Significance of Shalya
Shalya encompasses various meanings across different fields such as Shilpashastra, Vaishnavism, Purana, Ayurveda, Jyotisha, and Science. In Shilpashastra, it is a measurement unit based on paddy grains. In Vaishnavism and Purana, it refers to forms of identity and a warrior king in the Kaurava army. In Ayurveda, Shalya signifies obstructing agents or foreign substances that cause pain, often needing surgical removal. Overall, Shalya highlights the importance of addressing harmful foreign bodies and their complications in both a medical and cultural context.
Synonyms: Surgery, Operation, Procedure, Surgical intervention, Medical treatment
In Finnish: Shalya; In Dutch: Sjalya; In Spanish: Shalia; In German: Schalja
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Shalya'
Shalya in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations, including impurities causing suffering, a type of grain measurement, a warrior king of Madra, and foreign substances in the body needing surgical removal, reflecting conflict and transformation themes.
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) Foreign matter embedded in the body that must be extracted during surgical procedures.[1] (2) Any foreign or extraneous substance that enters the human system and causes pain, often requiring surgical intervention for removal.[2] (3) A term derived from the root 'Shala' or 'Shvala,' indicating an impeding or obstructing agent in the body, classified into extrinsic (Agantuka) and idiopathic (Sharira) types.[3]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The king of Madra, one of the warriors in the Kaurava army.[4] (2) A mighty warrior and king of Madras who is approached by Duryodhana to lead his army.[5]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A highly effulgent king who offers words of encouragement to Bhishmaka, reminding him of the nature of battle.[6]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The identity that Divodasa will take on following a transformation.[7]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Impurities or substances lying in the ground that, when disturbed, can lead to various forms of suffering or demise for the master of the house.[8]
The concept of Shalya in local and regional sources
Shalya is characterized as a man from Madra, criticized by Karna for the perceived shortcomings of his people, highlighting themes of honor and reputation in their regional context.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a man, and Karna is berating him and describes what he considers to be Shalya’s degenerate people from a place called Madra.[9]