Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः) is the Indian medical system practiced widely in Bharatam. Ayurveda focuses on the complete health of an individual who is seen as a union of body, mind and life energy. The science of Ayurveda expounds various methods to obtain health and longevity, by preventing illness in healthy individuals and eradicating the diseases in diseased individuals.

Padartha Vijnana is a branch of Indian philosophy that helps us understand the world and our connection to it. The word "Padartha" means "entity or substance" and "Vijnana" means "knowledge or science." Together, it is the knowledge of different things in the universe. According to Padartha Vijnana, everything in the world can be grouped into categories like substances, qualities, actions, relationships, and more. This way of thinking helps us see the world in an organized and meaningful way.

Doshas are an important concept from Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. They are the energies or dynamic things that make up our body and mind, and they help us understand how we stay healthy. There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique combination of these doshas, which determines their body type, personality, and health needs.

"Shadrasa means ""six tastes,"" and it comes from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of health. The six tastes are sweet (Madhura), sour (Amla), salty (Lavana), bitter (Tikta), pungent (Katu), and astringent (Kashaya). These tastes are found in the food we eat, and they play an important role in keeping our body and mind balanced.

"In Ayurveda, food is considered not just fuel for the body but also a source of energy for the mind and soul. It teaches that ""we are what we eat,"" emphasizing that the quality, type, and timing of our meals influence our health and emotions. Ayurveda categorizes food based on its taste (Shadrasa) and its effect on the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Eating fresh, seasonal, and wholesome food is encouraged to maintain balance and harmony in the body.

"Saptadhatu, or the seven vital tissues in Ayurveda, represent the building blocks of our body. These include Rasa (plasma or nutrients), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (bone marrow and nervous tissue), and Shukra (reproductive and creative energy). Each tissue plays a unique role in maintaining the body’s structure, energy, and vitality. They are nourished sequentially, meaning a healthy diet and lifestyle ensure that all the dhatus are properly maintained.

"Dinacharya", meaning "daily routine," is a concept from Ayurveda that provides a guide to living in harmony with nature's rhythms. It involves a set of healthy practices to follow from morning to night, such as waking up early, cleaning the body, exercising, eating balanced meals, and going to bed on time. These routines help maintain balance in the body and mind, aligning us with the cycles of the day and boosting our overall health.

Ritucharya, or "seasonal routine," is an Ayurvedic guide to adjusting our lifestyle and habits according to the changing seasons. It explains how the body's balance is influenced by seasonal variations and offers recommendations for diet, exercise, and daily activities to maintain health throughout the year. For example, lighter foods and cooling practices are suggested in summer, while nourishing and warming habits are ideal for winter.

Roga, in Ayurveda, refers to disease or imbalance in the body and mind. According to Ayurveda, roga occurs when there is a disruption in the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), improper functioning of the digestive fire (Agni), accumulation of toxins (Ama), or disturbances in mental or emotional states. Ayurveda views health holistically, understanding that the root cause of roga often lies in an imbalance caused by lifestyle, diet, environment, or emotions.

Bharatiya Ganita, or Indian mathematics, is a vast and profound tradition that blends logic, creativity, and practical application. It dates back thousands of years, with contributions from ancient texts like the Vedas, Sulbasutras, and works of mathematicians such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara II, and others. Indian mathematics introduced foundational concepts like the decimal system, the concept of zero, and advanced techniques in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

The Indian place value system is one of the most significant contributions to mathematics, laying the foundation for modern arithmetic. It introduced the use of positional notation to represent numbers. This system uses a base-10 format, where the value of a digit is determined by its position in the number and powers of ten (units, tens, hundreds, etc.).

The Katapayadi system is an ancient Indian method of encoding numbers into words using letters from the Sanskrit alphabet. In this system, each consonant and some vowels are assigned numerical values based on their position in the alphabet. For example, 'ka', 'ta', 'pa', and 'ya' represent the digit 1, 'kha', 'tha', 'pha', and 'ra' represent 2, and so on. By arranging letters according to these values, numbers can be expressed as meaningful words, making them easier to remember.

The Aryabhatiya, authored by the renowned Indian mathematician Aryabhata, introduced an innovative number system to represent large numbers concisely. This system uses the Sanskrit alphabet to encode numerical values, combining linguistic and mathematical brilliance. In this method, consonants and vowels represent digits and their place values, allowing numbers to be expressed in verse form.

Bhutasankhya is an ancient Indian numerical system where words or symbols are used to represent numbers. The term "Bhuta" means "element" or "entity," and this system creatively assigns numerical values to common objects, ideas, or natural elements. For example, "eyes" represent the number 2, "Veda" represents 4 (as there are four Vedas), and "directions" represent 10 (the ten directions in Indian cosmology).

