Dr. Aparna Singh
Assistant Professor,
Department of Kriya Sharir,
Faculty of Ayurveda
Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU
Dhatu Sarata
Dhatu Sarata
 "Sriyate sthari bhavati yatra tatra saraha"
(Shabda Kalpadrum 5th Vol).
 Vishuddhataro Dhatu
(Chakrapani commentary on Ch.Vi.8/102-108).
 Dhatu saarta deals with physical and
psychological characteristics of an individual
which proved to be helpful in deciding the
strength of a person.
 The quality of tissue is analyzed by Sara Pariksha
in Ayurveda
 The inherent power of a person cannot be
assessed by bulk and size of the body but it is
only judged by the Sara examination i.e. the
physician can not make firm decision that if any
person is strong or weak from his appearance.
Small and emaciated persons seem to be strong
enough, just like “Pippillika Bhara Haranvat
 Sara pariksha serves as an important diagnostic
tool and is one among the ten types of method of
examination under Dasavidha Pariksha.
 The concept of Sara has been mentioned for the
assessment of Bala as per Charaka and Ayu as
per Sushrut of patient.
 सारतश्चेतत साराण्यष्टौ पुरुषाणाां बलमानविशेषज्ञानार्थमुपदिश्यन्ते ||
(C.Vi.
8/104)
 पूिं पूिं प्रधानमायुुःसौभाग्ययोररतत || (Su.Su 35/16)
 Bala is considered as biological strength or power of
resistance against the disease; which can be related with
immunity of an individual.
 Sarva Sara individuals are concidered to have higher
resistance in comparison to Madhyam Sara or Asara
individuals.
 It can be recognized that the person of particular Sara
will have more resistance against the diseases produced
by the particular Dhatu.
 It is aiso evident from the Kashyapa thought that the
individuals having particular Sara resist more against the
Types of Sara
 The individuals on the basis of Sara have been
classified into various categories depending upon
the predominance of particular dhatu in body
except the Satva Sara.
 Acharya Charak in vimanasthana 8/102, Sushrut
in sutrasthana 35/16, Vagbhata in Ashtanga
Samgraha sharirsthana 8/29, and Astanga
Hridaya sharirsthana 3/117 has described eight
types of sara.
Sara
Rakta
Mamsa
Meda
Asthi
Majja
Shukra
Satva
Tvak
 Whereas the nineth type of sara as Ojas sara has
been described in Kashyap Samhita.
 The description regarding sara is also available in
BruhatSamhita written by VarahaMihir.
Tvak Sara
 तत्र स्ननग्धश्लक्ष्णमृिुप्रसन्नसूक्ष्माल्पगम्भीरसुकु मारलोमा सप्रभेि च
त्िक् त्िक्साराणाम्|
सा सारता सुखसौभाग्यैश्ियोपभोगबुद्धधविद्यारोग्यप्रहषथणान्यायुष्यत्िां
चाचष्टे|| (C.Vi 8/103)
 सुप्रसन्नमृिुत्िग्रोमाणां त्िक्सारां विद्यादितत | (Su.Su 35/16)
Tvak Sara
Sara Charak Samhita Susruta
Samhita
Kashyap
Samhita
Brihat
Samhita
Tvak
Sara
Skin Unctuous,
smooth, soft,
clear, lustrous
Clear, soft
hairs and
skin.
Knowledgeab
le
Skin with
lustrous
complexion,
free from
skin
diseases
and rapid
wound
healing.
Skin is
unctuous,
soft and
thin.
Endowed
with wealth,
good
fortune,
knowledge
and
learning.
