Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

THE CONCEPT OF VARNA (COMPLEXION) IN AYURVEDA Khan Mohd Ashraf1, Khatoon Hena2, Awasthi H.H3 1Lecturer, Dept. of Rachana Sharir, Shri Sai Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India 2Junior Resident, Dept. of Siddhant Darshan, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Uttar Pradesh, India 3Professor and Head, Dept. of Rachana Sharir, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT The concept of Varna has being described very well in Ayurveda. The term Varna means color, complexion and lustre of body. Various synonyms for the term Varna have been men- tioned which are Rupa, Kanti, Prabha, Chaya, etc. Varna is a physical property, it is a natural color, texture and appearance of a person’s skin. Varna in Ayurveda doesn’t only means to complexion but it includes a broader aspect of parameters necessary for a healthy skin. This varna is affected by many factors before and after birth of human life. According to modern science, three main pigments i.e. Melanin, Carotene and Haemoglobin are considered for the skin color. Human skin color ranges in va- riety from the darkest brown to the lightest pinkish white hues. In human beings the skin pigmentation primarily regulates the amount of ultraviolet radiation penetrating the skin, con- trolling its biochemical effects. Keywords: Varna, Ahara, Dosa, Melanin

INTRODUCTION According to Acharya Charak four of Varna (color), when this becomes pre- Varnas are considered as ‘Prakrit’ Varna, dominant of Ap Dhatu (Ap Mahabhuta) at viz. Krishna , Shyama, Shyama-avadat, the time of formation of the Garbha (foe- Avadat and five Varnas as ‘Vaikrit’ i.e. tus), then it makes the Garbha (foetus) Nila, Shyama, Tamra, Harita, Shukla1. Gaura (white); when it becomes predomi- According to Ayurveda there is not a si n- nant of Prithvi Dhatu (Prithvi Mahab- gle factor for Varnotpatti, but group of fac- huta) then it makes the Garbha (foetus) tors are assigned for the formation of Krishna (black); when predominant of Varna. Varnotpatti can be classified into Prithvi and Akasha, then it makes the two main categories: Garbha (foetus) Krishna Shyama (blue- A. During Garbhavastha (Foetal life)2-16 black); when predominant of Toya (Ap) B. After birth17-29 and Akasha Dhatu (Bhuta) then it makes A. Factors responsible for the formation the foetus Gaura Shyama (whitish-blue).2 of Varna during Garbhavastha (Foetal But according to Acharya Charak and life): Vagbhatt, Agni Mahabhuta when associ- 1. Effect of Mahabhuta: ated with Udaka and Antariksha Mahab- Acharya Sushrut said, Tejo Dhatu (Te- hutas also produce Avadata (white com- jas Mahabhuta) is the cause of production plexion). Associated with Prithvi and Vayu Khan Mohd Ashraf et&all:The Concept Of Varna (Complexion) In Ayurveda it produces Krishna Varna (black com- This Atma influences the Varna of the plexion) and with all the Mahabhutas in person. As per the deeds and the dominant equal proportion, it produces Shyama Trigunas of the Purvajanma the physical Varna (brown complexion).3,4 characters of the Garbha (foetus) are In the Garbhashaya, Mahabhutas con- formed by the transmigration of Atma from tributed by the Shukra and Shonita form one body to another. the Varna according to their relative domi- In this reference Satmya is related to nance. Teja Dhatu i.e. Agni Mahabhuta the substance which stabilizes health in plays the important role in Varnotpatti. It pregnant women and which help in allevia- forms different color and Varna (complex- tion of the disease or vitiated Dosas in an ion) in combination with other Mahabhu- unhealthy mother during the Garbha- tas. vastha, or even before the Garbhavastha 2. Role of Shukra: and also the Satmya of the father. because Acharya Vagbhatt has correlated the Shukra is responsible for formation of the color of Shukra to the Varna of the Gar- Garbha. This Satmya depends upon the bha, i.e. If Shukra (semen) is of Shukla type of Ahara taken. This Panchabhautic (white) color like Ghritamanda (super- Ahara, and the dominant Mahabhuta nour- natant fluid of ghee), the color of the off- ishes the Sharira Avayava. Therefore the spring will be Gaura Varna; if it is of the Satmya influences the Varna of Garbha color of Taila (oil), the offspring will be eg. If excess of Kasaya Rasa is taken by Krishna (black); and if the