Charak Samhita – Sutrasthana – Chapter 6 (Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya)
Abstract
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of adapting dietary habits and daily activities to seasonal variations to maintain health and prevent disease. Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya, the sixth chapter of Sutrasthana of Charaka Samhita, describes the relationship between seasonal changes, environmental factors, Dosha, Rasa, bodily strength and individual health. The chapter divides the year into six seasons and explains the two major periods, Adana Kala and Visarga Kala, which influence bodily strength and physiological conditions. It also provides seasonal recommendations concerning food, physical activity, clothing, bathing, sleep and other lifestyle practices. Particular attention is given to seasonal changes in Dosha and measures for maintaining health. This article examines the major Sanskrit passages of Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya, their English meanings and their significance in preventive healthcare.
Keywords: Charaka Samhita, Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya, Ritucharya, Adana Kala, Visarga Kala, Dosha, seasonal regimen, Ayurveda.
Introduction
Ayurveda emphasizes the maintenance of health through proper diet, lifestyle and adaptation to seasonal changes. Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya, the sixth chapter of Sutrasthana in Charaka Samhita, explains Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), the six seasons, Adana Kala, Visarga Kala, seasonal variations in bodily strength and changes in Dosha. It also describes appropriate dietary and lifestyle practices for different seasons. This article discusses the chapter’s important Sanskrit verses, their English meanings and their significance in maintaining health and preventing disease
Original Sanskrit Shlokas, English Meanings And Explanations
अथातस्तस्याशितीयमध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः ॥१॥
इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः ॥२॥
Now we shall explain the chapter entitled Tasyashiteeya (Seasonal regimen of diet and lifestyle) as taught by Lord Atreya.
Importance Of Seasonal Adaptation In Diet And Lifestyle
तस्याशिताद्यादाहाराद्बलं वर्णश्च वर्धते।
यस्यर्तुसात्म्यं विदितं चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम् ॥३॥
A person’s strength and complexion improve through food and related practices when that person understands the seasonal suitability of diet and activities.
Classification Of The Year Into Six Seasons
इह खलु संवत्सरं षडङ्गमृतुविभागेन विद्यात्।
तत्रादित्यस्योदगयनमादानं च त्रीनृतूञ्छिशिरादीन् ग्रीष्मान्तान् व्यवस्येत्, वर्षादीन् पुनर्हेमन्तान्तान् दक्षिणायनं विसर्गं च ॥४॥
A year should be understood as divided into six seasons. The Sun’s northward course, called Adana, comprises three seasons beginning with Shishira and ending with Grishma. The southward course, called Visarga, comprises three seasons beginning with Varsha and ending with Hemanta.
The verse divides the year into two major periods, each containing three seasons.
- Adana Kala: Shishira (late winter), Vasanta (spring) and Grishma (summer).
- Visarga Kala: Varsha (rainy season), Sharad (autumn) and Hemanta (early winter).
Nature Of Adana Kala And Visarga Kala
विसर्गे पुनर्वायवो नातिरूक्षाः प्रवान्ति, इतरे पुनरादाने; सोमश्चाव्याहतबलः शिशिराभिर्भाभिरापूरयञ्जगदाप्याययति शश्वत्, अतो विसर्गः सौम्यः।
आदानं पुनराग्नेयं; तावेतावर्कवायू सोमश्च कालस्वभावमार्गपरिगृहीताः कालर्तुरसदोषदेहबलनिर्वृत्तिप्रत्ययभूताः समुपदिश्यन्ते ॥५॥
During Visarga Kala, winds are not excessively dry, whereas they are drier during Adana Kala. The Moon, retaining its influence, continually nourishes the world with its cool rays; therefore, Visarga Kala is considered soothing in nature. Adana Kala, in contrast, is fiery in character. The Sun, wind and Moon, governed by time and their respective courses, contribute to variations in seasons, tastes, Dosha and bodily strength.
Effect Of Adana Kala On The Body
तत्र रविर्भाभिराददानो जगतः स्नेहं वायवस्तीव्ररूक्षाश्चोपशोषयन्तः।
शिशिरवसन्तग्रीष्मेषु यथाक्रमं रौक्ष्यमुत्पादयन्तो रूक्षान् रसांस्तिक्तकषायकटुकांश्चाभिवर्धयन्तो नृणां दौर्बल्यमावहन्ति ॥६॥
During Adana Kala, the Sun absorbs the moisture of the world through its rays, while strong and dry winds further increase dryness. Across Shishira, Vasanta and Grishma, this dryness progressively increases, accompanied by the predominance of bitter, astringent and pungent tastes, respectively, and a decline in human strength.
