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Gotra, in literalSanskrit, means cowshed. However, in common parlance, it denotes the progeny (or a clan) of a common male ancestor (usually, a rishi, or a sage). Atulya Gotra, or diversity in clans, is what the sages of antiquity professed, thus laying the foundation of genetics in Ayurveda. In this chapter, LordAtreya answers thirty six specific questions of Agnivesha on a wide range of topics such as the causes of human embryo, labour, sex determination of the embryo, congenital anomalies, transmigration of the atma, and related phenomena. Apart from these, causes of disease, treatment, preventive measures and the role of past and present deeds of one-self in causation of disease etc are discussed.

Gotra, in literalSanskrit, means cowshed. However, in common parlance, it denotes the progeny (or a clan) of a common male ancestor (usually, a rishi, or a sage). Atulya Gotra, or diversity in clans, is what the sages of antiquity professed, thus laying the foundation of genetics in Ayurveda. In this chapter, LordAtreya answers thirty six specific questions of Agnivesha on a wide range of topics such as the causes of human embryo, labour, sex determination of the embryo, congenital anomalies, transmigration of the atma, and related phenomena. Apart from these, causes of disease, treatment, preventive measures and the role of past and present deeds of one-self in causation of disease etc are discussed.

Keywords:

'''Keywords''': Atulya-gotra,Śukra, Garbha, Ojoshanā, Bīja, Dwiretā, Klība, Prajnyāparādha, Pratikarma, Daiva andPauruṣa.

Atulya-gotra,Śukra, Garbha, Ojoshanā, Bīja, Dwiretā, Klība, Prajnyāparādha, Pratikarma, Daiva andPauruṣa.

 

Vedic families – and societies – were largely divided into patrilineal clans (gotras), where each clan could trace their origins to a common male ancestor. The sages of antiquity knew of various disorders caused due to in-breeding within families, and thus forbade marriages within a gotra. To them, the study of human physiology required an analysis of the human embryo within the womb, and that managing disorders right at the stage of conception was important in ensuring good health within families and societies.

Vedic families – and societies – were largely divided into patrilineal clans (gotras), where each clan could trace their origins to a common male ancestor. The sages of antiquity knew of various disorders caused due to in-breeding within families, and thus forbade marriages within a gotra. To them, the study of human physiology required an analysis of the human embryo within the womb, and that managing disorders right at the stage of conception was important in ensuring good health within families and societies.

The preceding chapter dealt with overarching concepts of physical and spiritual importance, such as purusha, atma, manas, and buddhi. In continuation, this chapter begins with the “origin of a human being” as a result of sexual intercourse with a woman in her fertile period by a man from a different clan (atulya-gotra). It then talks of various factors influencing the embryogenesis, fetal growth and development, genetic abnormalities, features of sadya-grihita garbhā (a female who has just conceived) etc. Consanguinity (tulya gotra) is being related to someone by blood, in contrast to atulya gotra.  

The preceding chapter dealt with overarching concepts of physical and spiritual importance, such as purusha, atma, manas, and buddhi. In continuation, this chapter begins with the “origin of a human being” as a result of sexual intercourse with a woman in her fertile period by a man from a different clan (atulya-gotra). It then talks of various factors influencing the embryogenesis, fetal growth and development, genetic abnormalities, features of sadya-grihita garbhā (a female who has just conceived) etc. Consanguinity (tulya gotra) is being related to someone by blood, in contrast to atulya gotra.  

 

अथातोऽतुल्यगोत्रीयं शारीरं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

अथातोऽतुल्यगोत्रीयं शारीरं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||