AYURLOG
National Journal of R esearch in Ayurved Science
http://www.ayurlog.com January-March:
(A peer-reviewed 2021|Volume:
open access Indexed 09 |Issue:
th
e-journal of Ayurved Since 2013)1
st ISSN: 2320-7329
A review article: Significance of Jalavarga and
Jalapana mentioned in Ayurveda
Ganesh Puradkar1, Yogesh Gaikar2, Manasi Hanumant Rane*3
1. Associate Professor, Department of Samhita and Siddhanta,
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Sharira Rachana,
3. PG Scholar, Department of Samhita and Siddhanta,
APM’s Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
ABSTRACT ayurvedic perpective of jala and significance
Water is the fundamental constituent of jalapana in daily life.
of Earths Hydrosphere and the fluids of all
acknowledged residing organisms in which KEYWORDS: water, life, jala varga,
it acts as solvent. It is essential for all known Ayurveda.
forms of life, even though it provides no INTRODUCTION
calories or organic nutrient. Water makes
up greater than two thirds of “Jeevanam Jeeveenaam Jeevau Jagat
human body weight, and besides water, we Sarvantu Tanmayam Naato Atyanta
would die in a few days. The ancient Nishedhena
literature of ayurveda explained significance Kadaachit Vaari Vaaryate” – B.P.Ni.
of water along with property. Ayurveda 13/74.
explains various types of Jala (water) under
the heading ‘Jala Varga’. Jala persisted Jala is the essence of life, the whole world
Guna of all six Rasa considering that due to is made up of it, and hence avoiding water
its unique property to dissolve each and completely is not possible at all. 75% of
every rasa individually. Water is earth’s area is covered by water. Water is the
considered to be Jeeva (life) in Ayurvedic major component of all living beings. As per
perception. This article review regarding modern science in human being water
perform various vital functions. The human
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brain is made up of 95% water; blood is 82% rupa, rasa, sparsha, drava & snigdha gunas.
and lungs 90%. A mere 2% drop in our It relieves Daha (thirst), Moha (loss of
body's water supply can trigger signs of mental block), Bhrama (giddiness), Nidra
dehydration, furry short-term memory, (sleepy feeling), Alasya (laziness), Visha
trouble with fundamental arithmetic and (toxins). It acts as Jeernakari (effectively
difficulty to focus on smaller issue. It is digests food), Truptikara (provides immense
the major constituent of human cells. satisfaction to thirsty person), provides
Ayurveda considers water (aap or jala) Buddhi (intelligence), Bala (strength),
as one of the panchamahabhutas. Guna of Veerya (potency: ability to function), Tushti
water is Madhura, Sheetala and (satisfaction), Pushti (energy) to Nashta
Ruchikaraka. Ayurveda described anga (debilitated parts of the body). In Jala
importance of purified water. Ayurvedic mahabhuta Satwa and Tama guna are in
chikitsagrantha has mentioned various predominance. Ayurveda categorize
therapeutic roles of water and purification different types of water based on place of
techniques of impure water. Nighantus origin and availability. Quality of water
explained types of water, their properties and flown in different rivers is also told to have
actions. Life is not possible without water distinct properties.
because of this all the three Bruhatryayis Synonyms of Jala
have mentioned Jalavarga with its types, Paniya - Water intended to drink: Salila -
properties and significance. This article Good liquid
presents property and types of water along Kilaala - Heavenly drink: Aapa - Water
with its physiological significance. Vari - Free flowing water: Jeevana - Giving
life
AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Amruta - Superior quality of liquid : Ambu -
Water from clouds
1. To review the literature regarding Pushkarambhu - Water with lotus: Pathya -
Jala Varga in Ayurveda. Wholesome for everyone
2. To understand the significance of Kamalaambu - Water where lotus are
Jalapana in daily life. grown. : Nira - Clear liquid
REVIEW OF LITERATURE Paya/payasa - Water having qualities
Ayurvedic literature explains the concept of similar to milk free flowing water
Panchamahabhutas, which are fundamentals Types of Jala (water)
of our body and nature. Jala mahabhuta is Divya Jala – it is also called as Aantariksha
one amongst them. Water is considered to be Jala. It has six properties – Sheeta (cold),
“Jeeva” (life) in Ayurvedic concepts. It is Shuchi (pure), Shiva (wholesome),
Madhura, Sheetala and Ruchikaraka. Water Mrushtam (palatable), and Laghu (light). It
is wholesome as it has all the six tastes is enlivening (jeevanam), invigorating
(Rasas) which are Madhura (sweet), Amla (aashwasajananam) or strength-giving, re-
(sour), Lavana (salty), Katu (pungent), Tikta fragrant, antipyretic, anti-hypnotic, and
(bitter) and Kashaya (astringent). It has
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conquers vertigo, drowsiness and fits of fainting.