In Ayurvedic theory, these tastes have specific effects on Dosha and bodily tissues.
Effect Of Visarga Kala On The Body
वर्षाशरद्धेमन्तेषु तु दक्षिणाभिमुखेऽर्के कालमार्गमेघवातवर्षाभिहतप्रतापे।
शशिनि चाव्याहतबले, माहेन्द्रसलिलप्रशान्तसन्तापे जगति, अरूक्षा रसाः प्रवर्धन्तेऽम्ललवणमधुरा यथाक्रमं तत्र बलमुपचीयते नृणामिति ॥७॥
During Varsha, Sharad and Hemanta, the Sun’s intensity is reduced by seasonal factors, including clouds, winds and rainfall, while the Moon retains its influence. As the heat of the environment subsides, non-drying tastes become prominent, with sour, salty and sweet tastes predominating successively. Human strength increases during this period.
Seasonal Variation In Bodily Strength
भवन्ति चात्र।आदावन्ते च दौर्बल्यं विसर्गादानयोर्नृणाम्।
मध्ये मध्यबलं, त्वन्ते श्रेष्ठमग्रे च निर्दिशेत् ॥८॥
At the beginning of Visarga Kala (Varsha Ritu) and at the end of Adana Kala (Grisma Ritu), people experience weakness. In the middle of these periods, strength is moderate. At the end of Visarga Kala (Hemant Ritu) and the beginning of Adana Kala (Sisir Ritu), strength is considered greatest.
Seasonal Dietary And Lifestyle Regimens
Hemanta Ritu (Early Winter)
Agni In Hemant Ritu
शीते शीतानिलस्पर्शसंरुद्धो बलिनां बली।
पक्ता भवति हेमन्ते मात्राद्रव्यगुरुक्षमः ॥९॥
During Hemanta, the cold wind and cold conditions confine the internal heat in strong individuals, making their digestive capacity powerful enough to digest food that is substantial in quantity and heavy in nature.
स यदा नेन्धनं युक्तं लभते देहजं तदा।रसं हिनस्त्यतो वायुः शीतः शीते प्रकुप्यति ॥१०॥
When the body’s digestive fire does not receive suitable fuel in the form of food, it consumes the body’s own nourishing material; consequently, Vata becomes aggravated by the cold.
Diet In Hemant Ritu
तस्मात्तुषारसमये स्निग्धाम्ललवणान् रसान्।औदकानूपमांसानां मेद्यानामुपयोजयेत् ॥११॥
बिलेशयानां मांसानि प्रसहानां भृतानि च।भक्षयेन्मदिरां शीधुं मधु चानुपिबेन्नरः ॥१२॥
During the cold season, a person should consume foods with unctuous (oily), sour and salty tastes. Foods that promote nourishment and body fat, including the meat of aquatic and marsh-dwelling animals, are recommended. Meat of burrowing animals, animals that capture their prey, and domesticated animals may also be eaten. The person may drink alcoholic beverages such as Madira and Sidhu, followed by honey.
गोरसानिक्षुविकृतीर्वसां तैलं नवौदनम्।हेमन्तेऽभ्यस्यतस्तोयमुष्णं चायुर्न हीयते ॥१३॥
A person who regularly consumes milk products, sugarcane preparations, fats, oils, freshly harvested rice and warm water during Hemanta is described as preserving longevity.
Lifestyle In Winter Season
अभ्यङ्गोत्सादनं मूर्ध्नि तैलं जेन्ताकमातपम्।भजेद्भूमिगृहं चोष्णमुष्णं गर्भगृहं तथा ॥१४॥
During Hemanta, one should practise oil massage, application of unctuous substances to the body, oil application to the head, appropriate warming procedures, exposure to sunlight and residence in warm, sheltered spaces.
शीतेषु संवृतं सेव्यं यानं शयनमासनम्| प्रावाराजिनकौषेयप्रवेणीकुथकास्तृतम्||१५||
During winter, one should use sheltered vehicles, beds and seats covered with warm materials such as blankets, animal skins, silk and thick rugs.
गुरूष्णवासा दिग्धाङ्गो गुरुणाऽगुरुणा सदा| शयने प्रमदां पीनां विशालोपचितस्तनीम्||१६||
आलिङ्ग्यागुरुदिग्धाङ्गीं सुप्यात् समदमन्मथः| प्रकामं च निषेवेत मैथुनं शिशिरागमे||१७||
During the winter season, one should wear warm, heavy clothing, apply Aguru (Aquilaria agallocha) paste to the body, and sleep embracing a well-built, full-breasted woman whose body is also anointed with Aguru. Sexual activity is considered suitable during this season.
