Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

Chap. XXIV.] CIIIKITSA STHANAM. 489
prophylactic against the influences of monsters and
malignant spirits, enhances the Ojas and the beauty of
the body and keeps the mind in a cheerful mood and
proves highly auspicious, 40.
Alepa. : —B -smearing (A'epa the face (with scented
pastes, etc.) imparts steadiness to the eyes, brings on a
broad and graceful contour of the cheeks and muth,
produces their healthful glow like that of a lotus flower
and prevents its disfigurement by pimples, moles and
such like growths and eruptions (Vyanga). The use of
colh'rium (Anjana) furthers the growth of large and
beautiful eyelashes, cleanses the eyes by remo/ing
the unhealthy secretions, makes ths eyes more wide
and graceful and also imparts a brilliant lustre to the
pupils. 41 42.
Devotion to the gods and Brahmanas and hospi-
tality towards guests CAtithi) add to one's good
name, piety, wealth, progeny and duration of life.
Food (Aha'ra) nourishes and gladdens the heart and
directly contributes to one's bodily strength. It
improves the memory, appetising power, energy and
the natural strength of the mind (Tejas\ and increases
the Ojas and the duration of one's life. 43-44.
Washing the feet increases the semen (Vrishya), re-
moves the sense of fatigue, gladdens the heart, makes the
soles free from all adhering dirt and local diseases, acts
as a prophylactic against evil spirits (Rakshoghna) and
clears up* the vision. Anointing (Abhyanga'i the
feet (with oil, etc) brings on sleep. It is refreshing
and invigorating to the body and the sight, removes all
* Dallana explains ihat washing the feet keeps the nerve (Nadi)
joining the soles with the eyes cool and thus helps to clear up the vision.
There is a custom of frequently washing the feet amongst the Hindus
most probably on this account.—Ed.
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