Śrī Viśvanātha Kavirāja’s Pathyāpathyavinirṇaya: A Pivotal Compendium on Āyurvedīya Āhāra Vidhividhāna—A Preventive–Therapeutic–Promotive Food

A bstract Āhāra (food) is central to life, sustaining both individual health and the balance of universal phenomena. Rooted in the concept of Pāñcabhautikatva , Āyurveda emphasizes the impact of diet on body and mind. Recognized as the foremost among the Trayopastambha (three pillars of life), food serves not only for sustenance but also as a key therapeutic tool in disease management. Over time, the specialized discipline of Sūpaśāstra evolved, refining dietary science through both health-promoting and curative perspectives. In this tradition, Pathyāpathyavinirṇaya by Śrī Viśvanātha Kavirāja (16th–17th centuries) presents a comprehensive account of Pathya (wholesome) and Apathya (unwholesome) foods, drawing from and aligning with classical works such as Mādhava Nidāna , Chakradatta , Bhāvaprakāśa , and Bhaiṣajya Ratnāvalī . The detailed coverage of Pathya into all the three forms of Cikitsā — Daivavyapāśraya , Yuktivyapāśraya , and Sattvāvajaya —establishes it as a valuable guide for therapeutic dietetics and regimen in clinical practice.