To Be Avoided
वर्जयेदन्नपानानि वातलानि लघूनि च।प्रवातं प्रमिताहारमुदमन्थं हिमागमे ॥१८॥
At the onset of winter, one should avoid foods and drinks that aggravate Vata, excessively light foods, exposure to strong winds, insufficient food intake and the diluted gruel mentioned in the verse.
Shishira Ritu (Late Winter)
Shishira shares many features with Hemanta, but greater cold and dryness are associated with the onset of Adana Kala.
हेमन्तशिशिरौ तुल्यौ शिशिरेऽल्पं विशेषणम्।रौक्ष्यमादानजं शीतं मेघमारुतवर्षजम् ॥१९॥
Hemanta and Shishira are similar, although Shishira has certain distinguishing features. During Shishira, dryness associated with Adana Kala increases, while clouds, wind and rainfall contribute to cold conditions.
तस्माद्धैमन्तिकः सर्वः शिशिरे विधिरिष्यते।निवातमुष्णं त्वधिकं शिशिरे गृहमाश्रयेत् ॥२०॥Therefore, the entire regimen prescribed for Hemanta is also recommended for Shishira. In this season, one should particularly reside in warm places protected from wind.
To Be Avoided
कटुतिक्तकषायाणि वातलानि लघूनि च।वर्जयेदन्नपानानि शिशिरे शीतलानि च ॥२१॥
During Shishira, one should avoid foods and drinks that are pungent, bitter, astringent, Vata-aggravating, excessively light or cold in nature.
Vasanta Ritu (Spring)
वसन्ते निचितः श्लेष्मा दिनकृद्भाभिरीरितः।कायाग्निं बाधते रोगांस्ततः प्रकुरुते बहून् ॥२२॥
In spring, Kapha that has accumulated gets liquified by the Sun’s rays, interferes with digestive fire and consequently gives rise to various disorders.
Indications And Contraindications
तस्माद्वसन्ते कर्माणि वमनादीनि कारयेत्।गुर्वम्लस्निग्धमधुरं दिवास्वप्नं च वर्जयेत् ॥२३॥
Therefore, during spring, procedures such as Vamana and other appropriate cleansing measures should be undertaken. Heavy, sour, unctuous and sweet foods, as well as daytime sleep, should be avoided.
व्यायामोद्वर्तनं धूमं कवलग्रहमञ्जनम्।सुखाम्बुना शौचविधिं शीलयेत् कुसुमागमे ॥२४॥
During the flowering season, one should practise exercise, Udvartana, the use of medicated smoke, gargling and the application of collyrium. Cleansing practices should be performed with comfortably warm water.
Other Measures
चन्दनागुरुदिग्धाङ्गो यवगोधूमभोजनः| शारभं शाशमैणेयं मांसं लावकपिञ्जलम्||२५||
During this season, one should apply sandalwood and Aguru (Aquilaria agallocha) paste to the body and consume foods prepared from barley and wheat. The recommended meats include those of Sharabha, rabbit, deer, quail and grey partridge.
भक्षयेन्निर्गदं सीधुं पिबेन्माध्वीकमेव वा| वसन्तेऽनुभवेत् स्त्रीणां काननानां च यौवनम्||२६||
During spring, one may consume Sidhu (a type of fermented alcoholic drink) or Madhvika (a wine prepared from honey or grapes), as appropriate and enjoy the companionship of women and the beauty of forests.
Grishma Ritu (Summer)
मयूखैर्जगतः स्नेहं ग्रीष्मे पेपीयते रविः।स्वादु शीतं द्रवं स्निग्धमन्नपानं तदा हितम् ॥२७॥
During summer, the Sun absorbs the moisture of the world through its rays. Therefore, foods and drinks that are sweet, cooling, liquid and unctuous are beneficial at that time.
Diet In Summers
शीतं सशर्करं मन्थं जाङ्गलान्मृगपक्षिणः।घृतं पयः सशाल्यन्नं भजन् ग्रीष्मे न सीदति ॥२८॥
A person who consumes a cooling preparation of Mantha with sugar, meat of animals and birds from dry-land habitats, ghee, milk and Shali rice during summer is described as avoiding seasonal debility.