Properties of water available from different soils:
Type of soil Property of water
White soil Kashaya rasa
Pandur (pale coloured) soil Tikta rasa
Kapila (brown coloured) soil Ksharayukta (saline)
Ushara soil Lavana rasa
In hilly area Katu rasa
Krushna (black coloured) soil Madhura rasa
Rain water, hailstone water, snow water Avyakta rasa
Properties of water according to Panchamahabhuta
Pradhan mahabhuta Property of water
Prithwi mahabhuta pradhan Lavana, Amla rasa
Aap mahabhuta Pradhan Madhura rasa
Teja mahabhuta Pradhan Tikta, Katu rasa
Vaju mahabhuta Pradhan Kashaya rasa
Akash mahabhuta Pradhan Avyakta rasa
Properties of water according to Rutu (seasons)
Rutu (season) Properties
Varsha rutu Guru, Abhishyandi, Madhura rasa.
Sharada rutu Laghu, Anabhishyandi
This should be used by the delicate persons using unctuous, and too much
food in preparing various types of diet such as eatable, chewable, likable &
drinkable.
Hemanta rutu Snigdha, Balya, Guru, Shukravardhaka
Shishira rutu It is lighter than Hemanta rutu jala, alleviates kapha-vata.
Vasanta rutu Kashaya-madhura rasa, ruksha guna.
Greeshma rutu Anabhishyandi.
The water dropped by the clouds in Dhara Jala is subdivided into two types i.e.
perverted seasons undoubtedly causes harm. Ganga jala & Samudra jala.
The kings, the kingly and the delicate Ganga Jala - also called as Aindra jala – the
persons should use particularly the water water which falls from the sky, dropped by
well collected in Sharada Rutu. Indra, and received in containers is called as
Antariksa Jala is divided into four types - an Aindra Jala. It is the principle water
Dhara, Kara, Tausara, Haima. Among these drinkable for the king.
types, Dhara Jala is best due to its Laghu Vagbhat describes it as a Gangambu
property. (Uncontaminated rain water) - Properties of
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rain water, which is not contaminated with joining the eastern sea are mostly mild
dust and poison are enlivening the living flowing and heavy and it is not suitable
beings, generates satiation, gives pleasure to for drinking.
heart, refreshing and stimulates the mind. It The water of rivers arising from
is thin, cold in potency, clear and not having Himalaya mountains, and which get
any perceptible taste, and is equivalent to churned up well by dashing against rocks
nectar. Seawater is being absorbed by the is good for health. It is wholesome and
sunrays and fall from the sky in the form of virtuous. The rivers originating from
rain after coming in contact with sunrays, Malaya, carrying stones and sand have
moon light and wind. So it is easily clean water which is like Nectar.
digestible and alleviates vata and kapha. Whereas the same water if gets stagnated
Due to sheeta veerya it cures the diseases of causes krumi, Shleepada, hrudaroga,
pitta, rakta and visha. Rice cooked with rain kantharoga and shirorogas.
water and kept in silver bowl, which neither Water of the rivers originating from
makes too slimy nor changes its color is to Pariyatra, Vindhya and Sahya cause
be considered as Gangaambu. head diseases, heart disease, leprosy and
Uttama Jala – best water is slightly filaria.
astringent-sweet, sukshma, vishada, laghu, Water obtained from Prachya, Avanti
non-rough and anabhishyandi. and Aparanta regions and also from
Samudra Jala (Sea water) – These water Mahendra Mountains causes asrsha,
should not be used for drinking except in udara roga and shleepada.