Hairs Fine, deep
rooted, soft or
delicate
Psychologica
l
Features
Happiness,
good fortunes,
prosperity,
enjoyment,
intellect,
knowledge,
health
enthusiasm
and longevity
Rakta Sara
 कणाथक्षिमुखस्िह्िानासौष्ठपाणणपाितलनखललाटमेहनां
स्ननग्धरक्तिणं श्रीमद्रास्िष्णु रक्तसाराणाम ्|
सा सारता सुखमुद्धताां मेधाां मनस्नित्िां
सौकु मायथमनततबलमक्लेशसदहष्णुत्िमुष्णासदहष्णुत्िां
चाचष्टे|| (C.Vi 8/104)
 स्ननग्धताम्रनखनयनतालुस्िह्िौष्ठपाणणपाितलां रक्तेन|
(Su.Su 35/16)
Sara Charak Samhita Susruta
Samhita
Kashyap
Samhita
Brihat
Samhita
Rakta
Sara
Ear, eye,
face, tongue,
nose, lips,
palm, sole,
nail, forehead
and genitals
Unctuous, red
colored and
beautiful
dazzling
appearance
Unctuous
and
coppery
red,
colored
nails,
eyes,
palate,,
tongue,
lips, palm
and sole
- Red
coloured
palate, lips,
gums,
tongue,
palpebral
conjunctiva,
anus, hands
and legs
Psychological
Features
Happiness,
sharp intellect,
enthusiasm,
tenderness,
moderate
strength, lack of
endurance and
intolerance to
heat.
Mamsa Sara
 शङ्खललाटकृ कादटकाक्षिगण्डहनुग्रीिानकन्धोिरकिििुःपा
णणपािसन्धयुः स्नर्रगुरुशुभमाांसोपधचता माांससाराणाम्|
सा सारता िमाां धृततमलौल्यां वित्तां विद्याां
सुखमािथिमारोग्यां बलमायुश्च िीर्थमाचष्टे|| (C.Vi.
8/105)
 अस्छिद्रगात्रां गूढास्नर्सस्न्धां माांसोपधचतां च माांसेन |
(Su.Su 35/16)
Sara Charak Samhita Susruta
Samhita
Kashyap
Samhita
Brihat
Samhita
Mams
a Sara
Temporal region,
forehead, nape ,
eyes, cheers,
jaws, neck,
shoulders,
abdomen, axilla,
chest, joints of
upper and lower
limbs
Firm, covered
with heavy,
good looking
beautiful
muscles.
Lack of
depression
in the body
(well
compact
body) ,well
developed
muscles
covering
the joints
and bones
- Well
develope
d
beautiful
body,
endowed
with
intelligenc
e and
wealthPsychological
Features
Forgiveness,
restrain
(patience), lack
of greed,
wealth,
knowledge,
happiness,
simplicity,
health,
strength,
longevity
Meda Sara
 िणथनिरनेत्रके शलोमनखिन्तौष्ठमूत्रपुरीषेषु विशेषतुः
ननेहो मेिुःसाराणाम ्|
सा सारता वित्तैश्ियथसुखोपभोगप्रिानान्यािथिां
सुकु मारोपचारताां चा चष्टे|| ( C.Vi. 8/ 106)
 स्ननग्धमूत्रनिेिनिरां बृहछिरीरमायासासदहष्णुां मेिसा |
(Su.Su 35/16)
Sara Charak Samhita Susruta
Samhita
Kashyap
Samhita
Brihat
Samhita
Meda
Sara
Complexion,
voice, eyes,
hairs, teeth,
lips, urine and
feces
Unctuous Unctuous
urine,
sweat, a
mellow
voice,
mighty body
and lack of
exercise
tolerance
- Beautiful in
appearance
.
Endowed
with wealth
and
progeny
Psychological
Features
Wealth,
prosperity,
happiness,
enjoyment,
charity,
simplicity
and
delicacy in
dealings
Asthi Sara
 पास्ष्णथगुल्फिान्िरस्त्नित्रुधचबुकशशरुःपिथनर्ूलाुः
नर्ूलास्नर्नखिन्ताश्चास्नर्साराुः|
ते महोत्साहाुः क्रियािन्तुः क्लेशसहाुः सारस्नर्रशरीरा
भिन्त्यायुष्मन्तश्च|| ( C.Vi 8/107)
 महाशशरुःनकन्धां दृढिन्तहन्िस्नर्नखमस्नर्शभुः |
(Su.Su
35/16)
Sara Charak Samhita Susruta
Samhita
Kashyap
Samhita
Brihat
Samhita
Asthi
Sara
Heels,
ankles,
knees,
elbow,
collar
bones, chin,
head and
joints
Prominent Possess
large head
(skull),
shoulder
strong,
teeth, jaws,
bones and
nails
- Thick
bones, firm
erect and
upright
features.