To Be Avoided
मद्यमल्पं न वा पेयमथवा सुबहूदकम्।लवणाम्लकटूष्णानि व्यायामं च विवर्जयेत् ॥२९॥
Alcoholic beverages should be consumed only in small quantities, avoided altogether, or, if taken, diluted with plenty of water. Salty, sour, pungent and hot foods, as well as physical exercise, should be avoided.
Lifestyle In Summers
दिवा शीतगृहे निद्रां निशि चन्द्रांशुशीतले।भजेच्चन्दनदिग्धाङ्गः प्रवाते हर्म्यमस्तके ॥३०॥
During the day, one should rest in a cool building. At night, after applying sandalwood paste to the body, one should stay in a breezy, elevated part of the house cooled by moonlight.
व्यजनैः पाणिसंस्पर्शैश्चन्दनोदकशीतलैः| सेव्यमानो भजेदास्यां मुक्तामणिविभूषितः||३१||
During summer, one should stay cool by using fans, gentle hand contact and sandalwood-scented cool water, while wearing ornaments made of pearls and gems.
काननानि च शीतानि जलानि कुसुमानि च।ग्रीष्मकाले निषेवेत मैथुनाद्विरतो नरः ॥३२॥
During summer, one should enjoy cool gardens, cool water and flowers, and refrain from sexual intercourse.
Varsha Ritu (Rainy Season)
Agni In Varsha Ritu
आदानदुर्बले देहे पक्ता भवति दुर्बलः।स वर्षास्वनिलादीनां दूषणैर्बाध्यते पुनः ॥३३॥
When the body has become weakened during Adana Kala, digestive capacity also becomes weak. During the rainy season, it is further affected by the disturbances associated with Vata and the other Dosha.
भूबाष्पान्मेघनिस्यन्दात् पाकादम्लाज्जलस्य च।वर्षास्वग्निबले क्षीणे कुप्यन्ति पवनादयः ॥३४॥
During the rainy season, vapours arising from the earth, rainfall and the transformation of water are described as weakening digestive fire; when Agni is diminished, Vata and the other Dosha become aggravated.
Indications And Contraindications
तस्मात् साधारणः सर्वो विधिर्वर्षासु शस्यते।उदमन्थं दिवास्वप्नमवश्यायं नदीजलम् ॥३५॥
व्यायाममातपं चैव व्यवायं चात्र वर्जयेत्।पानभोजनसंस्कारान् प्रायः क्षौद्रान्वितान् भजेत् ॥३६॥
During the rainy season, a general regimen suitable for maintaining the condition of the three Dosha is recommended. One Should Avoid diluted Mantha, daytime sleep, dew exposure and river water. It also recommends avoiding exercise, excessive sun exposure and sexual intercourse, and describes the use of honey in the preparation of food and drinks.
Recommended Diet In Varsha Ritu
व्यक्ताम्ललवणस्नेहं वातवर्षाकुलेऽहनि।विशेषशीते भोक्तव्यं वर्षास्वनिलशान्तये ॥३७॥
During rainy days characterised by wind and rainfall, particularly when the weather is cold, food that is distinctly sour, salty and unctuous should be consumed to pacify Vata.
अग्निसंरक्षणवता यवगोधूमशालयः| पुराणा जाङ्गलैर्मांसैर्भोज्या यूषैश्च संस्कृतैः||३८||
During the rainy season, one should protect digestive fire and consume aged barley, wheat and rice, along with meat of animals from arid regions and properly prepared soups.
पिबेत् क्षौद्रान्वितं चाल्पं माध्वीकारिष्टमम्बु वा| माहेन्द्रं तप्तशीतं वा कौपं सारसमेव वा||३९||
During the rainy season, one should drink a small quantity of Madhvika Arishta mixed with honey, or rainwater that has been heated and cooled, or water from a well or a natural lake.
Other Measures
प्रघर्षोद्वर्तनस्नानगन्धमाल्यपरो भवेत्| लघुशुद्धाम्बरः स्थानं भजेदक्लेदि वार्षिकम्||४०||
During the rainy season, one should practise dry rubbing, powder massage and bathing, use perfumes and garlands, wear clean, light clothes, and stay in a dry, moisture-free place.
Sharad Ritu (Autumn)
वर्षाशीतोचिताङ्गानां सहसैवार्करश्मिभिः।तप्तानामाचितं पित्तं प्रायः शरदि कुप्यति ॥४१॥
When bodies accustomed to the cold conditions of the rainy season are suddenly exposed to the Sun’s rays, the Pitta that has accumulated in them generally becomes aggravated during autumn.
