Introduction

Mana is defined as the system of measurement, based on the measures of weight, length, or capacity. Without the knowledge of 'Mana' one can never expect to have a thorough approach to any subject matter. Mana is an inseparable part of our knowledge and studies because the knowledge about weight and measurement places a pivotal role for any scientific study. In Ayurveda such a study concerning the dose and administration of drugs are dealt under the specialization called Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.

 Mana Paribhasha:

1] Nirukti:

 By which we can measure the substance is called as Mana. [1]

2] Defination:

It is said in the classics that the accurate outcome of any treatment cannot be expected if the dosage of the medicine given is improper.[2]

3] Distinctly the system of measurement that was followed in India revolves around Magadha (500 to 321 BC) and Kalinga (261 BC) period, hence known as Magadha Manaa (Followed by Acharya Charaka) and Kalinga Mana (Followed by Acharya Sushruta) respectively. [3]

4] Ayurveda has also followed this, Mana; hence it is needless to say that the pharmaceutical science of Ayurveda has widely adopted both the Mana for all practical purposes.

5] Mana starts from the smallest particle as Trsarenu. [4]

6] Mana paribhasha is a basic thing to be known by every physician. Mana is always essential starting form selection of the drug to the administration of the medicine.

Aim and objective:

1] To study Mana Paribhasha

2] To study uses and importance of Mana (measurement) in Ayurvedic remedies.

Materials and Methods:

For this review article, literary materials have been compiled, screened, rearranged and analyzed from Ayurveda texts such as Sharangdhar Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Sushrut samhita, Ayurved Sar Sangraha. Online literature searched from various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Ayush Research Portal, Dhara, Google Scholar, etc.

Review of Literature:

A) According to Desha:[5][6]

1. Magadha Mana (followed by Charak): It is prevailed in Magadha Desha (Bihar-

    North India).

2. Kalinga Mana (followed by Sushrut): It is prevailed in Kalinga Desha (Orissa)

3. In comparison with Kalinga Mana, Magadha Mana is considered to be superior as it includes Parmanu as the smallest unit of measurement. [7]

B) According to Nature of substance (followed by Amarkosha): [8]

1. Pautava Mana - For measurement of Solids.

2. Druvaya Mana - For measurement of Liquids.

3. Payya Mana – For measurement of Length.

Druvayamana (Measurement of liquid)- [11]

Druvayamana is the measure of capacity. The smallest unit here is ‘Bindu’(drop). One Bindu is a drop of liquid that falls from the index finger after it is lifted from the water.

• 8 Bindu =1 Shana ( ½ Tola ,16 drops will make 1 ml)
• 32 Bindu = 1 Shukti
• 64 Bindu = 1 Panishukt

1. Payyamana (Measures of length)- [12]

One Angula is said to be the basic unit here, explained as the length of 8 Yava brought together in one thread or placed one besides the other. Classical Unit Classical Unit Inches Metric Equivalents

1. 1 Yavodara = 1/8 of 3/4" =0.24 cm
2. 1 Angula = 3/4"= 1.95 cm
3. 12 Angula =1 Vitasti= 9”= 22.86 cm (distance between tips of stretched thumb and little finger)
4. 22 Angula =1 Aratni= 16.5”= 41.91 cm (distance between elbow joint and little finger tip)
5. 24 Angula= 2 Vitasthi = 1 Hasta= 18”= 45.72cm (distance between elbow joint and middle finger tip)
6. 1 Rajahasta = 22”= 55.88 cms
7. 4 Hasta =1 Vyama= 72”= 182.88 cms (distance between middle finger tips of both stretched hands)
8. Kala mana (Measurement of time):  [13]

 While preparing the different medicines, the time adjustment should be taken into consideration and the time of medicine administration after preparation, preservative time also will be decided to depend upon the Kala (Time). Kala mana, the measuring unit of time is mentioned at different instances in the classics. The basic units include Nimesha (closing eyelids) and Unmesha (opening eyelids) together as one Matrakala.

Importance of Mana:

Mana is inseparable part of our knowledge and studies. Without the knowledge of Mana one can never expect to have a through approach to any subject matter.

1. In Raw drug collection, it is stated that with wet drugs should be taken twice than the indicated quantity. [15]

2. Mana is important while preparation of any Kalpana like Sneha Kalpana we require Kalka: Taila: Dravadravya in 1:4:16 pramana. [16]

3. While deciding Anupana and Matra, we need to know the Mana as Churna, gutika and kalka should be given 3,2 and one pala respectively. [17]

4.  To study measurement in our classics

5. It is inseparable and most essential in all eight branches of Ayurveda.

6. Plays a crucial role in quadruples of treatment.

7. For quantitative assessment of body constituents.

8. Raw drug collection

9. Preparation of different Kalpana’s

10. Anupana matra

11. Preparation of Ahara kalpana (Pathya kalpana)

12. To quantity the drugs for all purposes.

13. To fix the doses etc.

14. According to Acharya Agnivesha, Mana is important for following things: [18]

Dosha ,Bala,  Satmya,  Bheshaja,  Sharira,  Satwa, Desh,  Sara,  Prakruti,  Kala, Ahara, Vaya.

Magadha mana:

(a) According to Acharya Sharangdhar : -( Pautava Mana)

(b)According  to Acharya Charaka: -[9]

Kalinga Man:- [10]

Discussion

This ‘system of measurements’ is considered as a basic principle when it comes to the study of any sciences. In our classics, different types of Mana are explained: Magadha mana, Kalinga mana, Pautava mana, Pay- ya mana, Druvaya mana, Kala mana etc. Acharya Sharangdhar and Charaka write Magadha mana as superior among both. Acharya Charaka deal with the smallest unit of Magadha mana is ‘Dhawanshi’ and Sharangdhar smallest unit of Magadha mana is ‘Parmanu’.

Mostly the Pautavamana is used in the reference of Aushadha sevan matra, Aushadha nirman matra etc. Payyamana used in the reference of Dhumpana, Pu- ta, Sharair pramana. Druvayamana used in Avleha kalpana, Nasya kalpana, Aasava-Arishta, Ksheerpaka.

The utility of weights and measures is an integral part of our day-to-day life. In Ayurveda Mana plays an important role in the preparation of drug formulation to drug intake, Pathya, Anupana etc.

Conclusion

In Bhaishajya Kalpana Mana was considered in the basic principles. Although there is a difference between Mana Paribhasha by Acharyas, the Mana remmains the same.   It is not possible to use any substance without the help of Mana , it is an essential concept to understand a science in term of quantity. It’s very important while preparing Ayurvedic Remedies.