Rachana Sharira in Ashtanga Hridaya: A Critical Analysis of Anatomical Descriptions and Their Applied Interpretations

This review paper critically examines Rachana Sharira (Ayurvedic anatomy) as conceptualized in the Ashtanga Hridaya, authored by Acharya Vagbhata, with a focus on its structural descriptions, clinical interpretations, and educational relevance. While Sushruta Samhita is widely acknowledged for its surgical anatomy, Ashtanga Hridaya offers a unique synthesis of philosophical depth and anatomical clarity through its Sharira Sthana. The review aimed to explore the core anatomical constructs such as Srotas, Dhatus, Kalas, Marmas, and Garbha Sharira, and to evaluate their practical significance in both traditional and modern clinical contexts.Using a systematic review framework based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a total of 276 scholarly records were initially retrieved. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 41 high-quality sources were finalized for analysis. These included classical text interpretations, clinical case studies, educational models, and interdisciplinary studies linking Ayurvedic structures with modern anatomical science. Key findings suggest that Vagbhata’s anatomical descriptions, although often metaphorically framed, correspond functionally to contemporary anatomical concepts and are highly applicable in therapies such as Nasya, Basti, and Marma Chikitsa. Moreover, the review identifies significant gaps, such as the lack of standardized anatomical illustrations, underutilization in pedagogy, and minimal integration with digital tools or imaging technologies. It proposes the need for collaborative efforts to digitize and contextualize Rachana Sharira for integrative healthcare. Overall, this study underscores the continued relevance of Ashtanga Hridaya in anatomical science, advocating for its revival through curricular reforms, digital tools, and interdisciplinary research that bridges traditional knowledge with biomedical paradigms.