Charaka - Bronze Idol 5"
This bronze idol is dedicated to the father of Ayurveda, author of Charaka Samhita - sage Charaka (1st century AD or before).
Charaka contributions to the fields of physiology, etiology and embryology have been recognised. Charaka is generally considered as the first physician to present the concept of digestion, metabolism and immunity. A body functions because it contains three dosha or principles, namely movement (vata), transformation (pitta) and lubrication & stability (kapha). These doshas are produced when dhatus (blood, flesh and marrow) act upon the food eaten. For the same quantity of food eaten, one body, however, produces dosha in an amount different from another body. That is why one body is different from another.
Charaka studied the anatomy of the human body and various organs. He gave 360 as the total number of bones, including teeth, present in the human body. And considered heart to be a controlling centre.
Agnivesa, under the guidance of the ancient physician Athreya had written an encyclopedic treatise in the 8th century BCE. However, it was only when Charaka revised this treatise that it gained popularity and came to be known as Charaka Samhita. For two millennia it remained a standard work on the subject and was translated into many foreign languages, including Arabic & Latin.
About the Bronze Idol
This idol of Charaka Rishi, has been created by Senthil, a master craftsman from Swamimalai, Tamilnadu and his team. The process of making the bronze idol follows the "Lost Wax Method" popularised by 10th century Chola kings. Beewax model is first made by hand, converted into a mould, hot molten bronze poured in to replace the melted wax. It is then cooled and finished to perfection.