Vedic Geometry is an ancient Indian system of geometric knowledge rooted in the Vedic texts, particularly the Sulbasutras, which were practical manuals for constructing altars and sacred spaces for Vedic rituals. The term "Sulba" means "cord" or "rope," as these texts describe how geometric principles were applied using ropes for accurate measurements. This knowledge formed the foundation for geometry in ancient India and was used not only for religious purposes but also to study spatial relationships and measurements.

Vedic Geometry is an ancient Indian system of geometric knowledge rooted in the Vedic texts, particularly the Sulbasutras, which were practical manuals for constructing altars and sacred spaces for Vedic rituals. The term "Sulba" means "cord" or "rope," as these texts describe how geometric principles were applied using ropes for accurate measurements. This knowledge formed the foundation for geometry in ancient India and was used not only for religious purposes but also to study spatial relationships and measurements.

Indian Mathematicians have defined what a polygon is and how we can find the area. A simple way to remember this is to memorise the verse and chant the verse as we solve the problems.

Ancient Indian mathematicians had a profound ability to connect algebra with geometry, using geometric shapes to derive and visualize algebraic identities. This approach, known as geometric algebra, allowed them to solve complex mathematical problems through visual and spatial reasoning. One of the simplest identities, (a+b)^2 can be visualized as the area of a square with side length (a+b). By dividing the square into smaller regions (squares and rectangles), the identity could be expressed geometrically

Squaring numbers is often considered a challenging problem, especially when dealing with large values, as it requires multiplying a number by itself and managing complex calculations. Indian mathematics simplifies this process through innovative techniques that turn the challenge into a manageable and even elegant task.

Finding square roots is often seen as a complex problem, especially for large or non-perfect squares, as it involves estimating and refining values. Indian mathematics simplifies this process with clever techniques that break the problem into smaller, more manageable steps.

A magic square is a fascinating mathematical arrangement of numbers in a grid, where the sum of numbers in each row, column, and diagonal is the same. This constant sum is called the "magic constant." Magic squares have a rich history, appearing in ancient Indian culture , and are often associated with both mathematical puzzles and spiritual symbolism. Solving or creating magic squares stimulates critical thinking, logical reasoning, and pattern recognition. It challenges the brain to organize numbers systematically, enhancing problem-solving skills and memory. Engaging with magic squares fosters creativity, as they require a combination of analytical and strategic thinking, making them a valuable exercise for mental sharpness and cognitive development.

A magic square is a fascinating mathematical arrangement of numbers in a grid, where the sum of numbers in each row, column, and diagonal is the same. This constant sum is called the "magic constant." Magic squares have a rich history, appearing in ancient Indian culture , and are often associated with both mathematical puzzles and spiritual symbolism. Solving or creating magic squares stimulates critical thinking, logical reasoning, and pattern recognition. It challenges the brain to organize numbers systematically, enhancing problem-solving skills and memory. Engaging with magic squares fosters creativity, as they require a combination of analytical and strategic thinking, making them a valuable exercise for mental sharpness and cognitive development.

A magic square is a fascinating mathematical arrangement of numbers in a grid, where the sum of numbers in each row, column, and diagonal is the same. This constant sum is called the "magic constant." Magic squares have a rich history, appearing in ancient Indian culture , and are often associated with both mathematical puzzles and spiritual symbolism. Solving or creating magic squares stimulates critical thinking, logical reasoning, and pattern recognition. It challenges the brain to organize numbers systematically, enhancing problem-solving skills and memory. Engaging with magic squares fosters creativity, as they require a combination of analytical and strategic thinking, making them a valuable exercise for mental sharpness and cognitive development.

Finding cube numbers is a challenging problem because it involves multiplying a number by itself twice, resulting in large and complex calculations. Indian mathematics simplifies this by using geometric visualization, turning abstract cubing into a tangible and intuitive process.

Aryabhata’s ingenious method for finding cube roots is fascinating and showcases the brilliance of ancient Indian mathematics. Instead of relying on trial and error, Aryabhata’s approach simplifies the process through logical steps and clever use of place value.

Chandas, or prosody, is one of the six Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas) and deals with the study of poetic meters. It provides the framework for composing and reciting verses in a rhythmical and structured manner. In Vedic literature, chandas is essential for preserving the precise phonetics and cadence of sacred hymns, ensuring their proper pronunciation and vibrational impact. Common meters like Gayatri, Anushtup, Trishtup, and Jagati define the number of syllables and their arrangement in a verse, each imbued with unique spiritual significance.

Pratyayas in Chandas refer to specific rules and patterns used to arrange syllables in a verse, ensuring it conforms to a particular meter. These rules govern the combination of short (laghu) and long (guru) syllables in a predefined sequence. The arrangement of these syllables creates rhythmic patterns that define the structure of Vedic hymns and classical Sanskrit poetry. For instance, the Gayatri meter has 24 syllables arranged in a specific rhythm across three lines.

