Abstract

Manuscripts constitute handwritten knowledge repositories recorded on various materials including palm leaves, birch bark, leather, cloth, and paper. These documents hold substantial scientific and historical importance for Ayurvedic scholarship. The existence of numerous unpublished and unexplored Ayurvedic manuscripts reveals that currently available published literature represents only a fraction of this medical tradition. This reality necessitates comprehensive study of historical Ayurvedic texts through examination of multiple manuscript versions to preserve authentic medical knowledge. As a part of this scholarly endeavour, the present study examines Bheshajapaddhati, authored by Purushottama. Among its four sections (khaṇḍas), the Upakramakhaṇḍa was selected for critical edition and English translation due to its systematic presentation of disease treatment protocols and therapeutic formulations. Based on available evidence, the text likely dates between the 16th and 20th century CE. While Upakramakhaṇḍa shares similarities with other Ayurvedic texts, it demonstrates unique value through its concise presentation of treatment principles and effective medicinal formulations composed in dedicated verses. The text's distinctive therapeutic approaches include both classical preparations and innovative remedies not commonly found in other Ayurvedic compendia.

Key words: Manuscript, Bheshajapaddhati, Purushottama, Critical edition, Upakramakhanda