Ashwin Masa. The saline water of sea has The rivers having water polluted with
fishy smell and aggravates doshas. soil and faeces, insects, snakes and rats
Nadeya Jala (River water) and carrying rain water aggravate all
doshas.
The Rivers flowing towards west have
clean water and are wholesome. Rivers
Various types of jala, according to its place
Type of Jala Property
Sarasa Jala (Lake water) Madhura, Kashaya, Laghu, Balya, Trushnaghna,
Tadag Jala (Pound water) Madhura, Kashaya, Vatala, Katupaki
Vapya Jala (Water of small pond) Kshara, Katu, Pittakara, Vata-kaphahara
Koup Jala (Well water) Kshara, Pittakara, Kaphahara, Deepan, Laghu
Chountya Jala (water from big well) Madhura, Ruksha, Agnikara, Kaphahara
Prasravana Jala Kaphaghna, Hrudya, Deepana, Laghu
Oudbhid Jala (Piercing earth water) Madhura, Pittashamaka, Avidahi
Vaikir jala Katu, Kshara, Kaphahara, Laghu, Deepana
Kedara Jala (Water of field) Madhura, Gurupaki, Doshaprakopaka
Palvala Jala (Water of Small Pond) Doshaprakopaka
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Jalapana Varjya feel any discomfort or fullness in the
abdomen.
One should not drink water more
than his normal capacity. Sheetalajala (Cold water) - Cold water
Those who are suffering from relives madatyaya, glani, murccha, chardi,
agnimandya, gulma, pandu, udara, bhrama, shrama, trushna, daha, raktapitta,
atisara, arsha, grahani dosha, visha, etc.
shosha, shopha, etc. should drink
little quantity of water than their Ushnajala (Hot water) –
usual capacity.
Except in sharada and greeshma rutu Hot water increases the power of
healthy persons should drink the digestion, cooks undigested food
water in limited quantity. material, good for throat diseases, easy
to digest and purifies urinary bladder.
Jalapana phala (Importance and Principle Hot water is indicated in hiccough,
of drinking water) abdominal distention, vata and kapha
disorders, after shodhana therapy, acute
Drinking Water Before, during and
fiver, cough, ama condition, running
After Meal - Water taken in the
nose, dyspnea, pain in the flank.
middle of meals, maintains the
normalcy of tissue and promotes easy Ayurveda recommends drinking water in
digestion. the morning on an empty stomach, 20 to
30 minutes before sunrise. According to
Water consumed immediately after
Ayurveda, drinking water before sunrise
the meals leads to obesity and
acts as rejuvenating therapy. It can help
accumulation of fats into abdominal
you to get rid of constipation, heart
region.
diseases, abdominal diseases, uterine
Drinking of water before the meals
problems, skin diseases, and hair
lead to indigestion and thereby
problems.
emaciation of body.
If you consume water-rich foods, you
Hamsodaka
should not drink water before, during
In Sharad rutu, the water which gets heated
and after a meal. However, if you eat
by the hot rays of the sun during day, cooled
hard foods, which are difficult to
by the cool rays of the moon during night,
digest or take longer time to digest in
for many days continuously which has been
your body, you should drink an
de-toxicated by the rise of the star Agastya,
adequate amount of water along with
which is pure, uncontaminated and capable
food.
of mitigating the doshas is known as
However, the water amount should
Hamsodaka. It is neither abhishyandi nor
be appropriate, which should not
dry, such water is like amrita (nectar) for
cause heaviness in the abdomen.
drinking and other purpose.
