The 'Shodhala Nighantu,' authored by Acharya Shodhala in the 12th century AD. Born to Vaidya
Nandana, a disciple of Sanghadayalu, Shodhala belonged to the brahmana community with Vatsa gotra,
hailing from the Rayakavala tradition prevalent in Gujarat. This dedicated scholar, identified as a
Jyotisha Sasastri, or astrological expert, expressed his devotion to Bhanu (Surya). Notably, his name is
etched in a Tamrapatra (copper plate inscription) dating back to the rule of Bhimadeva II in 1256 AD.
The unique dual – part presentation, encompassing Namasangraha for Nomenclature and Gunasangraha
for pharmacotherapeutics. Food plays a crucial role in both health and disease. Ahara is a fundamental
component within the three supporting pillars of life in Ayurveda. Its consumption should adhere to
appropriate matra (quantity) and be contingent upon the strength of agni (digestive fire) and individual
bala (strength). Emphasizing the significance of mindful eating, Ayurveda underscores the need to align
dietary choices with the robustness of agni and overall bodily strength, recognizing ahara's pivotal role
within the framework of optimal well-being. Any disease can be comprehensively cured without any
medicine by just following pathya ahara or wholesome food whereas even hundreds of medicines and
formulations cannot cure a disease in the absence of a planned wholesome regimen of diet. Ayurveda
emphasizes that proper food choices and eating habits are crucial for maintaining balance in the body
and mind. Certain disease condition occurring to one who is habituated to viruddhasana (incompatible
food), adhyasana (eating food before the digestion of prior food) and ajirna (indigestion). Shrestha isdenoted by pravara, Shrestha, uttamam, hanthi, hitham, jith, varjith, nashanam, varjayeth, vaha,
poojitham, vaha, nashanam, varjitha, parivarjitham, nuth, etc. After Shodhala Nighantu other
Nighantukara’s followed the style. To overcome on disease condition, one has to strictly follow the
classical rules and regulations related to Ahara and Vihara. Present article emphasized Shreshta ahara
explained in Shodhala Nighantu.
Keywords: Shodhala, Ahara, Varga, Sreshtam, Param, life style disorders
Publication date: 01/05/2025
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/May/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9048.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.5.9048
