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Introduction

Kupipakva Rasayana, derived from the processing of Parada (mercury) in a Kachakupi (glass bottle) through controlled Agni Paka (heating), represents a pinnacle of Rasashastra—the advanced Ayurvedic branch transforming toxic metals and minerals into therapeutic herbo-mineral formulations. Sameerpannaga Rasa (SPR), a unique Talastha (bottom-settled) or Ubhayastha (settled at both neck and bottom) preparation, traditionally includes Parada, Gandhaka (sulfur) as Kajjali, arsenic compound Somal, Haritala & Manashila; in this study, Manashila was added to align with the enhanced formulation in Ayurvedic Formulary of India(1) and Ayurveda Aushodhi Guna Dharma Shastra(2) (though absent in Rasachandamsu)(3) .

Etymologically, "Sameera" denotes Vata and "Pannaga"(4) (serpent or Vasuki) implies its prowess in subduing Vata disorders like Sandhivata, alongside Kapha Vyadhi, Sannipataja Jwara, and Kaphaja Unmada . Mercury's therapeutic superiority hinges on Samskaras like Murchchhana, ensuring biocompatibility, low dosage, rapid action, palatability, and extended shelf-life.

Classical texts mandate precise temperature gradients, but traditional Valuka Yantra preparation faces many challenges:heat control,high fuel/manpower needs, ambiguous details. In this study to limit these issues Modified Valuka Yantra(5) (MVK) is used. This study compares the Pharmaceutical Preparation of Sameerpannaga Rasa manufacturing by Modified Portable Valuka Yantra (MVK) and Electrical Muffle Furnace (EMF) for digital precision, without altering Rasashastra principles.

Materials and Methods

The whole procedure of preparation of Sameerpanaga Rasa (SPR) can be

divided into three parts:

1. Preparatory Phase

2. Operational Phase

3. Post-heating Phase

1) Preparatory Phase (Purva Karma):

• Appropriate equipment – Kupi , kapad mitti, Modified Portable Valuka yantra, EMF, LPG Gas Burner, Sheeta & Ushna shalaka, Copper sheet, Torch, Thermameter
• Basic Understanding Collection & Purification of ingredients
• Preparation of kajjali
• Bhavana
• Kupibharana

Understanding Basic Properties of ingredients of Sameerpanaga Rasa(6,7,7–9)

Table 1: Properties of ingredients of Sameerpanaga Rasa

Shodhana(12–17): All the ingredients should be in purified form. So we have done the purification of each ingredient in our departmental pharmacy.

Table 2: Shodhana/Purification of Ingredients

• Kajjali Nirmana(13,18): Initially 100 g each of Sudha Parada, Gandhaka taken, powdered and mixed together using Khalwayantra to prepare Kajjali. Kajjali is further mixed well with 100 g Sudha Sankhiya, Harital & Manahila each. The ingredients were triturated until the Nishchandratva (loss of metallic luster) and Rekhapurnatva (fineness) tests were positive.
• Bhavana(13): The Kajjali was levigated with Tulasi Patra Swarasa (Holy Basil juice) for three days to induce organic potency into the mineral mix.
• Kupi Preparation(19):This mixture was filled in Mritbhavita kachakupi (A 750 ml glass bottle was coated with seven successive layers of mud-smeared muslin cloth to withstand high temperatures.
• Kupibharana (Filling of glass bottle)(14): The Kupi (glass bottle) was filled up to the 1/3 part by Kajjali so that there should be enough space inside Kupi for melting and boiling of Kajjali and also for the sublimation of compound which is going to be condensed and deposited in the neck and specially at base of Kupi. Kupi is shaked, rolled between both hands so the kajjali is uniformly distributed at base.

(Until Kupibharana Stage the Procedure for Both the methods were almost common.)

2) Operational Phase (Pradhana Karma)

Method 1: Modified Valuka Yantra made Sameerpannaga Rasa

Image 1,2: Sameerpannaga Rasa Preparation

Table 3: Showing temperature recorded along with observation of Modified Valuka Yantra

Operational Definations

• Kramagni indicates the time limit for maintenance of heating patterns. Mrudu (mild), Madhyama (moderate) and Tivra (intense) Agni (Heat) were maintained and the temperature patterns were recorded.
• Shalaka Sanchalana Insertion of hot and cold iron rod and Observation of Fumes and Flames
• Hot Shalaka (Iron rod) To burn extra sulphur or arsenic deposited at the neck region of Kupi.
• Sheet Shalaka (Cold iron rod) To know the state of Kajjali i.e. whether it is in powder form, in melted form, in boiling state or in sublimation stage of product.
• Fumes All the characters of fumes like colour, odour, intensity etc. were noted. They turn from whitish to yellowish as the time progresses.
• Flame Timing of appearance of flame, its colour, duration and height were observed. E.g. Blue colour flame is because of formation of SO2
• Mukhabandhan (Corking) A piece of brick wrapped with muslin cloth being smeared with mixture of Multan Clay and water is used for corking