After drinking water, you should not
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Narikela Jala (Coconut water) while cold water in rakta and pitta. Vriddha
Coconut water consists of Madhura rasa, Vagbhata considers jala as best because it is
snigdha, laghu guna and sheeta virya, acts chief source of all tastes, it is satmya to all
as an aphrodisiac, mitigates thirst and vata, and possesses properties of sustaining life.
pitta disorders. It increases digestive power Conclusion:
and purifies the urinary bladder. The significance of water for survival
Water Purification Methods in life is unquestionable. Acharyas has
Normalization of deranged water considered Jala as Agerya Dravya (prime
should be done by boiling on fire, substance). Charakacharya described Jala
heating in the sun and dipping heated as a best Ashwasanakara. Ayurvedic
iron balls, sand and clod therein. literatures have mentioned different type of
Scenting with flowers of Jala according to its Rasa, Guna, Virya and
nagakeshara, champaka, utpala and Vipaka like Antariksha Jala, Bhauma Jala,
patala, etc. Nadijala, and Hamsodaka. Rasanendriya
Seven methods of purification of (tongue), Sweda (sweat), Kleda (moisture),
impure water – kataka (clearing nut), Rakta (blood), Shukra (semen), Mutra
gomedaka (cinnamon stone), lotus (urine) etc., are the representation of Jala
root, cloth, pearl and precious stone. mahabhuta in components of body.
Seven methods of cooling water Ayurveda recommends the quantity of water
Pravatsthapanam – keeping in open that one should drink. The amount of water
air one should drink depends on the age, how
Udakaprakshepanam – addition of much exercise or physical work one does,
cold water the weather, the diet, stress levels, herbal
Yashtikabhramanam – stirring with food supplements and the body type. In
stick Ayurveda, water is also considered as a good
anupana. Hot water stimulates hunger,
Vyanajanam – fanning
supports in good digestion, smoothens
Vastroddharanam – straining
throat, cleanses bladder, reduces hiccups,
through cloth
and soothes the increased vata and kapha. It
Valukaprakshepanam – keeping on
also improves the blood circulation. This
sand
review article summarizes the various
Shikyaavalambanam – suspending on
traditional aspect of Jala on the basis of its
swing
importance in life.
Water as Anuapana
According to Ayurveda jala (water – References:
preferably warm water) is considered as the
best Anupana for healthy and diseased 1. Charka, Yadavaji Trikamaji Charak
persons. Some acharyas of Ayurveda opines Samhita of Agnivesha. Chakrapani
that mahendra jala (purified rain water) as a commentary Varanasi; Chaukhamba
good Anupana for common usage. Generally Sanskrit Prakashan; Reprint 2014.
hot water should be given in vata and kapha
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2. Brahmanand Tripathi Ashtang Hridayam 6. Lakshmidhar Dwivedi. Ayurveda ke
Sutra Sthana. Chaukhamba Sanskrit mool Siddhant evum unki upadeyata.
Prakashan; 2014. Chaukhamba Krishnadaas Academy;
3. Susruta, Susruta Samhita, Ayurveda 2009.
Tattva Sandipika Hindi Commentary of 7. Tripathi Ravidutta, Padarth Vidnyan,
Kaviraj Dr. Ambikadutta Shastri, Choukhamba Surbharati Academy,
Varanasi, Chaukhamba Prakashan, 2013, Varanasi, Reprint, 2006.
Uttaratantra. 8. Dr. R. Vidyanath, Ashtang Hridaya text
4. Vd. Tarachand Sharma, Ayurvediya with English translation, Chaukhamba
Padarth Vigyan. The Health Sciences Surbharati Prakashan; 1st Edition. 2013
Publisher; 2018. 9. Dr. K. C. Chunekar, Bhavprakash
5. Acharya Sushruta. Sushrut Samhita Nighantu of Shri Bhavamishra,
Nibandha Sangraha Commentry by Chaukhamba Bharati Academy,
Dalhana and Nyayachandrika Panjika by Varanasi; Reprint 2002.
Gayadasa, Yadavaji Trikamaji;
Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; “Jeevanam Jeeveenaam Jeevau Jagat
Reprint 2014. Sarvantu Tanmayam Naato Atyanta
Nishedhena
Kadaachit Vaari Vaaryate” – B.P.Ni. 13/
Conflict of Interest: Non Source of funding: Nil
Cite this article:
"A review article: Significance of Jalavarga and Jalapana mentioned in Ayurveda."
Ganesh Puradkar, Yogesh Gaikar, Manasi Hanumant Rane
Ayurlog: National Journal of Research in Ayurved Science- 2021; (09) (01):01-07
7 | January-March: 2021|Volume: 09th |Issue: 1st E- ISSN: 2320-7329
