Honored by National Dhanwantari Award 2023 by Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India on 8th Ayurveda Day (10th Nov)
Vd. Panchabhai V. Damaniya is a renowned figure known for his invaluable contributions to the field of Ayurveda, not only in India but also abroad. He holds an MD(Ayu) degree in Dravyaguna from Jamnagar University. He is a visionary Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Shiv-Shakti Arogya Mandir, located in Una, Gujarat. It is both an Ayurvedic clinic and a temple, where more than 200 patients visit daily to receive expert guidance from him in achieving a state of health based on the scientific principles of Ayurveda. Sir has completed the study of Sanskrit, having qualified up to the first level (Prathama), second level (Madhyama), and achieved proficiency in the first level (Bhushan) category.
In 2015, he was honored as a Rashtriya Guru by Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Each year from all over India, four Ayurvedic BAMS Scholars come to receive training under his mentorship for a duration of one year, as part of the Guru-Shishya Parampara conducted by RAV.
In 2013, in acknowledgment of his substantial contributions to the field of Ayurveda, he was bestowed with the prestigious Ayush Vivek Award. His dedication and expertise in Ayurveda and Yoga have earned him several esteemed awards across different Indian states. Furthermore, he has conducted extensive research into the treatment of patients afflicted with a spectrum of ailments, including AIDS, Thalassemia, Infertility, Cancer, and even the formidable COVID-19. He has conducted numerous seminars and webinars on various topics, including the collection of medicinal herbs, the significance of ancient scriptures (shastras), the reverence of cows (Gau Mahima), the significance of Ashvino and Dhanvantri Yagna, and the principles of Ayurvedic lifestyle.
As a disciple of the late Kulguru Swami Rajarshi Muni, the Founder of the Lakulish International Fellowship’s Enlightenment Mission (LIFE Mission), Sir received Shaktipat (the process of transmitting spiritual energy) from him and gained expertise in Yoga under his guidance. Additionally, he is connected with Trikala Jnani Sanyasi Pragyanandji and various other spiritual and divine personalities. These associations have contributed to his status as a Jeetenderiya personality, and this journey has solidified his command over Daivavyapasraya chikitsa, especially through the performance of Yagna using specific mantras and herbs based on disease conditions and general well-being.
Vd. Panchabhai V. Damaniya is unique due to his proficiency in all treatment modalities of Ayurveda, namely Trividha Chikitsa: Daiva-vyapashraya, Yukti-vyapashraya, and Satvavajaya Chikitsa.
Sir can you describe ayurveda from your point of view, as many physicians have difference of opinions. Some says it as a lifestyle, some says it as treatment. What is your opinion about Ayurveda?
A person who can live the life of Ayurveda can imbibe Ayurveda. For instance, getting up in the Brahma Murhut and then using the medicinals described in Ayurveda Shastra in the bathing ritual, such as Sidharthaka snan, Varnya Dashemani, Lodhradhi Gana according to the season, and using different substances for toothpaste. The Ayurvedic Dincharya, Rutucharya, and Ratricharya should be observed as already described at the beginning. The teachings of Ayurveda should be accepted and consumed with the utmost respect. If people of Ayurveda do not follow it, then who will? The two texts of Ayurveda, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita are Trikalaabadhit works, and they describe the complete Sanatana Siddha principles. These principles should, therefore, be accepted and followed.
Sir, we read a lot about you implementing daivavyapasraya chikitsa in ayurveda treatment of current era. We would love to hear about your successful journey in daivavyapasraya chikitsa.
Each principle of Ayurveda is eternal, and these principles are timeless, so time does not matter. The Sutrasthan and Vimanasthan of the Charaka Samhita describe divine therapy. They contain the description of mani, mantra, mangal, aushaddharana, etc. Mantra Chikitsa is described in Jwar Chikitsa. The origin of fever is described in the scriptures, reciting the name of Parvati Shiva, etc., for its peace, relieves the fever. Other psychotic diseases, such as epilepsy and dementia, are also described in Daivayapashraya Chikitsa. Wearing beads calms the disease down. Mani Dharan is also mentioned at the time of conception. The statement of Mangal Vachana is also described. Hom means Yajna. Even in occultism, there is a description of yajna in the treatment of each. There is a reference in the Yajna Mimansa that consuming the medicine, which brings peace to the disease, and performing Yajna with the same medicine for the peace of the same disease. For the first time, we tried yajna chikitsa for chikungunya fever, and many people got better. After that, we tried yajna chikitsa for dengue fever, and also after that, we tried yajna chikitsa for COVID-19.
Sir, we would like to know about the Ashwino Yajya and Lord Dhanwantari Puja conducting every month.