Shukra (semen) the Garbhini it causes Shyavatva in the is of the Madhvabh (color of honey) the offspring; and if excess Amla is taken the offspring will be Shyama (bluish-black).5 child is more prone to Tvaka Vikar (skin Commentator Indu further emphasised disorder). that varied nutrition plays important role in Acharya Vagbhatt I said that in accor- variant of semen and hence affect the vari- dance with the rule that “effects are similar ant in the Garbha. Thus, it can be said that to the cause”, the foetus will be similar to the Varna (complexion) is determined by its causative factors which combine inside the paternal factors.6 the uterus.9 3. Role of Garbhotpadaka Bhavas: Acharya Indu has explained that as Atma and Satmya are assigned for the from Tila seeds only Tila plant will grow manifestation of color and complexion.7 not the Maricha, similarly from collective Atma (Soul) after entering Garbhshaya efforts of Matrija (mother), Pitrija (fa- (uterus) gets combined with the Shukra ther), Bhuta, Desa (dwelling place), Kala and Shonita thereby reproducing Himself (time), Garbhashaya (uterus) and Matrija in the form of Garbha (foetus). Thus the Ahara (dietetics of the mother), the resul- Garbha (foetus) takes the designation of tant conception would be of similar shape. Atma. The state of mere existence of So, besides the Mahabhutas, Atma also Shukra (sperm) and Shonita (ovum) prior plays important role. On account of the to the combination of Atma cannot be Karmas of Purvajanma, Atma becomes the called as Garbha (foetus). They are only causative factor in the production of entitled to be known as Garbha (foetus) Varna.10 only when the Atma gets combined with 4. Effect of Psychology of Mother: them8. Psychology has a deep, long-lasting ef- fect on our entire body. During pregnancy, 105 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 1; January - 2015 Khan Mohd Ashraf et&all:The Concept Of Varna (Complexion) In Ayurveda depression, anxiety and other psychologi- tus) because it is composed of all essential cal conditions in the mother can cause factors.13 physical changes. Acharya Charak said While describing the factors which that woman should be made to have a damage to the Garbha, Acharya Charak mental visit to the country of her choice, said that excessive use of Amla Rasa by adopt the food, regimen, manners and ap- mother results in the child suffering from parel of the people of those countries skin disorders and that of Kasaya Rasa whom she wishes her son to resemble. He results the child having Shyava Varna. He also said that child resembles those things states that the Garbhini gives birth to the which the mother thinks in her mind dur- child suffering mostly from the respective ing conception. Thoughts which occupy disorders etio-pathological factors of the mind of the woman during conception, which are used by her during the gestation. because of their specific action, determine Hence, the woman desiring good progeny the resemblance of the offspring to one or should particularly abstain from the un- the other things. Psychic factors are well wholesome diet and behavior14. known to initiate identical reaction in the Matruahara is Panchabhautic and the body of living beings. The thinking will Vihara also has an impact on the Panch- influence the Satva, Rajas and Tamas ac- abhautic Sharira, both causes and effect cordingly through the mother. These on the normalcy of the Mahabhutas, which Trigunas further influences the Panchab- in turn influences the Varnotpatti. hautika dominance, which decides the 6. Effect of Desa and Kula : Varna.11 According to Vagbhatacharya, the 5. Effect of Ahara and Vihara of the color of the child will be different even in mother: accordance with the Desa (region), Kula If the mother indulges in Madhura (race) and Anuvritti (occupation).11 Arun- (sweet foods) such as Kshira (milk) etc, datta has given his opinion that the people and in water sports, the color of the child of the Autar (North) are Gaura varna and will be Gaura (whitish-yellow); indul- those in the Dakshin (South) are Krish- gence in foods which causes Vidaha navarna, while the people of the Madhya (heart-burn) such as Tila, the color of the region of India have the Shyama Varna15. child will be Krishna (black); with the use Dr. Ghanekar has also emphasized on of mixed type of Ahara (foods), the color