GRAHA ROGAS: A COMPREHENSIVE SCIENTIFIC REINTERPRETATION OF AYURVEDIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE PARADIGM

Dr. Sushant Bhandari*, Dr. Achyut Acharya and Dr. Prashanna Nepal

Graha Rogas represent one of Ayurveda's most enigmatic yet profound clinical concepts, deeply rooted in the pediatric specialty of Kaumarabhritya. Historically classified under Bhuta Vidya (knowledge of supernatural entities), these disorders have been marginalized in contemporary discourse due to their mythological framing and perceived lack of scientific validity. Texts like the Ashtanga Sangraha and Sushruta Samhita dedicated entire sections to Graha Chikitsa, while later works (Kumara Tantra, Chakradatta) preserved detailed descriptions of these acute, life-threatening conditions. Modern skepticism arises from the personification of Grahas as entities like Skanda, Putana, or Revati—a language reflecting the cultural milieu of ancient scholars rather than literal belief. This review posits that Graha Rogas constitute Ayurveda's sophisticated framework for infectious diseases, with "Grahas" symbolizing pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoa). We deconstruct this paradigm through epidemiological, clinical, and pathophysiological correlations, arguing for its urgent integration into modern infectious disease models. This review article aims to demystify Graha Rogas by reinterpreting their characteristics, causative factors, clinical presentations, and management principles through a contemporary scientific lens, particularly concerning microbial infections and their impact on physical and psychological well-being.