Endowed
with beauty
and
strengthBones, nails
and teeth
Large
Psychologic
al
Features
very
enthusiastic
, active,
capable of
facing
difficulties
and
longevity of
life
Majja Sara
 मृद्िङ्गा बलिन्तुः स्ननग्धिणथनिराुः
नर्ूलिीर्थिृत्तसन्धयश्च मज्िसाराुः|
ते िीर्ाथयुषो बलिन्तुः श्रुतवित्तविज्ञानापत्यसम्मानभािश्च
भिस्न्त||
( C.Vi
8/108)
 अकृ शमुत्तमबलां स्ननग्धगम्भीरनिरां सौभाग्योपपन्नां
महानेत्रां च मज्ज्ञा | (Su.Su 35/16)
Sara
Charak Samhita Susruta
Samhita
Kashyap
Samhita
Brihat
Samhita
Majja
Sara
Softness of organs, strength,
unctuousness in complexion
and voice
Person is
not
emaciated,
unctuous,
deep voice
and big
eyes, have
good
fortune.
- Beautiful in
appearanc
e and
possess
wealth and
progeny
Joints Prominent long
and rounded
Psychologi
cal
Features
Endowed with
longevity of life,
good physical
stamina, learning,
wealth,
knowledge,
progeny, social
dignity and
respect.
Shukra Sara
 सौम्याुः सौम्यप्रेक्षिणुः िीरपूणथलोचना इि प्रहषथबहुलाुः
स्ननग्धिृत्तसारसमसांहतशशखरिशनाुः प्रसन्नस्ननग्धिणथनिरा
रास्िष्णिो महास्नफचश्च शुिसाराुः|
ते नत्रीवप्रयोपभोगा बलिन्तुः
सुखैश्ियाथरोग्यवित्तसम्मानापत्यभािश्च भिस्न्त||
( C.Vi
8/109)
 स्ननग्धसांहतश्िेतास्नर्िन्तनखां बहुलकामप्रिां शुिे ण |
(Su.Su 35/16)
Sara Charak Samhita Susruta
Samhita
Kashyap
Samhita
Brihat
Samhita
Shukra
Sara
appeara
nce
Charming
person, eyes as
if filled with milk,
immensely
exhilarated
Unctuous and
well built body,
white bones,
teeth and nails
and abundant
semen and
these persons
are endowed
with excessive
sexual desire
and progeny
- Abundant
and thick
semen.
Endowed
with
fortune,
intelligence
and beauty
teeth Unctuous,
rounded, firm,
even and
compact
Having pleasant
and unctuous
complexion and
voice brilliant,
having prominent
buttocks.
Satva Sara
 नमृततमन्तो भस्क्तमन्तुः कृ तज्ञाुः प्राज्ञाुः शुचयो महोत्साहा
ििा धीराुः समरवििान्तयोधधननत्यक्तविषािाुः
सुव्यिस्नर्तगततगम्भीरबुद्धधचेष्टाुः कल्याणाशभतनिेशशनश्च
सत्त्िसाराुः| ( C.Vi 8/110)
 नमृततभस्क्तप्रज्ञाशौचशौयोपेतां कल्याणाशभतनिेशां सत्त्िसारां
विद्यात् | (Su.Su 35/16)
Sara Charak Samhita Susruta
Samhita
Kashyap
Samhita
Brihat
Samhita
Satva
Sara
Psychological
Features
Endowed with
memory,
devotion and
are grateful,
learned, pure,
courageous,
skillful,
resolute,
fighting in
battles with
prowess, free
from anxiety,
serious
intellect and
activities and
engaged in
various acts.