the role of Desa on the Varna of a person. will be Shyama (blue black).12 He states that a person from a cold region The Nabhi Nadi (umbilical cord) of the has a characteristic Varna in accordance to Garbha (foetus) is attached to the Nabhi his Desa. But when he moves from the (umbilicus) and the Apara (placenta) to the cold region to the hotter regions his Varna Nabhi Nadi (umbilical cord) on one side will definitely show a change to suit the and to the Matrija Hridaya (mother’s climate there. The same can be said about heart) on the other. The Matrija Hridaya a person from a hot region migrating to a (mother’s heart) floods the Apara (pla- cooler region. His Varna will also change centa with nourishment) by the Sira Span- to be more Gaura as compared to his pre- dana (pulsating vessels). This Rasa (nutri- vious color. But this change will not be tive fluid) promotes Bala (strength) and more than a particular degree from his Varna (complexion) of the Garbha (foe- normal color. Hence though the color and complexion of a person is genetically de- 106 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 1; January - 2015 Khan Mohd Ashraf et&all:The Concept Of Varna (Complexion) In Ayurveda termined, the Desa does influence it to a Their normalcy is also responsible for the certain extent. So, the geographical condi- maintenance of normal color. Thus, Agni tions have their contribution in their re- has a main role in the formation of Varna. spect.16 2. Effect of Ahara and Aharavidhi Acharya Ghanekar explaining Varna Acharya Charak mentioned that according to Kula stated that their Ahara Varna (complexion), Prasad (cheerful- as main causative factor. Any person either ness), Svara (good voice), Jivita (life), Europeans or Chinese or Japanese, stay in Pratibha (geniusness), Sukha (hapiness), any country, if possible they do not change Tushti (Satisfaction), Pushti (corpulance), their diet. It is obvious that their saplings Bala (Strength), Medha (intellect) all these are having the same kind of Varna as their are dependent on Ahara18. parents have. For instance, that of the Acharya Sushrut also states that Negros are having darker complexion, that Ahara is the root cause for all the Prani of Chinese or Japanese are having yellow- (people) and provides Bala (strength), and ish complexion and that of Europeans have Varna (complexion)19. fairer. In India also, Varna differs among Acharya Charak also mentioned particular races, Momedians and Brah- that Ahara taken in proper quantity and mans have fairer complexion, while some dietary pattern certainly provides Varna other races have the darker one. This (complexion) without disturbing Prak- shows the uniqueness of color due to ge- riti20. netic factor.16 Charak said that food and drinks with de- B. Varnotpatti after birth: sirable smell, taste, touch and taken ac- 1. Role of Jathragni: cording to prescribed method produces Jathragni is referred as main cause of Bala, Varna and Indriya Prasad i.e. it is a the formation of Varna throughout the complexion promoter21. life17. Also, Ahara is considered as condi- So, the impact of Ahara and tioning the Varna18, but whatever may be Aharavidhi plays important and equal role eaten is only digested by the Agni. This on the process of Varnotpatti. If this factor Agni is again responsible for the conver- is vitiated the digestion will not be proper sion of the Ahara to the Rasa Raktadi and thus hampers the normal Varnotpatti Dhatus. These Dhatus particularly the because only properly digested food will Rasa and the Rakta nourishes the Tvacha lead to the maintenance of Prakrita Varna. and helps in the maintenance of Varna. 3. Effect of Dosa: Any derangement in these Dhatus is mani- Tridosa brings about the excellence fested on the Tvacha. of Upacaya, Bala, Varna, Prasada etc. in The Pachaka Pitta also controls the Prakrit state and in Vikrit state they cause Bhrajaka Pitta responsible for Varna. Agni various types of diseases. Thus, they affect is main cause for the any type of transfor- the Varna of the body22. mation anywhere in the Universe, either in Acharya Harita said that Shya- the body or in the outer world. The Nai- maVarna is due to Vata, Gaura Varna is yayikas have interpreted the conversion of due to Pitta, Shyama Varna is due to Mahabhutas in the terms of ‘Paka’. All the Kapha, Krishna Varna is due to Vata Pakas