Recommended Diet In Sharad Ritu
तत्रान्नपानं मधुरं लघु शीतं सतिक्तकम्।पित्तप्रशमनं सेव्यं मात्रया सुप्रकाङ्क्षितैः ॥४२॥
During this season, foods and drinks that are sweet, light, cooling and slightly bitter, and that pacify Pitta, should be consumed in appropriate quantities when there is a proper appetite.
लावान् कपिञ्जलानेणानुरभ्राञ्छरभान् शशान्| शालीन् सयवगोधूमान् सेव्यानाहुर्घनात्यये||४३||
During autumn, one should consume the meat of quail, grey partridge, deer, sheep, Sharabha and rabbit, along with rice, barley and wheat.
तिक्तस्य सर्पिषः पानं विरेको रक्तमोक्षणम्।धाराधरात्यये कार्यमातपस्य च वर्जनम् ॥४४॥
After the rainy season has ended, use of ghee processed with bitter substances, purgation and bloodletting, along with avoidance of exposure to the Sun.
To Be Avoided
वसां तैलमवश्यायमौदकानूपमामिषम्क्षारं दधि दिवास्वप्नं प्राग्वातं चात्र वर्जयेत् ॥४५॥
During this season, the text advises avoiding animal fat, oil, dew, meat from aquatic and marsh-dwelling animals, alkaline substances, curd, daytime sleep and easterly winds.
Hamsodaka: Water Described for Sharad Ritu
दिवा सूर्यांशुसन्तप्तं निशि चन्द्रांशुशीतलम्।कालेन पक्वं निर्दोषमगस्त्येनाविषीकृतम् ॥४६॥
हंसोदकमिति ख्यातं शारदं विमलं शुचि।स्नानपानावगाहेषु हितमम्बु यथाऽमृतम् ॥४७॥
Water heated by the Sun’s rays during the day and cooled by the Moon’s rays at night, matured with time, free from impurities and rendered harmless through the influence of Agastya is called Hamsodaka. This clear and pure water of the autumn season is described as beneficial for bathing, drinking and immersion, like nectar.
Lifestyle In Sharad Ritu
शारदानि च माल्यानि वासांसि विमलानि च।शरत्काले प्रशस्यन्ते प्रदोषे चेन्दुरश्मयः ॥४८॥
During Sharad Ritu, seasonal flower garlands, clean clothing and exposure to the Moon’s rays during the early part of the night are considered beneficial.
Okasatmya: The Principle Of Adaptation
इत्युक्तमृतुसात्म्यं यच्चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम्।उपशेते यदौचित्यादोकःसात्म्यं तदुच्यते ॥४९॥
The seasonal adaptations concerning diet and activities have been described. When something becomes suitable to the body through habitual use, it is called Okasatmya.
Satmya
देशानामामयानां च विपरीतगुणं गुणैः।सात्म्यमिच्छन्ति सात्म्यज्ञाश्चेष्टितं चाद्यमेव च ॥५०॥
Those who understand Satmya consider dietary and behavioural practices with qualities opposite to those of the region and the conditions contributing to disease to be suitable for adaptation.
For example, recommendations suitable for a hot, dry region may differ from those appropriate for a cold, humid region. Likewise, a regimen for a healthy person may require modification in someone with an existing disorder.
Summary Verse of the Chapter
ऋतावृतौ नृभिः सेव्यमसेव्यं यच्च किञ्चन।तस्याशितीये निर्दिष्टं हेतुमत् सात्म्यमेव च ॥५१॥
Tasyashiteeya describes what people should and should not follow in each season, together with the reasoning behind these recommendations and the principles of suitability and adaptation.
Conclusion
Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya, the sixth chapter of Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana, provides a detailed account of Ritucharya and its role in maintaining health. By dividing the year into six seasons and two major periods, Adana Kala and Visarga Kala, the chapter explains the seasonal variation of Dosha, Rasa, Agni and Bala. It presents specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations for Hemanta, Shishira, Vasanta, Grishma, Varsha and Sharad Ritu, together with the principles of Ritusatmya and Okasatmya.The central message of the chapter is that food and lifestyle should be adapted to seasonal characteristics rather than followed without variation throughout the year. Its emphasis on individual suitability, environmental awareness, adequate nourishment and appropriate daily habits provides an important foundation for understanding the preventive approach of Ayurveda. When applied in contemporary settings, these principles should be interpreted in accordance with individual health needs, regional climate and current standards of clinical care.
