Significance of Sulphur
Sulphur, referred to as Gandhaka, plays a crucial role in traditional medicine according to various texts, including Purana and Rasashastra. It is a chemical element essential in medicinal mixtures, contributing to their therapeutic properties. Sulphur is involved in numerous practices, such as aiding in the preparation of medicines and enhancing their effects through various processes. Additionally, its purification and combination with other ingredients are emphasized, demonstrating its significance in both historical and modern medicinal formulations for healing and rejuvenation.
In Finnish: Rikki; In Malay: Sulfur; In Dutch: Zwavel; In Spanish: Azufre; In German: Schwefel; In Swedish: Svavel; In French: Soufre
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sulphur'
In Hinduism, Sulphur is viewed as a vital chemical element in medicinal formulations, recognized for its healing properties, role in therapeutic mixtures, and applications in traditional practices and purification processes.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) An element included in the medicinal mixture, contributing to the overall therapeutic properties.[1] (2) A component of the medicinal mixture mentioned in the text.[2] (3) A chemical element that is combined with other ingredients to create the medicine described.[3] (4) A chemical element used in the formulation of the medicine, believed to have healing properties.[4] (5) An ingredient involved in the preparation of the medicinal pills.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A chemical component mixed with other substances for the general method of incineration of gems.[6] (2) A chemical element included in the paste for the crucible process, known for its role in combustion and transformation.[7] (3) An essential substance used in conjunction with mercury to enhance the killing process of metals.[8] (4) A chemical element included in the paste for coating the diamond, possibly for its properties in the incineration process.[9] (5) A chemical element used in conjunction with the juice of matulunga during the incineration process of Rajavarta.[10]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) Another name for Gandhaka, which is subject to purification processes to make it safe for various uses.[11] (2) A mineral used in the preparation of essence of mica to increase its therapeutic potential.[12] (3) One of the components combined with white mica, mercury, and a red flower in the second process.[13] (4) A substance used in the fourth purification process for Tuttha, helping in its cleansing.[14] (5) A key ingredient used in several processes to enhance the extraction of the essence from haritala.[15]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) An essential element in metal refinement, especially noted for its role in enhancing the quality and color of gold.[16] (2) A chemical element involved in multiple processes for transforming and preparing mercury, often used as a powder.[17]
The concept of Sulphur in local and regional sources
Sulphur is highlighted as a key ingredient in a transformative process aimed at achieving youth and immortality, requiring six months of treatment, and is also involved in the kattu operation with other substances like mercury and metals.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Sulphur is an ingredient that should be treated for six months, and then made into a powder with sesame and bitter orpiment, combined with three sweeteners to obtain youth and immortality.[18] (2) Sulphur is one of the substances that is subjected to the kattu operation, along with mercury, metals, and salt, according to the text.[19]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is one of the substances thought to hold wonderful power, according to the provided text.[20]