana (fasting) is employed as therapeutic measure. The concept of  Kala is also utilized to decide the prognosis of the disease also. For e.g. the Ardita and Pakshaghata (facial palsy and hemiplegia) of above 3 years is incurable. The Vatarakta (gout) of more than 1 year is also incurable. The concept of Kala is also utilized in collection and storage of the drug for its maximum efficacy.

The critical comparison of Ayurvedic and Jyotishshastrokta, Kala concept showed marked similarities. It is concluded that the concept of Kala is important in deciding the doshik aggravation, physical strength, staging the disease, treating the disease, in deciding the prognosis of the disease and in deciding the collection and storage of the drugs.

MATERIAL & METHOD

Literary method of research was adopted in the present study. Critical and comparative study of  Ayurvedic literature and Jyotish science literature was done to come to logical conclusion.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Review of Ayurvedic Literature

Definition of Kala

As per acharya Sushruta, the unit which does not stop even for a while is a ‘Kala’ (time).[1]

Division of Kala As per Ayurveda

As per acharya Sushruta, the movement of sun divides the time into many divisions like Nimesh, Kashtha, Kala, Muhurta, Ahoratra, Paksha, Masa, Ritu, Ayana, Sanwatsara/varsha, Yuga and Mahayuga.[2]

Nimesh [0.30 seconds]

As per acharya Sushruta, the time required to pronounce the smallest word is ‘Nimesha.[3]

Kashtha [4.5 seconds]

As per acharya Sushruta, the 15 such Nimeshas constitute 1 Kashtha. [3]

Kala [135 seconds or 2.25 minutes]

As per acharya Sushruta, 30 Such Kashthas constitute 1 Kala. [3]

Muhurta [45 minutes]

As per acharya Sushruta, 20 Kala constitute 1 Muhurta. [3]

Ahoratra/ [Day & Night] [1350 minutes or 22.5 hours]

As per acharya Sushruta, 30 Muhurtas constitute 1 Ahoratra (day & Night). [3]

Paksha [Fortnight]

As per acharya Sushruta, 15 Ahoratras constitute 1 Paksha (There are 2 Pakshas –Shukla & Krushna). [3]

Masa [Month]

As per acharya Sushruta, 2 Paksha constitute 1 Masa (There are total 12 masas). [3]

Ritu [Season]

As per acharya Sushruta, 2 Masa constitute 1 Ritu. The Bhadrapada and Ashwin months constitute Warsha ritu (Rainy season), The Kartika and Margashirsha months constitute Sharad ritu (Autumn season), Pausha and Magha months constitute Hemant ritu (Winter season), Falgun and Chaitra months constitute Vasanta ritu (Spring season), Vaishakh and Jyeshtha months constitute Greeshma ritu (Summer season), Aashadh and Shrawan months constitute Pravrut ritu (Pre-monsoon season). [4] 

Ayana [Solstice]

As per acharya Sushruta, 6 Ritus constitute 1 Ayana. There are 2 such Ayanas (solstice) which divides the year into two halves such as Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. The 3 ritus Shishir, Vasanta and Greeshma represents Uttarayana (northern solstice) whereas other 3 ritus such as Varsha, Sharada and Hemanta represents Dakshinayana (Southern solstice).[5]  

Sanwatsara [Year]

As per acharya Sushruta, 2 Ayana constitute 1 Sanvatsara (Year). [5]  

Yuga [Era]

5  Sanvatsaras constitute 1 Yuga. [5]  

As per acharya Kashyapa

Kala samuha is referred as Kala. [6]

Types

A] 1. Shubha/ Utsarpini (Auspicious time),  2. Ashubha / Avasarpini (Inauspicious time)

B] 1. Bhuta (Past), 2. Vartaman (Present), Bhavishya/Anagata (Future)

C] Utsarpini kala [Progressive time] is further divided into :

1. Aadiyuga [Evolutionary Era], 2. Devayuga [Era of Gods], 3. Krutayuga [Kruta Era]

Avasarpini [Regressive time] is further divided into :

