📄 Abstract
Indriya Arishta represents an important component of prognostic assessment in Ayurveda. The fourth chapter of Indriya Sthana of Charaka Samhita, Indriyanikam Indriyam, describes abnormalities involving the five sensory faculties and considers several unexplained alterations in sensory perception as ominous signs associated with impending death. This review critically analyses these manifestations and explores their possible relevance in contemporary clinical practice. A qualitative critical literary review was undertaken using Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapani as the primary source. Relevant descriptions from Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Sangraha and Bhela Samhita were consulted for comparative understanding of the Ayurvedic concept of Arishta. Contemporary literature concerning visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and somatosensory abnormalities was also reviewed. The manifestations were classified according to Chakshu, Shrotra, Ghrana, Rasana and Sparshana. The descriptions demonstrate qualitative and quantitative alterations in sensory perception, including abnormal colour perception, perception without an appropriate external stimulus, altered auditory perception, distorted smell and taste, and reversal of thermal and tactile sensations. Several manifestations show phenomenological similarities with contemporary sensory and perceptual disorders such as visual hallucination-like phenomena, anosmia, parosmia and dysgeusia. However, these similarities do not establish direct diagnostic equivalence. The classical purpose was prognostic, whereas contemporary practice requires identification of the underlying cause before assigning prognostic significance. Thus, Indriya Arishta may provide a framework for systematic sensory assessment while retaining its classical prognostic interpretation.
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📚 How to Cite:
Dr. Rachit Kiran, Dr. Suman , INDRIYA ARISHTA IN CHARAKA SAMHITA: A CRITICAL CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION OF SENSORY AND PERCEPTUAL ABNORMALITIES , Volume 12 , Issue 8, August 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , Pages: 928 - 931 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra31403