Question

How many Aṅgas are there in Āyurvedāgama ?

• A. Aṣṭau
• B. Pañca
• C. Sapta
• D. Daśa

Hint:

Āyurveda is always remembered as “Aṣṭāṅga Ayurveda” = 8 branches of medical science.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept of Āyurvedāgama.
The Āyurvedāgama (tradition of Ayurveda) is said to be divided into eight main branches, known as the Aṣṭāṅga of Ayurveda.
Step 2: Listing the eight Aṅgas.
The eight branches are:
1. Kāyacikitsā (General medicine).
2. Śalyacikitsā (Surgery).
3. Śālākya (Treatment of diseases of eye, ear, nose, throat, etc.).
4. Kaumāra-bhṛtya (Pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology).
5. Agada-tantra (Toxicology).
6. Rasāyana (Rejuvenation therapy).
7. Vājīkaraṇa (Aphrodisiac therapy).
8. Bhūtavidyā (Psychiatry, treatment of possession disorders).
Step 3: Analysis of options.
- Aṣṭau (8): Correct, as Ayurveda is divided into 8 branches.
- Pañca (5): Wrong, not five.
- Sapta (7): Wrong, not seven.
- Daśa (10): Wrong, not ten.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, Ayurveda has 8 Aṅgas (Aṣṭāṅga Ayurveda).