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Hridaya

KeywordHridaya
TypeS.
Etymology/ Definitionपुण्डरीकेण सदृशं ह्रदयं स्यादधोमुखम् ।
जाग्रतस्तद्विकसति स्वपतश्च निमिलति । सु.शा.४/३२
ReferenceS.Sha.4/32, C.K.1/5, S.Sha.3/18
Literary MeaningM / W – Heart
Implied MeaningIt 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.
ElaborationSus`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.
SynonymsMahat, Dhaari, Chetanaasthaana
Contemporary ColloquialHeart, cardiac

Last updated on June 14th, 2021 at 06:30 am

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