Nakshatra Vidya, the knowledge of constellations, is an ancient Indian science that studies the 27 Nakshatras or lunar mansions, which are divisions of the sky along the Moon's orbit. These Nakshatras play a vital role in Indian astronomy and astrology (Jyotisha), serving as a celestial map to understand time, movement of celestial bodies, and their influence on life and nature. Each Nakshatra is associated with specific stars, deities, symbols, and qualities, forming the foundation for Vedic timekeeping and astrological practices.

Aryabhata, the great Indian mathematician and astronomer, was among the first to explain that the Earth rotates on its axis. He proposed that the apparent movement of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets from east to west in the sky is not due to their motion but because the Earth spins from west to east. This rotation of the Earth creates the illusion that celestial objects are moving in the opposite direction. For instance, when we see the Sun rise in the east and set in the west, it’s actually the Earth spinning on its axis that causes this perception. Aryabhata's explanation laid the foundation for understanding the relationship between the Earth’s movement and celestial phenomena, showcasing the brilliance of ancient Indian astronomy.

The Earth's revolution around the Sun and its axial tilt are the main reasons we experience seasons. The Earth takes about 365.25 days to complete one revolution in an elliptical orbit around the Sun. At the same time, the Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

Khagola refers to the celestial sphere or the study of the sky, including stars, planets, and their movements. It is an important concept in ancient Indian astronomy, where scholars like Aryabhata studied celestial bodies to understand the universe. Rashi, on the other hand, refers to the twelve zodiac signs, which divide the sky into twelve equal parts, each associated with a specific constellation.

Ayana refers to the Sun's apparent movement along the celestial sphere, divided into two phases: Uttarayana (northward movement) and Dakshinayana (southward movement). These phases mark significant shifts in seasonal patterns and are important in Indian astronomy and cultural traditions.

Calendrical systems are methods of measuring and organizing time into days, months, and years, based on astronomical cycles like the motion of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Indian calendrical systems are unique as they combine solar and lunar observations, creating lunisolar calendars. These systems often calculate months based on the Moon's phases and align them with the solar year using intercalary months (Adhika Masa) to maintain synchronization with seasons.

Vara refers to the days of the week in the Indian calendar system, each associated with a specific planet. For example, Ravivara (Sunday) is connected to the Sun, Somavara (Monday) to the Moon, and so on. Tithi is the lunar day in the Indian calendrical system, calculated based on the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, divided into two phases: Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha (waning moon). Each tithi carries its own importance, influencing festivals and celebrations.

Yoga, in the context of the Panchanga, refers to the angular relationship between the Sun and the Moon. There are 27 Yogas in total, each calculated based on the longitudinal distance between these two celestial bodies. Each Yoga is associated with specific qualities and influences on human life, often used to determine auspicious timings and guide activities like rituals, ceremonies, and personal endeavors. Karana is half of a Tithi (lunar day) and represents the time it takes for the Moon to traverse 6 degrees relative to the Sun. There are 11 Karanas in total, out of which four occur once per lunar month, while the other seven repeat cyclically.

Yoga is an ancient practice originating from India that harmonizes the body and mind. Rooted in the Sanskrit word "Yuj," which means "to unite," yoga aims to create a balance between the individual self and the universal consciousness. It is both a philosophy and a practical discipline, incorporating physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and ethical principles to promote holistic well-being.

Ashtanga Yoga, or the "Eight-Limbed Path," is a framework for holistic growth described in the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali. The eight limbs are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Together, they guide individuals toward physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual fulfillment.

Yoga is a holistic practice that strengthens and nurtures the body while promoting overall health. Through physical postures (asanas), yoga enhances flexibility, builds strength, improves balance, and boosts stamina. It also helps maintain proper alignment, improves posture, and supports joint and muscle health.

Yoga is a powerful practice for nurturing mental health and emotional well-being. Through techniques like controlled breathing (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and mindful movement (asanas), yoga calms the mind, reduces stress, and enhances focus and clarity. It helps quiet the constant mental chatter, promoting inner peace and a sense of balance.

Yoga enhances cognitive functions by improving focus, memory, and mental clarity. Practices like meditation (dhyana) and controlled breathing (pranayama) increase blood flow to the brain, reducing mental fatigue and sharpening attention. Yoga also promotes neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt and grow, which is vital for learning and problem-solving.

The Chaturdasha Vidyasthana forms the backbone of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), representing a holistic and interconnected framework of learning. These fourteen branches of knowledge embody the depth and diversity of ancient Indian thought, blending spiritual wisdom with practical sciences. They emphasize the seamless integration of philosophy, linguistics, rituals, and cosmology, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding the self, society, and the universe. This framework reflects the unique Indian perspective of pursuing knowledge not merely for material gain but as a path to self-realization and universal harmony.