1. Tretayuga [Treta Era], 2. Dwaparyga [Dwapar Era], 3. Kaliyuga [Kali Era]

Interrelationship of Graha-Rashi & Ritu [Planets & Seasons]

As per acharya Sharangdhara and Bhavamishra, When sun is in Aries and Taurus (Mesha, Vrushabha), there is Greeshma ritu (summer). When sun is in Gemini and Cancer (Mithun, Karaka), there is Pravrut ritu . When sun is in Leo and Virgo (Sinha , Kanya), there is Warsha ritu (Rainy season). When sun is in Libra and Scorpio (Tula, Vrushik), there is Sharad ritu (Autumn).When sun is in Sagittarius and Capricorn (Dhanu , Makara), there is Hemant ritu (winter). When sun is in Aquarius and Pices (Kumbha , Meena), there is Vasanta ritu (Spring).[7][8]

Kala and Aggravation of Doshas

There is accumulation of Vata in greeshma (summer) and aggravation in Varsha (rainy season) and natural alleviation in Sharada (autumn). There is accumulation of Pitta in Varsha ritu, aggravation in Sharad ritu and natural alleviation in Hemant ritu (winter season). Similarly there is accumulation of Kapha in Hemant ritu, aggravation in Vasanta  ritu (Spring season) and alleviation (shamana) in Greeshma ritu (Summer).[9]

Kala and Doshik Bio Purification

There is aggravation of Vata in Varsha. Hence, it should be cleaned with Basti (enema) in Varsha ritu (rainy season). There is aggravation of Pitta in Sharad ritu (autumn) hence, it should be cleaned with virechana (purgation) therapy in Sharada ritu. Similarly there is aggravation of Kapha in Vasanta (spring), hence, it should be cleaned out of the body in Vasanta ritu through Vamana (emesis) therapy.[10]

Ayana and Bala

In Dakshinayana (southern solstice)  there is increase in Amla (sour), Madhura (sweet), Lavana (salty) rasas in the environment and the vegetables. Hence, this period promotes the health of the peoples. In Uttarayana (northern solstice), there is increase in Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Katu (Acrid) rasas in the environment and the vegetables. Hence, this period demotes the health of the peoples.[11]

Kala -Bio-Clock & Doshas

As per acharya Vagbhata, during the onset, middle and end of the day, meal and age there is predominance of Kapha, Pitta and Vata respectively.[12]

Kala As Aetiological Factor

The common aetiological factors for both psycho somatic doshas are - Asatmya Indriyartha Samyoga (over, low and perverted use of sensory organs), Pragya-apradha (Indiscretion) and Parinam (Effects of time/age/season).[13]

Kala & Classification of Diseases

The Kalabala Pravrutta disease refers to the diseases due to the ill effects of seasonal cold, heat, rain, wind etc. They are further classified as :

1. Vyapanna Ritu Kruta/ AKalaj (Untimely diseases) – Diseases due to change in nature of the season (ritu vyapat) such as hotness in winter and cold in summer.
2. A- Vyapanna Ritu Kruta/ kalaj (Timely diseases) – Diseases due to natural accumulation and aggravation (sanchay  and prakopa) of the doshas in respective seasons. [14]

Review of Jyotish Literature

Definition of Kala

As per ancient astrological book Surya siddhanta, the one which passes and can be counted is a Kala and it is of two types – broad and minute.[15]

Division of Kala (Kala Chakra As per Jyotish Science)     

The movement of sun divides the time into constituent parts such as Kala, Kashtha, Muhurta, Dina, Ratri, Paksha, Masa, Ritu, Varsha, Yuga, Kalpa.[16]

Nimesha

The time required to puncture the lotus petal by needle is called as’Truti’  The 100 such Truti constitute 1 Lava. And 30 such lava constitute 1 Nimesha.[17]

Kala

The 18 such Nimesha constitutes 1 Kashtha. The 30 Kashthas constitute 1 Kala.[17]

Tithi

As per Surya siddhanta, the 12º  movement of lunar from sun is called as 1 Tithi.[18]

Paksha [Half of Month]

As per Surya siddhanta, the half period of the month is called as 1 Paksha.[18]

Chandra Masa [Lunar Month]

The 30 Tithis constitute 1 Chandra Month. .[18]