Confirmatory tests for Corking(20)

1. Ushna Shalaka Test (Hot Iron Test): After Ushna Shalaka introduction at neck, no noticeable fumes escapes or any ignition of any flames suggesting no free sulfur or arsenic deposition
2. Sheet Shalaka Test (Cold iron test): Absence of sulphur like smell when the iron rod is inserted into bottle and smelled immediately; is suggestive of proper preparation of medicine.
3. Red Hot Pictures: Bottom of the bottle was like a red colour of the dawn when examined in darkness.
4. Copper Plate Test: In order to check and prevent loss of mercury this test is applied. If Mercury is started evaporating then it condenses on the cool copper plate leaving white spot on the plate

3) Post Heating Phase (Pachata Karma)

1. Swangasheetikarana (Self cooling): After completion of Tivra Agni (Intense Heat) the MVY and EMF were allowed to cool on their own.
2. Kupi Uddharana (Removal of bottle)(21):

• In MVY After self-cooling the sand around the kupi was carefully removed and the bottle was pulled out
• In EMF the Kupi was removed after self-cooling.

1. Kupibhedana (Breaking of bottle) and storage of final product: By scrapping, the layers of Kapadmitti were removed and Kupi was cleaned with wet cloth, and the level of product was marked. A thread soaked in spirit was tied around the middle of Kupi just below the marking and set on fire. It was kept horizontal and rotated so that the whole thread burned up completely. Then cold water is sprinkled, which facilitates the breaking of Kupi from the middle. Primarily Talastha (at base) Sameerpanaga Rasa was observed.

Discussion

a.  Comparing Yields

Modified Valuka Yantra gives approx 68.4% yield while EMF gives up to 74% output suggestive of almost 5.6% extra product while the total durations are 41 hours and 28.66 hours respectively, showing extra Time, Fuel and Efforts needed.

b. Control

Though Due to Changes, Modified Valuka Yantra give more precise control over Traditional Valuka Yantra but Electric Muffle Furnaces digital Precision and constant Acceleration in heating is more effective.

c. Stability of the process

LPG Gas Burner produces erratic fumes due to air draft whereas in Furnace there is steady, localized emission in the EMF.

1. Significance of temperature gradients

• Mrudu, Madhyam & Tivrangni mentioned in the article are primarily decided on the basis of State of Kajjali and other Supporting Symptoms (Observational Reading) rather than dividing and distributing total time in three equal parts (Theoretical Reading).
• In Both Methods Mrudu Agni temp is almost equal i.e. 365oC, But the duration in Valuka Yantra Method is significantly more (20 Hrs) than Muffle Furnace Method (13 Hrs).
• Madhyamagni is almost for the same duration but shows higher temperature for Valuka Yantra than Muffle Furnace.
• In Tivragni Phase Valuka Yantra shows higher temperature for longer duration than Muffle Furnace.
• Physical characteristics of the final product

EMF made product shows better organoleptic properties (colour, consistency etc) than MVY method but after grounding it in fine powder form, shows reddish brown colour.

1. Base Colour before Corking

In Valuka Yantra Method just before corking the base Golden Colour base was seen whereas in EMF machine Reddish colour was prominent. This concept required further comprehension and needed better understanding upon detailed analysis.The researcher has attempted to document and express the actual observations as perceived during the procedure.

1. Energy Source

LPG Gas is a readily available energy source whereas the Muffle Furnace runs on electricity. The only limitation is electricity loss in between the process resulting in defective yield.

Conclusion

Both the Modified Valuka Yantra and Electrical Muffle Furnace (EMF) methods successfully produced Sameerpannaga Rasa (SPR) meeting classical Ayurvedic standards for Ubhayastha characteristics, color, and therapeutic compatibility as per Text.

EMF demonstrated clear practical superiority, achieving higher recovery yields, significantly reduced processing time and enhanced reproducibility through precise controls eliminating manual fuel variability.

Importantly, the use of EMF does not compromise the foundational principles of Ayurveda; rather, it supports them by ensuring precision, safety, and standardization in the preparation of Kupip?kva Ras?yana.

Acknowledgements
The authors are deeply grateful to their teachers and mentors for their constant guidance, encouragement, and support throughout this work. They also sincerely appreciate the institutional facilities and the academic environment that made the completion of this study possible.

Conflict Of Interest

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that may be construed as a potential conflict of interest.