Endowed
with good
memory,
devotion,
intelligence,
cleanliness,
velour,
bravery,
benevolent,
thought and
action.
- -
Conclusion
 The examination of Dhatu sarata reveals the
status of Dhatu and Satva (mind) of an individual.
 The significance of Sara is important while
analyzing the bala of patient so that accordingly
the treatment modalities should be administered.
 Dhatu sarata reveals the quality of tissues which
is necessary for maintaining health and
prevention of disease of an individual.

Dhatu sarata

  • 1.
    Dr. Aparna Singh AssistantProfessor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Faculty of Ayurveda Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU Dhatu Sarata
  • 2.
    Dhatu Sarata  "Sriyatesthari bhavati yatra tatra saraha" (Shabda Kalpadrum 5th Vol).  Vishuddhataro Dhatu (Chakrapani commentary on Ch.Vi.8/102-108).
  • 3.
     Dhatu saartadeals with physical and psychological characteristics of an individual which proved to be helpful in deciding the strength of a person.  The quality of tissue is analyzed by Sara Pariksha in Ayurveda  The inherent power of a person cannot be assessed by bulk and size of the body but it is only judged by the Sara examination i.e. the physician can not make firm decision that if any person is strong or weak from his appearance. Small and emaciated persons seem to be strong enough, just like “Pippillika Bhara Haranvat
  • 4.
     Sara parikshaserves as an important diagnostic tool and is one among the ten types of method of examination under Dasavidha Pariksha.  The concept of Sara has been mentioned for the assessment of Bala as per Charaka and Ayu as per Sushrut of patient.  सारतश्चेतत साराण्यष्टौ पुरुषाणाां बलमानविशेषज्ञानार्थमुपदिश्यन्ते || (C.Vi. 8/104)  पूिं पूिं प्रधानमायुुःसौभाग्ययोररतत || (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 5.
     Bala isconsidered as biological strength or power of resistance against the disease; which can be related with immunity of an individual.  Sarva Sara individuals are concidered to have higher resistance in comparison to Madhyam Sara or Asara individuals.  It can be recognized that the person of particular Sara will have more resistance against the diseases produced by the particular Dhatu.  It is aiso evident from the Kashyapa thought that the individuals having particular Sara resist more against the
  • 6.
    Types of Sara The individuals on the basis of Sara have been classified into various categories depending upon the predominance of particular dhatu in body except the Satva Sara.  Acharya Charak in vimanasthana 8/102, Sushrut in sutrasthana 35/16, Vagbhata in Ashtanga Samgraha sharirsthana 8/29, and Astanga Hridaya sharirsthana 3/117 has described eight types of sara.
  • 7.
  • 8.
     Whereas thenineth type of sara as Ojas sara has been described in Kashyap Samhita.  The description regarding sara is also available in BruhatSamhita written by VarahaMihir.
  • 9.
    Tvak Sara  तत्रस्ननग्धश्लक्ष्णमृिुप्रसन्नसूक्ष्माल्पगम्भीरसुकु मारलोमा सप्रभेि च त्िक् त्िक्साराणाम्| सा सारता सुखसौभाग्यैश्ियोपभोगबुद्धधविद्यारोग्यप्रहषथणान्यायुष्यत्िां चाचष्टे|| (C.Vi 8/103)  सुप्रसन्नमृिुत्िग्रोमाणां त्िक्सारां विद्यादितत | (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 10.
    Tvak Sara Sara CharakSamhita Susruta Samhita Kashyap Samhita Brihat Samhita Tvak Sara Skin Unctuous, smooth, soft, clear, lustrous Clear, soft hairs and skin. Knowledgeab le Skin with lustrous complexion, free from skin diseases and rapid wound healing. Skin is unctuous, soft and thin. Endowed with wealth, good fortune, knowledge and learning. Hairs Fine, deep rooted, soft or delicate Psychologica l Features Happiness, good fortunes, prosperity, enjoyment, intellect, knowledge, health enthusiasm and longevity
  • 11.
