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Significance of Hingula

Hingula is a significant term in various contexts, primarily referring to cinnabar, a key mineral source of mercury in Ayurveda and Rasashastra. It is noted for its therapeutic properties and plays an essential role in creating medicinal products. Hingula involves processes such as the preparation of Bhasma, mixing with other ingredients, and transformation methods to ensure safety and efficacy. Additionally, improper purification of Hingula can result in health issues, emphasizing the importance of handling this mineral correctly in medical practices.

Synonyms: Cinnabar, Vermilion, Mercury sulfide

In Dutch: Hingula; In Finnish: Hingula; In Spanish: Hingula

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Hingula'

Hinduism Books

Hingula in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations, including its role as a mineral compound related to mercury and its significance in sacred practices, medicinal formulations, and the transformation processes involving metals.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)

(1) A substance that is broken into pieces and prepared with various liquids and pastes to create a medicinal product.[1] (2) An uparasas from Group III that possess some qualities of Rasa or mercury.[2] (3) An ingredient that is mixed with incinerated copper and gandhaka in the transformation process.[3] (4) A substance that, if not properly purified, can lead to various health issues.[4] (5) Hingula refers to the product that can be obtained either from mines or prepared in a laboratory through the combination of mercury and sulphur.[5]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory

(1) Cinnabar, a source from which mercury can be extracted and purified through specific methods.[6]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances

(1) A mineral compound used in the processes of incinerating iron by being smeared onto iron sheets.[7]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) One of the great places mentioned as sacred in the text.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.