Ritu [Season]

As per astrological book Surya siddhanta, the total of two months constitute 1 Ritu.[19]

Ayana [Solstice]

As per astrological book Surya siddhanta, the time of 6 months from Makar sankrata is called as ‘Uttar Ayana’ (northern solstice)whereas the period of 6 months from Karka Sankaranti is called as ‘ Dakshin Ayan’(southern solstice).[19]

Sanwatasara [Year]

As per astrological book Surya siddhanta, the total 12 months constitute 1 year.[20]

As per Sidhhanta Shiromanikar Bhaskaracharya

As per the author Bhaskaracharya of Siddhanta Shiromani book,

1 Tatpar  constitute 100 Truti, 300 Truti constitute 1 Nimesha, 18 Nimesha constitute 1 Kashta

30 Kashtha constitute 1 Kala, 30 Kala constitute 1 Ghati/Nadi, 2 Ghati constitute 1 Muhurta.[21]

As per Rajmartandakar Bhoja

As per author King Bhoja of text Rajmartanda,

18 Nimesh constitute 1 Kashtha, 30 Kashtha constitute 1 Kala, 30 Kala constitute 12 muhurtas

1 day night is Ahoratra, 15 Ahoratra constitutes 1 Paksha, 2 Paksha is 1 month, 30 Ahoratra constitute 1 month, 12 month constitute 1 Year.

Movement of Surya gives rise to four Yugas.

Kali Yuga [Kali Era]consists of 432000 years

Dwapar Yuga is 432000 x 2 = 864000 years

Treta Yuga is     432000 x 3 = 1296000 years

Kruta Yuga is    432000 x 4  = 1728000 years

1000 Mahayuga of Devas = 1 Bramha Kalpa

71 Mahayuga constitute 1 Divya Manwantara.[22]

As per Aryabhata

Utsarpini kala [Progressive time] contains half portion (mahayugardha) of total 6 yugas i.e. 1. Aadi-yuga, 2. Deva-yuga, 3. Kruta-yuga and Avasarpini kala contains rest half portion i.e. 4. Treta-yuga, 5. Dwapar-yuga, 6. Kali-yuga. In Utsarpini kala there is increase in lifespan, strength and vigour of peoples whereas in Avasarpini kala [Regressive time],  there is decline in lifespan, strength and vigour of peoples. In middle yugas (eras) there is balance between inclination and decline.[23]

Relationship between the Planets and the Ritus

As per acharya Parashara, the planet Venus (shukra) rules the Vasanta (spring) ritu. Surya (sun) and Mangal (mars) rules the Greeshma ritu (summer). The planet Chandra (moon) rules the Varsha ritu (rainy season) whereas planet Budha (mercury) rules the Sharada (Autumn) ritu. Shani (Saturn) rules over the Shishira and Hemanta ritu.[24]

OBSERVATIONS

Table 1-2

table 3

table 4,56

Discussion

Although there is mostly a similarity between Ayurvedic and Jyotishiya Kalaganana (astrological time measurement), there is little difference in some of the aspects. As per Ayurveda 15 Nimesha is equal to 1 Kashtha, as per Jyotisha 18 Nimesh constitute 1 Kashtha. As far as Kala is concerned , both science agree that 30 Kashtha makes 1 Kala. Sushrutacharya and Rajmartand author Bhojraj are of same opinion in most of the calculations. As per Bhaskaracharya, 1 Tatpar  constitute 100 Truti, , 300 Truti constitute 1 Nimesha, 18 Nimesha constitute 1 Kashta, 30 Kashtha constitute 1 Kala, 30 Kala constitute 1 Ghati/Nadi, 2 Ghati constitute 1 Muhurta/Kshana. Later calculations are same as given by Sushrutacharya. As per Bhaskaracharya, The 12º movement of moon from sun is called as 1 Tithi, The 30 Tithis constitute 1 Chandra Mas (Lunar Month). Later calculations are same as given by Sushrutacharya. The time of 6 months from Makar sankrata is called as ‘Uttar Ayana’ (northern solstice) whereas the period of 6 months from Karka Sankaranti is called as ‘ Dakshin Ayan’(southern solstice).