    Rakta Sara  कणाथक्षिमुखस्िह्िानासौष्ठपाणणपाितलनखललाटमेहनां स्ननग्धरक्तिणंश्रीमद्रास्िष्णु रक्तसाराणाम ्| सा सारता सुखमुद्धताां मेधाां मनस्नित्िां सौकु मायथमनततबलमक्लेशसदहष्णुत्िमुष्णासदहष्णुत्िां चाचष्टे|| (C.Vi 8/104)  स्ननग्धताम्रनखनयनतालुस्िह्िौष्ठपाणणपाितलां रक्तेन| (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 12.
    Sara Charak SamhitaSusruta Samhita Kashyap Samhita Brihat Samhita Rakta Sara Ear, eye, face, tongue, nose, lips, palm, sole, nail, forehead and genitals Unctuous, red colored and beautiful dazzling appearance Unctuous and coppery red, colored nails, eyes, palate,, tongue, lips, palm and sole - Red coloured palate, lips, gums, tongue, palpebral conjunctiva, anus, hands and legs Psychological Features Happiness, sharp intellect, enthusiasm, tenderness, moderate strength, lack of endurance and intolerance to heat.
  • 13.
    Mamsa Sara  शङ्खललाटकृकादटकाक्षिगण्डहनुग्रीिानकन्धोिरकिििुःपा णणपािसन्धयुः स्नर्रगुरुशुभमाांसोपधचता माांससाराणाम्| सा सारता िमाां धृततमलौल्यां वित्तां विद्याां सुखमािथिमारोग्यां बलमायुश्च िीर्थमाचष्टे|| (C.Vi. 8/105)  अस्छिद्रगात्रां गूढास्नर्सस्न्धां माांसोपधचतां च माांसेन | (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 14.
    Sara Charak SamhitaSusruta Samhita Kashyap Samhita Brihat Samhita Mams a Sara Temporal region, forehead, nape , eyes, cheers, jaws, neck, shoulders, abdomen, axilla, chest, joints of upper and lower limbs Firm, covered with heavy, good looking beautiful muscles. Lack of depression in the body (well compact body) ,well developed muscles covering the joints and bones - Well develope d beautiful body, endowed with intelligenc e and wealthPsychological Features Forgiveness, restrain (patience), lack of greed, wealth, knowledge, happiness, simplicity, health, strength, longevity
  • 15.
    Meda Sara  िणथनिरनेत्रकेशलोमनखिन्तौष्ठमूत्रपुरीषेषु विशेषतुः ननेहो मेिुःसाराणाम ्| सा सारता वित्तैश्ियथसुखोपभोगप्रिानान्यािथिां सुकु मारोपचारताां चा चष्टे|| ( C.Vi. 8/ 106)  स्ननग्धमूत्रनिेिनिरां बृहछिरीरमायासासदहष्णुां मेिसा | (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 16.
    Sara Charak SamhitaSusruta Samhita Kashyap Samhita Brihat Samhita Meda Sara Complexion, voice, eyes, hairs, teeth, lips, urine and feces Unctuous Unctuous urine, sweat, a mellow voice, mighty body and lack of exercise tolerance - Beautiful in appearance . Endowed with wealth and progeny Psychological Features Wealth, prosperity, happiness, enjoyment, charity, simplicity and delicacy in dealings
  • 17.
    Asthi Sara  पास्ष्णथगुल्फिान्िरस्त्नित्रुधचबुकशशरुःपिथनर्ूलाुः नर्ूलास्नर्नखिन्ताश्चास्नर्साराुः| तेमहोत्साहाुः क्रियािन्तुः क्लेशसहाुः सारस्नर्रशरीरा भिन्त्यायुष्मन्तश्च|| ( C.Vi 8/107)  महाशशरुःनकन्धां दृढिन्तहन्िस्नर्नखमस्नर्शभुः | (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 18.
