Daiva as Dravya: Recontextualizing Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa through the Lens of Atharvaveda and Psychodermatology

Abstract

Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa, one of the three main categories of treatment in Ayurveda, is often perceived as spiritual or religious therapy aimed at alleviating diseases caused by unseen forces (Adrishta). Although this form of therapy has often been ignored as non-rational or non-clinical, a deeper analysis reveals its organized and purposeful nature. Ayurveda is an Upaveda of the Atharvaveda. Atharvaveda, the fourth Veda, is a primary textual source that closely aligns with Ayurvedic philosophy and practices. It presents many Sukta (hymns) that directly address disease, mental imbalance, possession, poison, infertility, and skin afflictions, often prescribing ritual and verbal treatments that mirror Daivavyapashraya practices. Sukta like Kushthanashana Sukta, Kriminashana Sukta, etc., reveal the early integration of Mantra and other disciplines into therapeutic frameworks. By re-evaluating Daivavyapashraya through the Atharvavedic lens, this study highlights its foundation in textual tradition and its relevance as a valid and well-organized healing system. It bridges spiritual, psychological, and somatic domains, making it particularly applicable to the management of psychosomatic and psychodermatological conditions in the present era. This recontextualization encourages the inclusion of Daivavyapashraya in integrative medicine, emphasizing its preventive, promotive, and curative aspects. This review advocates the concept of “Daiva as Dravya,” viewing divine interventions as therapeutic elements rather than abstract metaphysical concepts.