A Critical Study of Medicinal Plants in the Yuddha Kāṇḍa of the Valmiki Rāmāyaṇa

Madhuparna Maity

The Valmiki Rāmāyaṇa is a repository of the Indian knowledge system, including traditional medicinal practices. This research takes a critical look at references to medicinal plants in Yuddha Kāṇḍa, wherein Hanuman brought back a mountain full of medicinal plants to cure Lakshmana and other wounded soldiers in the battle of Lanka. Despite the detailed flora and fauna in the text being easily identifiable, the four plants, namely Mritsanjeevani, Vishalyakarani, Sandhanakarani, and Savarnyakarani, remain a subject of discussion. This study investigates previous claims of their species identification. Moreover, it illustrates how ancient texts might enhance contemporary understanding of therapeutic plants. This multidisciplinary study fosters dialogue among botany, history, and the Indian knowledge system, thus contributing to the preservation and contextualisation of India’s rich medicinal heritage. Even though the Valmiki Rāmāyaṇa is recognised mainly for its religious and moral relevance, it also offers knowledge of the natural world and of the intimate interaction between humans and nature. Thus, giving significant insights into early Indic science, including botany and medicine. The four herbs brought by Hanuman are a definite example of excellent plant knowledge and the medical expertise of ancient India. Though the later Ramayan versions mentioned only one herb and changed its name, its life-saving quality remains the same. This study provides a critical understanding of how this knowledge remained at the centre of practice.