    Sara Charak SamhitaSusruta Samhita Kashyap Samhita Brihat Samhita Asthi Sara Heels, ankles, knees, elbow, collar bones, chin, head and joints Prominent Possess large head (skull), shoulder strong, teeth, jaws, bones and nails - Thick bones, firm erect and upright features. Endowed with beauty and strengthBones, nails and teeth Large Psychologic al Features very enthusiastic , active, capable of facing difficulties and longevity of life
  • 19.
    Majja Sara  मृद्िङ्गाबलिन्तुः स्ननग्धिणथनिराुः नर्ूलिीर्थिृत्तसन्धयश्च मज्िसाराुः| ते िीर्ाथयुषो बलिन्तुः श्रुतवित्तविज्ञानापत्यसम्मानभािश्च भिस्न्त|| ( C.Vi 8/108)  अकृ शमुत्तमबलां स्ननग्धगम्भीरनिरां सौभाग्योपपन्नां महानेत्रां च मज्ज्ञा | (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 20.
    Sara Charak Samhita Susruta Samhita Kashyap Samhita Brihat Samhita Majja Sara Softnessof organs, strength, unctuousness in complexion and voice Person is not emaciated, unctuous, deep voice and big eyes, have good fortune. - Beautiful in appearanc e and possess wealth and progeny Joints Prominent long and rounded Psychologi cal Features Endowed with longevity of life, good physical stamina, learning, wealth, knowledge, progeny, social dignity and respect.
  • 21.
    Shukra Sara  सौम्याुःसौम्यप्रेक्षिणुः िीरपूणथलोचना इि प्रहषथबहुलाुः स्ननग्धिृत्तसारसमसांहतशशखरिशनाुः प्रसन्नस्ननग्धिणथनिरा रास्िष्णिो महास्नफचश्च शुिसाराुः| ते नत्रीवप्रयोपभोगा बलिन्तुः सुखैश्ियाथरोग्यवित्तसम्मानापत्यभािश्च भिस्न्त|| ( C.Vi 8/109)  स्ननग्धसांहतश्िेतास्नर्िन्तनखां बहुलकामप्रिां शुिे ण | (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 22.
    Sara Charak SamhitaSusruta Samhita Kashyap Samhita Brihat Samhita Shukra Sara appeara nce Charming person, eyes as if filled with milk, immensely exhilarated Unctuous and well built body, white bones, teeth and nails and abundant semen and these persons are endowed with excessive sexual desire and progeny - Abundant and thick semen. Endowed with fortune, intelligence and beauty teeth Unctuous, rounded, firm, even and compact Having pleasant and unctuous complexion and voice brilliant, having prominent buttocks.
  • 23.
    Satva Sara  नमृततमन्तोभस्क्तमन्तुः कृ तज्ञाुः प्राज्ञाुः शुचयो महोत्साहा ििा धीराुः समरवििान्तयोधधननत्यक्तविषािाुः सुव्यिस्नर्तगततगम्भीरबुद्धधचेष्टाुः कल्याणाशभतनिेशशनश्च सत्त्िसाराुः| ( C.Vi 8/110)  नमृततभस्क्तप्रज्ञाशौचशौयोपेतां कल्याणाशभतनिेशां सत्त्िसारां विद्यात् | (Su.Su 35/16)
  • 24.
    Sara Charak SamhitaSusruta Samhita Kashyap Samhita Brihat Samhita Satva Sara Psychological Features Endowed with memory, devotion and are grateful, learned, pure, courageous, skillful, resolute, fighting in battles with prowess, free from anxiety, serious intellect and activities and engaged in various acts. Endowed with good memory, devotion, intelligence, cleanliness, velour, bravery, benevolent, thought and action. - -
  • 25.
    Conclusion  The examinationof Dhatu sarata reveals the status of Dhatu and Satva (mind) of an individual.  The significance of Sara is important while analyzing the bala of patient so that accordingly the treatment modalities should be administered.  Dhatu sarata reveals the quality of tissues which is necessary for maintaining health and prevention of disease of an individual.