takes place only through the Agni. Rakta, Pingala Varna is due to Pitta Panchabhutagni is also responsible for the Rakta, Shyama Varna is due to Kapha As- digestion of the Pancabhautic Ahara. rika.23 107 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 1; January - 2015 Khan Mohd Ashraf et&all:The Concept Of Varna (Complexion) In Ayurveda These Dosas are responsible for the As Oja is also Panchabhautic, more over various biochemical changes occurring in Oja is the Sara of all the Dhatus in the the body. These changes affect the body. Hence if Oja is well formed it means Avayavas of the Sharira as well as the that the Dhatus from which it is formed are Varna of the skin. Thus, affects the Varna also of the best quality. Therefore an of the body. Ojasvi person will have good, clear and 4. Effect of Dhatu: dazzling complexion. According to Acharya Charak Lak- Normal level of Oja increases the com- shana of Tvaksara Purush indicates that plexion according to the relative domi- Rasa Dhatu plays an important role in nance. formation of color as well as lustre and complexion24. DISCUSSION Charak opines that Visuddha Rakta is re- From the above description it is sponsible factor for Bala, Varna, Sukh and clear that Varna of a person does not de- Ayu25. pend on single factors. The process of Sushrut opines that Rakta as increasing Varnotpatti starts from Garbhavastha and glow of color and complexion26. it continues after birth. So there are certain Acharya Charak has mentioned that unc- factors which involve in Varnotpatti dur- tuousness in Varna (complexion) as the ing Garbhavastha such as Mahabhuta, quality of Medosara, Majjasara and Shukra, Triguna, Garbhotpadak Bhava, Shukrasara Purush27. Psychology of mother and on Desa, Kula 5. Effect of Oja: and Jati. There are also some factors Acharya Charak said that when the which participate in process of Varnotpatti Ojas is diminished, the person is having after birth such as Jathragni, Ahara, Ahar- deranged lustre. (Dushchaya)28. Varna is vidhi, Dosa and Dhatu. one of the functions of the Oja29. Table 1 showing factors for formation of body complexion Complexion Sushruta Charak Vagbhatt I Harita Gaura (Fair) Teja Teja Teja Pitta Jala Jala Jala Akasha Akasha Krishna (Black) Teja Teja Teja Vata Prithvi Prithvi Prithvi Rakta Vayu Vayu Shyama - All Bhutas All Bhutas equal Vata and Kapha equal Gaura Shyama Teja - - - Jala Akasha Krishna Shyama Teja - - Prithvi Akasha Pingla - - - Pitta+Rakta Acharya Charak mentioned equal vided it into two; Gaura Shyama and proportions of all Mahabhutas to give the Krishna Shyama, in which the dominance Shyama Varna. Acharya Sushrut has di- is of Jala and Prithvi Mahabhutas respec- 108 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 1; January - 2015 Khan Mohd Ashraf et&all:The Concept Of Varna (Complexion) In Ayurveda tively. Acharya Charak and Acharya ing further melanin into the skin cells. Vagbhatt I have described three types of With the production of melanin, the skin Varna while Acharya Sushrut mentioned color darkens. The skin color of people four types of Varna according to Mahab- with light skin is determined mainly by the hautika dominance2-4. bluish white connective tissue under the Modern medical science also says dermis and by the haemoglobin circulating that the Desa affects the Varna (complex- in the veins of the dermis. The red color ion) of a person. Area which receives underlying the skin becomes more visible, higher amount of ultraviolet radiation, especially in the face, when, as conse- generally located closer to the equator, quences of physical exercise or the stimu- tend to have darker skinned populations. lation of the nervous system (anger, fear) Areas that are far from the tropics and arterioles dilate. closer to the poles have lower concentra- tion of ultraviolet radiation which is re- REFERENCES flected in lighter skinned population. Natu- 1. Sharma R.K., and Dasa B., Caraka ral skinned colour can also darken as a re- Samhita with English translation and sult of tanning due to exposure to sunlight. critical exposition, Vol. II, Chauk- The leading theory is that skin color adapts hambha Bharati Sanskrit Series Of- to intense sunlight irradiation to provide fice, Varanasi, 2001. Page 559 partial protection against UV fraction that 2. Murthy K.R. 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