This is also a part of divine therapy. Ashwinau has been appointed by the Tridevatas as the authority of Ayurveda. When the idol was enshrined at Ashwinau Devalaya in Aryagram- Keshav Goshala in Gandhinagar, it was realized that his pre-eminent date is Pushpadwitiya. After performing a great yajna on the day of Pushpadvitiya, his symbolic form should be performed every month on Dwitiya Tithi. This practice ensures that his consciousness remains forever inside the idol, and the yajna is performed every month with the purpose of eliminating disease through Chaitanyashakti. The idol of Lord Dhanvantari is enshrined at Bhagwan Dhanvantari samadhi sthal in Moti Dhanej Junagdh, Gujarat, with his day being Thursday and Hasta Nakshatra. Therefore, yajna is performed on the last Thursday of every month. Chikitsa yajna is performed after yajna for both. This process yields good results even in incurable diseases like cancer. The energy of Yajna significantly enhances the chances of recovery in the patient.
Sir, in an earlier period, developing a pharmacy and maintaining that needs many efforts. We would love to hear about the medicine manufacturing unit and what all hurdles you had gone through in its developing phase?
In subjects that align with a person’s interests and hobbies, difficulties are often less pronounced. My Ayurvedic treatment began with the use of a grinding machine for preparing medicinal formulations like churna, kwath, and swaras. This machine made the process of Ghrit and Tail Kalpana much simpler. As the number of patients increased, the necessity for machines became evident, and subsequently, everything was organized accordingly. For those who harbor a deep curiosity for Ayurveda, challenges are not perceived as insurmountable obstacles. Our journey encountered minimal difficulties along this path.
Sir, please describe the emerging developments of current pharmacy.
There are no future plans concerning the pharmacy; there never were any to begin with. Currently, the hospital relies on a pulverizer machine for the medicine-making process. We do not employ any specialized machinery for formulating medications. In the realm of Ayurveda, we believe that the more we rely on human hands, the more successful our endeavors become.
Sir, we would like to know about the cancer treatment which you are expertise in. What is the role of Ayurveda comparing to other system of medicines in cancer treatment.
Ayurveda describes cancer in various forms such as vidradhi, granthi, and apachi, providing references for both diagnosis and treatment. Breast diseases are also referenced in the text. The term ‘Arbuda’ can be considered synonymous with cancer, with four out of the six types of Arbuda being treatable. However, we have made the mistake of employing the same treatment and medicine for all cancers. Success can be achieved by tailoring the treatment according to the specific dosha. If the dosha differs, the treatment should also differ accordingly.
Sir, we would love to know about the book written by you in Gou mahima?
The idea of the glory of cows was inspired by the Atharva Veda. In the ekadasha kanda of the Atharvaveda, it is described that the state of human beings and the entire world is akin to the condition of cows. I delved into this mantra within Ayurveda and discovered that over 5000 Ghrita Kalpanas are delineated in Ayurveda Shastra. Utilizing this concept in therapy yielded remarkable results. This inspired me to dedicate myself to exploring the significance of cows in Vedic-Puranas and Ayurveda. Reflecting on this, I authored a book on the glory of cows, intending to illuminate the importance of cows and unravel their secrets for the readers.
Sir, what is the speciality of cows which are kept here? Importance of cow products in Ayurveda…
The Gir cow has been housed in the gaushala. Considering the locality is within the Gir region, it is most appropriate for accommodating Gir cows. In the event of a hospital in another region, the cows would be housed in cowsheds suitable for that particular area.
After completing BAMS, many students are facing a major problem in practicing ayurveda. Most of them don’t get enough confidence in treatment field. So how to overcome this stress level in young doctors?
Students do not study Samhita for five years during BAMS, which leads to difficulties. Those aspiring to practice Ayurveda should commit Ayurveda’s principles to memory from the outset and then seek to comprehend the memorized shlokas through deep thinking. To find success in Ayurveda, it is essential to take shelter of Lord Dhanvantari and Ashvinau dev, the gods of Ayurveda; Without their blessing, endeavors may not yield the desired results.
Can u please describe the untouched areas of ayurveda which still needs to get explored so that young ayurvedic generation can get a better scope in ayurvedic field?
According to my perspective, only 1% of Ayurveda has been truly internalized by the Ayurvedic experts, while 99% of Ayurveda remains unexplored.
Can u please explain unforgettable treatment experiences both good and bad experience, as it says, Failure is the steppingstone of success. So, failures had paved your ways too. So, our readers having a curiosity to know that.
The successful treatment of complex ailments depends on cultivating a strong mental resolve, fostering a deep connection with the medicine, nurturing positive sentiments for the patient, and fostering mutual trust and optimism. In my life, the instances of failure have been few and far between, leaving a lasting impact.
Sir, please share an advice or a message note to general public for a healthy lifestyle through Ayurveda.
The principles of Ayurveda advocate adherence to Dincharya, Ratricharya, and Rutucharya. However, the prevailing influences of contemporary times often deter people from adopting these principles, leading to an increase in various ailments. To counteract these influences and foster a healthier lifestyle, embracing the teachings of Ayurveda is imperative.
