Having left the cold embrace of the Himalayas, Dhey and Prarabdh now ventured southward, where the dense forests of Madhya Bharat (Central India) awaited them. Their Guru had instructed them to seek out a hidden ashram, where the Vaidya Maheshwar, a legendary healer, resided. His knowledge of jungle herbs was unmatched, and it was said that he could heal even those on the brink of death.
The journey was not easy. The air grew thick with humidity, and the dense canopy of towering Sal (Shorea robusta) and Peepal (Ficus religiosa) trees blocked the sky. Every rustling leaf and distant growl reminded them that they were in the domain of nature, where man was but a humble guest.
"Guruji said that the jungle is the true test of a healer," Dhey muttered, swatting away a mosquito. "Here, there are no fancy medicines, only what nature provides."
Prarabdh, ever the intuitive one, bent down and picked up a few leaves from the ground. He sniffed them and smiled. "Neem leaves. Even in the wild, Dharma provides what we need."
Meeting the Forest Sage
After days of trekking, they finally arrived at the ashram. A simple hut made of clay and bamboo stood amidst the trees, surrounded by small ponds and a thriving herbal garden. Birds chirped, peacocks danced, and the air was filled with the fragrance of Sandalwood (Chandan – Santalum album) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi).
An elderly man, his beard flowing like white silk, sat cross-legged near a fire, stirring a pot filled with a deep green decoction. His eyes were sharp, scanning them as if reading their very souls.
"You have come seeking knowledge, but tell me—what is the first duty of a healer?" he asked, his voice firm yet kind.
Dhey hesitated, but Prarabdh spoke, "To know the balance of the three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and to restore harmony where it is lost."
Vaidya Maheshwar smiled. "Correct. But that is only half the answer. The true duty of a healer is not just to cure disease, but to prevent it. Ayurveda is not just about healing the sick, but about keeping the healthy from falling ill."
"स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्यरक्षणं आतुरस्य विकारप्रशमनं च।"
"The purpose of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of the healthy and cure the disease of the sick."
— Charaka Samhita
The Jungle's Hidden Medicines
For weeks, they stayed under Vaidya Maheshwar's guidance, learning about the incredible power of forest herbs. Every morning, he would take them into the jungle, showing them the plants that had been used for centuries in Ayurveda.
1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) – The Warrior's Heart
Found along riverbanks, Arjuna bark was sacred to Bhagwan Indra, who gifted it to warriors for strength and resilience.
Uses: Strengthens the heart, controls blood pressure, and heals wounds.
2. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) – The Herb of Saraswati
Brahmi was said to be the favorite herb of Devi Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom. Sages consumed it to sharpen their intellect.
Uses: Enhances memory, reduces anxiety, and promotes mental clarity.
3. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) – The Mind's Guardian
It is said that when Lord Shiva sat in deep meditation, his locks (jata) blessed the Himalayas, giving birth to Jatamansi.
Uses: Calms the nervous system, aids sleep, and relieves stress.
4. Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum) – The Herb of Protection
Used in ancient Yajnas, this plant was said to absorb and dispel negative energies.
Uses: Strengthens immunity, reduces inflammation, and heals respiratory disorders.
5. Vacha (Acorus calamus) – The Voice of the Gods
The great rishis chewed Vacha roots before delivering discourses, as it was believed to clear speech and awaken higher consciousness.
Uses: Improves voice clarity, treats throat infections, and enhances cognitive function.
The Trial of the Jungle
One evening, as they sat by the fire, a young tribal woman rushed into the ashram, her face pale with worry. "My brother has been bitten by a cobra! Please, save him!"
Vaidya Maheshwar immediately stood up. "Bring him here. The jungle provides both poison and its cure."
The boy was carried in—his body trembling, sweat dripping from his forehead, his breath shallow. The old Vaidya wasted no time. He crushed the root of Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta), mixed it with honey, and administered it while applying a Paste of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) on the wound to slow the venom.
"Prarabdh, bring me a decoction of Sarpa Gandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)!" he commanded.
The young boy trembled in fear, but Prarabdh ran into the herbal garden, quickly preparing the medicine. As the hours passed, the boy's breathing stabilized. By morning, he opened his eyes, alive and saved.
Dhey and Prarabdh watched in awe. They had read about Ayurveda in books, but here they had seen it in action—powerful, immediate, and life-saving.
"Guruji, is this the power of Ayurveda?" Dhey whispered.
Vaidya Maheshwar smiled. "This is just the beginning. You have learned about herbs, but now you must understand the forces behind them—the energies of Dharma, Karma, and Prana."
The Divine Link Between Plants and Dharma
As their time in the jungle came to an end, Vaidya Maheshwar left them with a final lesson:
"Every plant carries within it the vibration of a deity. Healing is not just chemistry; it is cosmic balance. The more we understand this connection, the deeper our healing will be."
He then blessed them and spoke:
"यदा जीवो वने स्थित्वा स्याच्च शुद्धशरीरकः।
तदा योगबलं सिद्धं भवेन्नात्र विचारणा॥"
"When one lives in the forest and purifies the body, the power of yoga and healing is attained without doubt."
— Atharvaveda
With new knowledge and a deeper sense of purpose, Dhey and Prarabdh left the jungle, ready for the next phase of their journey—the temples of Tamilakam, where the secrets of Siddha medicine awaited them.