As per acharya Vagbhata, during the onset, middle and end of the day, meal and age there is predominance of Kapha, Pitta and Vata respectively. This is the bioclock mentioned in Ayurveda. As per sushrutacharya, there is accumulation of Vata in Greeshma and aggravation in Varsha and natural alleviation in Sharada ritu. There is accumulation of Pitta in Varsha ritu, aggravation in Sharad ritu and natural alleviation in Hemant ritu. Similarly there is accumulation of Kapha in Hemant ritu, aggravation in Vasanta  ritu and alleviation (shaman) in Greeshma ritu. The ideal purification therapy for Vata, Pitta and Kapha are Basti, Virchana and Vamana respectively to be performed in Varsha, Sharada and Vasanta ritu respectively. In Dakshinayana there is increase in Amla (sour), Madhura (sweet), Lavana (salty) rasas in the environment and the vegetables. Hence, this period promotes the health of the peoples. In Uttarayana, there is increase in Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Katu (Acrid) rasas in the environment and the vegetables. Hence, this period demotes the health of the peoples. Acharya Sharangdhara and Bhavprakasha have given the division of Ritus (seasons) on the basis of movement of sun through different zodiacs (Rashis). As per Charkacharya, Kala also represent one of the important general cause of diseases among the famous triad along with Asatmya Indriyartha Sanyoga and Pragyapradha.

Similarly, there are different types of Visham Jwara (Irregular fever) on the basis of Kala such as Santata jwara (continuous fever), Satataka jwara (Intermittent fever), Anyedyushka jwara (Quotodian fever), Trutiyaka jwara (Tertian fever) and Chaturthaka Jwara (Quartan fever) depending upon the time and interval of days in which they occur.

RESULTS

1. The concept of Kala is well documented in Ayurvedic and Jyotish Science and is based on solar transition through various zodiac signs.
2. Ayurveda had not only utilized the concept of Kala in setting the bio-clock but also in setting the treatment protocol as per the aggravation of doshas.
3. There is aggravation of Vata at the end of the digestion of food, at the end of the day and evening and during old age.
4. There is aggravation of Pitta in the middle of the digestion of food, at the middle of the day and night and during young age.
5. There is aggravation of Kapha at the beginning of the digestion of food, at the beginning of the day and night and during the child age.
6. There is accumulation of Vata in Greeshma ritu, Pitta in Varsha Ritu, Kapha in Hemanta Ritu.
7. There is aggravation of Vata in Varsha ritu, Pitta in Sharad Ritu, Kapha in Vasanta Ritu.
8. There is alleviation of Vata in Sharada ritu, Pitta in Hemanta Ritu, Kapha in Greeshma.
9. The ideal purification therapy for Vata, Pitta and Kapha are Basti, Virchana and Vamana respectively.

Basti (enema), Virchana (purgation) and Vamana (emesis) should preferably be performed in Varsha ritu (rainy season), Sharada ritu  (autumn season ) and Vasanta ritu (Spring season) respectively for complete purification of the body

Conclusion

1. The concept of Kala is well documented in Ayurvedic and Jyotish Science and is based on solar transition through various zodiac signs.
2. The Concept of Kala is used in Ayurvedic science to determine the accumulation, aggravation and alleviation of morbid doshas.
3. The Concept of Kala is used in Ayurvedic science to classify the diseases as Akalaj  (Untimely diseases) and Kalaj (Timely diseases) and also used in classifying the visham-jwaras (irregular fevers) on the basis of time interval at which the fever spike occurs.
4. Kala is one of the Pradhan hetu of the diseases among famous triad of Asatmya Indriyartha sanyoga (Incompatible contacts of senses), Pragyapradha (Intellectual transgression) and Parinama (Time).
5. The Concept of Kala is used in Ayurvedic science to carry out the shodhana (bio purification) therapy.
6. The Concept of Kala is used in Ayurvedic science to determine the aggravation of doshas as per age, food, day and night.
7. Ayurveda had not only utilized the concept of Kala in setting the bio-clock but also in setting the treatment protocol as per the aggravation of doshas.