| Keyword | Hridaya |
| Type | S. |
| Etymology/ Definition | पुण्डरीकेण सदृशं ह्रदयं स्यादधोमुखम् ।
जाग्रतस्तद्विकसति स्वपतश्च निमिलति । सु.शा.४/३२ |
| Reference | S.Sha.4/32, C.K.1/5, S.Sha.3/18 |
| Literary Meaning | M / W – Heart |
| Implied Meaning | It is one of the important organs in the thoracic cage, which takes origin from the essence of blood and Kapha and it supports the Praan ` a carrying vessels. |
| Elaboration | Sus`hruta describes the structure of heart. Heart resembles lotus bud ( Pun`d`areeka ) and is pointed downwards. It is situated in the chest cavity between the two breasts with a distinct left inclination. On its right Kloma is situated superiorly and Yakrit inferiorly whereas on the left it is superiorly Phuphphusa ( lung ) and inferiorly Pleehaa ( spleen ). It is involved in ceaseless contraction and relaxation even during sleep. It is a maternal organ. Charaka calls it as Mahaa Marma . According to Sus`hruta it is the site of Chetanaa or Aatmaa along with the Manas ( mind ). It becomes functional in the fourth month of pregnancy. From this period onwards the expectant mother is called Dvihridayaa ( having two hearts ). It is the only organ in the body that is the origin of two Srotas viz. Rasavaha and Praan`avaha Srotas . Due to this fact it is labelled as Sadya Praan`ahara Marma ( a vital point which when affected can cause immediate death ). Praan`a , Udaana , Vyaana are directly connected with heart functions as the Avalambaka Kapha and the Saadhaka Pitta. |
| Synonyms | Mahat, Dhaari, Chetanaasthaana |
| Contemporary Colloquial | Heart, cardiac |
Last updated on June 14th, 2021 at 06:30 am